Startup Grind Lansing2024-02-26T21:41:31-05:00

Startup Grind Lansing

UNHOUSED & UNFILTERED: Season 1, Episode 3

UNHOUSED & UNFILTERED: Season 1, Episode 3

This episode unpacks a controversial new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Veterans Affairs—and what it signals for the future of homelessness policy, particularly for veterans.

At the heart of this conversation is a fundamental policy question: should homelessness and disability-related vulnerability be met with expanded systems of care and housing support, or with increased legal control over individuals’ lives?

Director of Public Policy (and former Army Major Nick Cook) uses his 13 years of active duty to share his unique military perspective. Senior Director of Advocacy and Engagement (and attorney) also maps out the legal implications and clarifications.

Summary of Memo of Understanding from the National Low Income Housing Coalition (https://nlihc.org/resource/va-doj-mem…)

By |June 12th, 2026|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

CLIENT STORY: Communities in Schools – Shoot for the Stars!

CLIENT STORY: Communities in Schools – Shoot for the Stars!

*Communities In Schools of Michigan Shoots for the Stars at the 2026 Leadership in Education Dinner*

Some events raise funds. Some events celebrate accomplishments. And then there are events that do both while inspiring an entire community to dream bigger. That was the story of the 2026 Leadership in Education Dinner hosted by Communities In Schools of Michigan (CISM).

Held at the elegant The Henry Hotel in Dearborn, this year’s annual gathering embraced a celestial theme appropriately titled “Shoot for the Stars.” From the moment guests arrived for the cocktail reception to the final moments of the after-hours celebration, the evening served as a powerful reminder of what happens when educators, advocates, donors, and community leaders unite around a shared mission: helping students succeed.

And by all accounts, the mission was accomplished.

*An Evening Built Around Impact*

Every year, Communities In Schools of Michigan brings together supporters from across the state to celebrate the work being done to remove barriers to learning for students facing challenges both inside and outside the classroom.

The Leadership in Education Dinner has become one of the organization’s signature events, providing an opportunity to recognize educators, community partners, and champions who work tirelessly to help young people thrive. This year’s event elevated that tradition with a theme that encouraged attendees to look beyond today’s challenges and focus on tomorrow’s possibilities.

The atmosphere was filled with energy from the very beginning. Guests gathered during the cocktail hour and networking reception, reconnecting with colleagues, meeting new supporters, and sharing stories about the students and schools that inspire their work. Conversations filled the room as educators, business leaders, nonprofit partners, and community advocates came together with a common purpose.

While the evening offered plenty of opportunities for celebration, the heart of the event remained focused on impact.

*Stories That Matter*

One of the most powerful aspects of any Communities In Schools event is the storytelling. Numbers and statistics help explain the need, but stories reveal the human side of the mission.

Throughout the dinner program, attendees heard firsthand accounts of how Communities In Schools of Michigan is helping students overcome obstacles that can stand in the way of educational success. From addressing basic needs and improving attendance to providing mentorship and connecting families with critical resources, the organization continues to create pathways for students to reach their full potential.

Each story served as a reminder that success in education rarely happens alone. It takes teachers. It takes families. It takes mentors. It takes community partners. And it takes organizations willing to step in and provide support when students need it most.

The evening celebrated those partnerships while highlighting the extraordinary difference they make every day across Michigan.

*Reaching for the Moon*

The celestial theme wasn’t simply decorative—it reflected the ambitious spirit of the organization and the people who support it. Guests embraced the “Galaxy Glam” dress code with enthusiasm, bringing sparkle, shimmer, and creativity to the evening. The room felt appropriately star-filled as supporters gathered beneath the theme of reaching higher and aiming further for Michigan’s students. The symbolism couldn’t have been more fitting.

Communities In Schools of Michigan has spent years helping young people pursue goals that sometimes seem out of reach. Whether it’s graduating high school, attending college, entering the workforce, or overcoming personal challenges, the organization believes every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. That belief was woven throughout every moment of the evening.

The event wasn’t just about celebrating what has already been accomplished; it was about investing in what comes next.

*Community Makes the Difference*

One of the recurring themes throughout the evening was the power of community. No single organization can solve every challenge facing students today. Real progress happens when schools, nonprofits, businesses, donors, volunteers, and community leaders work together toward a common goal.

The Leadership in Education Dinner showcased exactly what that collaboration looks like. Sponsors provided critical support. Donors invested in future opportunities. Advocates amplified the mission. Community leaders demonstrated their commitment to educational success. Together, they helped create an evening that will have an impact long after the final dessert was served.

The funds raised during the event directly support Communities In Schools of Michigan programs that help remove barriers to learning and provide students with the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond. As educational needs continue to grow across the state, those investments become even more important. Every dollar raised helps create opportunities for students who deserve every chance to succeed.

*A Night to Remember*

As the evening came to a close, attendees stayed to enjoy music, desserts, and continued conversations with fellow supporters. There was a sense of celebration in the room, but also a sense of momentum.

The work continues. The need remains. And the community remains committed.

Reflecting on the evening’s success, Communities In Schools of Michigan President and CEO Mallory DePrekel expressed gratitude to the sponsors, donors, and supporters who made the event possible. Her message perfectly captured the spirit of the night.

“You helped us shoot for the stars, and we’ve reached for the moon.”

It’s a fitting sentiment for an organization that spends every day helping students believe bigger things are possible.

*Looking Ahead*

If the 2026 Leadership in Education Dinner demonstrated anything, it’s that Michigan’s students have an incredible network of supporters standing behind them.

Communities In Schools of Michigan continues to prove that when communities invest in students, remarkable things happen. The evening celebrated achievements, strengthened partnerships, and raised critical resources—but perhaps most importantly, it reinforced a simple truth: when people come together to support young people, the possibilities are limitless.

And sometimes, reaching for the stars is just the beginning.

By |June 12th, 2026|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

Hope In Action Episode 1: Lansing Pride

Hope In Action Episode 1: Lansing Pride

Hope in Action: Celebrating Pride, Inclusion, and Community in Lansing

Hope starts with a conversation.

Sometimes it’s a conversation about belonging. Sometimes it’s a conversation about visibility. And sometimes it’s a conversation about creating a community where every person feels valued, supported, and seen.

That’s exactly what the inaugural episode of Hope in Action set out to accomplish.

Hosted by Sheri Jones and produced by Uno Deuce Media, Hope in Action was created to spotlight the organizations, leaders, and changemakers building stronger communities throughout Greater Lansing. Each month, the program explores a different theme through the lens of local nonprofits and community partners who are creating meaningful impact.

For its very first episode, the focus couldn’t have been more fitting: Pride Month.

Through conversations with leaders from the Salus Center, Helping Women, Period, and Lansing Pride, the episode explored what inclusion looks like in action and how communities become stronger when everyone has a place to belong.

*A New Platform for Community Stories*

At its core, Hope in Action exists to celebrate the positive work happening throughout Lansing and beyond.

As Sheri Jones shared during the episode, hope isn’t just an idea. It’s something people build every day through relationships, service, and community engagement. The goal of the program is simple: shine a light on organizations making a difference while helping viewers discover opportunities to get involved.

By focusing on Pride Month, the conversation highlighted organizations working to create safe, welcoming spaces where individuals can be their authentic selves.

*The Salus Center: Creating Space for Authenticity*

One of the featured organizations was the Salus Center, a community hub dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals throughout mid-Michigan.

The name itself tells a story. Derived from the Latin word salus, meaning wholeness and well-being, the center exists to provide a space where people can show up fully as themselves without fear of judgment or rejection.

Founded by Piwa Langeni, a Black, transgender Christian man, the Salus Center was created from personal experience and a desire to build the kind of community space he wished existed earlier in his own journey.

Today, the center hosts numerous support groups, community gatherings, educational programs, and outreach efforts throughout the region. More importantly, it serves as a reminder that belonging matters. For many individuals, simply finding a place where they are accepted can be life-changing.

The stories shared during the episode reinforced a powerful message: when people feel safe enough to be themselves, they often inspire others to do the same.

*Visibility Creates Hope*

Pride Month is often associated with celebration, but it’s also about visibility.

Visibility allows people to see themselves reflected in their community. It reminds individuals that they are not alone. It creates opportunities for connection, understanding, and support.

Throughout the conversation, guests emphasized that visibility isn’t about standing apart—it’s about recognizing our shared humanity. When communities embrace diversity, everyone benefits.

The Pride flag flying across Lansing serves as a symbol of that commitment, reminding residents and visitors alike that inclusion is not just an aspiration. It’s something people actively work toward every day.

*Helping Women, Period: Expanding Access Through Inclusion*

Another featured organization, Helping Women Period, demonstrated how even small changes can make a significant difference.

For more than a decade, the organization has worked to address period poverty by providing menstrual products to individuals throughout Michigan. As their work evolved, so did their understanding of the diverse communities they serve.

Recognizing that menstrual health affects people across a variety of gender identities, the organization began intentionally updating its language, educational materials, and product offerings to become more inclusive.

Those changes included offering products such as menstrual cups and period underwear while ensuring communication reflected the needs of all individuals who require menstrual care products.

It’s a powerful example of how organizations can continue learning, growing, and adapting to better serve their communities.

At its heart, inclusion is about listening. Helping Women Period has embraced that principle by ensuring everyone who needs support can access it without barriers.

*Lansing Pride’s Growing Impact*

The episode also featured insights from Lansing Pride, one of the region’s fastest-growing community celebrations.

Since launching in 2021, Lansing Pride has experienced remarkable growth, drawing tens of thousands of attendees and establishing itself as one of Michigan’s premier Pride celebrations.

That growth didn’t happen by accident. It happened because of partnerships. Local businesses, nonprofits, community leaders, volunteers, and government agencies have worked together to create an event that welcomes everyone.

The result is more than a festival; it’s an invitation. An invitation for people to experience Lansing as a community that values diversity, celebrates authenticity, and embraces inclusion.

As Lansing Pride continues to grow, so does its impact on how people view the city and the opportunities it offers.

*Hope in Action*

The inaugural episode of Hope in Action demonstrated exactly why this new platform matters. Every organization featured shared a common belief: communities thrive when people feel supported, respected, and connected.

Whether it’s creating safe spaces, expanding access to essential resources, or organizing events that celebrate diversity, each organization is helping build a stronger Lansing.

And that’s what hope in action looks like. It’s not just talking about change, it’s creating it.

As Hope in Action continues throughout the year, viewers can expect more stories from nonprofits, community leaders, and organizations working every day to make Greater Lansing a more welcoming place for everyone.

Because when people come together with purpose, compassion, and a commitment to one another, hope becomes something much bigger than a feeling. It becomes action.

By |June 10th, 2026|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

HOPE IN ACTION PODCAST: Episode 1 – Lysne Tait of Helping Women Period

HOPE IN ACTION PODCAST: Episode 1 – Lysne Tait of Helping Women Period

What happens when two friends read an article on a Sunday night and decide they can’t just scroll past it?

They build a movement.

Welcome to the very first extended podcast episode of *Hope in Action* — the companion series to our monthly show highlighting the nonprofits doing transformational work right here in Lansing and beyond. Host Sheri Jones sits down with **Lysne Tait**, co-founder of **Helping Women, Period**, for an honest, eye-opening, and genuinely inspiring conversation about what it looks like to see a problem in your own backyard and refuse to look away.

What started in 2015 as a breakfast for 30 friends, which quickly grew to 100, has grown into a statewide force. Today, Helping Women, Period partners with 400 nonprofits across Michigan, has distributed millions of menstrual products, and is changing the conversation around periods, poverty, and access in ways that are long overdue.

In this episode, Lysne shares:

✔️ The origin story — from a viral Facebook post to filing nonprofit paperwork in the same week
✔️ Why 1 in 4 Michigan students miss school due to lack of period products (and why that number hits harder than anything you’ve heard about girls overseas)
✔️ How Helping Women, Period evolved its language and mission to fully serve the LGBTQ+ community
✔️ The “menstrual product petting zoo” — yes, it’s a real thing, and it’s exactly what people need
✔️ Why cities like Lansing, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Novi are now putting free products in public bathrooms — and how you helped make that happen
✔️ What’s next: menopause education, advocacy with the Michigan Women’s Commission, and a vision for a future where this problem is solved

This is what it looks like when passion, purpose, and practical action come together. This is Hope in Action.

By |June 5th, 2026|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

CLIENT STORY: Child and Family Charities – We’re Making it Happen!

CLIENT STORY: Child and Family Charities – We’re Making it Happen!

Lansing: We’re Making It Happen — Child and Family Charities Brings a Classic Back to Life

Some songs have a way of sticking with a community long after the final note fades. For Lansing residents, “Lansing: We’re Making It Happen” is one of those songs.

Originally created in 1994 as a promotional jingle for the City of Lansing by Bob Kolt and Kolt Communications, the tune became a familiar reminder of the pride, energy, and optimism that defines Michigan’s capital city. More than three decades later, Child and Family Charities decided it was time to give the classic a fresh spin for 517 Day.

And they didn’t hold back.

From the emergency shelter and free resource center to therapy offices and the Drop-In Center, team members throughout the organization jumped in with enthusiasm. They sang. They danced. They embraced the spirit of the song and the community it celebrates.

But beneath the fun and familiar melody is a much deeper message.

Every day, Child and Family Charities works to support children, families, and individuals throughout Greater Lansing. Whether it’s helping someone find stable housing, providing mental health services, connecting families to critical resources, or offering hope during difficult times, the organization is committed to making a meaningful impact.

That’s what makes this remake so special. It’s more than a tribute to a beloved Lansing classic—it’s a reflection of the work happening every day behind the scenes.

The video captures the joy, dedication, and passion of a team that believes in its mission and the community it serves. It reminds us that creating positive change doesn’t always happen through grand gestures. Sometimes it happens one family, one child, and one conversation at a time.

For Child and Family Charities, “We’re Making It Happen” isn’t just a catchy lyric. It’s a promise—and one they continue to keep every single day.

By |June 3rd, 2026|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

14TH ANNUAL DEUCEY AWARDS 2026: Able Eyes Wins Small Business Superstar!

14TH ANNUAL DEUCEY AWARDS 2026: Able Eyes Wins Small Business Superstar!

*Able Eyes Wins the 14th Annual Deucey Small Business Superstar Award*

Innovation often starts with a simple question: “How can we make this better for everyone?”

For Evan Winters and the team at Able Eyes, that question has guided their mission from day one. By combining technology, accessibility, and storytelling, they’ve created a platform that helps people confidently explore spaces before ever stepping through the front door. That commitment to inclusion and innovation recently earned them a major honor—the 14th Annual Deucey Small Business Superstar Award.

What’s even more impressive? This was Able Eyes’ first-ever Deucey nomination.

And they didn’t just make the ballot. They took home the trophy.

*Making Accessibility Visible*

At its core, Able Eyes exists to make the world more accessible.

Through interactive virtual tours, the company allows users to explore buildings, parks, attractions, workplaces, and public spaces from anywhere. But unlike traditional virtual tours, Able Eyes focuses on the details that matter most to individuals with disabilities and accessibility concerns.

Can a power wheelchair comfortably navigate the entrance? How high are the counters? What does the restroom layout look like? Where are the paper towel dispensers located?

For many people, those questions can determine whether a visit feels welcoming or stressful. By providing answers before someone arrives, Able Eyes helps remove uncertainty and replace it with confidence.

Their growing portfolio includes projects with state agencies, parks, universities, tourism organizations, and community destinations throughout Michigan. From initiatives connected to Pure Michigan to partnerships with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, their work is helping redefine what accessibility looks like in the digital age.

*A New Approach to Storytelling*

While their virtual tours have already transformed accessibility planning, the project that captured attention during this year’s Deucey Awards took things even further. Instead of simply showing a space, Able Eyes began integrating video storytelling directly into their virtual experiences.

The award-winning project, featuring Michigan State University’s Abrams Planetarium, starts with a professionally produced video embedded directly into the virtual tour experience. Before visitors begin exploring the facility, they are introduced to the people, mission, and culture behind the organization.

The result is something far more engaging than a traditional walkthrough. It’s an experience.

The video provides context. The tour provides exploration. Together, they tell a complete story.

As Evan explained during the Deucey Awards livestream, the process itself was surprisingly straightforward. A brief interview. Some B-roll footage. A collaborative editing process.

What emerged was a powerful tool that complements everything Able Eyes already does. By combining visual storytelling with virtual navigation, organizations can now showcase not only what their spaces look like, but what they feel like.

*Helping People Feel Comfortable Before They Arrive*

One of the most exciting applications for this new approach is recruiting and hiring. Job seekers often face uncertainty when considering a new workplace. Questions about accessibility, culture, physical layout, and overall environment can create hesitation—especially for individuals with disabilities or anxiety-related challenges.

Able Eyes’ enhanced virtual tours help eliminate many of those unknowns. Potential candidates can virtually explore a workplace, understand its environment, and gain a sense of the organization’s personality before applying.

That confidence matters.

According to Evan, existing virtual tours have already helped people reach a point where they felt comfortable enough to submit an application. For employers seeking to create more inclusive workplaces, that’s a powerful outcome.

It’s not just about recruitment. It’s about belonging.

*Winning the Deucey*

The Small Business Superstar category is always one of the most competitive at the Deucey Awards. This year’s field included outstanding organizations doing remarkable work throughout the community.

Yet voters connected strongly with Able Eyes’ story. Their combination of innovation, purpose, and real-world impact resonated across the board, ultimately earning them the title of Small Business Superstar Video of the Year.

The recognition serves as validation for a company that’s doing much more than creating virtual tours. They’re helping organizations think differently about accessibility. They’re helping communities become more welcoming. And they’re proving that technology can be a bridge rather than a barrier.

*Looking Toward the Future*

Like many successful entrepreneurs, Evan isn’t spending much time looking backward. He’s already focused on what’s next.

Able Eyes plans to continue expanding its recruiting and hiring solutions while growing its presence throughout Michigan and beyond. Future goals include building stronger relationships in cities like Grand Rapids, Traverse City, and Jackson while extending services into neighboring states such as Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania.

The vision is ambitious, but so is the mission. As awareness around accessibility continues to grow, organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of creating experiences that work for everyone.

Able Eyes is positioned to be a leader in that conversation.

*More Than an Award*

Winning a Deucey Award is always special. But the story behind the award often matters even more.

For Able Eyes, this recognition represents years of dedication to solving real problems for real people. It’s about reducing anxiety. Creating confidence. Expanding access. And helping organizations tell their stories in a way that welcomes everyone.

The 14th Annual Deucey Small Business Superstar Award celebrates creativity, innovation, and impact. Able Eyes embodies all three. And if their first nomination ended with a trophy, there’s little doubt this is only the beginning.

Congratulations to Evan Winters and the entire Able Eyes team on an incredible achievement—and on continuing to make the world a little more accessible, one virtual tour at a time.

By |June 3rd, 2026|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

UNHOUSED & UNFILTERED: Season 1, Episode 2

UNHOUSED & UNFILTERED: Season 1, Episode 2

Episode 2 features attorney Elly Jordon from the Michigan Poverty Law Center, who brings her domestic and international experience to shed light on changes in public benefits resulting from the 2025 H.R. 1 bill and how those changes specifically impact the folks we serve.

By |May 29th, 2026|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

CLIENT STORY: Michigan Center for Rural Health

CLIENT STORY: Michigan Center for Rural Health

Celebrating John Barnas: A Lifelong Champion for Rural Health in Michigan

In every community, there are people quietly doing the work that changes lives. They aren’t always the loudest voices in the room. They’re the connectors. The problem-solvers. The ones who keep showing up year after year because they believe people deserve better.

For more than 26 years, John Barnas has been exactly that kind of leader for rural health care in Michigan.

Recently honored with the Louis Gorin Award for Outstanding Achievement in Rural Health, John’s impact stretches across hospitals, clinics, communities, and countless lives throughout the state. But what makes this recognition so meaningful isn’t just the title—it’s the story behind it. A story rooted in relationships, compassion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to improving care for people who are too often overlooked.

A Career Built Around People

When colleagues talk about John Barnas, one thing comes up over and over again: relationships. Over decades of work through the Michigan Center for Rural Health (MCRH), John has built trust with rural hospitals, clinicians, health systems, and community leaders across Michigan. That trust became the foundation for meaningful progress.

“When you think about this award, John has all the attributes that this award really tries to highlight.”

That quote says a lot. Because rural health work isn’t easy. Resources can be limited. Distances are greater. Staffing challenges hit harder. And yet, rural communities continue to push forward because people like John are willing to listen, collaborate, and build solutions together. Instead of approaching rural health with a one-size-fits-all mindset, John focused on understanding what communities actually needed.

That approach changed everything.

The Connector Who Makes Things Happen

Every organization has someone who sees opportunities before everyone else does. At MCRH, that person has been John Barnas.

People describe his “superpower” as being a connector. He sees possibilities where others see roadblocks. He brings hospitals, clinics, clinicians, and stakeholders together around shared goals. And maybe most importantly, he doesn’t just point toward solutions—he helps build them. That ability has had ripple effects throughout Michigan’s rural health landscape.

Through partnerships and collaboration, MCRH has grown into a statewide force supporting more than 55 rural hospitals, including 36 critical access hospitals that serve remote communities where access to care can literally become a life-or-death issue.

That kind of growth doesn’t happen accidentally. It happens because leadership is rooted in trust, consistency, and action.

Rural Communities Teach Resilience

One of the most powerful parts of John’s story is how deeply connected he remains to the people and communities he serves.

Rural communities know how to adapt. They know how to wear multiple hats. In small towns, the same person might be a caregiver, volunteer, neighbor, advocate, and first responder all at once. That resilience has shaped the culture of MCRH itself.

“Rural communities have taught me and all of our staff what it means to get up, care, and work.” There’s something incredibly grounded about that mindset. Rural health isn’t just about policy or funding. It’s about people helping people. It’s about making sure families have access to care close to home. It’s about ensuring hospitals can survive and communities can thrive.

And through every challenge, John helped create systems that support not just patients, but the professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes.

Building a Legacy Through MCRH

The Michigan Center for Rural Health didn’t start as a massive organization. Like many impactful nonprofits, it began with a mission and a handful of people determined to make a difference. Today, it manages millions of dollars in health care support and programming while serving rural and underserved populations throughout Michigan.

That growth reflects years of strategic thinking and community-centered leadership.

Under John’s guidance, MCRH has helped:

– Expand access to rural health care services
– Support struggling hospitals and clinics
– Launch innovative health programs
– Strengthen workforce development initiatives
– Build partnerships that improve long-term sustainability

What’s especially important is that the impact doesn’t stop at rural communities. Many programs developed through MCRH also benefit underserved urban populations, proving that good ideas and compassionate leadership create ripple effects far beyond their starting point.

“He has dedicated his entire career to making advancements in rural health in Michigan.” That dedication shows up everywhere.

Leadership With Heart

What makes John Barnas stand out isn’t just the scale of the work. It’s the values behind it.

At the center of his leadership philosophy are four simple principles:

– Do your best
– Do what’s right
– Treat others fairly
– Keep a sense of humor

That last one matters more than people realize. Health care work can be heavy. Rural health challenges are real. But maintaining humanity, positivity, and perspective helps teams stay connected and motivated even during difficult seasons.

“Keep a sense of humor. I love a good joke.”

That line feels deeply human—and honestly, it explains a lot about why people enjoy working with him. Leadership rooted in integrity and kindness creates stronger organizations. It creates healthier cultures. And it reminds people that meaningful work can still leave room for joy.

Why Rural Health Stories Matter

Rural health often doesn’t get the headlines it deserves. But for millions of people, rural hospitals and clinics are essential lifelines.

That’s why leaders like John Barnas matter so much. They advocate for communities that are sometimes forgotten. They build bridges between systems and people. They help make sure quality care isn’t limited by geography. And perhaps most importantly, they remind us that progress happens when relationships come first.

The Louis Gorin Award recognizes outstanding achievement in rural health—but in many ways, it also recognizes something bigger: a lifetime spent serving others with compassion and purpose. That’s the legacy John Barnas continues to build.

And in a world that desperately needs more connection, more collaboration, and more community-driven leadership, that kind of work deserves to be celebrated.

By |May 27th, 2026|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

UnoDeuce May Update: Deucey Awards, Hope in Action & Community Stories

UnoDeuce May Update: Deucey Awards, Hope in Action & Community Stories

May was a full one for UnoDeuce and if you blinked, you might have missed some of the best moments of the year so far. From award show excitement to a brand-new community initiative and a fresh way to stay connected, the team has been busy telling the stories that matter most. Here’s a look at what went down and what’s coming up.

**🏆 The Deucey Awards: Records Broken, Stories Celebrated**

The Deucey Awards closed out at the top of May, and by every measure, it was the biggest year yet. Votes poured in at a record-breaking pace — a clear sign that the community is paying attention and that the work being recognized truly resonates. If you weren’t able to catch the live reveal, don’t worry. Every winner’s video and the full reveal show are available on the official Deucey Awards page, ready to watch whenever you are.

The nominees and winners this year showed up and delivered. Their hard work, their stories, and their willingness to be seen on camera made this year’s Deucey Awards something worth celebrating. UnoDeuce is proud of every single one of them, and grateful to the community for engaging the way they did.

**🌟 Hope in Action: Community Stories Worth Telling**

One of the most exciting developments coming out of May is the launch of *Hope in Action* — a new co-production between UnoDeuce and Sheri Jones. The show has its own dedicated YouTube channel and is gaining momentum on Facebook as well. Sheri leads as host while the UnoDeuce team handles the production behind the scenes.

The first full episode features a compelling segment where Sheri sits down with Davon and Tavon Woods — a conversation that sets the tone for exactly what this show is about. Each month brings a new theme and fresh stories spotlighting nonprofits and the passionate individuals driving meaningful change in the community. A companion podcast, made possible through the generous support of LAFCU, extends those conversations even further with in-depth interviews that go beyond what the camera captures.

For organizations looking to get involved, sponsorship tiers are available at every level. Details can be found on the UnoDeuce website. *Hope in Action* is built to shine a light on the good happening right in our own backyard — and that light is just getting started.

**📧 The Newsletter: Stay in the Loop**

UnoDeuce has officially launched a monthly email newsletter — a go-to source for everything happening in and around the community. Whether you missed a story or want to revisit a favorite moment, the newsletter has it covered. A name is still in the works, so stay tuned. To sign up, reach out to Paul directly at pauls@unodeuce.com.

As UnoDeuce steps into its 25th year, the mission stays the same: find the stories worth telling and tell them well. May was proof that there’s no shortage of them.

By |May 27th, 2026|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments
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