All Stories Matter - Cassandra Stewart, I always knew my course

Updated 8 days ago

In this episode of 'All Stories Matter,' Marvinetta Woodley Penn sits down with Cassandra Stewart from Milestone Senior Services. They discuss Cassandra's fascinating journey from her engineering roots in Flint, Michigan, to her impactful work in Kalamazoo, where she now helps seniors through Milestone's various programs. Cassandra shares stories from her career, including her time at GM and Hallmark, her entrepreneurial adventures in catering, and her deep commitment to service, all while emphasizing the importance of telling one's own story.

Chapters

Introduction and Welcome (00:00:15)
Marvinetta Woodley Penn introduces the podcast 'All Stories Matter' and welcomes listeners.

Marvinetta Woodley Penn, the host, greets listeners and introduces the podcast 'All Stories Matter', a production by Joy on Life's Journey. She hopes to engage both returning and new listeners.
The Importance of Storytelling (00:00:30)
Marvinetta emphasizes the importance of telling personal stories and being heard.

Marvinetta discusses her belief that everyone should have the opportunity to tell their stories, challenging the notion of being seen and not heard. She stresses the significance of being the author of one's story.
Introducing Cassandra Stewart (00:02:00)
Marvinetta introduces Cassandra Stewart, who works at Milestone Senior Services.

Marvinetta introduces her guest, Cassandra Stewart, whom she met at Milestone Senior Services. Cassandra will share more about her story and the organization she represents.
Cassandra's Background and Role (00:02:15)
Cassandra talks about her role at Milestone and her connection to the community.

Cassandra Stewart shares her passion for community engagement and her role at Milestone Senior Services, where she focuses on making connections and supporting the organization's mission.
Senior Dance Party Experience (00:02:27)
Marvinetta shares her experience attending a senior dance party hosted by Milestone.

Marvinetta enthusiastically describes attending a senior dance party, highlighting the fun, music by DJ Chuck, and the sense of community at the event. She mentions meeting Cassandra at the Rotary Club.
Overview of Milestone Senior Services (00:03:33)
Cassandra gives an overview of the services provided by Milestone Senior Services.

Cassandra explains that Milestone Senior Services is a nonprofit organization providing home-delivered meals and other services to seniors in Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties. She highlights the various programs beyond Meals on Wheels.
Milestone's Home Repair Services (00:04:50)
Cassandra discusses the home repair services offered by Milestone to ensure senior safety.

Cassandra details the home repair services, including building ramps and installing grab bars, to help seniors maintain independence and safety in their homes. She emphasizes the importance of these services for accessibility.
Senior Companion Program (00:11:41)
The senior companion program offers companionship to isolated seniors.

Cassandra talks about the senior companion program that pairs volunteers with older adults to provide companionship through visits and phone calls, enhancing social connections for seniors who may feel isolated.
Volunteering Opportunities (00:14:37)
Milestone seeks volunteers for Meals on Wheels and other programs.

Cassandra highlights the need for volunteers to deliver meals and assist with home repairs. She encourages community members to get involved and make a difference in the lives of seniors.
My Choice Waiver Program (00:23:25)
The My Choice Waiver program helps seniors receive care at home instead of nursing homes.

Cassandra explains the My Choice Waiver program, which allows seniors who qualify for Medicaid to receive necessary care at home, helping them avoid nursing home placement and maintain independence.
Behavioral Health Services (00:26:48)
Milestone partners with ISK to provide services to seniors with behavioral health issues.

Cassandra describes the partnership with Integrated Services of Kalamazoo to offer support for seniors with behavioral health challenges, ensuring they receive appropriate care and guidance.
Advocating for Nursing Home Residents (00:28:04)
Discussion on advocating for residents in nursing homes who can't speak for themselves and how assessments are conducted directly with facilities.

The conversation highlights the importance of advocating for individuals in nursing homes who may not be able to speak up for themselves. It explains how assessments are conducted directly with the nursing facilities to ensure the residents receive the necessary care and support.
Family Involvement in Behavioral Health Services (00:28:27)
Exploration of how family members can recommend behavioral health services through Integrated Services of Kalamazoo (ISK).

The discussion revolves around the process of recommending family members for behavioral health services. It is explained that services are provided in partnership with Integrated Services of Kalamazoo (ISK), and family members can initiate the process by contacting ISK, which will then assign the case to the appropriate service provider.
Community Services in Kalamazoo (00:29:20)
Acknowledgment of the wide range of services and community efforts in Kalamazoo to support its residents.

The speakers appreciate the numerous services and community efforts available in Kalamazoo, describing it as a smaller version of a metropolis with the heart of a small town. They highlight the accessibility and the collective work being done to help people in the area.
Cassandra's Background and Education (00:30:17)
Cassandra shares her educational background and early involvement in track and the National Honors Society.

Cassandra talks about her upbringing in Flint, Michigan, her education at Flint Northwestern High School, and her involvement in the National Honors Society. She reflects on her decision to stop participating in sports to focus on academics and her early interest in track, which was influenced by her peers.
Cassandra's Early Career in Engineering (00:31:07)
Cassandra discusses her involvement in a pre-engineering program and her high school co-op experience with General Motors.

Cassandra describes her participation in a pre-engineering program during high school, which led to a co-op position with General Motors. She details her responsibilities in testing CRMs for cars and her enjoyment of being part of innovative projects at a young age.
Balancing Work and College (00:32:41)
Cassandra explains how she balanced working at GM and attending college through a co-op program.

Cassandra shares her experience balancing work and college by participating in a co-op program at Michigan State University. She explains how she alternated between terms of study and full-time work, which provided her with valuable work experience and a means to finance her education.
Cassandra's Independent Streak (00:41:00)
Cassandra reflects on her independence, being the youngest of five siblings, and her early responsibilities at home.

Cassandra talks about her independent nature, which was evident from a young age. Being the youngest in a family of five, she took on responsibilities such as managing household tasks while her mother was away, demonstrating her reliability and maturity.
Cassandra's Catering Business (00:43:03)
Cassandra recounts starting her own catering business after moving to Kalamazoo.

After moving to Kalamazoo, Cassandra started her own catering business, utilizing her passion for cooking that she developed from her mother. She shares how her love for cooking began in her childhood and evolved into a professional endeavor.
College and Career Path (00:46:00)
Cassandra discusses her college experience at Michigan State, her independent nature, and her career at Hallmark Cards.

Cassandra elaborates on her academic journey at Michigan State University, where she studied engineering arts. She describes her transition to a professional career at Hallmark Cards in Kansas, where she was recruited for a management position upon graduation.
Graduation and Early Career (00:53:00)
The speaker recounts graduating from college and securing a job, unlike many peers. She got married shortly after and moved to Kansas.

The speaker shares her experience of graduating from college during a time when many graduates were struggling to find jobs. She was fortunate to secure a position before graduation, which led to a stable start in her career. Shortly after, she got married and moved to Kansas for her job, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Life in Kalamazoo (00:53:24)
She moved to Kalamazoo after her husband's job change and settled there. She raised her children and benefited from the Kalamazoo Promise.

After several years in Kansas, the speaker and her family moved to Kalamazoo due to a job opportunity for her husband. Despite initial reservations, she grew to love the area and settled there permanently. She speaks fondly of raising her children in Kalamazoo and how they benefited from the Kalamazoo Promise, which provided educational opportunities.
Starting a Family and Career Choices (00:54:19)
The speaker discusses her desire to be a stay-at-home mom and her brief return to the workforce before dedicating herself to raising her children.

The speaker describes her strong desire to be present for her children and not place them in daycare, inspired by her own mother's hard work. She initially returned to work for a short period but soon decided to focus on raising her family. This decision marked a significant turning point in her personal and professional life.
Discovering a Passion for Baking (00:55:05)
She discovered a love for baking and candy making, inspired by her experiences with family and a local candy store.

While adjusting to life in Kalamazoo, the speaker discovered a love for baking and candy making. Her interest was sparked by visits to a local candy store and fond memories of cooking with her family. This new hobby quickly became a passion, leading her to explore various baking techniques and recipes.
The Start of a Catering Business (00:55:55)
The speaker describes how her baking hobby evolved into a catering business, catering for events and selling goods through various channels.

As her interest in baking grew, the speaker began sharing her baked goods with friends and family. Her talent was quickly recognized, leading to opportunities to cater for events and sell her creations at local businesses. This marked the beginning of her catering business, which she ran successfully for many years.
Balancing Family and Business (01:00:00)
The speaker reflects on managing her catering business while raising her children, emphasizing the flexibility it provided.

Running a catering business allowed the speaker to balance her professional ambitions with her role as a mother. She appreciated the flexibility it provided, enabling her to be present for her children while also pursuing her passion for baking and catering. This period was marked by hard work and personal fulfillment.
Transitioning to Milestone (01:01:03)
After her son graduated, she transitioned from catering to a role at Milestone, guided by faith and encouragement from a friend.

With her youngest son graduated, the speaker was ready for a new chapter. Encouraged by a friend and guided by her faith, she applied for and secured a position at Milestone. Despite initial doubts about returning to a corporate environment, she felt a sense of purpose and contentment in her new role.
Finding Purpose Beyond Catering (01:07:01)
The speaker discusses finding joy in service and how her role at Milestone aligns with her values and desire to help others.

The speaker shares how her joy in catering was not just about cooking but providing a service that allowed others to focus on their events. Her role at Milestone aligned with this sense of purpose, offering her opportunities to serve and support others in meaningful ways.
Future Vision and Helping Others (01:11:09)
Looking ahead, the speaker envisions helping women overcome divorce, drawing on her own experiences to support and guide others.

The speaker reflects on her journey and expresses a desire to help other women navigate and overcome the challenges of divorce. She sees her experiences as a way to provide hope and guidance, aiming to empower women to move forward positively. Her future vision is centered on service and support for others.

All Stories Matter (14 Episodes)

Updated 8 days ago

Marvinetta Penn hosts free flowing, candid conversations where guests share honestly and listen deeply – always seeking first to understand. All Stories Matter is an independently produced neighborhood voices production through Public Media Network.