Mentoring Partnership of Miami County

About Mentoring Partnership of Miami County

Discover true stories of transformation from mentors, mentees, and partners across Miami County. The Mentoring Partnership of Miami County Podcast inspires community members to get involved in youth mentoring. Hear how mentoring changes lives, builds stronger communities, and creates brighter futures. Whether you're a current or potential mentor, community leader, or a champion of children, this podcast offers insight, encouragement, and connection. Be the person you needed. Start your mentoring journey today.

Publisher

Mentoring Partnership of Miami County

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 May 2025

Latest episode

31 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   31 Aug 2026

   From Hesitation to Connection: Mentoring at a School in Troy | Beth Peters

   Many active adults and recent retirees reach a phase where daily routines leave an underlying lack of purpose or genuine connection. When local resident Beth Peters decided to explore volunteer mentoring at the Cooperative Learning Center, she was initially unsure if she had what it took to build trust with high school students navigating challenging personal circumstances. Through simple, consistent presence—whether sharing math triumphs, playing instruments during music class, or setting up tabletop bowling—Beth discovered that teenagers do not need expert skills or rigid agendas; they simply need a reliable adult who shows up and listens. Stepping into youth mentoring transformed Beth’s weekly routine into an ongoing source of personal energy and fulfillment. By offering one hour a week, she actively supports local youth in childhood trauma recovery and self-worth development while gaining a renewed sense of connection to her community. For anyone seeking deeper meaning through service, Beth’s experience proves that showing up for a young person creates a profound, life-changing impact for both the student and the mentor. Fill out this no-commitment form: https://www.mentoringpartnership.org/schools (https://www.mentoringpartnership.org/schools) Episode Timestamps & Chapter Markers0:00 The Unexpected Gift of Mentoring1:25 Welcome to the MPMC Podcast2:03 Introducing Beth Peters3:00 Connecting with the Cooperative Learning Center6:56 Music, Games, and Building Trust9:38 Supporting Allison: Math Milestones and Bowling14:50 Overcoming Initial Hesitation16:25 Insights from CLC Director Lisa Hyde22:00 Leveraging Personal Interests to Connect26:39 How One Friend's Invitation Changed Everything34:37 Beth's Message to Future Local Volunteers

2. 

   15 Dec 2025

   The Hidden Reward of Mentoring: How Mentoring Brings Healing & Purpose to Adults | Dave Larson Pt. 2

   What if the secret to solving the challenges facing our youth—and the lack of purpose felt by so many adults—was the same solution? In the powerful conclusion of our conversation, Dave Larson, Superintendent of the Miami County ESC, reveals why authentic, embodied relationships are infinitely more potent than any program in addressing the effects of childhood trauma recovery. This episode challenges the myth that you need to be perfect to help, arguing that our flaws and shared experiences are our greatest assets. Dave and Paul discuss the transformative, mutual healing that happens when an adult steps up for a child with a harder story. The reward for the volunteer mentor is a renewed sense of purpose that goes deeper than any career or hobby. If you are listening in Troy, Piqua, or Tipp City, Ohio, and you are looking for a meaningful way to make a difference right where you are, this is your invitation. The commitment is flexible, but the impact is profound. If you are ready to explore the fulfilling path of youth mentoring in the Miami County Ohio area, take the next step today: Fill out this no-commitment form to take the next step: https://tr.ee/mpmc (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://tr.ee/mpmc)_digital

3. 

   9 Dec 2025

   Every Child Deserves a Village: The Truth About Kids Today & How You Can Help with Superintendent Dave Larson | Part 1

   Kids today are facing more than most adults realize—and far more than many faced even a decade ago. Rising disconnection, childhood trauma, unstable home environments, and the loss of everyday supportive relationships have left too many young people in Miami County navigating life without the steady presence of a caring adult. In this powerful two-part conversation, Miami County ESC Superintendent Dave Larson opens up about the real state of our kids—what teachers, coaches, and school leaders are seeing every day, and why community-based youth mentoring has become one of the most urgent needs in our region. Dave shares personal stories of his own daughters walking through trauma, what he’s seen across classrooms and athletic fields, and why he believes every child—no matter their ZIP code, background, or family situation—deserves a village of supportive adults who won’t give up on them. You’ll hear: Why so many kids across Miami County feel disconnected and unseen What “kids from hard stories” truly face—and how healing relationships take root The gap that volunteer mentors can fill, especially for youth navigating poverty, instability, or trauma How simple, consistent presence—not expertise—changes a child’s trajectory Why rebuilding our county’s “relational village” may be the most important work we do Whether you’re from Troy, Piqua, Tipp City, Covington, Bradford, or somewhere in between, this conversation will expand your picture of what local kids are carrying—and how you can play a real role in changing their story. If you’ve ever wondered whether you could be the steady, encouraging adult a young person is waiting for… this episode is your sign. Take the next step toward becoming a mentor—or simply explore what’s possible. Fill out this no-commitment form: https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital (https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital)

4. 

   1 Dec 2025

   Birthday Candle Lights in the Darkness: WLBP Pt. 2 with Shelly Calvert

   In this heartfelt conversation, Paul sits down with Shelly Calvert to explore We Love Birthday Parties and how simple monthly celebrations can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Learn how joy, consistency, and affirming words help kids from hard places begin to heal from childhood trauma, rebuild confidence, and open the door to long-term mentoring relationships across Miami County. From Troy to Piqua and Tipp City, discover how local volunteers are making a tangible difference for at-risk youth. If you want to help a child thrive, complete this 2-minute, no-commitment interest form to explore how you can become a mentor and support kids in your community: https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital (https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital)

5. 

   30 Nov 2025

   We're So Glad You Were Born - We Love Birthday Parties w/ Shelly Calvert Part 1

   Why Celebrating a Child’s Birthday Can Heal Trauma — We Love Birthday Parties What if a simple birthday party could change the trajectory of a child’s life? Join us as Shelly Calvert, founder of We Love Birthday Parties, shares how simple celebrations bring healing, dignity, and hope to kids from hard places in Miami County and beyond. Discover powerful stories of childhood poverty, birthday boxes, afterschool programs, and the life-changing impact of showing up for a child. If you want to mentor youth, volunteer locally, or support struggling families, this episode will inspire your next step. Shelly shares: The moment God stirred her heart to serve kids in foster care and beyond How a birthday party became a pathway to healing and hope The incredible impact volunteers can make—sometimes in just one hour The stories that keep her going when the work feels heavy Why community-driven compassion is essential for collective well-being If you’ve ever wondered how to make a real difference in a child’s life—or how small acts of love can transform a whole community—this episode will move you and give you a clear path to get involved. 👉 Take a simple next step: Complete this quick 2-minute, non-committal interest form to explore how you can help care for at-risk kids throughout Miami County: https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital (https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital) 🎥 Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rsUGUdINI48 (https://youtu.be/rsUGUdINI48) 00:00 – Kids who don’t know their birthday & the heart behind the mission 01:00 – Why birthdays matter so deeply for children 02:40 – Podcast introduction 03:00 – Who Shelly is and the vision of We Love Birthday Parties 04:20 – “How are the children?” — What kids are facing today 06:00 – Childhood trauma, overwhelmed parents & unseen stories 07:25 – Why one caring adult changes everything 09:00 – How volunteers can support and get involved 10:10 – What a typical birthday party looks like 11:50 – Different volunteer roles and personality fits 13:40 – Easy on-ramps to mentoring 15:00 – The message every child needs to hear 16:25 – How centers partner with We Love Birthday Parties 18:00 – Kids in deep poverty & the need for expanding the mission 19:40 – The “unseen mission” of birthday boxes 21:00 – What’s inside a birthday box & why it matters 22:40 – The impact on parents and family bonding 24:20 – Stories of healing and dignity 25:45 – How donations directly support families 28:00 – Why booking the event space fuels the mission 29:30 – The win-win of community rentals 31:00 – The essential emotional need only this mission fills 32:30 – Final encouragement & invitation to take a step 33:20 – Bonus: Why Part 2 is worth your time

6. 

   25 Nov 2025

   Getting the Waitlist to Zero: Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Miami Valley with Paul Rubenstein

   In this episode, Paul Rubenstein from Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami Valley shares how one caring adult can change the trajectory of a child’s life—and why the goal of bringing the youth mentoring waitlist to zero matters now more than ever. We explore how mentoring works, why so many local kids are waiting, and the practical steps anyone can take to make a life-changing impact in their own community. If you’ve ever wondered whether you could make a difference, this conversation will show you just how simple, meaningful, and powerful mentoring can be. 👉 Interested in exploring mentorship? Complete this 2-minute, non-committal form: https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital (https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital) 🎥 Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BshvYWMigCs (https://youtu.be/BshvYWMigCs)

7. 

   31 Oct 2025

   For 500 Kids, "Hope Has an Address" at The Troy Rec w/ Kelly Snyder

   For 500 kids in Troy “Hope has an address”—and it’s The Troy Rec. In this powerful episode, Executive Director Kelly Snyder shares what life is really like for local youth growing up in hard circumstances: parental incarceration, unstable homes, loneliness, and the painful reality of not having a trusted adult to talk to. Kelly reveals how the Troy Rec Center becomes a safe haven for these kids—offering belonging, mentorship, honest conversations, and a consistent place to simply be themselves. You’ll hear real stories, eye-opening statistics, and a behind-the-scenes look at how mentors change the trajectory of a child’s life. If you’ve ever wondered how to support at-risk youth in Miami County, this conversation will both break your heart and inspire you to take meaningful action. ✅ Want to explore becoming a mentor (no commitment required)? Fill out the 2-minute interest form → https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital (https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital) 🎥 Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E_hFS5I5z3g (https://youtu.be/E_hFS5I5z3g) 00:00 – The impact of incarceration on families 00:35 – Heartbreaking feedback from students 01:11 – Why the community center matters 01:54 – Listening and guiding with empathy 02:27 – How hope grows through mentorship 04:11 – Real stories from the Troy Rec 05:12 – What today’s youth are facing 06:06 – Building connection through respect 07:37 – The power of honest conversation 10:42 – Understanding kinship care 11:39 – Statistics behind the stories 13:51 – Why community support is essential 18:34 – Creating a welcoming environment 21:55 – Why consistent adults matter 22:59 – How to get involved at the Troy Rec 23:50 – What makes a great volunteer 25:41 – Creating a safe, inclusive space 31:29 – The role of unstructured time 35:31 – How to start volunteering 38:57 – Final thoughts & call to action Episode Topics & Timeline

8. 

   16 Oct 2025

   Advocating for Kids in Court - CASA with Nikki Sherck

   https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital (https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital) Complete this 2-minute, non-committal interest form if you’d like to explore how you can help care for at-risk kids in Miami County. Join Paul Hemminger as he interviews Nikki Sherck, Executive Director of CASA of Miami County (Court Appointed Special Advocates), about the vital role volunteers play in advocating for children in the foster system. Learn how one caring adult can transform a child’s life and how you can get involved through The Mentoring Partnership of Miami County. Episode Highlights: What CASA volunteers do and why it matters Real-life stories of kids impacted by CASA How mentoring and advocacy intersect How anyone in Miami County — Troy, Piqua, Tipp City — can serve Get Involved: ✅ Fill out the quick interest form: https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital (https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital) ✅ Learn more about CASA Miami County: https://miamicountycasa.org ✅ Connect with The Mentoring Partnership: https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital (https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital) 00:00 A Heartfelt Story and Introduction 00:22 Opportunities for After School Programs 01:15 Volunteer Contributions and Impact 01:49 Basketball Leagues and Mentorship 02:09 Personal Stories and Community Impact 03:24 Introduction to the Podcast 03:56 Meet Kim Rupert and the Lincoln Community Center 06:33 Afterschool Program Details 18:21 Summer Program Overview 20:55 Creative and Fun Learning Activities 23:26 Creative Opportunities for Community Involvement 24:26 Workforce Development and Skill Building 28:16 Volunteer Coaches and Sports Programs 31:13 Community Events and Volunteer Needs 35:12 The Importance of Presence and Mentorship 36:53 Heartfelt Stories and Impact 42:38 Invitation to Get Involved

9. 

   29 Sept 2025

   Mentoring, Tutoring, & Coaching at Lincoln Community Center with Kim Rupert

   Lincoln Community Center cares for kids in Troy and you'll learn how you can too. Listen to the first 3-minutes to get a high-level overview. Complete this 2-minute non-committal interest form (https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital) if you’d like to engage in caring for kids through youth mentoring or a variety of other ways. Check out and subscribe to our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@MentoringPartnershipMC) for a video of this interview (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=strSck26JcE&list=PLI6-yq4BiCrywp9a425neuRHL3VJyorCC), shorts (https://www.youtube.com/@MentoringPartnershipMC/shorts), or other conversations we have around mentoring kids from hard places Learn more about The Mentoring Partnership (https://www.mentoringpartnership.org/). Skim, listen, and share other podcast episodes on multiple platforms here (https://www.mentoringpartnership.org/podcast).

10. 

    2 Sept 2025

    Mentoring At-Risk Youth During the Day in Troy with Lisa Heid of the Cooperative Learning Center

    Complete this 2-minute non-committal interest form (https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital) if you’d like to engage in caring for kids through youth mentoring with Lisa and her staff. Check out and subscribe to our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@MentoringPartnershipMC) for a video of this interview (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=strSck26JcE&list=PLI6-yq4BiCrywp9a425neuRHL3VJyorCC), shorts (https://www.youtube.com/@MentoringPartnershipMC/shorts), or other conversations we have around mentoring kids from hard places.

11. 

    4 Aug 2025

    Inviting Young Adults Into Rich Community with Sarah Pierce of Pink Power Pest Control

    Complete this 2-minute non-committal interest form (https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital) if you’d like to engage in caring for kids through youth mentoring or a variety of other ways. Check out and subscribe to our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@MentoringPartnershipMC) for a video of this interview (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=strSck26JcE&list=PLI6-yq4BiCrywp9a425neuRHL3VJyorCC), shorts (https://www.youtube.com/@MentoringPartnershipMC/shorts), or other conversations we have around mentoring kids from hard places. 00:00 Building a Caring Community 01:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:31 Meet Sarah Pierce 02:09 Sarah's Mentoring Journey 03:54 Lessons from Entrepreneurship 05:32 The Power of Showing Up 07:20 Inviting Young Adults to Mentor 08:34 Building Relationships with Kids 24:59 The Importance of Silence and Listening 28:05 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

12. 

    24 Jul 2025

    6 Mentoring Tips w/Playful Pastor Dan

    Complete this 2-minute non-committal interest form (https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital) if you’d like to engage in caring for kids through youth mentoring or a variety of other ways. Check out and subscribe to our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@MentoringPartnershipMC) for a video of this interview (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=strSck26JcE&list=PLI6-yq4BiCrywp9a425neuRHL3VJyorCC), shorts (https://www.youtube.com/@MentoringPartnershipMC/shorts), or other conversations we have around mentoring kids from hard places. 00:00 Dan's Invitation 00:39 Welcome to the Podcast 01:10 Meet Dan "The Man" Cain 02:08 Dan's Mentoring Journey 03:59 Dan's Current Mentoring Activities 09:17 Tips for Effective Mentoring - Tip 1 12:06 Tip #2 15:23 Tip #3 18:05 The Impact of Technology on Human Connection 18:28 Creating a Safe Space for Kids 19:05 Tech-Wise Tribe: Disconnecting from Technology 19:37 Tip #4 20:08 The Importance of Consistency in Mentoring 21:22 Finding Your Groove in Mentoring 22:30 The Power of Showing Up 27:02 Tip #5 27:06 Engaging with Kids Through Open-Ended Questions 28:28 Tip # 6 - The Craft of Building Relationships 31:04 Final Reflections and Call to Action 32:48 Call to Action

13. 

    2 Jul 2025

    Executive Director - Thomas Gilman: Mentors Saved My Life

    Complete this 2-minute non-committal interest form (https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital) if you’d like to engage in caring for kids through youth mentoring or a variety of other ways. Check out and subscribe to our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@MentoringPartnershipMC) for a video of this interview (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=strSck26JcE&list=PLI6-yq4BiCrywp9a425neuRHL3VJyorCC), shorts (https://www.youtube.com/@MentoringPartnershipMC/shorts), or other conversations we have around mentoring kids from hard places. Can one hour a week change a life? In a powerful conversation with Thomas, the new Executive Director of the Mentoring Partnership of Miami County, we’re reminded that small, consistent acts of care—like showing up—can radically impact a child’s life. For Thomas, mentorship was personal. A mentor named Tim showed up, week after week, and became a safe space, a guide, and a lifeline during Thomas’s darkest moments. Today, Thomas is paying it forward, helping others become the person they needed when they were younger. Across Miami County, 26+ partner organizations—from the Lincoln Community Center to Troy Skate Church—are pouring into kids with harder stories. These kids don’t need perfection. They need presence. Whether you're a young adult with flexibility, a retiree with wisdom to share, part of a business, church, or civic group—there’s a place for you. The need is real. The opportunity is now. Be part of the story. Fill out the no-commitment interest form (https://tr.ee/mpmc_digital). Because showing up for a child might just change their life—and yours too. (00:00) The Impact of Mentorship (00:31) Welcome to the Podcast (00:31) Introduction to the Podcast (01:02) Meet Thomas: New Executive Director (02:34) Thomas's Vision and Mission (04:39) Community Partners and Their Roles (08:20) Thomas's Personal Story (18:19) Engaging Different Community Groups (27:19) The Role of Retirees and Young Adults (31:34) Final Thoughts and Call to Action (36:20) Call to Action

14. 

    4 Jun 2025

    Re-Imagine Retirement - Dennis with Kids at the Troy Rec

    Complete this 2-minute non-committal interest form (https://volunteer.mentoringpartnership.org/user/register/) if you’d like to engage in caring for kids through youth mentoring or a variety of other ways. We welcome Dennis Faughn who shows up for kids at the Troy Rec every week. He helps retirees find their purpose and fit through a community of retirees who are re-imagining retirement - The Greater Dayton Refirement Network. (https://www.storyconnect.love/post/refirement) The Mentoring Partnership of Miami County (https://www.mentoringpartnership.org/) guides you in finding the powerful stories of transformation when caring and consistent adults show up for kids from hard places. We want to welcome you into the growing village, the community, who is caring for kids, together.

15. 

    22 May 2025

    The Church of Miami County Caring for Kids From Hard Places Together - Caleb Ingram w/ Declare

    NOTE: I'm sorry you can hear me breathing. This is the 2nd interview that I have ever done and I have a lot to learn :) Thanks for your grace. Caleb said, "Well at least we know you're invested." Ha! Welcome Caleb Ingram with Declare⁠ (https://declare.org/) who helps churches worship and serve together. Caleb brings the insight of working for 10 years with non-profits, churches, and personally alongside a family and 3 boys from a hard place. The Mentoring Partnership of Miami County (https://www.mentoringpartnership.org/) guides you in finding the powerful stories of transformation when caring and consistent adults show up for kids from hard places. We want to welcome you into the growing village, the community, who is caring for kids, together. Complete this 2-minute non-committal interest form (https://volunteer.mentoringpartnership.org/user/register/) if you’d like to engage in caring for kids through youth mentoring or a variety of other ways.

16. 

    22 May 2025

    Skate Church with Jon Hagar

    Troy Skate Church (https://troyskate.church/) To connect with Jon or Sami, go through The Mentoring Partnership's website (https://www.mentoringpartnership.org/) by filling out this 2-minute form (https://volunteer.mentoringpartnership.org/user/register/) and choosing Skate Church as the organization you are hoping to connect with.

17. 

    16 May 2025

    Welcome to the Mentoring Village

    Mentoring Partnership of Miami County (https://www.mentoringpartnership.org/) Complete this 2-minute non-committal interest form (https://volunteer.mentoringpartnership.org/user/register/) if you’d like to engage in caring for kids through youth mentoring or a variety of other ways. There is a kind kid with a hard story waiting for you. And there is a new friend, another adult out who is already on the front lines, ready to welcome you into this community. Let us introduce you to them. Listen in. Share the conversations. And take a small next step forward. Become a part of the village shaping our future—one mentoring relationship at a time.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Contact Mentoring Partnership of Miami County

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.