Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region

Many young people lack basic financial literacy skills, such as budgeting, saving, investing, and the importance of making informed financial decisions. Junior Achievement of Wisconsin teaches these life skills and so much more: The 100-year-old organization prepares students for the workforce by teaching them essential employability skills, such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking, along with entrepr...

Did you know that drug and alcohol-related deaths in Wisconsin have tripled over the last 15 years? In this episode, we are talking about addiction and recovery. How big of a problem is addiction in our area, what’s being done already, and what are some of the barriers to finding the help people need? 

We are well familiar with Wisconsin’s reputation for being the drunkest state in the nation, where we have 1.3 times higher alcohol...

How does one preserve the stories and history of a rural town like Chilton? Today we're visiting the Chilton Public Library, where staff members are unveiling the untold tales that shape the community's identity, through modern technology. A $4,947 grant from the Chilton Area Community Foundation, our regional affiliate partner, allowed the library to purchase podcasting equipment to record and produce the oral stories of local res...

What happens when we uncover lost stories and tell them in new ways? And how might shared experiences, between people who are different from one another, bring us closer together? In February 2023 during Black History Month, over 1,000 people in the Fox Valley area had the chance to view the film and participate in conversations with the  filmmaker Joanne as part a Northeast WI premiere tour. In this very special episode we’re goin...

Who doesn't need help funding their dreams? For students pursuing post-high school education, the Community Foundation will award more than $1.7 million in scholarships in 2024 to students from more than 70 high schools. We offer scholarships to high school seniors, college and nontraditional students, and K-12 art and music camps and lessons.

It's all possible through the generosity of our donors, who set up scholarships for many ...

Today we’re tackling the big topic of transportation in the Valley. The needs, the gaps and the dreams we have for improving public transit, roads, and our vast network of trails. 

What do we mean when we say "Transportation," and which entities are paving the way for our future

Resources and links in our show notes at: https://www.cffoxvalley.org/podcast/pathways-of-progress-fox-valleys-transportation-terrain/  ‎

Your host:

Amy S...

What podcasts do you like to listen to? You have so many choices these days, and we are grateful that you've chosen to add Voices from the Valley to your playlist! We’ve had a lot of fun and we’ve learned so much from the people in our community who’ve helped us create more than 50 episodes. 

When it comes to our podcast, which has only been around since fall of 2021, some favorites are emerging. We looked at our listenership analy...

In an age of rapid technological advancement and ever-changing demographics, libraries are evolving to become more than just repositories of books – and audio – and video. These days libraries offer a treasure trove of cool things that and vibrant spaces where you can explore, learn, and DO so many interesting things. 

Imagine having access to cutting-edge technology for everyone. Right now in the Fox Valley you can find libraries ...

Today we're excited to highlight an episode from Appleton Engaged, a compelling podcast from the City of Appleton. Much like Voices from the Valley, which is dedicated to amplifying diverse voices within our communities, the Appleton Engaged podcast lifts up the individuals, organizations, and resources that contribute to making our community an extraordinary place to reside, work, and play. And this month, hosts Andy Anaam and Tim...

Sharing stories in the news and lifting up the voices of people in our community really lends itself to making the Fox Valley feel like home. The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region and the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation have been engaged in a major effort to support the work of local newsrooms to bring issues of importance in our region to the forefront through storytelling, and it’s called the NEW News Lab.

The...

Do you know how our youth are doing, as far as mental health and wellness? How can we in the Fox Valley help our teens, and prevent the things that can lead to anxiety or even a crisis? The answers are complex, and challenging.

There is no doubt our teens are in crisis – with pressures our older generations can’t even imagine, because it really is a new world – and Covid made it worse. According to the latest Youth Risk Behavior Su...

In an age of rapid technological advancement and ever-changing demographics, libraries are evolving to become more than just repositories of books. They have transformed into vibrant community hubs, catering to the diverse needs and interests of all residents in the Fox Valley region. Today, we’ll explore the remarkable role that libraries play in shaping our communities, fostering inclusion, and adapting to the changing time...

In this episode, we’re talking about including and empowering our neighbors and family members with differing abilities and exploring the power of inclusion in our communities through Special Olympics. Our guests today include parents, coaches, volunteers, and of course the incredible athletes who inspire us all with their determination, courage, and sportsmanship. These game-changers are flourishing through organizations like Sp...

Today we’re doing an entire podcast episode about podcasts! Why do people like them so much, and how are organizations using this audio platform to tell their stories in a whole new way? And what do you need to do to start your own podcast? It’s easier than you might think! 

What is a podcast? It is simply an audio tool that people and organizations can use to tell their stories and inspire people to think, dream, engage and act.

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Art truly does help shape a community in so many different ways. Performing arts in particular can provide a platform to celebrate traditions, customs, and stories, fostering a sense of identity and pride among community members. A community rich in arts can foster economic development too, and give tourists a reason to visit a venue and boost the vitality of the region. Today's episode is a second part of a 2-part series on arts m...

Did you know that engaging children in arts activities can teach team-building skills and provide a positive and constructive outlet and build their self-confidence? Here at the Community Foundation, we are dedicated to supporting art activities that bring our communities together and provide creative opportunities for people of all ages.

Research shows arts-rich communities stimulate innovative thinking, recruit and retain residen...

Finding quality childcare in Wisconsin is a challenge, with long waitlists. It's also expensive. Many parents say they are paying more than their monthly mortgage or rent to have their children cared for while they work. And for single parents, it's a difficult road to navigate.

If you don’t have young children in your life, you may be thinking this topic doesn’t apply to you – but it does! Nearly nine in 10 working parents say ch...

Do you know how our youth are doing, as far as mental health and wellness? How can we in the Fox Valley help our teens, and prevent the things that can lead to anxiety or even a crisis? The answers are complex, and challenging.

There is no doubt our teens are in crisis – with pressures our older generations can’t even imagine, because it really is a new world – and Covid made it worse. According to the latest Youth Risk Behavior S...