Peace Out Poverty

About Peace Out Poverty

Do Local Good is a podcast created by United Way of the Alberta Capital Region and the team of volunteers on the GenNEXT Cabinet. We feature stories and people from the Edmonton region to inform, inspire, and invite others to join us in building resilient and thriving communities. Listen in to learn about some of the local good already happening, and how you can be a part of the force for good!

Publisher

United Way of the Alberta Capital Region (GenNEXT)

Category

business · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Nov 2021

Latest episode

2 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

24 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Sept 2026

   What Happens When a Child Gets the Right Support Before They Ever Fall Behind?

   About the Episode In this episode of Do Local Good, host Skyler sits down with Erin Gobolos, CEO of ABC Head Start Society, for a powerful conversation about early childhood development, family support, and the importance of giving children the right start. Together, they explore how early intervention and quality early learning can help children build the confidence, communication, social-emotional skills, and independence they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. Erin shares how ABC Head Start takes a holistic approach by supporting not only the child, but the entire family through classroom-based programming, specialized resources, and wraparound support. From navigating food insecurity, housing instability, social isolation and other barriers to celebrating milestones at Literacy Backpack Day, this episode highlights how investing in children during their earliest years can help change the trajectory of their lives. The conversation also explores what kindergarten readiness really means, why play-based learning matters, and how strong partnerships between educators, families and community organizations can help children continue to succeed long after they leave the ABC Head Start program. It’s an encouraging reminder that when children receive the right support early, they can build strong foundations for learning, confidence and connection — one child at a time. Featured Programs and Resources ABC Head Start Society ABC Head Start Society provides early learning and development programming for children aged 3 to 5 who may be experiencing speech, language, behavioural or developmental challenges. Their classroom-based programming combines certified teachers and education assistants with specialized support from speech, behaviour and occupational therapy professionals. ABC Head Start also provides wraparound family support through its social work and Family Engagement teams, helping families navigate challenges and connect with community resources. Learn More → https://www.abcheadstart.org/ (https://www.abcheadstart.org/) Head Start Program ABC Head Start’s inclusive, classroom-based early learning program supports children who may need additional support with speech, learning and social development. Programming focuses on the whole child, including social-emotional development, communication, health and wellness, and kindergarten readiness. Learn More → https://www.abcheadstart.org/programs/head-start (https://www.abcheadstart.org/programs/head-start) Family Engagement Programs Support at ABC Head Start extends beyond the classroom. Family Engagement programs help caregivers build connections, confidence and skills through opportunities such as Parent Workshops, Family Connections Groups, Stay and Play Groups and financial literacy sessions. Learn More → https://www.abcheadstart.org/parent-resources (https://www.abcheadstart.org/parent-resources) Join the Movement Get Involved with GenNEXT United Way’s GenNEXT is a volunteer-led initiative designed to inspire the next generation of leaders to drive meaningful change in our community. Learn More →https://www.myunitedway.ca/take-action/join-a-group/gennext/ (https://www.myunitedway.ca/take-action/join-a-group/gennext/) Special Acknowledgment We extend our sincere thanks to Erin Gobolos, CEO of ABC Head Start Society, for joining us and sharing her insight into the importance of early childhood development, family support and investing in children early. Thank you as well to the entire team at ABC Head Start Society for their continued commitment to children and families across Edmonton, and for partnering with United Way of the Alberta Capital Region to help create brighter futures for our community. To every listener, thank you for tuning in and continuing to champion what it means to do local good in our communities. Land Acknowledgment This episode was recorded in Edmonton, Alberta, on Treaty Six Territory and the Métis Nation of Alberta North Saskatchewan River Territory. We acknowledge that this land has long served as a meeting place, gathering ground, and travel route for the diverse Indigenous Peoples who have called it home for generations. These include the nêhiyawak (Cree), Blackfoot, Dene, Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Nakota Sioux, Inuit, and Métis. We are deeply grateful for the resources, knowledge, and culture shared by Indigenous communities, as we walk together on the path toward reconciliation. We honour and respect their contributions, which help guide our work to ensure no one in our community is left behind.

2. 

   6 May 2026

   A Seat at the Table: Building Community Through Food

   About the Episode What if the most powerful tool for fighting social isolation wasn’t a program, a PowerPoint, or a policy — but a meal shared around a kitchen table? In this episode of Do Local Good, host Yawa Idi sits down with Kathryn Way from Alberta Parenting for the Future Association (APFA) to explore how cultural cooking is breaking down barriers and building belonging in the Tri-region. Together, they unpack how a kitchen and the simple act of sharing a meal — can become a catalyst for community connection, mental health, and youth empowerment. The conversation digs into APFA’s “Stir It Up” cultural cooking program, which uses food as a vehicle for youth development, cross-cultural connection, and mental health skill-building. From learning patience while waiting for dough to rise, to standing beside someone from a completely different background and laughing about cake pops, the kitchen becomes a place where young people discover confidence, accountability, and a genuine sense of purpose. The discussion also explores how the program reaches Indigenous youth, newcomer families, and kids with diverse needs, weaving in Elders, the Seven Sacred Teachings, and a community fridge that gives youth a sense of contribution. In a region where rural isolation is real and resources are stretched, APFA is showing that something as simple as a recipe can spark massive change. This episode invites listeners to reconsider what youth programming can look like when it starts with belonging rather than curriculum — and asks: What becomes possible when we give young people a seat at the table? Featured Programs and Resources Alberta Parenting for the Future Association (APFA) Alberta Parenting for the Future Association (APFA) has been strengthening family connections in the Tri-Municipal Area for 30 years. Based at the Family Connection Centre in Stony Plain and serving Spruce Grove, Parkland County, As a Provincial Family Resource Network and the Hub for the Tri-Region, APFA offers free programs for children and families from birth to age 24 — including parent workshops, infant and early childhood programs, support groups, and child and youth programs. Through the Family Connection Centre and with funding from the United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, APFA also runs food rescue initiatives, a youth mental health cooking programming. Learn More → (https://youcan.ca/)https://www.apfa.ca/ (https://www.apfa.ca/) Stir It Up — Youth Mental Health Cooking Program Stir It Up is APFA's youth mental health cooking program for grades 6–12, following the Healthy Together evidence-based model and drawing on the wisdom of Community Kitchens as natural gathering spaces. Each week, youth participate in an activity of their choice, a group discussion, and a food component — building protective factors for youth and their families as the kitchen becomes a space where young people develop confidence, accountability, patience, and genuine connections with peers from diverse backgrounds. The learning that happens together around food translates directly into basic life skills that support youth in going from surviving to thriving. The design of the program supports newcomer youth, Indigenous youth and those with disabilities. Learn More → https://www.apfa.ca/ (https://www.apfa.ca/) Food Rescue Program Every Wednesday, APFA’s Food Rescue Program provides free food to families across Parkland County, Stony Plain, and Spruce Grove — no registration required, open to anyone. Food is sourced from the local food bank and distributed at the Family Connection Centre. The program is also woven into the Stir It Up cooking series, where youth prepare and package meals for the community fridge, connecting them directly to the real impact of their work. Volunteers are always welcome to help with food rescue days and packaging. Learn More → https://www.apfa.ca/ (https://youcan.ca/programs/) Join the Movement Get Involved with GenNEXT United Way’s GenNEXT is a volunteer-led initiative designed to inspire the next generation of leaders to drive meaningful change in our community. Learn More → https://www.myunitedway.ca/take-action/join-a-group/gennext/ (https://www.myunitedway.ca/take-action/join-a-group/gennext/) Special Acknowledgment Thank you to Kathryn Way from Alberta Parenting for the Future Association for sharing your story, your experience, and your deep commitment to youth and community. We also extend our appreciation to the entire APFA team for your continued commitment to serving families across the Tri-Municipal Area with creativity, care, and cultural humility, and for partnering with United Way of the Alberta Capital Region to strengthen support systems for youth and families. To every listener, thank you for tuning in and for continuing to champion what it means to do local good in our communities. Land Acknowledgment This episode was recorded in Edmonton, Alberta, on Treaty Six Territory and the Métis Nation of Alberta North Saskatchewan River Territory. We acknowledge that this land has long served as a meeting place, gathering ground, and travel route for the diverse Indigenous Peoples who have called it home for generations. These include the nêhiyawak (Cree), Blackfoot, Dene, Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Nakota Sioux, Inuit, and Métis. We are deeply grateful for the resources, knowledge, and culture shared by Indigenous communities, as we walk together on the path toward reconciliation. We honour and respect their contributions, which help guide our work to ensure no one in our community is left behind.

3. 

   4 Mar 2026

   How Relational Hospitality Builds Belonging

   How Relational Hospitality Builds Belonging About the Episode What if community care felt less like an appointment and more like coming home? In this episode of Do Local Good, host Vasu sits down with Omar, Ibrahim, and Ali from IslamicFamily (IFSSA) to explore how relational hospitality is reshaping support across the Edmonton community. Together, they share how the organization centres relationships over transactions in its approach to community care. From thoughtfully designed spaces that reduce stress and foster trust, to delivering services in multiple languages that meet newcomers where they are, the conversation highlights how environment and approach directly influence outcomes. The team shares how Empower U moves beyond short-term assistance by equipping participants with culturally relevant financial literacy to help break cycles of poverty. The discussion also explores The Green Room, a youth initiative designed as a “third space” — not school, not mosque, not home — but a welcoming environment where young people can explore identity, faith, and community without judgment. In a time marked by increasing isolation, these relational spaces do more than provide services; they cultivate belonging. This episode invites listeners to reconsider what effective social services look like and asks: What becomes possible when care is rooted in relationship rather than transaction? Featured Programs and Resources IslamicFamily IslamicFamily supports individuals and families in the Edmonton area through compassionate, culturally sensitive care that helps the whole person flourish. Their programs span essential needs support, counselling, youth initiatives like The Green Room, newcomer services, and financial literacy education. Their work uplifts the community by offering comprehensive, culturally grounded support and safe spaces where people can connect, grow, and thrive. Learn More → (https://youcan.ca/)https://www.islamicfamily.ca/ (https://www.islamicfamily.ca/) The Green Room The Green Room is an IslamicFamily initiative dedicated to supporting racialized and newcomer Muslim youth and young adults. It offers a safe and welcoming space where individuals can connect, learn, and grow while expressing their faith, culture, and creativity. The Green Room provides a range of activities, programs, and services that promote well-being, educational advancement, and community engagement. It supports young people navigating contemporary challenges, seeking meaningful connections, and exploring opportunities that foster belonging and purpose. Learn More → https://www.thegreenroomyeg.ca (https://www.thegreenroomyeg.ca/) Empower U Empower U is a financial literacy program delivered in partnership with the United Way of the Alberta Capital Region that helps participants build long-term economic stability. It combines practical money management skills with culturally relevant supports to help individuals and families strengthen financial confidence, set goals, and reduce cycles of dependency. At IslamicFamily, Empower U is offered in multiple languages to better serve diverse newcomer and community populations. Learn More → (https://youcan.ca/programs/)https://www.myunitedway.ca/how-we-help/life-skills/empower-u/ (https://www.myunitedway.ca/how-we-help/life-skills/empower-u/) Join the Movement Get Involved with GenNEXT United Way’s GenNEXT is a volunteer-led initiative designed to inspire the next generation of leaders to drive meaningful change in our community. Learn More → https://www.myunitedway.ca/take-action/join-a-group/gennext/ (https://www.myunitedway.ca/take-action/join-a-group/gennext/) Special Acknowledgment Thank you to Omar, Ibrahim, and Ali for sharing your perspectives and lived experiences, and for demonstrating what spaces of belonging can look like in practice. We also extend our appreciation to the entire team at IslamicFamily for your continued commitment to serving the Edmonton community with dignity, intention, and care, and for partnering with United Way of the Alberta Capital Region to strengthen support systems for individuals and families. To every listener, thank you for tuning in and for continuing to champion what it means to do local good in our communities. Land Acknowledgment This episode was recorded in Edmonton, Alberta, on Treaty Six Territory and the Métis Nation of Alberta North Saskatchewan River Territory. We acknowledge that this land has long served as a meeting place, gathering ground, and travel route for the diverse Indigenous Peoples who have called it home for generations. These include the nêhiyawak (Cree), Blackfoot, Dene, Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Nakota Sioux, Inuit, and Métis. We are deeply grateful for the resources, knowledge, and culture shared by Indigenous communities, as we walk together on the path toward reconciliation. We honour and respect their contributions, which help guide our work to ensure no one in our community is left behind.

Who has been a guest on Peace Out Poverty

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Emma Potter
• Ashley Baxter
• Yaël Witvoet

Reach and audience

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

YouTube views

980,263

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

12 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 50 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

42

Social presence

0

YouTube

82

Engagement

60