Beyond The Blog
The Patterson Foundation drives meaningful change through strategic philanthropy by building relationships, fostering collaboration, and sharing knowledge. Moving beyond its weekly blog posts, the Foundation offers Beyond The Blog podcasts to inform and engage listeners while sharing compelling stories of people, organizations, and communities strengthened by its initiatives. Listen to Beyond The Blog podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and iHeartRadio.
Beyond The Blog
Finding Purpose at Any Age: A Conversation with Mrs. Norma Kennedy on Community and Service
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Growing Together: North River highlights the people, partnerships, and possibilities shaping the future of North River Manatee County. Each episode shares real stories and local insights that reveal what matters most to residents and how communities grow stronger by listening and working together.
In this episode of Growing Together: North River, host Alicia Chalmers talks with Norma Kennedy, a lifelong resident and community leader, and octogenarian who rediscovered her purpose after a season of deep personal grief. Norma shares her dedication and servant leadership to North River Manatee County, and how it is fueled by her desire to preserve what makes the community special while helping it evolve to meet the needs of future generations. She sees her service as a way to honor her roots, support her neighbors, and contribute to a shared vision for a stronger, more connected North River.
Whether you live, work, or play in North River, this podcast invites you into meaningful conversations about where we are and how we can grow together.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 1:17 – What Is North River Manatee County?
- 3:45 – What Inspired Norma to Join a New Civic Path Book Circle?
- 4:32 – Finding Purpose Through Community Action
- 8:30 – How the Harwood Institute Helps Communities Create Change
- 9:14 – Listening to the Community: Growing Together in North River Manatee County
- 10:10 – Harwood Labs: Learning to Lead Community Change
- 11:40 – Shifting Your Mindset to Put People First
- 12:43 – Turning Outward: Putting People and Communities First
- 14:36 – Honoring Norma's Leadership and Community Impact
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