We're With You

Episode 3: James Anderson

James Anderson knows firsthand that navigating life with a disability can come with so many different challenges. As a disability advocate and the founder of two nonprofit organizations, James has spent years helping people with disabilities navigate systems, understand their rights, and find the resources they need to build lives on their own terms. In this episode of We’re With You, James shares his personal journey, including what inspired him to become an advocate for others. He talks openly about the challenges people with disabilities can face when navigating complex systems and resources, the importance of self-advocacy, and why knowing your rights can make such a difference. We also talk about setting small, achievable goals, the role of service animals, experiences working with clients, and the personal growth that comes from overcoming challenges. Throughout the conversation, James emphasizes that progress does not always happen all at once. Sometimes, it starts with one small step. James is also the author of a new book, continuing his work to share his experiences and advocate for greater understanding and support for people with disabilities. Learn more about James and his work: https://jcpfca.org/ Get James' new book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HKK2LRGG

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Episode 2: EP Save A Life

At 15 years old, Eric Paredes was vibrant, athletic, affectionate and just beginning to imagine his future. Then, without warning, he died from sudden cardiac arrest caused by an undetected heart condition. In this episode of We’re With You, Eric’s parents, Hector Paredes and Rhina Paredes-Greeson, share who their son was, what they learned after losing him, and how their grief became a mission to help other families get the chance they never had: the chance to know. That mission became the Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation. Since its founding, EP Save A Life has provided free heart screenings to more than 46,000 young people and identified hundreds of previously unknown heart abnormalities. We also speak with Executive Director Amanda Baumann about prevention, sudden cardiac arrest response, advocacy, and what it will take to continue this work. This is a story about a life cut far too short, and the extraordinary work being done in Eric’s name to help protect others. Learn more, find a free heart screening, volunteer or support EP Save A Life: epsavealife.org

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Episode 1: Spectrum Designs

In this episode of We're With You, we're joined by three guests from Spectrum Designs, a nonprofit custom apparel and promotional products company that's redefining what's possible through inclusive employment. What began in a backyard barn with two employees has grown into a thriving enterprise. Currently, they have around 100 employees, and 70% of them are neurodiverse. Joining us today are Patrick Bardsley, co-founder and CEO, Kelli, social media manager extraordinaire, and Robert, operations assistant, who's just beginning his Spectrum Design journey. Together, we'll explore how meaningful employment can transform lives, challenge assumptions about autism in the workplace, and create opportunities where talent, not diagnosis, takes center stage.