Michael Hollis is an expert in food systems and urban agriculture, with over two decades of experience at the intersection of food, community, and resilience. He currently holds the position of Vice President for Community Food Security at Services for the Underserved in New York City. Michael has previously managed feeding operations in disaster zones and has a background in environmental compliance and greenhouse design. His work emphasizes empowering communities to reclaim creativity and agency in building sustainable and equitable food systems.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise engages with Michael Hollis, a leading figure in New York City's food security and urban farming movements. Michael addresses the multi-layered issue of food insecurity in New York, highlighting the quiet yet widespread struggles experienced by families across the city. He discusses how food insecurity transcends the absence of food, affecting physical health, social structures, and mental well-being.

Michael outlines the deep connections between food insecurity and broader issues like housing instability, employment challenges, and healthcare disparities. He describes how these problems interlock in feedback loops, exacerbating each other's impacts. The conversation shifts toward the impressive resilience and innovation of New Yorkers, with Michael sharing inspiring stories of community initiatives and discussing actionable steps for achieving a hunger-free city. By emphasizing justice and community-led efforts, he makes a compelling argument for redesigning systems to treat food as a human right.

Key Takeaways:

• Invisible Struggles and Trade-offs: Food insecurity in NYC is marked by unseen sacrifices families make, such as skipping meals or traveling long distances for groceries.
• Wider Impacts of Insecurity: Beyond hunger, food insecurity erodes mental health, undermines community cohesion, and adds to chronic health issues.
• Systemic Roots of Inequity: Historical planning decisions and structural racism sustain access disparities, disconnecting many New Yorkers from abundant food supplies.
• Community Ingenuity: Local initiatives like community fridges and urban farms are innovative responses, exemplifying neighborly support and creativity in addressing food access.
• Path to Transformation: Achieving food security in NYC requires systemic justice, community empowerment, and policies that treat food as an intrinsic right.

Notable Quotes:

• "The real face of food insecurity isn't just hunger; it's that stress, it's the limited choices." – Michael Hollis
• "A hunger free city isn't just one with more food, it's one with more justice." – Michael Hollis
• "Solutions don't just come from large systems or programs but from communities themselves." – Ashley Blaise
• "Food is not just a privilege, but a human right." – Michael Hollis

Resources:

• Services for the Underserved
• Friendly Fridge BX (Community Fridge Network)
• City Harvest (Rescuing Food For NYC)
• Rescuing Leftover Cuisine

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Jennifer Stanford Vogt is an established professional in the human services sector, with a career deeply influenced by serendipity and her belief in divine intervention. A graduate of Keuka College in 2008, Jennifer began her journey as a job readiness and GED instructor, eventually transitioning into the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Her roles have included direct support professional (DSP) and staff development trainer, and her insights are further informed by her personal experience as a parent of a child with multiple diagnoses, including autism and epilepsy. Currently, Jennifer serves as the Associate Director of Education and Training at eVero Corporation, leading teams in creating impactful learning programs and fostering innovation in the sector.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise welcomes Jennifer Stanford Vogt, whose path through the realms of human service and parenthood brings an invaluable perspective on the interplay between direct support professionals (DSPs) and families. Jennifer shares how her dual experiences as both a parent and a DSP have shaped her understanding of these roles as a partnership built on empathy and effective communication. Her narrative underscores the mutual effort needed for individuals with disabilities to flourish, spotlighting how these interactions can foster personal growth, skill development, and emotional well-being.

Jennifer dismantles common misconceptions about DSPs, emphasizing the skills, critical thinking, and emotional resilience required in their role. Her insights pave the way for families and DSPs to foster mutual respect and build healthy partnerships. By acknowledging the emotions and needs of both sides, Jennifer suggests concrete ways to strengthen these relationships, like regular check-ins, active listening, and transparent communication. Overall, the episode provides a compelling view into the complexities of caregiving, offering a call to action for both families and professionals to work cohesively towards enriching the lives of those they support.

Key Takeaways:

• Beyond 'Babysitting': The role of DSPs is often misunderstood; it involves advocacy, problem-solving, and much more than supervision.
• Building Trust and Respect: Regular communication and small gestures of acknowledgment help to build trust between families and DSPs.
• The Human Aspect: Acknowledging the emotional journey of both DSPs and families leads to better support structures and cooperation.
• Partnership over Isolation: Success relies on treating the family-DSP relationship as a collaborative effort instead of two opposing sides.

Notable Quotes:

• "It truly takes a real partnership, some empathy, and communication to make it happen."
• "DSPs are constantly problem-solving, teaching, advocating, and adapting in the moment."
• "At the end of the day, we're all just really here for the same reason: to help the person that we're both engaged with grow, develop, and thrive."
• "Assume always that there are good intentions and really listen to each other."

Resources:

• eVero Corporation

For a deeper dive into this enlightening discussion, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more insightful content on DSP Talk, where we continue to explore stories and strategies that enhance the lives of those working in human services.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Alcorn is a dedicated student at Mohawk Community College, where he excels in the field of small business studies, having made the principal’s list three times and being an esteemed member of the National Honor Society. Michael is also known for his cheerful demeanor and commitment at Taco Bell, where he is training to become a manager. Despite overcoming learning disabilities, Michael is pursuing his dream to open his own restaurant, the Acorn Tree, highlighting his perseverance and passion for entrepreneurship.

Episode Summary:

Join host Asheley Blaise on this inspiring episode of DSP Talk, where she engages with Michael Alcorn, a student at Mohawk Community College and an aspiring entrepreneur currently working at Taco Bell. Michael shares his journey of overcoming learning disabilities and the pivotal role employment specialists played in helping him find and keep meaningful employment. Discover the personal challenges he faced and how he turned them into opportunities to grow, both in education and in his job.

In this enlightening conversation, Asheley and Michael delve into the significance of job coaches in the IDD field, contrasting prior unsupportive experiences with the transformative impact of dedicated employment specialists. Michael openly discusses the transitional journey from working at a sheltered workshop to thriving in a dynamic work environment, training to become a manager. As Michael approaches the completion of his studies, he aims to acquire a bachelor’s degree and eventually open his restaurant, demonstrating determination fueled by supportive resources.

Key Takeaways:

• Employment specialists play a vital role in aiding individuals with disabilities to secure and maintain fulfilling jobs.
• Finding the "right" employment specialist can be crucial to workplace success and personal growth.
• Experience in the fast-paced environment of Taco Bell has equipped Michael with skills and confidence for his future entrepreneurial endeavors.
• Education and patience have been key to Michael's journey towards managerial roles and the dream of owning a restaurant.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Having the right employment specialist can help you succeed in your job. Not just any employment specialist, but the right one." - Michael Alcorn
2. "The two employment specialists that I had understood me, knew that I needed the experience to help open my own restaurant." - Michael Alcorn

Tune in to this episode to gain an understanding of the intricacies of support systems that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their career goals. Stay connected with DSP Talk for more inspiring stories and insights.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.