Explore every episode of the podcast Mentoring Partnership of Miami County

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_digital

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

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

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

🎥 Watch the full interview on YouTube: 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

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

🎥 Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BshvYWMigCs

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

🎥 Watch the full interview on YouTube: 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

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
✅ Learn more about CASA Miami County: https://miamicountycasa.org
✅ Connect with The Mentoring Partnership: 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

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 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 for a video of this interview, shorts, or other conversations we have around mentoring kids from hard places

Learn more about The Mentoring Partnership. Skim, listen, and share other podcast episodes on multiple platforms here.

Complete this 2-minute non-committal interest form 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 for a video of this interview, shorts, or other conversations we have around mentoring kids from hard places.

Complete this 2-minute non-committal interest form 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 for a video of this interview, 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

Complete this 2-minute non-committal interest form 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 for a video of this interview, 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

Complete this 2-minute non-committal interest form 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 for a video of this interview, 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. Because showing up for a child might just change their life—and yours too.

Complete this 2-minute non-committal interest form 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.

The Mentoring Partnership of Miami County 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 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 for a video of this interview, shorts, or other conversations we have around mentoring kids from hard places

In this episode of the Mentoring Partnership of Miami County Podcast, Paul Hemminger sits down with Caleb Ingram of Declare to explore how churches and community members can come together to support at-risk youth. Caleb shares powerful personal mentoring stories, practical steps for getting involved with local nonprofits, and inspiring insight into God’s call to compassion, service, and showing up for young people who need hope.

Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, volunteer, or someone who cares deeply about kids in your community, this conversation highlights how simple, consistent mentorship can change a child’s life. Caleb explains how churches can partner with nonprofits, how everyday people can become mentors, and why Miami County needs more caring adults stepping up today.

Topics include:
– The power of youth mentoring
– How churches can serve at-risk kids
– Partnerships between churches and nonprofits
– Faith in action and community compassion
– Personal stories of transformation through mentoring
– How to start your mentoring journey
– Encouragement, prayer, and a call to live out God’s mission

If you want to make a difference, grow your impact, or learn how God might be calling you to show up for kids in Miami County, this episode will encourage and equip you.

Listen now and discover how you can help change a child’s story.

00:00 Introduction: Witnessing Growth and Challenges

00:27 The Power of Mentoring Youth

01:16 Navigating God's Mission in Everyday Life

01:52 A Prayer for Guidance and Support

02:41 Personal Stories of Mentorship

03:40 The Role of Churches and Nonprofits

06:02 Challenges and Rewards of Mentorship

12:36 Encouragement to Get Involved

22:48 How to Start Your Mentoring Journey

27:11 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

28:25 Call to Action: Subscribe and Share

Troy Skate Church

To connect with Jon or Sami, go through The Mentoring Partnership's website by filling out this 2-minute form and choosing Skate Church as the organization you are hoping to connect with.

Mentoring Partnership of Miami County

Complete this 2-minute non-committal interest form 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.