"Join us as we highlight the inspiring work of local businesses and organizations in the South Suburbs of Chicago. In this series, we sit down with community leaders to discuss their impactful initiatives, collaborations, and efforts to make a difference. Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant community!"

]]>pcspodcasts@pcsil.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Tue, 13 Oct 2026 20:44:50 GMTThu, 11 Jun 2026 22:51:16 GMT60Proactive Community Services<p>"Join us as we highlight the inspiring work of local businesses and organizations in the South Suburbs of Chicago. In this series, we sit down with community leaders to discuss their impactful initiatives, collaborations, and efforts to make a difference. Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant community!"</p>episodicProactive Community Servicespcspodcasts@pcsil.orgyesPlease follow the link below, please like and subscribe to The Community Pulse Podcast. Your support helps us grow our audience so we can share more important information with Chicago’s south suburban communities

]]>fe58fb42-630d-42d9-9902-d01893f59d04Fri, 17 Jul 2026 03:16:36 GMT<p>Please follow the link below, please like and subscribe to The Community Pulse Podcast. Your support helps us grow our audience so we can share more important information with Chicago’s south suburban communities</p>no00:00:57Like and subscribefullKendall Matias of Proactive Community Services is a public‑health professional whose work strongly intersects with LGBTQ+ rights and health equity in Illinois. While the search results do not show a specific public statement or interview where she “discusses LGBTQ rights,” her professional record demonstrates sustained leadership in LGBTQ‑affirming health programs and community advocacy across the state.

]]>069d424e-7e3a-4c4a-ae37-c46db5ee7573Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:54:14 GMT<p>Kendall Matias of Proactive Community Services is a public‑health professional whose work strongly intersects with LGBTQ+ rights and health equity in Illinois. While the search results do not show a specific public statement or interview where she “discusses LGBTQ rights,” her professional record demonstrates sustained leadership in LGBTQ‑affirming health programs and community advocacy across the state.</p>no00:26:21Episode 4 LGBTQ rights in Illinois fullKendall Matias shares a concise, sourced history of Pride Month—as it would be explained in a brief educational overview—centers on the Stonewall Uprising of June 1969, which is universally recognized as the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

]]>07d48889-47ae-4499-b9a4-72b2f43cca0aMon, 22 Jun 2026 21:13:41 GMT<p>Kendall Matias shares a concise, sourced history of Pride Month—as it would be explained in a brief educational overview—centers on the Stonewall Uprising of June 1969, which is universally recognized as the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.</p>no00:23:30A brief History of Pride Month by Kendall MatiasfullKendall Matias and Kenneth Brown from Proactive Community Services lead an engaging discussion on PrEP, the once‑daily medication that dramatically reduces the risk of contracting HIV. Drawing on their experience in community outreach, they break down how PrEP works, who can benefit from it, and why increasing access and education is essential for public health. Their conversation highlights the importance of empowerment, prevention, and reducing stigma through open dialogue and accurate information

]]>00ecf166-93d6-4fbf-a0dc-19d4976950bcFri, 19 Jun 2026 21:17:40 GMT<p>Kendall Matias and Kenneth Brown from Proactive Community Services lead an engaging discussion on PrEP, the once‑daily medication that dramatically reduces the risk of contracting HIV. Drawing on their experience in community outreach, they break down how PrEP works, who can benefit from it, and why increasing access and education is essential for public health. Their conversation highlights the importance of empowerment, prevention, and reducing stigma through open dialogue and accurate information</p>no00:20:46Kendall Matias and Kenneth Brown discuss "PrEP" The drug used to reduce the risk of contracting HIVfullErika’s journey began with a background in art psychotherapy, but after 9/11, she saw how food insecurity gripped Chicago’s South and West sides. She pivoted toward urban agriculture to address poverty, racism, and violence through wealth-building and land stewardship. Her founding mission was clear: create community-based food systems that empower people to grow, prepare, and distribute food within their own neighborhoods.

]]>bfffaa7d-80d8-439d-b4aa-db11fce305feFri, 12 Jun 2026 04:13:24 GMT<p>Erika’s journey began with a background in art psychotherapy, but after 9/11, she saw how food insecurity gripped Chicago’s South and West sides. She pivoted toward urban agriculture to address poverty, racism, and violence through wealth-building and land stewardship. Her founding mission was clear: create community-based food systems that empower people to grow, prepare, and distribute food within their own neighborhoods.</p>no00:35:01The Community Pulse with Erika AllefullBruce Cosich is known for championing a workplace culture that values relationship-building, technical excellence, and community impact. Proven IT now boasts over 200 employees, one of the largest IT staffs in its industry, and partnerships with major organizations like the Chicago Bears, White Sox, and Northwestern Athletics.

]]>f62e41d4-4794-4c63-9214-ec9b10b3804fFri, 12 Jun 2026 04:02:41 GMT<p>Bruce Cosich is known for championing a workplace culture that values relationship-building, technical excellence, and community impact. Proven IT now boasts over 200 employees, one of the largest IT staffs in its industry, and partnerships with major organizations like the Chicago Bears, White Sox, and Northwestern Athletics.</p>no00:42:22The Community Pulse with Brett Cosich - Proven ITfullRochelle Davenport serves as a Community Outreach Specialist at Zing Health, where her work bridges the gap between healthcare innovation and real-world community needs. Zing Health is a Medicare Advantage provider that focuses on underserved populations, offering personalized care models that integrate primary care providers with holistic support teams—including nurse care managers, behavioral health clinicians, and social workers.

]]>85e91948-53fe-408b-a815-0797d993403fFri, 12 Jun 2026 03:43:31 GMT<p>Rochelle Davenport serves as a Community Outreach Specialist at Zing Health, where her work bridges the gap between healthcare innovation and real-world community needs. Zing Health is a Medicare Advantage provider that focuses on underserved populations, offering personalized care models that integrate primary care providers with holistic support teams—including nurse care managers, behavioral health clinicians, and social workers.</p>no00:29:07The Community Pulse with Rochelle Davenport from Zing HealthfullKaren Sutton-Ford stands as a trailblazer in the automotive industry—one of only four women nationwide to own a Ford dealership. Her leadership at Sutton Ford in Matteson, Illinois, is not just about selling cars; it’s about legacy, representation, and breaking barriers

]]>34b31a1b-3a24-40b5-abee-1b87fbd3d4e0Fri, 12 Jun 2026 03:37:50 GMT<p>Karen Sutton-Ford stands as a trailblazer in the automotive industry—one of only four women nationwide to own a Ford dealership. Her leadership at Sutton Ford in Matteson, Illinois, is not just about selling cars; it’s about legacy, representation, and breaking barriers</p>no00:26:48The Community Pulse with Karen Sutton Ford of Sutton Ford.fullVictor Blackful, Cultural Arts Supervisor for the Village of Park Forest, is bringing serious energy to the South Suburbs with a lineup of events that blend culture, music, and community pride.

]]>2d4dba21-ac09-4c73-abf7-31dac991162dFri, 12 Jun 2026 03:28:00 GMT<p>Victor Blackful, Cultural Arts Supervisor for the Village of Park Forest, is bringing serious energy to the South Suburbs with a lineup of events that blend culture, music, and community pride.</p>no00:15:34The Community Pulse with Victor BlackfulfullBrittany Reynolds, founder of Andre Heavenly Homecare Agency, brings a deeply personal and powerful perspective to the importance of the home care business. Her agency was named in honor of her brother, who tragically lost his life years ago—transforming a day of trauma into one of purpose and celebration. That emotional foundation underscores her commitment to compassionate care.

]]>2b04a282-da9c-42a6-a792-ef4d54d85d19Fri, 12 Jun 2026 03:19:59 GMT<p>Brittany Reynolds, founder of Andre Heavenly Homecare Agency, brings a deeply personal and powerful perspective to the importance of the home care business. Her agency was named in honor of her brother, who tragically lost his life years ago—transforming a day of trauma into one of purpose and celebration. That emotional foundation underscores her commitment to compassionate care.</p>no00:37:30The Community Pulse Interview with Brittany ReynoldsfullThe Supplies, Access, Facilitation and Education (SAFE) program, administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), is a strategic response to the ongoing overdose crisis affecting communities across the state. Its mission is to reduce the adverse health, social, and economic consequences of substance use by enhancing harm reduction services in areas most impacted by overdose-related challenges.

]]>ba6c0cad-afde-4210-a32b-ac0deed280b3Fri, 12 Jun 2026 03:05:14 GMT<p>The Supplies, Access, Facilitation and Education (SAFE) program, administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), is a strategic response to the ongoing overdose crisis affecting communities across the state. Its mission is to reduce the adverse health, social, and economic consequences of substance use by enhancing harm reduction services in areas most impacted by overdose-related challenges.</p>no00:22:57Kenneth Brown interviews Martinez Sutton on the PCS (S.A.F.E) programfullElizabeth Gerald — Founder of the MJG Movement
Elizabeth Gerald is a nationally recognized advocate, nonprofit leader, and the founder and CEO of the Marcie Jonea Gerald (MJG) Movement, an organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable youth, individuals with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness. Her work is rooted in profound personal tragedy: the loss of her 14‑year‑old daughter, Marcie Gerald, to suicide. Rather than allowing grief to silence her, Elizabeth transformed her pain into purpose, becoming a powerful voice for suicide prevention, mental‑health awareness, and youth protection.

]]>b0278a0f-3d8d-4098-9beb-cbd781156ccbFri, 12 Jun 2026 02:56:35 GMT<p>Elizabeth Gerald — Founder of the MJG Movement<br />Elizabeth Gerald is a nationally recognized advocate, nonprofit leader, and the founder and CEO of the Marcie Jonea Gerald (MJG) Movement, an organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable youth, individuals with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness. Her work is rooted in profound personal tragedy: the loss of her 14‑year‑old daughter, Marcie Gerald, to suicide. Rather than allowing grief to silence her, Elizabeth transformed her pain into purpose, becoming a powerful voice for suicide prevention, mental‑health awareness, and youth protection.</p>no01:03:16Elizabeth Gerald interviewfullConnie Simms, a seasoned banking consultant, emphasizes that financial literacy is the cornerstone of long‑term stability and opportunity. She explains that when individuals understand how money works—how to budget, borrow wisely, build credit, and plan for the future—they gain the confidence to make informed decisions rather than reactive ones. Simms highlights that financial literacy isn’t just about numbers; it’s about empowerment. It helps families avoid predatory pitfalls, navigate major life milestones, and create generational resilience. Her message is clear: the more people understand their finances, the more control they have over their futures.

]]>a4f1f3c1-1ba8-4be2-991f-3767d591a55eFri, 12 Jun 2026 02:44:13 GMT<p>Connie Simms, a seasoned banking consultant, emphasizes that financial literacy is the cornerstone of long‑term stability and opportunity. She explains that when individuals understand how money works—how to budget, borrow wisely, build credit, and plan for the future—they gain the confidence to make informed decisions rather than reactive ones. Simms highlights that financial literacy isn’t just about numbers; it’s about empowerment. It helps families avoid predatory pitfalls, navigate major life milestones, and create generational resilience. Her message is clear: the more people understand their finances, the more control they have over their futures.</p>no00:36:59Financial Literacy with Connie SimmsfullLesly Flores, Vice President and Community Development Manager at Old National Bank, frequently emphasizes the importance of financial literacy, especially for underserved communities. Financial literacy is central to Old National Bank’s community development mission, and Flores’s position places her at the heart of these efforts. As a leader in community development, she helps connect individuals and organizations with programs designed to build financial capability. Her background—spanning roles in community development at Old National Bank, First Midwest Bank, and MB Financial—aligns with initiatives that strengthen financial knowledge and access.

]]>eda3362e-7614-45d8-855e-72130ace50cfFri, 12 Jun 2026 02:37:42 GMT<p>Lesly Flores, Vice President and Community Development Manager at Old National Bank, frequently emphasizes the importance of financial literacy, especially for underserved communities. Financial literacy is central to Old National Bank’s community development mission, and Flores’s position places her at the heart of these efforts. As a leader in community development, she helps connect individuals and organizations with programs designed to build financial capability. Her background—spanning roles in community development at Old National Bank, First Midwest Bank, and MB Financial—aligns with initiatives that strengthen financial knowledge and access.</p>no00:24:15Financial Literacy with Lesly FloresfullNisha Floyd, a respected banking executive known for her commitment to community empowerment often emphasizes that financial literacy is the foundation of long-term economic stability. In view, understanding money, how to earn it, manage it, grow it and protect it is not just a personal skill but a pathway to generational opportunity. Floyd highlights that when individuals grasp concepts budgeting, credit, saving and investing, that gain the confidence to make informed decisions that strengthen both their households and their communities. Her message is clear, financial Knowledge isn't a luxury reserved for experts; it's a tool everyone deserves access to so they can build the future they envisioned.

]]>ba371049-1a39-4a40-9905-08d2df780218Fri, 12 Jun 2026 02:28:25 GMT<p>Nisha Floyd, a respected banking executive known for her commitment to community empowerment often emphasizes that financial literacy is the foundation of long-term economic stability. In view, understanding money, how to earn it, manage it, grow it and protect it is not just a personal skill but a pathway to generational opportunity. Floyd highlights that when individuals grasp concepts budgeting, credit, saving and investing, that gain the confidence to make informed decisions that strengthen both their households and their communities. Her message is clear, financial Knowledge isn't a luxury reserved for experts; it's a tool everyone deserves access to so they can build the future they envisioned.</p>no00:40:12Financial Literacy with Nisha FloydfullStephanie Kendricks, VP/ Branch Manager

Markham Bank & Trust | Old PlankTrail Community Bank, is a passionate advocate for financial literacy. In her discussions, she emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge needed to make confident financial decisions. Kendricks highlights practical strategies for budgeting, saving, building credit, and planning for long‑term financial stability. Her approachable style and commitment to education make financial concepts accessible, helping people take meaningful steps toward a stronger financial future

]]>3626ffb1-cb9f-4020-9d64-1b49fd0a9ea8Fri, 12 Jun 2026 02:14:49 GMT<p>Stephanie Kendricks, VP/ Branch Manager<br /><br />Markham Bank &amp; Trust | Old PlankTrail Community Bank, is a passionate advocate for financial literacy. In her discussions, she emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge needed to make confident financial decisions. Kendricks highlights practical strategies for budgeting, saving, building credit, and planning for long‑term financial stability. Her approachable style and commitment to education make financial concepts accessible, helping people take meaningful steps toward a stronger financial future</p>no00:49:45Financial literacy with Stephanie Kendricks Part 1fullStephanie Kendricks, VP/ Branch Manager

Markham Bank & Trust | Old PlankTrail Community Bank, is a passionate advocate for financial literacy. In her discussions, she emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge needed to make confident financial decisions. Kendricks highlights practical strategies for budgeting, saving, building credit, and planning for long‑term financial stability. Her approachable style and commitment to education make financial concepts accessible, helping people take meaningful steps toward a stronger financial future

]]>85aabbce-ae3a-477f-b27e-f5874d08cf0dFri, 12 Jun 2026 01:11:08 GMT<p>Stephanie Kendricks, VP/ Branch Manager<br /><br />Markham Bank &amp; Trust | Old PlankTrail Community Bank, is a passionate advocate for financial literacy. In her discussions, she emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge needed to make confident financial decisions. Kendricks highlights practical strategies for budgeting, saving, building credit, and planning for long‑term financial stability. Her approachable style and commitment to education make financial concepts accessible, helping people take meaningful steps toward a stronger financial future</p>no00:30:23Financial literacy with Stephanie Kendricks Part 2fullKendall Matias is a powerful advocate for HIV testing awareness and reducing stigma, using her voice to remind communities that knowing your status is an act of strength, not shame. In her work, Kendall emphasizes that regular testing saves lives by enabling early treatment, protecting partners, and breaking cycles of silent transmission. They also speak openly about how stigma—fear, misinformation, and judgment—keeps too many people from getting tested. By challenging these barriers, Kendall pushes for a culture where conversations about sexual health are honest, compassionate, and rooted in dignity for everyone. This will the first installment of series related to Pride Month and the LBGTG Community.

]]>2b13c438-a97e-453d-ab90-e088cb975132Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:45:22 GMT<p>Kendall Matias is a powerful advocate for HIV testing awareness and reducing stigma, using her voice to remind communities that knowing your status is an act of strength, not shame. In her work, Kendall emphasizes that regular testing saves lives by enabling early treatment, protecting partners, and breaking cycles of silent transmission. They also speak openly about how stigma—fear, misinformation, and judgment—keeps too many people from getting tested. By challenging these barriers, Kendall pushes for a culture where conversations about sexual health are honest, compassionate, and rooted in dignity for everyone. This will the first installment of series related to Pride Month and the LBGTG Community.</p>yes00:29:44Kendall Matias and Kenneth Brown discuss the Triumphs and Challenges in the LBGTQ CommunityfullEula Burge, CEO of Proactive Community Services (PCS), speaks with conviction and compassion about the organization's founding and mission—rooted in the urgent needs of underserved communities in Chicago’s South Suburbs.

]]>7ebdbb14-08ba-4163-910f-ecd209ac99f2Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:02:06 GMT<p>Eula Burge, CEO of Proactive Community Services (PCS), speaks with conviction and compassion about the organization's founding and mission—rooted in the urgent needs of underserved communities in Chicago’s South Suburbs.</p>no00:29:06The Community Pulse with Eula Burge, Founder of Proactive Community Servicesfull