Collaborative Solutions Podcast

Episode 25: From Lived Experience to Lasting Impact - Holly LeClaire's Journey of Hope and Healing

In this inspiring episode, we are honored to highlight the incredible Holly LeClaire, Manager of Community Outreach and Lived Experience Integration at Alive Inc. Holly’s journey from overcoming personal challenges, including homelessness and substance use, to becoming a beacon of hope and transformation in Lawrence, Kansas, is truly remarkable.
 
Holly shares the power of peer support—meeting people where they are, building trust through lived experience, and showing that change is possible. Her work with Alive Inc., a consumer-run organization, emphasizes empathy, connection, and advocacy for individuals navigating mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and homelessness.
 
This episode also features Misty Bosch-Hastings, Director of Homeless Solutions, who celebrates the profound impact of peer support in the community and highlights collaborative efforts that bring services directly to those in need. Together, we explore how lived experience, compassion, and persistence are transforming lives and fostering a stronger, more inclusive Lawrence.

Episode 24: A Catalyst for Change - Kristen Shook’s Journey of Empowerment

In this episode, the spotlight falls brightly on Kristen Shook, a dedicated leader who serves as the Work for Success Program Manager at Mirror Inc. Kristen’s passion for uplifting individuals overcoming homelessness, reentry challenges, and personal hardships radiates through her work. With a caring, empathetic approach, she goes beyond simple job placement—she helps people rediscover their worth, establish personal goals, and define their own success. Her unwavering commitment to forging genuine connections, building trust, and helping others see their own potential underscores the transformative power she brings to her role. A true catalyst for change, Kristen is not just shaping futures, she’s helping individuals and communities envision—and achieve—a better tomorrow.

Episode 23: More Homes, More Hope - A conversation with Tenants to Homeowners

In this episode of "Collaborative Solutions," host Barry Feaker and co-host Misty Bosch Hastings talk with Tenants to Homeowners' Executive Director, Rebecca Buford, and Housing Care Coordinator, Angie Bauer. They explore innovative solutions to homelessness and housing insecurity in Lawrence and Douglas County.
 
Tenants to Homeowners offers a spectrum of housing options—from affordable rentals to entry-level homeownership—addressing diverse community needs. The discussion highlights the crucial role of supportive services in helping individuals transition from homelessness to stable housing.
 
A key theme is shifting the community perspective from "Not In My Back Yard" (NIMBY) to "Yes In My Back Yard" (YIMBY). By dispelling myths and encouraging collaboration, they aim to create an inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Episode 22: A Promise Kept - Brenda Wahl Leads the Way in Supporting Lawrence's Homeless Families

In Episode 22 of "Collaborative Solutions," hosts Barry and Misty engage in a compelling discussion with Brenda Wahl, Executive Director of Family Promise, about innovative solutions to homelessness in Lawrence, Kansas. Brenda shares how Family Promise has transitioned from rotating shelters in churches to a static, stable environment for homeless families—a change that has reduced trauma and provided consistent support.
 
Brenda highlightings the often hidden nature of family homelessness, and underscores the power of community collaboration. She inspires listeners to take action, illustrating how dedicated efforts can transform lives and foster a more compassionate community.

Episode 21: Building Hope - Shannon Oury's Impact on Affordable Housing and Those Who Need It

In this episode of Collaborative Solutions, hosts Barry Feaker and Misty Bosch-Hastings welcome Shannon Oury, CEO of the Lawrence Douglas County Housing Authority, who shares her passionate work in providing affordable, supportive housing. Shannon reveals the agency’s unique programs, such as safe housing for survivors and reentry vouchers, highlighting Lawrence’s innovative approach to tackling homelessness and housing insecurity.
 
Shannon’s journey, from a career in law to leading the Housing Authority, is deeply personal and grounded in her family’s legacy of resilience. Her leadership is transforming the community, as seen with projects like Delmar Place, a new senior housing development. With Lawrence’s support, Shannon is helping to ensure more stable housing and opportunities for the community. This inspiring conversation underscores the power of collaboration and dedication in creating a place for everyone.

Episode 20, Part 2: Continuing the Journey – Hope, Healing, and Community with Bob Tryanski

In Part 2 of this compelling discussion, Collaborative Solutions host Barry Feaker, along with Misty Bosch-Hastings and Brett Hartford, reunites with Bob Tryanski to further explore the power of vulnerability and connection. Building on the impactful discussion in Part 1, Bob reflects on how sharing his personal journey with bipolar disorder and trauma has created pathways for healing—not just for himself but for the entire community.
 
This episode emphasizes the profound value of understanding people’s stories to foster empathy and inspire collaborative solutions. Bob, Barry, Misty, and Brett discuss how compassionate engagement and programs like Familiar Faces are addressing complex needs in Douglas County, moving beyond “quick fixes” to create meaningful change.
 
Join us as we explore how courage, community trust, and collaborative efforts are driving hope and support for those facing mental health challenges and homelessness.

Episode 19, Part 1: Breaking Barriers in Mental Health – A Deep Dive with Bob Tryanski

In this powerful episode of Collaborative Solutions, hosts Barry Feaker, Misty Bosch-Hastings, and Brett Hartford welcome Bob Tryanski, Director of Behavioral Health Projects for Douglas County, to share his moving insights from his personal and professional journeys.
 
Bob Tryanski, a resilient advocate for mental health and himself a person with lived experience, opens up about the challenges of living with bipolar disorder and trauma. He reveals the deep-seated barriers in behavioral health services that once left him feeling unsafe even in his own community. Bob’s vulnerability, courage, and dedication to transforming Douglas County’s approach to mental health care have sparked a new movement of collaboration, empathy, and action. Together with Barry, Misty, and Brett, Bob sheds light on the critical need for community understanding and support, the life-changing impact of peer support programs, and the power of storytelling in reducing stigma.
 
Listeners will find hope and inspiration in the personal stories shared, and the team’s vision for a more compassionate community that actively supports those struggling with mental health, homelessness, and other challenges. Part 1 of this two-part episode reminds us all of the incredible strength found in connection and the importance of building a community where everyone feels safe and supported.
 
Tune in next week for Part 2, where we’ll dive even deeper into actionable steps and inspiring solutions for creating lasting change.

Episode 18: Community Safety and Compassion - Sheriff Jay Armbrister on Navigating Law Enforcement, Mental Health, and Homelessness in Douglas County

In this powerful episode of Collaborative Solutions, host Barry Feaker joined by Misty Bosch-Hastings, Director of Homeless Solutions for the City of Lawrence, Kansas, and James Chiselom, Executive Director of the Lawrence Community Shelter, discuss the intersection of law enforcement, homelessness, and mental health services with special guest Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister. Sheriff Armbrister shares his unique perspective from 26 years in law enforcement and opens up about the complexities of his role and his journey from a mechanic to a sheriff dedicated to community safety and rehabilitation. His insights on the challenges law enforcement faces—from navigating political landscapes to addressing mental health crises—highlight his commitment to fostering trust and support within Douglas County.
 
The conversation explores the impact of relationships in law enforcement, the need for a humane approach to mental health crises, and how collaborations between agencies are reshaping responses to homelessness in Lawrence. Sheriff Armbrister’s transparency and empathy shine through as he discusses the pressures of his role and the importance of treating every individual with respect. With engaging stories and deep insights, this episode underscores the importance of compassion, collaboration, and community support in addressing complex societal issues.

Episode 17: Guest Interviewer Stephen Herzog Joins the Collaborative Solutions Team to Discuss Homelessness

In this episode of Collaborative Solutions, Barry Feaker hosts a discussion with Misty Bosch-Hastings, Director of Homeless Solutions, and James Chiselom, Executive Director of the Lawrence Community Shelter, along with guest interviewer Stephen Herzog. They explore the ongoing efforts in Lawrence, Kansas, to address homelessness through individualized, compassionate approaches. Emphasizing the importance of treating each person as unique, the team highlights successes in housing people through multidisciplinary outreach and dismantling the stigma surrounding homelessness.
 
The conversation underscores that solving homelessness requires empathy, collaboration, and community support. They encourage business owners and the public to get involved by offering employment, support, and donations to help sustain these efforts. With the right investment and leadership, Lawrence is showing that real solutions are possible.

Episode 16: Building Hope - How Built for Zero and Community Solutions are Leading the Fight to End Homelessness

In this episode of Collaborative Solutions, host Barry Feaker and Misty Bosch-Hastings welcome Melanie Lewis Dickerson, Director of Large-Scale Change at Community Solutions, to explore the groundbreaking Built for Zero initiative. Melanie shares how Community Solutions is leading a national and global effort to make homelessness rare and brief by uniting communities around data-driven strategies and compassionate collaboration.
She explains how Built for Zero empowers communities like Lawrence, Kansas, to track real-time data through tools like the by-name list, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks. Melanie’s message is one of hope and possibility—homelessness can be solved, and when communities work together with shared purpose, real change is possible. Her inspiring vision shows that with commitment and collaboration, we can make homelessness a thing of the past.