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Do Local Good

Do Local Good

Written by: United Way of the Alberta Capital Region (GenNEXT)
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About this listen

 Do Local Good is a podcast created by United Way of the Alberta Capital Region and the team of volunteers on the GenNEXT Cabinet. We feature stories and people from the Edmonton region to inform, inspire, and invite others to join us in building resilient and thriving communities. Listen in to learn about some of the local good already happening, and how you can be a part of the force for good!United Way of the Alberta Capital Region Economics Management Management & Leadership Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Relentless Outreach: Unlocking an Untapped Youth Workforce

    Relentless Outreach: Unlocking an Untapped Youth Workforce
    Jan 26 2026
    Relentless Outreach: Unlocking an Untapped Youth Workforce In this episode of Do Local Good podcast, hosts Nate Spasiuk and Josh Smith sit down with Ryan Beard from YOUCAN Youth Services alongside program participants Kiana and Mursal for a powerful conversation about resilience, employment, and what it truly means to meet people where they are. Together, they explore YOUCAN’s philosophy of Relentless Outreach, a commitment to never giving up on youth who have often been let down by traditional systems of education, employment, and social support. Through honest storytelling, listeners hear how YOUCAN builds trust, accountability, and confidence by offering individualized, trauma-informed pathways to work. From navigating housing instability and mental health challenges to celebrating milestones like ringing the YOUCAN bell, this episode highlights how programs like Verto and Road to Work help youth move from survival to stability. The conversation also challenges employers and young leaders to rethink what “job readiness” really looks like and to recognize the immense, untapped potential in youth who simply need the right support to succeed. This is not just a conversation about social services, it's about building a stronger workforce and a more inclusive community, one young person at a time. Featured Programs and Resources YOUCAN Youth Services - YOUCAN Youth Services empowers youth facing significant barriers to employment by combining paid training, industry-recognized certifications, and intensive wraparound supports delivered through their Relentless Outreach model. Their programs focus on building stability, confidence, and real-world job readiness with ongoing follow-up to ensure youth not only secure employment but sustain long-term success. Learn More → https://youcan.ca/ Road to Work - A five-week paid pre-employment program for youth aged 18–25 that prepares participants for careers in construction, road building, and traffic safety. Youth gain industry-relevant safety certifications, hands-on tool training, and employability skills while earning an hourly allowance. After completion, participants receive support connecting with employers and transitioning into the workforce. Learn More → https://youcan.ca/our-programs/road-to-work/ Verto - A 20-week full-time employment readiness program for youth aged 18–24 designed to help participants build stability, confidence, and work habits before entering the workforce. The program combines personal and employment skill development with a 12-week paid placement and ongoing support to ensure a successful transition into employment or education. Learn More → https://youcan.ca/our-programs/verto-project/ Get Involved with GenNEXT United Way’s GenNEXT is a volunteer-led initiative designed to inspire the next generation of leaders to drive meaningful change in our community. Learn More → https://www.myunitedway.ca/take-action/join-a-group/gennext/ Special Acknowledgment We extend our sincere thanks to Ryan, Kiana, and Mursal for sharing their experiences and insights so openly. Your stories bring to life what Relentless Outreach looks like in action and why believing in people, even when they doubt themselves, can change everything. Thank you as well to the entire team at YOUCAN Youth Services for their unwavering commitment to youth, and for partnering with United Way of the Alberta Capital Region to help ensure the next generation has access to meaningful opportunities. To every listener, thank you for tuning in and continuing to champion what it means to do local good in our communities. Land Acknowledgment This episode was recorded in Edmonton, Alberta, on Treaty Six Territory and the Métis Nation of Alberta North Saskatchewan River Territory. We acknowledge that this land has long served as a meeting place, gathering ground, and travel route for the diverse Indigenous Peoples who have called it home for generations. These include the nêhiyawak (Cree), Blackfoot, Dene, Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Nakota Sioux, Inuit, and Métis. We are deeply grateful for the resources, knowledge, and culture shared by Indigenous communities, as we walk together on the path toward reconciliation. We honour and respect their contributions, which help guide our work to ensure no one in our community is left behind.
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    33 mins
  • How AI & "SimCity" Tech Are Solving Real World Problems

    How AI & "SimCity" Tech Are Solving Real World Problems
    Dec 5 2025

    You don’t need a massive organization to make a massive difference. In this episode of Do Local Good, hosts Sean Singh and Brett Eigner sit down with Katelyn Petersen (former Chief Experience Officer) and Krista Davis (Director of People Operations) from RunWithIt Synthetics (RWI).

    RWI is an Edmonton-based tech company that creates accurate, geospatial digital twins of cities—think SimCity, but for real-life decision-making. Instead of traditional volunteering, RWI partnered with United Way to apply their unique skills to the All In for Youth program.

    By hosting an internal "hackathon," the RWI team used synthetic modeling to visualize the long-term, generational benefits of increasing high school graduation rates in Edmonton. This episode explores how skills-based volunteering can revolutionize corporate social responsibility (CSR), boost employee engagement through initiatives like "Give Back Bingo," and prove that small businesses can be powerful drivers of community resilience.

    In this episode, we cover:

    • How RunWithIt Synthetics uses digital modeling to predict future outcomes.
    • The story behind their "All In for Youth" data hackathon.
    • How to build a culture of giving in a small, remote-friendly team.
    • Advice for small businesses looking to start their own CSR campaigns.
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    19 mins
  • Navigating Gender-Based Violence in the Edmonton Region

    Navigating Gender-Based Violence in the Edmonton Region
    Jun 18 2025

    About the Episode

    In this episode of United Way’sDo Local Good podcast, hosts Baichi Chaki and Yawa Idi are joined by Emma Potter from Canadian Mental Health Association and Ashley Baxter from WIN House for a vital conversation on gender-based violence and the strength it takes to survive and rebuild.

    Together, they explore the layered realities survivors face and the essential role of trauma-informed support. From emergency shelter to long-term outreach, this episode highlights the importance of meeting people where they are, with compassion, consistency, and connection. Listeners will also learn about how 211 Alberta helps survivors navigate resources like shelter, food, and mental health support, making sure no one has to face violence alone.


    Featured Programs and Resources

    211 Alberta

    211 Alberta is an essential service that helps Albertans find the right resource or service for whatever issue they need help with, at the right time. Access local resources by calling 211, texting INFO to 211, or chatting online.

    Learn More --> https://ab.211.ca/

    Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton

    Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton offers a variety of programs and services that assist individuals with reaching their short and long-term mental health goals.

    Learn More --> https://edmonton.cmha.ca/

    WIN House

    WIN House offers women, non-binary individuals, and children a safe place to flee domestic violence where they can access safety, support, relief, and resources.

    Learn More --> https://www.winhouse.org/


    Join the Movement

    Get Involved with GenNEXT

    United Way’s GenNEXT is a volunteer-led initiative designed to inspire the next generation of leaders to drive meaningful change in our community.

    Learn More --> https://www.myunitedway.ca/take-action/join-a-group/gennext/

    Special Acknowledgments

    We extend our deepest thanks to Emma Potter from Canadian Mental Health Association and Ashley Baxter from WIN House for sharing their insight and expertise on what it truly means to support survivors of gender-based violence with compassion and care.

    Our gratitude also goes to hosts Baichi Chaki and Yawa Idi for leading this vital conversation, and to the teams at WIN House, CMHA, and 211 Alberta for the life-changing work they do every day.


    And to every listener — thank you for tuning in, for showing up for survivors, and for continuing to champion what it means to do local good in our communities.


    Land Acknowledgment

    This episode was recorded in Edmonton, Alberta, on Treaty Six Territory and the Métis Nation of Alberta North Saskatchewan River Territory. We acknowledge that this land has long served as a meeting place, gathering ground, and travel route for the diverse Indigenous Peoples who have called it home for generations. These include the nêhiyawak (Cree), Blackfoot, Dene, Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Nakota Sioux, Inuit, and Métis. We are deeply grateful for the resources, knowledge, and culture shared by Indigenous communities, as we walk together on the path toward reconciliation. We honour and respect their contributions, which help guide our work to ensure no one in our community is left behind.

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
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