Collaborative Solutions Podcast

Episode 15: Nick Casarona - Breaking Down Barriers in Addiction Recovery

In this powerful episode of Collaborative Solutions, Nick Casarona, Regional Area Director of Mirror, Inc., speaks about breaking down barriers for the unsheltered population facing substance use disorder. Drawing from his own journey of addiction and recovery, Nick shares how his lived experience fuels his commitment to outreach. He highlights the importance of meeting people where they are and leveraging peers to foster trust, provide continuity of care, and ultimately transform lives. Nick's story is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of hope.

Episode 14: John Krehbiel - How a Father's Love Changed a Community

In this inspiring episode of "Collaborative Solutions," John Krehbiel shares his journey from being an outsider to becoming a key advocate for homelessness solutions in Lawrence, Kansas. Moved by his son's mental health challenges, John took a leap of faith, ultimately finding a calling in addressing homelessness. His involvement with Justice Matters, Jubilee Cafe, and the Lawrence Community Shelter highlights his dedication to meaningful change. John's realization that love means getting involved in the messiest aspects of life drives his passion for ending homelessness, emphasizing faithfulness over success. His story inspires us all to look beyond ourselves, recognize the shared humanity in others, and take action to build a community where no one is left behind.

Episode 13: Kristen Egan & Cicely Thornton - Using Data to Drive Change

In this episode of Collaborative Solutions, hosts Barry Feaker and Misty Bosch-Hastings are joined by Kristen Egan from the Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition and Cicely Thornton, Homeless Response Team Lead, to explore the vital role data plays in addressing homelessness. The conversation delves into how the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) tracks services, connects agencies, and helps develop data-driven solutions for those experiencing homelessness. By analyzing trends, such as the rise in unsheltered women and the effectiveness of coordinated service delivery, the team highlights the importance of using data to shape community responses. This episode emphasizes how real-time data is being used to drive decisions, improve services, and foster collaboration between agencies, all while working toward the goal of ending chronic homelessness. Listen in to discover how data can be a powerful tool in making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.

Episode 12: Building a Compassionate Community: A Conversation with City of Lawrence Mayor Bart Littlejohn

In this episode of Collaborative Solutions, Mayor Bart Littlejohn of Lawrence, Kansas, shares his insights and vision for the city, focusing on the challenges and opportunities surrounding affordable housing and homelessness. He highlights the city's commitment to helping its most vulnerable citizens through innovative, collaborative efforts, and discusses the importance of building trust and providing wraparound services to ensure long-term success. The mayor also reflects on his journey in public service, his dedication to making Lawrence a more inclusive and supportive community, and the ongoing work to create sustainable housing solutions for all residents. Through his leadership, Mayor Littlejohn aims to inspire collective action and progress toward a better future for Lawrence.

Episode 11: Artists Helping the Homeless - The Power of Second Chances

On Episode 11 of Collaborative Solutions, Kar Woo, founder of Artists Helping the Homeless (AHH), shares his inspiring journey from artist to advocate, transforming lives through compassion and collaboration. What began as providing meals to the homeless near his art gallery has grown into a full-scale operation offering transportation, medical care, and housing. Dustin Moore, a former client turned community manager, reflects on overcoming addiction and incarceration, highlighting the impact of second chances. Together, they show how peer support and kindness can help even the most vulnerable rebuild their lives and achieve lasting change.

Episode 10: Lawrence’s Approach to Homelessness with Chief Lockhart

In this episode of Collaborative Solutions, we dive deep with Lawrence, Kansas Police Chief Rich Lockhart as he opens up about the pressing issue of homelessness in Lawrence. Chief Lockhart discusses the innovative, community-driven strategies being used to address this complex challenge. From groundbreaking programs like "Familiar Faces" to the city's ambitious goal of ending chronic homelessness, this episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of law enforcement and social service.

Episode 9: Transforming Homelessness through Leadership and Community with Barry Feaker

In this episode of the Collaborative Solutions podcast, the discussion takes an introspective turn as Barry Feaker, the founder, and CEO of Compassion Strategies, shares his journey from leading the Topeka Rescue Mission to becoming a consultant for the City of Lawrence. Through heartfelt anecdotes and reflections, Barry emphasizes the importance of compassion, strategic thinking, and the power of relationships in addressing homelessness.
His story illustrates how a deep commitment to helping others, driven by faith, and understanding, can lead to impactful, long-lasting change. The conversation serves as an inspiring reminder that while the work is challenging, it is also profoundly rewarding, as individuals and communities come together to create solutions that truly make a difference. Lawrence and Douglas County are highlighted as examples of communities with both the heart and determination to lead the way in addressing homelessness, providing a model for others to follow.

Episode 8: Jason & Renae - A Journey to Home

In this heartfelt episode of Collaborative Solutions, couple Jason and Renae share their deeply personal journey from homelessness to finding a permanent home. They bravely recount struggles with addiction and the daunting challenges of navigating support systems, shining a light on the critical role community resources played in their journey.
Join us to hear their inspiring experience and discover the resources that helped them find hope and stability. Jason and Renae remind us that every step toward home is a meaningful victory worth celebrating.

Episode 7: Leadership in Action with Jill deVries Jolicoeur

In the latest episode of the Collaborative Solutions podcast, we highlight special guest Jill deVries Jolicoeur, Assistant County Administrator for Douglas County. Jill discusses her extensive role in county government, including her leadership in the "A Place for Everyone" strategic plan to end chronic homelessness.
The episode underscores the necessity of everyone's involvement in solving homelessness, from government officials to ordinary citizens, and promotes a compassionate, inclusive approach to creating a supportive environment for all community members. The message is clear: tackling homelessness requires a community-wide effort, understanding, and investment.

Episode 6: Inside the Transformation of the Homeless Resource Center with Brett Hartford

In this episode of Collaborative Solutions, we shine a spotlight on Brett Hartford, the dynamic director of the Homeless Resource Center (HRC) in Lawrence, Kansas. This podcast delves into Brett's inspiring journey from working on the streets of New York City to transforming the HRC into a vital resource hub for the unsheltered community in Lawrence. Brett discusses the innovative approaches and collaborative efforts that are making a real impact. Tune in to hear about the challenges, successes, and future plans of the HRC, and learn how Brett's dedication is fostering a sense of community and hope for those in need.