Connectopod Learning

Melissa Peruch started with Connectopod when she was in high school during the pandemic. Since then, she has graduated from Connectopod youth reporter to Connectopod youth producer! In her podcast series "restrictED," Melissa Peruch, discusses an overview of eating disorders and goals for this series with Betsy Foldes Meiman, from Connectopod. The mission of restrictED is to open these types of conversations, help spread awareness, and take down serious stereotypes. Melissa shares her personal journey with an eating disorder, how her battle made her stronger, and how it is possible to no longer be restrictED. Listen at Connectopod.net.

Over the course of 10 days, Connectopod collaborated with the Gr818ers and muralist Levi Ponce to restore one of Levi's original pieces: Lady of the Valley. Restoring a mural is Hard Work that takes time, hard work, and COMMUNITY! It is sweaty, physical, and dirty. BUT, it is also joyous, social, and satisfying. So many people from the community came out to support, lend a hand, add their brush strokes, and just enjoy the time spent together. The mural and the accompanying short film document the people and the neighborhood that call Pacoima home. The Lady of the Valley murla is located on the corner of an Nuys Blvd. and Arleta Street in Pacoima, Ca.

On November 14, 2024, the Association of Fundraising Professionals honored our own Gayle Alvarez as the Youth Volunteer of the Year. Gayle started with Connectopod in 2021 as a participant in Changing the Narrative: Unhoused Youth. Her talent, discipline, and dedication were apparent from the start, and so was her incredible empathy. Even when she was struggling to put her life together, she was reaching out to help other unhoused youth find their way. Gayle is now on The Connectopod Youth Board, and is an integral partner in helping Connectopod grow. She is producing a follow-up season to Changing the Narrative:Unhoused Youth. In 2021 Gayle was utilizing the services at the Drop-In Center at the Village Family Services now as the YDHP Street Outreach Coordinator and resource coordinator there, she helps others. Thank you Gayle, for all you do, for your generosity, for your talent, and for your big big heart. Keep shining your light! Her acceptance speech touched us deeply. Here is just a snippet: “Connectopod has taught me that our stories, when shared with authenticity and courage, can be a powerful catalyst for transformation. They can empower others who might feel isolated in their own struggles and bring people together to create a stronger, more empathetic community. Connectopod reminded me that vulnerability can be our greatest strength.”

Congratulations to Adrian Lomeli, Agueda De Santiago, Oscar Pia, Cesar Rosales, Sergio Gonzales, and Leilah Ortega - “Whose artistic vision helped shape the Connectopod Podcast Series "Changing the Narrative Pacoima" Podcasting Project completed in the fall of 2019.” Thank you for the Commendations from US Congressman Tony Cardenas who understands the Pacoima story and continues to inspire with his direct support and active involvement and represents Pacoima with all his heart.