The Mission Control podcast is where nonprofit stories and leadership lessons take center stage. Hosted by **Paul J Schmidt**, each episode offers candid conversations with leaders who are making meaningful change in their communities. In this episode, Paul welcomes his friend Beth Read, founder and executive director of **TWIGS**, a Michigan nonprofit dedicated to easing the daily burdens of families navigating cancer.

Beth’s warmth, humor, and authenticity shine throughout the conversation. Even her loyal dog, Murphy, makes a cameo, reminding listeners that nonprofit work—like life itself—is rarely polished but always real.

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## The Heart Behind TWIGS

TWIGS exists to *lift everyday burdens from cancer patients and their families so they can concentrate on healing and spending time with loved ones.* This mission is both practical and deeply personal for Beth.

The name “TWIGS” carries a story of its own. An acronym for *to work in grateful service,* it was also Beth’s mother’s high school nickname. Beth founded the organization in her mother’s honor—not to mark her illness, but to celebrate her spirit of giving.

Beth’s mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given a year to live. She fought for nearly three years, which gave her family more time to make memories. Beth’s family had access to support systems that eased their daily lives. But she quickly realized many families in her community had no such help. TWIGS was born out of that awareness: a way to extend support services like rides, housekeeping, yard work, and errands to families who need it most.

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## Starting Small, Growing Steady

Beth’s leap into nonprofit leadership came during the pandemic. Though she had zero nonprofit experience, she brought a strong background in business, real estate, and management. She leaned into her research skills, asked plenty of questions, and surrounded herself with people who knew more than she did.

“Let’s help one person and see what this looks like,” Beth recalls. That philosophy shaped TWIGS’ early growth. By focusing on one family at a time, TWIGS built trust and found its rhythm despite COVID delays and unexpected setbacks.

Collaboration was crucial from day one. Friends, colleagues, and board members like Kate—who brought both personal cancer experience and professional expertise—helped transform Beth’s vision into a functioning nonprofit.

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## Leadership Lessons Along the Way

Beth is the first to admit she learned nonprofit leadership by doing. She drew on past business experience but also adapted to the unique challenges of running a mission-driven organization.

Her leadership style is grounded in empathy and example. “I’ll never ask you to do something I won’t do myself,” she says. In TWIGS’ early days, Beth personally cleaned homes, weeded gardens, and drove patients before inviting volunteers to join.

Key takeaways from her leadership journey include:

* **Lead by example**: Show willingness before asking others.
* **Practice empathy**: Volunteers give their time freely; respect is non-negotiable.
* **Fill your gaps**: Surround yourself with people who bring skills and knowledge you lack.
* **Stay accountable**: Use mentors, coaches, or peers to help manage time and energy.

Beth also highlights the importance of passion. “You have to really believe in your cause,” she says. Without that conviction, burnout comes quickly.

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## The Volunteer Journey

For grassroots nonprofits, building a reliable volunteer base is often the turning point. TWIGS was no exception.

At first, Beth handled nearly every task herself. Gradually, volunteers joined, especially to provide rides to medical appointments—a critical service for cancer patients. Many of these volunteers had personal connections to cancer, which helped build trust with clients.

A local news feature gave TWIGS wider exposure, sparking a wave of new applications, especially from retirees. Today, Beth says volunteers “fight over shifts” to help. She describes them as “amazing humans” and emphasizes her deep gratitude: “I could hug every one of these people.”

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## Challenges and Growth

Like any young nonprofit, TWIGS faced hurdles. Some families were hesitant to accept help. Gaining trust in the community took patience. And fundraising—always an uphill climb—sometimes felt uncomfortable.

Still, TWIGS persevered. Nearly 100 people have been served in just four years, a testament to steady growth and unwavering dedication. For Beth, every donation, every volunteer, and every family supported is a milestone worth celebrating.

Looking ahead, her goals include securing sustainable funding to support paid staff, expanding programming, and ensuring TWIGS can continue meeting the needs of families for years to come.

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## Beyond the Hustle: Finding Balance

Running a nonprofit while juggling family life and a career in real estate leaves little downtime. Yet Beth emphasizes the importance of self-care. Long walks with Murphy, yoga, coffee dates with friends, and fiction reading provide balance and renewal.

“You need someone who’s going to hold you accountable for your time,” she explains, crediting her business coach for helping her stay focused and organized.

—

## Collaboration Over Competition

Beth is quick to point out that nonprofits thrive when they work together. TWIGS partners with local foundations and other organizations like Child and Family Services, Helping Women Period, and the Davies Project. For her, there’s no sense of competition. “There’s enough love to go around,” she says.

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## Final Thoughts

Beth Read’s story, shared on the Mission Control podcast with **Paul J Schmidt**, is a testament to what happens when personal passion meets community need. TWIGS proves that even the smallest beginnings—one ride, one yard mowed, one errand run—can grow into lasting impact when fueled by empathy and persistence.

Her journey offers a roadmap for aspiring changemakers: start where you are, lean on your community, and never underestimate the power of small, consistent acts of service.

To learn more about TWIGS, visit **[www.twiginc.org](http://www.twiginc.org)**.

The Mission Control Podcast has always been a space where nonprofit leaders, executive directors, and community changemakers share their journeys. Hosted by Paul Schmidt of UnoDeuce Multimedia, each episode uncovers the stories behind organizations that keep communities strong. In one recent conversation, Casey Cooper, Assistant Director at the Tri County Office on Aging (TCOA), shed light on her path into nonprofit work, the evolution of aging services, and why community-centered leadership matters more than ever.

From Greenville Roots to Lansing Leadership

Casey’s journey began in Greenville, Michigan, a small town outside Grand Rapids. After completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work at the University of Michigan, she set out to find her place in the nonprofit world. That first role—fundraising and volunteer specialist at TCOA—turned out to be more than just a job. Eight and a half years later, she has grown into the role of assistant director, supervising staff, strengthening partnerships, and advocating for older adults.

Her longevity at TCOA speaks volumes. What started as an entry-level position became a calling. As Casey herself explained, the mission “sucked her in”—showing her how vital aging services are for individuals and communities alike.

The Mission Behind TCOA

At its heart, the Tri County Office on Aging exists to promote and preserve the independence and dignity of older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. This means helping people remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible, on their own terms.

Programs like Meals on Wheels, congregate dining, in-home support, caregiver respite, and wellness workshops anchor the agency’s services. Each is designed not only to meet physical needs, but also to reduce isolation, provide education, and foster connection.

As Casey put it, “Everything that we do at TCOA is to help older adults and caregivers and adults with disabilities get connected to programs and services that could help them age in their own homes and communities or wherever they call home in a safe way.”

Growing a Career in Nonprofits

Casey’s decision to enter the nonprofit sector wasn’t accidental. During college, she interned with an organization that supported cancer patients and discovered a love for event planning, fundraising, and direct service. That experience revealed the power of nonprofits to transform lives—and inspired her to pursue the field full-time.

Her passion was also shaped by her own childhood. Growing up in a family that benefited from social services, she experienced firsthand how access to resources creates opportunities. That memory continues to drive her: “That changed my life… and I want that for other people.”

Clearing Up Misconceptions About Aging

A big part of Casey’s work involves breaking down myths about aging. She often encounters assumptions that seniors inevitably end up in nursing homes, that aging equals isolation, or that services are only for low-income individuals. TCOA challenges those misconceptions daily by showing that most older adults can and do remain independent with the right support.

“We’re all aging,” Casey often reminds people, stressing that services are open to anyone with questions or concerns about aging. Planning ahead and connecting early can make all the difference.

Building Community Through Fundraising and Engagement

When Casey first arrived at TCOA, her role revolved around fundraising. She quickly learned that success in development isn’t just about securing dollars—it’s about building trust. Community members needed to believe in the mission, not just in her as an individual.

Over time, she discovered that fundraising could also mean rallying volunteers, cultivating champions, and building partnerships. From volunteer drivers to advisory council members to passionate donors who created lasting fundraising traditions like annual golf outings, engagement at TCOA is about relationships first.

Adapting in Times of Change

Like many nonprofits, TCOA faced extraordinary challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the crisis also sparked innovation. Carryout meals were introduced to meet demand and have since become a permanent offering. Older adults began embracing technology, using Zoom, FaceTime, and texting to stay connected with loved ones and services.

Casey recalls moments when seniors proudly shared selfies they learned to take with the help of volunteer tech coaches—proof that stereotypes about seniors and technology no longer hold true.

Leadership, Advocacy, and the Road Ahead

Now serving as Assistant Director, Casey supervises a team of seven while focusing on broader community engagement. Her work includes attending health fairs, strengthening advisory councils, and representing TCOA in advocacy efforts from Lansing to Washington, D.C.

Engaging lawmakers is increasingly essential, since much of TCOA’s budget relies on public funding. Casey views this part of her role as another form of relationship-building—ensuring that policymakers understand the real needs of older adults.

Her broader vision is to shift how society views aging itself. Rather than treating it as something to fear, she wants communities to embrace aging as a natural stage of life, worthy of respect, resources, and celebration.

Life Beyond Work

Nonprofit leadership can be demanding, but Casey is intentional about finding balance. She decompresses by gardening, keeping detailed notes on her plants, and spending time outdoors. Hot baths and planning new garden projects in winter provide additional outlets for stress relief. For her, balance is both a personal and professional necessity: leaders can only serve effectively when they themselves are restored.

Final Thoughts

Casey Cooper’s story reflects the very best of nonprofit leadership—rooted in service, sustained by relationships, and driven by a clear sense of mission. Her nearly decade-long journey with the Tri County Office on Aging illustrates how commitment, creativity, and compassion can shape stronger communities.

For anyone inspired to connect, TCOA remains a vital resource for older adults, caregivers, and families across mid-Michigan. Their website, tcoa.org, offers ways to volunteer, donate, or simply learn more.

The Mission Control Podcast conversation with Casey is a reminder that aging is universal, and that supporting seniors is, ultimately, supporting ourselves. As Casey wisely put it: “We’re all aging, right? We all hope to be an older adult.”

-Discover how Kwaku Osei, Executive Director of The Love Building in Detroit, is reshaping what community can look like. In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, host Paul Schmidt and Kwaku dive into the building’s mission: creating a hub for social justice, creativity, and belonging. From experimenting with shared resources to hosting vibrant gatherings like Love at Night, The Love Building proves that love and accountability can drive real civic change. ✨ Highlights in this episode: The origin and purpose of The Love Building Kwaku Osei’s journey into leadership How nonprofits share talent and resources The Love List: connecting communities across Detroit Why leading with love is a radical, practical strategy 📍 Learn more about The Love Building: https://thelovebuilding.org 🎙️ Subscribe to the Mission Control Podcast for more conversations on leadership, impact, and community-building.

The Mission Control Podcast is a space where nonprofit leaders and executive directors share the ways they are shaping their communities for the better. In a recent episode, host Paul Schmidt sat down with Julie Pingston, President and CEO of **Choose Lansing**, to discuss her career, her deep commitment to the region, and how tourism continues to play a transformative role in mid-Michigan’s growth.

Julie’s journey is filled with serendipity, resilience, and a genuine passion for Lansing. From her early dreams of international diplomacy to leading one of Michigan’s most influential tourism organizations, her story offers insight into what it takes to nurture a community and keep its heartbeat strong.

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From Diplomatic Dreams to Lansing Devotion

Julie Pingston didn’t begin her career with Lansing in mind. A political science and Spanish major, she envisioned working with the U.S. State Department. Her early experiences led her to Washington D.C., where she worked in travel and tourism within the George H. W. Bush administration, promoting the United States as a global travel destination.

After several years in the capital, however, Julie decided to return to Michigan. She reunited with a former boyfriend—now her husband—and faced a turning point: continue in politics and government, or shift toward hospitality and tourism. Choosing the latter, she joined what was then the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau. More than three decades later, she remains at the helm, guiding its evolution into the newly rebranded **Choose Lansing**.

—

Building a Tourism Powerhouse

When Julie started, the bureau had only nine employees. Today, under her leadership, the organization has grown to 27 staff members and expanded its reach across the Lansing region. She credits Michigan State University, the steady growth of the city, and the “snowball effect” of tourism for fueling this expansion.

More students meant more events, more visitors, and ultimately, more opportunities for the region. Julie found her calling not just in marketing attractions but in becoming a genuine advocate for Lansing and the people who live there.

—
What Makes Lansing Special

Asked what draws people to Lansing, Julie’s enthusiasm is immediate. Lansing may not have a single marquee attraction, but it offers an impressive variety:

* **Michigan State University**, with its Big Ten energy, cultural events, and world-class performances.
* **Arts and culture**, from symphonies and galleries to a thriving performing arts scene.
* **Two capitals**—Lansing as both the political heart of Michigan and a hub of student-driven vitality.
* **The river trail system**, connecting neighborhoods and attractions along the waterfront.
* **A mix of everything**: a zoo, science center, history, shopping, and dining.

As Julie puts it, “We may not have the biggest of everything, but we have a lot of all the things.”

—

Challenges and Transformation

Julie’s career hasn’t been without challenges. Her first official day as President and CEO was March 11, 2020—just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down travel and tourism. With hotel stays and event bookings evaporating, she furloughed all but five staff members. Those who remained pivoted quickly, supporting restaurants with curbside pickup lists, coordinating hotel stays for frontline workers, and serving as the voice for Lansing’s hospitality industry during a time of crisis.

It was, as Julie describes, “a whirlwind of five years in one.” But through community kindness, resilience, and her belief that she was “the right person at the right time,” Julie guided Choose Lansing through the pandemic’s darkest days.

—

Rebranding as “Choose Lansing”

As the community recovered, Julie saw an opportunity to refresh the organization’s identity. The former **Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau** was renamed **Choose Lansing**, a clear, vibrant brand that invites people to actively select the region for conventions, events, and travel.

The rebrand debuted on the giant message boards at Spartan Stadium before 72,000 fans, receiving instant positive feedback. For Julie, the new name encapsulates not just tourism, but community pride:

“When we’re out selling nationally, we are all Lansing. We have apple orchards, trails, rivers, a capital, and a Big Ten university. But it’s all Lansing when we’re telling our story.”

—

A Personal Side

Outside the office, Julie maintains balance through family and personal interests. Her children live in Chicago and Charlotte, giving her the chance to travel often. She enjoys reading, participating in a golf league, and embracing her love of Disney—finding inspiration in its philosophy and sprinkling a little “pixie dust” into her own leadership approach.

—

Looking Ahead

Julie Pingston’s story is more than a professional journey; it is a reflection of how one leader’s dedication can shape an entire community. From revitalizing downtown to championing local businesses through a pandemic, her impact on Lansing is undeniable.

With Choose Lansing, she continues to position the region as a welcoming destination where arts, culture, government, and university life converge. As she reminds listeners, “We want everybody to come here, and we do. That’s really, really key.”

For those planning events, family trips, or simply curious about Michigan’s capital region, Lansing offers something for everyone—and thanks to leaders like Julie Pingston, the welcome mat is always out.

—

**Learn more:**

* Website: [lansing.org](https://www.lansing.org)
* Email: [jpingston@lansing.org](mailto:jpingston@lansing.org)
* Mission Control Podcast: Subscribe on YouTube or Apple Podcasts

On a recent episode of the *Mission Control* podcast, host Paul Schmidt sat down with Gabe Biber, Executive Director of Fenner Nature Conservancy in Lansing, Michigan. What unfolded was more than a conversation about trails and trees—it was an in-depth journey through nonprofit leadership, food justice, urban farming, and the personal and professional creativity that drives Gabe’s work.

Gabe’s path to Fenner wasn’t a straight line. From working in kitchens and community gardens to leading stream monitoring programs and coordinating food security projects, each step added to a broader understanding of how place, people, and sustainability intersect. His early work at the Greater Lansing Food Bank helped him connect with local communities, including refugee growers bringing rich agricultural traditions to Lansing’s urban soil. Gabe embraced the role of facilitator—someone who makes connections, listens, and helps people share knowledge and resources across cultures.

This work laid the foundation for his leadership philosophy. Later, at Haven House, a local shelter, Gabe assumed new responsibilities, transitioning from volunteer coordination to executive leadership. The transition taught him that nonprofit success isn’t just about operations—it’s about vision, relationship-building, and a commitment to systemic change.

Now at Fenner, Gabe leads a team focused on connecting people with nature right in the heart of Lansing. While many know Fenner for its trails and programs, Gabe is especially excited about its expansion into early childhood education. The Conservancy’s nature-based preschool is thriving, offering immersive outdoor learning experiences that spark curiosity and environmental stewardship in kids. For Gabe, this is about more than education—it’s planting seeds for future community leaders.

Throughout the conversation, one theme kept surfacing: creativity. Whether navigating the tensions of nonprofit collaboration, stepping into new leadership roles, or playing improv jazz after hours, Gabe sees creativity as a core tool. It helps him stay flexible, curious, and resilient in a field that rarely offers easy answers.

His advice for new community gardeners? “There’s no wrong way to do it.” The same could apply to nonprofit work—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there is value in showing up, listening, and growing together.

From systems change to stream stewardship, Gabe Biber’s story is a powerful example of nonprofit leadership grounded in humility, collaboration, and imagination. And as Paul reminded listeners at the close of the episode, it’s everyday changemakers like Gabe who help communities thrive.

You can connect with Gabe or learn more about Fenner at [mynaturecenter.org](https://www.mynaturecenter.org). To hear the whole conversation, check out the *Mission Control* podcast on YouTube or your favorite app.

**Stay curious. Stay grounded. And as always—keep reaching for Mission Control.**

Joseph Yang’s path to becoming President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Lansing reads like a modern success story—one that weaves together technology, law, and an unwavering commitment to community service. His journey demonstrates how diverse experiences can converge to create decisive leadership in the nonprofit sector.

Yang’s story begins in an unlikely place for a future nonprofit leader: hunched over a computer in the early days of DOS commands and dial-up modems. Growing up in a computer lab, he developed a deep appreciation for technology that would later influence his approach to youth programming. After earning a degree in telecommunications from Michigan State University in 2003, Yang worked in tech support, troubleshooting everything from networking issues to the frustrating dial-up connections that defined the early internet era.

But Yang’s interests extended far beyond circuit boards and code. Inspired by mentors who made a difference in Lansing, he took an unconventional detour into law school, attending Western Michigan University Cooley Law School’s nights-and-weekends program while working full-time. Graduating in 2013, he focused on criminal law, particularly representing indigent clients who couldn’t afford legal representation—a calling that reflected his deep commitment to serving underserved communities.

What makes Yang’s story particularly compelling is his full-circle return to the Boys & Girls Club. He grew up across the street from the organization in a public housing complex called Lareroo, participating in programs as a child before eventually joining the staff as Education Director. This personal connection runs deep—his current office overlooks the very basketball courts where he learned to play as a kid.

“I love the community. I literally come home every day when I go to work,” Yang reflects on his unique perspective as both former member and current leader.

As Director of Operations, Yang wore virtually every hat imaginable—managing finance and HR, driving the van for field trips, organizing sports camps, and ensuring every donated dollar was spent efficiently. His approach was always mission-first, working behind the scenes to help others shine while keeping the organization running smoothly.

When longtime President Carmen announced her retirement, Yang insisted on an open, nationwide search process, prioritizing what was best for the Club over personal ambition. After a thorough evaluation, he emerged as the top candidate—a testament to his dedication and the trust placed in him by the board and community.

Now as President and CEO, Yang is modernizing the Club while honoring its traditions. Understanding that today’s kids are different from those of 20 years ago, he has introduced innovative programs, such as an esports corner with high-spec computers, bridging traditional recreation with digital interests. His tech background proves invaluable as he meets kids where they are, rather than expecting them to adapt to outdated programming models.

The Boys & Girls Club of Lansing serves youth ages 7-17 with after-school programming that includes homework help, arts and crafts, STEM activities, and physical fitness—all for just $10 per year, a membership fee that has remained unchanged for over two decades.

Yang’s leadership philosophy centers on empowering his team and expanding the Club’s reach throughout Lansing, taking services directly to schools and housing complexes. His vision extends beyond the facility’s walls, aiming to serve 185 kids daily while building new partnerships across the community.

Through his unique blend of technical expertise, legal knowledge, and genuine passion for youth development, Yang exemplifies how diverse professional experiences can create exceptional nonprofit leadership.

In the latest episode of Mission Control, host Paul Schmidt delves into the inspiring journey of Kim Renwick, the Executive Director of the Shiawassee Community Foundation. This podcast showcases the remarkable work of executive directors and nonprofit leaders, and Kim’s story exemplifies the impact one individual can have on their community.

A Mission to Enrich Lives

KIm’s clear and powerful mission drives the Shiawassee Community Foundation: to enrich lives in Shiawassee County through strong community relationships and careful stewardship of funds. Kim emphasizes the foundation’s commitment with the phrase, “For good forever.” This philosophy highlights the organization’s dedication to maintaining endowed funds that honor the names and legacies of families and individuals in the community.

During the discussion, Paul and Kim explore how this mission translates into daily operations and long-term strategies. The foundation builds relationships, fosters community engagement, and ensures that their financial practices reflect their values.

From Banking to Nonprofit: A Seamless Transition

Kim’s journey to nonprofit leadership is anything but conventional. With two decades of banking experience, she felt a strong pull toward the nonprofit sector. Her diverse banking experience, which included marketing, loans, and management roles, equipped her with a robust skill set that proved invaluable in her new role.

Despite the advantages of her background, Kim faced unique challenges upon joining the foundation. Adapting to the foundation’s bookkeeping system initially demanded significant time and effort. However, her financial acumen allowed her to navigate these challenges effectively, leading to innovative solutions that streamlined operations.

Embracing Leadership and Nonprofit Dynamics

Transitioning from a banking officer to an executive director required Kim to cultivate a new leadership style. Her extensive experience on various boards, including the Shiawassee Arts Council and the Red Cross, provided her with a collaborative mindset essential for nonprofit dynamics. Kim’s insights on open communication and effective meeting structures, such as the consent agenda, helped enhance productivity and foster strong relationships with the board.

Weathering the Pandemic Storm

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic introduced an unexpected whirlwind of challenges just as Kim was settling into her role. With remote work becoming the norm, the foundation had to adapt quickly. Despite the turmoil, Kim and her team showed remarkable resilience. They utilized digital tools like Zoom to maintain connections and ensure the continuation of programs, including the local Giving Tuesday initiative, Raise Up Shiawassee.

The Shift in Fundraising Dynamics

As fundraising efforts shifted during the pandemic, the foundation embraced digital platforms and traditional methods. This dual approach allowed them to connect with younger demographics while still engaging long-time supporters. Additionally, emerging technologies, including AI tools, prompted the foundation to reevaluate tits scholarship application processes, ensuring submission authenticity.

Celebrating 50 Years of Impact

2023 marks a significant milestone for the Shiawassee Community Foundation, celebrating its 50th anniversary. Kim has played a crucial role in organizing events that honor this legacy and recognize the individuals and members who have shaped the foundation over the years. The foundation remains committed to sustainability and growth and focuses on pressing issues such as mental health, childcare, and housing in its strategic plans for the next 50 years.

A Glimpse into Kim’s World

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Kim enjoys various hobbies, including knitting, crocheting, and spending time outdoors with her two-year-old dog. These activities provide a necessary balance, allowing her to unwind and recharge after the demands of her role.

Connect with Shiawassee Community Foundation

For those interested in learning more about the Shiawassee Community Foundation or finding ways to get involved, Kim encourages direct contact at kim@shiacf.org or their website at shiacf.org.

Conclusion

Kim Renwick’s journey illustrates the power of dedication and adaptability in nonprofit leadership. Her transition from banking to the nonprofit sector, her proactive approach during a global pandemic, and her efforts to celebrate the foundation’s rich history encapsulate effective leadership’s essence in today’s dynamic environment.

As this season of Mission Control wraps up, listeners can look forward to more enlightening conversations with community leaders in the upcoming season. If there’s a leader you’d like to hear from, feel free to reach out at missioncontrol@unodeuce.com.

Thank you for joining us, and we’ll see you in the control center next season!