Little City, Big Voices Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/little-city-big-voices Sharing the real stories of people who love, empower and champion children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. Little City Foundation 468fd149-a871-5659-808a-f2e9d488fc19 no en Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:05:47 -0500 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:06:25 -0500 https://littlecity.org https://img.transistorcdn.com/7CW97sApL1gOnGN11Rsr7Ek5QgCToKVI7OCejdT7Txs/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS81MzQ0/NmVhNDlmNTY3OTU3/YjViNmNmNjQwOGYy/MzZmNC5wbmc.jpg Little City, Big Voices https://littlecity.org episodic Little City Foundation Sharing the real stories of people who love, empower and champion children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. Sharing the real stories of people who love, empower and champion children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges.. little city foundation, little city, I/DD, intellectual and developmental disabilities Little City Foundation littlecityorg@gmail.com No No Big Footsteps and Bigger Connections - Guest: Andrea Biwer 11 11 Big Footsteps and Bigger Connections - Guest: Andrea Biwer full 3799d9ef-fa46-4ef5-9411-c428b73b93d8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b6f3d629 Andrea Biwer has spent 30 years building relationships across the Chicagoland business community, and in this episode she talks with host Rich Bobby about why those connections matter beyond the bottom line. As president of the Schaumburg Business Association, she shares how partnerships between local businesses and nonprofits like Little City create real, lasting impact.

]]> Andrea Biwer has spent 30 years building relationships across the Chicagoland business community, and in this episode she talks with host Rich Bobby about why those connections matter beyond the bottom line. As president of the Schaumburg Business Association, she shares how partnerships between local businesses and nonprofits like Little City create real, lasting impact.

]]> Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0500 Little City Foundation Little City Foundation 1597 Andrea Biwer has spent 30 years building relationships across the Chicagoland business community, and in this episode she talks with host Rich Bobby about why those connections matter beyond the bottom line. As president of the Schaumburg Business Association, she shares how partnerships between local businesses and nonprofits like Little City create real, lasting impact.

]]> little city foundation, little city, I/DD, intellectual and developmental disabilities No Creating Space to Shine - Guest: Julie Bell 10 10 Creating Space to Shine - Guest: Julie Bell full 23b2e324-ab98-4d5b-8b09-4c2e94b3dae3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b21569d0 On this episode of Little City Big Voices, Julie Bell shares a personal perspective on the power of creativity and connection. Inspired by her sister Andy, she reflects on her belief that art can open doors, creating opportunities for expression, learning, and meaningful social engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

 

Julie also recognizes the people who make that impact possible every day, expressing gratitude for DSPs and staff whose compassion and commitment help create fuller, more vibrant lives. It is a conversation rooted in love, advocacy, and the idea that when we invest in creativity and care, everyone benefits.

]]> On this episode of Little City Big Voices, Julie Bell shares a personal perspective on the power of creativity and connection. Inspired by her sister Andy, she reflects on her belief that art can open doors, creating opportunities for expression, learning, and meaningful social engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

 

Julie also recognizes the people who make that impact possible every day, expressing gratitude for DSPs and staff whose compassion and commitment help create fuller, more vibrant lives. It is a conversation rooted in love, advocacy, and the idea that when we invest in creativity and care, everyone benefits.

]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 07:25:25 -0500 Little City Foundation Little City Foundation 1834 On this episode of Little City Big Voices, Julie Bell shares a personal perspective on the power of creativity and connection. Inspired by her sister Andy, she reflects on her belief that art can open doors, creating opportunities for expression, learning, and meaningful social engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

 

Julie also recognizes the people who make that impact possible every day, expressing gratitude for DSPs and staff whose compassion and commitment help create fuller, more vibrant lives. It is a conversation rooted in love, advocacy, and the idea that when we invest in creativity and care, everyone benefits.

]]> little city foundation, little city, I/DD, intellectual and developmental disabilities No Families: Take a Breath, You Are Not Alone Guest: Samantha Alloway 9 9 Families: Take a Breath, You Are Not Alone Guest: Samantha Alloway full 2cc3cd92-0f10-48d4-9a0d-f97aedb80123 https://share.transistor.fm/s/be4d4d83 Little City, Big Voices welcomes Samantha Alloway, Executive Director of the Arc of Illinois, to the podcast this week. A former Director of Government Relations at Little City, Samantha now advocates for Illinois families supporting loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She shares her powerful personal story—including her cancer journey and her son’s Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis at age 3—and how those experiences fuel her work today. Under Samantha’s leadership, the Arc of Illinois gives families a place to turn, take a breath, and know they are not alone.


]]> Little City, Big Voices welcomes Samantha Alloway, Executive Director of the Arc of Illinois, to the podcast this week. A former Director of Government Relations at Little City, Samantha now advocates for Illinois families supporting loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She shares her powerful personal story—including her cancer journey and her son’s Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis at age 3—and how those experiences fuel her work today. Under Samantha’s leadership, the Arc of Illinois gives families a place to turn, take a breath, and know they are not alone.


]]> Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:08:34 -0600 Little City Foundation Little City Foundation 1935 Little City, Big Voices welcomes Samantha Alloway, Executive Director of the Arc of Illinois, to the podcast this week. A former Director of Government Relations at Little City, Samantha now advocates for Illinois families supporting loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She shares her powerful personal story—including her cancer journey and her son’s Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis at age 3—and how those experiences fuel her work today. Under Samantha’s leadership, the Arc of Illinois gives families a place to turn, take a breath, and know they are not alone.


]]> little city foundation, little city, I/DD, intellectual and developmental disabilities No Human First: Mental Health Advocacy - Guest: Quinette Hobson-Robb 8 8 Human First: Mental Health Advocacy - Guest: Quinette Hobson-Robb full 74a74c33-b3f1-4ab5-9a44-f822d5e517e4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dee226fe Quinette Hobson-Robb, Executive Director of the Township of Schaumburg Mental Health Board, highlights the importance of human connection, prevention, and community support in mental health advocacy.

]]> Quinette Hobson-Robb, Executive Director of the Township of Schaumburg Mental Health Board, highlights the importance of human connection, prevention, and community support in mental health advocacy.

]]> Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600 Little City Foundation Little City Foundation 1955 Quinette Hobson-Robb, Executive Director of the Township of Schaumburg Mental Health Board, highlights the importance of human connection, prevention, and community support in mental health advocacy.

]]> little city foundation, little city, I/DD, intellectual and developmental disabilities No Living Big: Howard's Journey Guests: Little City Resident Howard and Sarah Sanariz, Employee Development Operations Manager 7 7 Living Big: Howard's Journey Guests: Little City Resident Howard and Sarah Sanariz, Employee Development Operations Manager full 1c58f8d8-6c37-443a-bf4a-64e18dbaa662 https://share.transistor.fm/s/12b688aa Little City resident Howard and Sarah Sanariz, Employee Development Operations Manager, talk about Howard’s journey, his work history, his involvement in Special Olympics, and the support that helped him succeed. An inspiring look at what a meaningful life can look like at Little City.


]]> Little City resident Howard and Sarah Sanariz, Employee Development Operations Manager, talk about Howard’s journey, his work history, his involvement in Special Olympics, and the support that helped him succeed. An inspiring look at what a meaningful life can look like at Little City.


]]> Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600 Little City Foundation Little City Foundation 897 Little City resident Howard and Sarah Sanariz, Employee Development Operations Manager, talk about Howard’s journey, his work history, his involvement in Special Olympics, and the support that helped him succeed. An inspiring look at what a meaningful life can look like at Little City.


]]> little city foundation, little city, I/DD, intellectual and developmental disabilities No Empowering Through Employment - Guest: Jenny Boland 6 6 Empowering Through Employment - Guest: Jenny Boland full 55441222-80bc-4e1d-b223-d572d2b8cda0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ecf554d9 Jenny Boland, Director of Employment Services shares how her team helps people with disabilities build job skills and connect with inclusive employers across the community.

]]> Jenny Boland, Director of Employment Services shares how her team helps people with disabilities build job skills and connect with inclusive employers across the community.

]]> Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Little City Foundation Little City Foundation 1710 Jenny Boland, Director of Employment Services shares how her team helps people with disabilities build job skills and connect with inclusive employers across the community.

]]> little city foundation, little city, I/DD, intellectual and developmental disabilities No The Roadmap to IDD Support - Guest: Ann Morris 5 5 The Roadmap to IDD Support - Guest: Ann Morris full 5cafea0f-0335-4c37-922b-5f6730da5891 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bb1f5d91 Ann Morris discusses the new IDD Navigator website, built to make it easier to find intellectual and developmental disability services in Illinois and connect families, caregivers, and professionals with support.

]]> Ann Morris discusses the new IDD Navigator website, built to make it easier to find intellectual and developmental disability services in Illinois and connect families, caregivers, and professionals with support.

]]> Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Little City Foundation Little City Foundation 1560 Ann Morris discusses the new IDD Navigator website, built to make it easier to find intellectual and developmental disability services in Illinois and connect families, caregivers, and professionals with support.

]]> little city foundation, little city, I/DD, intellectual and developmental disabilities No DSP's Make the Difference - Guest: James Sitati 4 4 DSP's Make the Difference - Guest: James Sitati full 333c9516-7bca-47f2-957e-c7c562bdc1a3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d5ca7686 What does it mean to be a DSP? James Sitati knows better than most. For 22 years, James has dedicated himself to supporting people with disabilities at Little City. On this episode of Little City, Big Voices, he reflects on his journey and the powerful impact DSPs make every day.

]]> What does it mean to be a DSP? James Sitati knows better than most. For 22 years, James has dedicated himself to supporting people with disabilities at Little City. On this episode of Little City, Big Voices, he reflects on his journey and the powerful impact DSPs make every day.

]]> Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Little City Foundation Little City Foundation 1945 What does it mean to be a DSP? James Sitati knows better than most. For 22 years, James has dedicated himself to supporting people with disabilities at Little City. On this episode of Little City, Big Voices, he reflects on his journey and the powerful impact DSPs make every day.

]]> little city foundation, little city, I/DD, intellectual and developmental disabilities No Marty's Story - Guests: Gil and Betty Fergus 3 3 Marty's Story - Guests: Gil and Betty Fergus full a7f67546-01a2-42ea-9624-c613250c01d4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/05d15d6e Gil and Betty Fergus join the podcast to share the story of their son, Marty, who has called Little City home for more than 25 years. They reflect on their family’s journey to finding Little City, their deep connection to the mission, and their excitement for the upcoming Hero Walk.

]]> Gil and Betty Fergus join the podcast to share the story of their son, Marty, who has called Little City home for more than 25 years. They reflect on their family’s journey to finding Little City, their deep connection to the mission, and their excitement for the upcoming Hero Walk.

]]> Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Little City Foundation Little City Foundation 1968 Gil and Betty Fergus join the podcast to share the story of their son, Marty, who has called Little City home for more than 25 years. They reflect on their family’s journey to finding Little City, their deep connection to the mission, and their excitement for the upcoming Hero Walk.

]]> little city foundation, little city, I/DD, intellectual and developmental disabilities No Expanding Behavioral Health in the Community - Guest: Amy Board 2 2 Expanding Behavioral Health in the Community - Guest: Amy Board full bf886c6b-26d9-44f8-bf4a-97b19fc9020a https://share.transistor.fm/s/62861205 Amy Board, Director of Community-Based Clinical Services at Little City shares how her team is breaking barriers in mental health care for children and families. She also highlights how the new Little City Behavioral Health Center will expand access to vital services.

]]> Amy Board, Director of Community-Based Clinical Services at Little City shares how her team is breaking barriers in mental health care for children and families. She also highlights how the new Little City Behavioral Health Center will expand access to vital services.

]]> Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Little City Foundation Little City Foundation 2233 Amy Board, Director of Community-Based Clinical Services at Little City shares how her team is breaking barriers in mental health care for children and families. She also highlights how the new Little City Behavioral Health Center will expand access to vital services.

]]> little city foundation, little city, I/DD, intellectual and developmental disabilities No Empowering Big Lives - Guest: Lisa Pollard 1 1 Empowering Big Lives - Guest: Lisa Pollard full 88a4ce25-96a9-41c8-ba91-68ffac538022 https://share.transistor.fm/s/10b975c5 Lisa Pollard joins the show to talk about her son Brady and her journey as a parent of a child with I/DD.

]]> Lisa Pollard joins the show to talk about her son Brady and her journey as a parent of a child with I/DD.

]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2025 09:38:38 -0500 Little City Foundation Little City Foundation 1582 Lisa Pollard joins the show to talk about her son Brady and her journey as a parent of a child with I/DD.

]]> little city foundation, little city, I/DD, intellectual and developmental disabilities No