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CLIENT STORY: Hope In Action With Sheri Jones Episode 00: Davon & Tavon Woods
CLIENT STORY: Hope In Action With Sheri Jones Episode 00: Davon and Tavon Woods
Hope in Action: Davon & Tavon Woods Turn Foster Care Pain Into Purpose Across America
Some stories stop you in your tracks. Others keep walking—mile after mile—until the whole country starts paying attention.
That’s exactly what’s happening with Davon and Tavon Woods, twin brothers and founders of Foster Kids Matter, whose mission is transforming foster care awareness into a movement built on hope, healing, and human connection. Featured through Hope in Action, the new community-centered series from Uno Deuce Media, the Woods brothers are proving that even the hardest beginnings can become the foundation for something powerful.
And they’re not just talking about change. They’re walking it. Literally.
Walking With Purpose Across Every State
Davon and Tavon committed themselves to an ambitious mission: walking 20 miles in every state across the country to raise awareness for children in foster care.
Not for attention. Not for headlines. For the kids who feel forgotten.
“We’re walking 20 miles in every state to raise awareness for children in the foster care system. We want everyone to know they matter.”
It’s a simple message, but one that hits hard. Because for many foster youth, feeling invisible becomes part of everyday life. The Woods brothers know that reality firsthand. As they travel city to city—from their home state of South Carolina to Lansing, Michigan, and beyond—they’re creating moments that go deeper than social media clips or speeches. They’re shaking hands. Listening to stories. Hugging kids who finally feel seen.
And every mile carries meaning.
A Childhood Defined By Uncertainty
Before there was a national walk, there was survival.
Davon and Tavon were born into difficult circumstances. Their mother struggled with addiction and didn’t know she was carrying twins. Shortly after birth, the brothers entered foster care, where they would remain for most of their childhood. They didn’t meet their biological family until they were 17 years old.
Those years weren’t easy. Foster placements, instability, emotional hardship, and unanswered questions shaped much of their early lives. Even adoption brought its own challenges and pain.
But instead of allowing trauma to define them, the brothers made a different decision: turn pain into purpose.
“We decided to do the hard part—speaking up for kids who are afraid to speak up.” That choice became the foundation for Foster Kids Matter.
Foster Kids Matter Is More Than A Name
For Davon and Tavon, the organization isn’t just advocacy—it’s personal responsibility.
Foster Kids Matter exists to remind young people in foster care that their stories, struggles, and futures carry value. Through events, community outreach, speaking engagements, and their nationwide walk, the brothers are creating spaces where foster youth feel heard instead of overlooked.
And the impact is already undeniable.
Former foster youth regularly message them to say thank you. Some share their own stories for the first time. Others simply express relief that someone finally understands what they’ve experienced.
“One person messaged us crying, saying, ‘Thank you for giving us a voice.’” That kind of connection fuels the mission forward.
The “Keeping It Fresh” Program Brings Confidence One Pair At A Time
One of the most heartfelt pieces of the Foster Kids Matter initiative is the “Keeping It Fresh” program, which provides brand-new sneakers to foster youth across the country.
It may sound small to some people. To foster kids, it can mean everything.
Growing up with hand-me-downs, limited choices, or feeling different from everyone else can chip away at confidence. Davon and Tavon remember what that felt like. So now, they’re making sure other kids experience something different.
“A fresh pair of sneakers gives you encouragement and confidence to keep stepping.”
The shoes are symbolic, but the message behind them runs deeper: You deserve something new. You deserve dignity. You deserve to feel proud walking into a room. And honestly? That kind of hope changes people.
Leaving Comfort Behind To Make A Difference
At some point, Davon and Tavon realized this mission couldn’t stay part-time.
So they stepped away from traditional jobs and committed themselves fully to Foster Kids Matter and the national awareness campaign. It was a leap of faith—one built on belief, purpose, and community support.
The road hasn’t been easy. There are long days, financial challenges, and emotional moments that come with constantly revisiting painful experiences.
But they keep going. Because they know there are kids watching.
Building Community Through Hope In Action
What makes their story fit so naturally into Hope in Action is that it’s rooted in community. Everywhere they go, the Woods brothers create conversations around healing, resilience, and possibility.
In Lansing, they connected with local foster youth and community leaders who embraced their message immediately. Kids lined up for photos, autographs, and conversations—not because Davon and Tavon are celebrities, but because they represent something rare: Understanding.
The brothers continue to remind audiences that everybody goes through struggles, whether they grew up in foster care or not. Their message isn’t about comparing pain. It’s about refusing to let pain have the final word.
“Trials and tribulations are supposed to give us hope, not destroy us.” That perspective has become the heartbeat of their movement.
The Next Chapter: A Documentary & The Big Walk
The mission is only getting bigger.
Davon and Tavon are currently working on a documentary that will share their full story—the hardships, the healing, and the journey behind the movement. They believe people need to see the full picture, not just the polished highlights.
They’re also preparing for a major walk event at the State Capitol on May 23rd, inviting communities everywhere to join them in supporting foster youth and spreading awareness.
And if their journey so far proves anything, it’s this: One conversation can create hope. One act of kindness can change confidence. And one step can inspire thousands more.
Final Thoughts
Davon and Tavon Woods are doing more than raising awareness. They’re creating visibility for kids who often feel unseen. They’re building confidence where insecurity once lived. And they’re proving that resilience can become leadership when people choose purpose over bitterness.
Their story is exactly what Hope in Action is all about: real people creating real change through compassion, courage, and community. One mile at a time.
HOPE IN ACTION: Lansing’s New Podcast Shining a Light on Community Change
HOPE IN ACTION: Lansing’s New Podcast Shining a Light on Community Change
Hope in Action: Lansing’s New Podcast Shining a Light on Community Change
There’s something powerful about hearing people talk passionately about the work they do. Not polished-for-TV passion. Real passion. The kind that comes from showing up every day for a community, building relationships, and helping others without needing the spotlight.
That’s exactly what Hope in Action is all about.
Created by UnoDeuce Multimedia and hosted by Sheri Jones and Paul Schmidt, Hope in Action is more than just another podcast. It’s a new community-centered platform focused on uplifting nonprofit organizations, celebrating collaboration, and highlighting the positive stories happening throughout Lansing and beyond.
And honestly? It feels like the kind of project this community needs right now.
More Than a Podcast
From the jump, Sheri and Paul make it clear—Hope in Action isn’t built to be surface-level content.
Yes, it’s a podcast. Yes, it’s a half-hour program. But it’s also a place for longer conversations, deeper storytelling, and authentic moments that don’t always fit neatly into quick social clips.
The show will stream online and also air through the Lansing Public Media Center, giving these stories even more room to breathe and connect with people.
“We’re talking about our inaugural podcast,” Sheri says early on. “Not just a podcast, also a half-hour program.”
That distinction matters. Because Hope in Action isn’t trying to chase trends. It’s trying to build connections.
Inside the Hub Where Collaboration Happens
The series launches from UnoDeuce Multimedia’s studio inside “The HUB,” a collaborative space operated by Child and Family Charities. And this place is busy—in the best way possible.
Right now, the Hub houses 19 nonprofits all working side-by-side, sharing ideas, resources, and support. That environment became the spark for Hope in Action itself.
The concept was simple: if all these incredible organizations are already doing meaningful work together, why not create a platform that tells those stories? Not just the stories happening inside the HUB, either. The vision stretches outward into the entire Lansing community—featuring nonprofit leaders, community organizers, advocates, and collaborators making a difference every day.
A Different Theme Every Month
Instead of random conversations each episode, Hope in Action organizes its content around a monthly theme. Topics could include youth empowerment, mental health, food insecurity, housing, healthcare, or community outreach.
Each month, up to three organizations will join the conversation to discuss:
– Current programming
– Upcoming events
– Community impact
– Stories worth celebrating
– Ways people can get involved
It keeps the show focused while also allowing a wide range of voices to be heard. And because these conversations are rooted locally, they feel personal—not corporate.
Sheri Jones and Paul Schmidt Bring the Energy
If you know Sheri Jones, you already know she has a way of making people feel comfortable almost instantly. Her warmth and curiosity help bring out honest conversations, while Paul’s production background and storytelling instincts keep everything moving naturally.
Together, the dynamic works. There’s a genuine excitement behind what they’re building, and that energy comes through immediately.
“This is a relationship-building space,” Paul explains during the launch episode. “It’s collaboration. It’s really lifting up others.” That line pretty much captures the whole spirit of the project.
Partnerships Matter
Hope in Action also highlights something Uno Deuce has always understood well—great storytelling rarely happens alone.
One of the program’s key collaborators is LAFCU, which stepped in as an early supporter of the show and even helped inspire the name itself. That partnership reflects the larger goal of the project: bringing organizations together around a shared mission of community impact.
Because when nonprofits, businesses, media creators, and community leaders work together, good things happen. Simple as that.
Built for Community Interaction
Hope in Action isn’t designed to be one-way communication. Sheri and Paul want people involved.
That means:
– Submitting local events
– Sharing nonprofit stories
– Recommending organizations
– Engaging through social media
– Supporting causes highlighted on the show
The program will also feature event calendars and updates tied to each month’s theme, helping viewers connect directly with opportunities happening in the community.
In other words, this isn’t just content to consume—it’s content meant to activate people.
Why This Matters
There’s no shortage of negative headlines these days. That’s part of why Hope in Action feels refreshing. It’s not ignoring challenges. It’s simply choosing to spotlight the people actively working to solve them.
The volunteers. The nonprofit teams. The community builders. The organizations creating impact quietly every single day.
Those stories deserve attention too. And in classic Uno Deuce fashion, the approach stays grounded in authenticity, conversation, and community-first storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Hope in Action arrives at the perfect time—a reminder that good things are happening all around us if we take the time to look. With Sheri Jones, Paul Schmidt, UnoDeuce Multimedia and a growing network of community partners leading the way, this new program feels less like a media launch and more like the beginning of a movement centered on positivity, collaboration, and real human connection.
The stories are here. The people are here. Now the spotlight is too.
And honestly? We’re ready to tune in.
INNOVATE STATE: Matt Thomas | Burgess Institute, FY26
INNOVATE STATE: Matt Thomas | Burgess Institute, FY26
Matthew Thomas is a fellow MSU Spartan and the Founding Managing Partner of Bourgeois VC, a data-centric venture capital firm he created in 2024 with a $12 million thesis-driven fund focused on helping founders leverage the power and agility of the data layer and hybrid cloud technologies. Matthew combines deep technical expertise in data science, AI/ML, and financial analysis with extensive entrepreneurial experience, having previously founded Bond Shop Club, a luxury retail omni-channel platform that was recognized as a top startup to watch by Built-In News.
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The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Michigan State University empowers students to lead lives of impact through entrepreneurship. With an education-first approach, we equip Spartans with the mindset, experience, and community they need to create meaningful change.
CLIENT STORY: MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Class of 2026 Steps Into the Future on Match Day
CLIENT STORY: MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Class of 2026 Steps Into the Future on Match Day
MSUCOM’s Class of 2026 Steps Into the Future on Match Day
There are moments in life that feel like everything is leading up to a single second—and for medical students across the country, that moment is Match Day. For the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2026 at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, that moment arrived on March 20 in a room filled with anticipation, nerves, and a whole lot of heart.
Held at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace, the event wasn’t just about opening envelopes. It was about celebrating years of sacrifice, late nights, early mornings, and a relentless commitment to something bigger than themselves—caring for others.
The Moment Everything Changes
Before the envelopes were opened, there was a pause. A breath. A chance to reflect. Leaders and faculty stepped forward to remind students just how far they had already come. Susan Enright encouraged the class to stay grounded, no matter where their paths would lead. The message was simple but powerful: the destination matters, but the purpose matters more.
Then came the signal. Envelopes ripped open almost in unison. Cheers erupted. Tears followed. Music filled the room. In an instant, uncertainty turned into clarity.
For these students, Match Day wasn’t just a milestone—it was a launchpad.
By the Numbers: A Class Ready to Serve
The results told a story of excellence and dedication:
– 97% of the class—254 out of 263 students—successfully matched through the National Resident Matching Program
– 72% will stay in Michigan for their residency training
– Students matched into 29 different specialties
– 39% are entering primary care fields
That last number matters. A lot.
At a time when communities across Michigan—and the country—are facing shortages in primary care, this class is stepping into one of the most critical areas of medicine. Family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN—these are the front lines of healthcare, and MSUCOM continues to show up where it counts.
Why Michigan Matters
One of the most striking takeaways? The majority of students are staying close to home. And that’s not by accident.
Where physicians complete their residency often shapes where they build their careers. With 72% remaining in Michigan, the Class of 2026 is directly contributing to the health and well-being of communities across the state.
Even more, 44%—112 future physicians—will train within the MSUCOM Graduate Medical Education Alliance, a network that includes 28 hospitals and six federally qualified health centers. That means these students aren’t just learning medicine—they’re learning it in the communities that need them most.
More Than a Match: It’s a Mission
Dean Joyce deJong summed it up best. Match Day isn’t just about placement—it’s about purpose.
These students didn’t just study medicine. They lived it. They worked alongside faculty, community physicians, and mentors. They served patients across Michigan. They learned what it means to care—not just clinically, but compassionately.
And now, they carry that forward. Because wherever they matched—big city hospitals, rural clinics, specialty programs—they’re bringing the same mindset: show up, do the work, and make a difference.
Diversity in Path, Unity in Purpose
The Class of 2026 didn’t follow a single path—and that’s exactly what makes it strong.
Students matched into a wide range of specialties, including:
– Anesthesiology
– Neurology and child neurology
– Pathology
– Obstetrics and gynecology
– Family medicine
There were also standout achievements across the board:
– 100% match rate for D.O.-Ph.D. MSTP students
– 100% match rate for military students
– 100% match success for couples participating in the match
– 86% match rate for international students
Different journeys. Different goals. Same commitment to care.
The Energy in the Room
If you’ve never experienced Match Day, it’s hard to fully explain. It’s equal parts celebration, relief, and reflection. Parents hugging their kids. Friends jumping up and down. Faculty watching with pride as years of mentorship come full circle.
It’s loud. It’s emotional. It’s unforgettable. But underneath all of that energy is something deeper—a shared understanding that this is just the beginning.
What Comes Next
After the envelopes are opened and the celebrations wind down, reality sets in. There are new cities to move to. New teams to join. New challenges waiting.
Residency is where the classroom meets real life. It’s where knowledge turns into action. Where students become physicians. And for the MSUCOM Class of 2026, that next chapter is already in motion.
Why This Story Matters
This isn’t just a story about medical students. It’s a story about communities gaining doctors. Families gaining caregivers. Patients gaining advocates.
It’s about a system that, when it works well, connects passion with purpose. And it’s about a group of individuals who chose a path that isn’t easy—but is absolutely essential.
Final Thoughts
Match Day is a finish line—but it’s also a starting line. For the Class of 2026 at MSUCOM, it marks the transition from learning about medicine to living it every single day. They’re heading into hospitals, clinics, and communities ready to make an impact. Ready to listen. Ready to care.
And if there’s one thing that stands out, it’s this: the future of healthcare isn’t just in good hands—it’s in committed, compassionate, and community-driven hands.
14th Annual Deucey Awards Winner Reveal
14th Annual Deucey Awards Winner Reveal
The 14th Annual Deucey Awards: Celebrating Lansing’s Most Inspiring Stories and Creative Community Voices
There’s something special about the Deucey Awards every single year, but the 14th Annual Deucey Awards Livestream hit differently. Maybe it was the energy. Maybe it was the record-breaking vote totals. Or maybe it was the fact that this year marked not only the 14th Deucey Awards, but also 25 years of UnoDeuce telling stories across Lansing and beyond.
Whatever the reason, one thing became crystal clear during this year’s livestream: community storytelling matters. From accessibility advocacy and youth mentorship to emotional wellness and campus innovation, the 2025 Deucey Awards showcased organizations doing meaningful work and using video to bring those stories to life.
And honestly? The competition was intense.
As votes poured in from supporters, families, coworkers, and entire communities rallying behind their favorite nominees, categories tightened into nail-biters. Some races were separated by just a handful of votes, proving how invested people were in these stories and the organizations behind them.
“Absolutely bananas. More votes than we’ve ever gotten in this awards situation.”
A Celebration Bigger Than Awards
The Deucey Awards have always been about more than trophies. They’re about recognizing creativity, highlighting impact, and giving organizations a platform to share what makes their mission important.
This year’s livestream added even more excitement with upgraded production, behind-the-scenes conversations, and a deeper look at the people behind the videos. Every nominee brought something unique to the table, and the result was a showcase filled with emotion, innovation, and authentic storytelling.
Small Business Superstar: Able Eyes
Able Eyes captured the Small Business Superstar category with 52% of the vote.
Able Eyes focuses on accessibility through immersive virtual tours that help individuals with disabilities explore spaces before ever stepping inside. Their work spans parks, universities, businesses, and public institutions, helping users evaluate accessibility features at their own pace.
Think about how valuable that is for someone navigating physical disabilities, sensory sensitivities, or invisible challenges like anxiety. Instead of walking into an unfamiliar environment blindly, users can explore everything beforehand—from ramps and entrances to bathroom layouts and counter heights.
“You can turn and look at counter heights or how high a paper towel dispenser is.”
This year’s featured project highlighted Abrams Planetarium, combining interactive virtual tours with narrative-driven video storytelling. The addition of video created a richer experience, helping visitors not only understand the layout, but also feel connected to the mission and atmosphere behind the space.
For Able Eyes founder Evan Winters, the collaboration opened up new creative possibilities and reinforced how impactful visual storytelling can be.
Most Inspirational Video: Positive Somebody
If there was one category that pulled at emotions the hardest, it was Most Inspirational Video.
Positive Somebody dominated the category with an overwhelming 74% of the vote, and it’s easy to see why. The nonprofit focuses on teaching children emotional regulation, positive coping skills, and healthy mental wellness practices through hands-on tools and educational programs.
At the heart of the organization is founder Jenny’s own story. Growing up with trauma and undiagnosed ADHD, she understood firsthand how difficult emotional regulation could be without proper support.
Rather than allowing those experiences to define her negatively, she transformed them into a mission to help children develop the tools she wished she had growing up. “We just want kids to know that they can have a positive life through positive coping and emotion regulation.”
The organization’s Positive Pack program continues expanding into schools, equipping kids with practical wellness tools while encouraging healthy conversations around mental health.
And the video itself? It became more than promotional content. It evolved into a fundraising tool, a sponsorship driver, and a powerful way to communicate the organization’s purpose in a deeply personal way.
Most Entertaining Video: MSU Landscape Services
The closest race of the night belonged to the Most Entertaining Video category, where MSU Landscape Services edged out the competition by just one vote.
One. Vote.
That razor-thin margin perfectly captured the excitement surrounding this year’s livestream.
Representing one of the largest university landscape operations in the country, MSU Landscape Services manages over 5,300 acres across Michigan State University’s campus. Their responsibilities stretch far beyond mowing lawns—covering snow removal, river management, seasonal displays, sustainability efforts, and long-term campus planning.
“Anything outdoors on campus is kind of under our purview.”
What made the winning video resonate was its ability to spotlight the expertise, dedication, and pride behind the scenes. Instead of simply showing landscaping work, the story focused on the people doing it and the impact they have on campus life every day.
The response inside MSU leadership was immediate, sparking interest in creating additional departmental storytelling projects moving forward.
Most Outstanding Video: Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region
Closing out the night was the biggest category of all: Most Outstanding Video.
In another incredibly tight race, Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region secured the win for the second consecutive year, finishing just seven votes ahead of the runner-up.
Their video centered around mentorship, connection, and the power of consistent support between “Bigs” and “Littles.” But what truly elevated the project were the firsthand stories shared by the children themselves.
“To hear our Littles say they have better relationships with peers and family members…really inspiring.” Those authentic moments transformed the video from a simple organizational spotlight into something much more powerful—a reminder of how life-changing mentorship can be.
The organization continues growing through community partnerships, fundraising events, and outreach efforts designed to create lifelong relationships that positively shape children’s futures.
More Than Just Videos
At its core, the Deucey Awards represent something bigger than content creation. They celebrate people who care deeply about improving lives, strengthening communities, and telling stories worth sharing.
This year’s winners highlighted accessibility, emotional wellness, mentorship, education, and innovation—all through the lens of authentic storytelling. And judging by the record-breaking engagement, Lansing showed up in a big way to support them.
As Uno Deuce enters its 25th year, one thing remains unchanged: great stories connect people. Whether it’s a nonprofit helping kids, a business improving accessibility, or a university department shaping campus life, every organization honored during the Deucey Awards reminded viewers why local storytelling still matters.
And if this year’s livestream proved anything, it’s that the community is more than ready for what comes next.
14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Todd Martin Youth Leadership
14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Todd Martin Youth Leadership
14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Todd Martin Youth Leadership
Last but certainly not least, our final nominee for the Most Outstanding Video of the Year Deucey Award is Todd Martin Youth Leadership!
Step inside TMYL (Todd Martin Youth Leadership) and see how this powerful program is shaping the next generation through mentorship, leadership development, and a community that shows up long after the game ends. From first swings to lifelong connections, this story captures how consistency, support, and real relationships create impact that extends far beyond the court.
Watch the video and VOTE!: https://www.unodeuce.com/deucey-awards/
14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Hands Across the Water
14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Hands Across the Water
14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Hands Across the Water
Our third nominee for the Most Outstanding Video of the Year Deucey Award is Hands Across the Water!
Discover the story of Hands Across the Water (HATW)—a nonprofit changing lives for over 26 years. From foster care support and family reunification to behavioral health services, HATW empowers children and families to thrive. Hear inspiring stories, learn how the community can help, and see why real relationships make the difference.
Watch the video and VOTE!: https://www.unodeuce.com/deucey-awards/
14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Big Brothers Big Sisters
14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Big Brothers Big Sisters
14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region
Our second nominee for the Most Outstanding Video of the Year Deucey Award is Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region!
This video highlights the life-changing impact of mentorship through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Hear firsthand how teens and kids grow through connection, support, and shared experiences that inspire lasting change in both mentor and mentee.
Watch the video and VOTE!: https://www.unodeuce.com/deucey-awards/
14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Tri-County Office on Aging
14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Tri-County Office on Aging
14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Tri-County Office on Aging
Our first nominee for the Most Outstanding Video of the Year Deucey Award is Tri-County Office on Aging!
Tri-County Office on Aging supports independence, dignity, and connection for older adults across Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties. From Meals on Wheels and congregate dining to in-home care and caregiver support, TCOA is strengthening the Lansing community one relationship at a time.
Watch the video and VOTE!: https://www.unodeuce.com/deucey-awards/