S1E21: Powerful Truths and Real Hope: What One Year of Thinking Bigger Taught Us (Tony DiBenedetto, Think Big for Kids)

What happens when education, businesses and community leaders unite under one belief: that every kid deserves the opportunity to Think Bigger?

In this special one-year anniversary episode, host Jennie Treby and Think Big for Kids founder Tony DiBenedetto reflect on 24 episodes recorded across Florida, Atlanta and Greater Washington, D.C. This year of conversations revealed a powerful truth: people care deeply about kids in poverty, and meaningful collaboration is already making an impact.

In this episode, Jennie and Tony revisit the insights reshaping the fight against poverty:

• Bridging the Stability Gap for Working Families: While federal data often misses the full picture, Jessica Muroff from United Way Suncoast shared that ALICE data shows that 40% of Americans cannot afford a basic household budget. This instability is compounded by financial traps discussed by Thomas Feint at Grow Financial, such as penalty APRs that can jump to 40% after a single missed payment.
• Meeting Fundamental Needs with Dignity: Thomas Mantz from Feeding Tampa Bay goes beyond temporary relief to provide food to millions, while Tracey Keim from The Green Devils Closet provides hygiene products, food and school supplies, ensuring kids feel safe, confident and ready to learn.
• Clear Pathways to Higher Education: Experts like Nadine Bailey in financial aid explained how navigating FAFSA is the key to unlocking millions in unused scholarships, while Dr. Mike Hartline at the FSU College of Business demonstrates how first-generation students can achieve an 87% graduation rate with intentional support.
• Personal Commitment Driving Community Impact: Leaders like Effie Santos of Maddie’s Movement, Dr. Lynette Henry of Educate Fairfax, and Mike Batt of Fairfax County Economic Development demonstrate how personal motivation fuels systemic change. From supporting youth aging out of foster care to transforming educational outcomes to aligning partnerships that connect students to career opportunities, these leaders show that sustainable solutions come from those who are personally invested in the mission.

Jennie and Tony reflect on how the challenges are complex, but when communities think bigger together, real change is possible.

Links:

Think Big for Kids: https://thinkbigforkids.org/

More about Tony DiBenedetto

Tony DiBenedetto: https://thinkbigforkids.org/about-us/leadership/tony-dibenedetto/

Tony DiBenedetto on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-dibenedetto-8ba0588/

About host Jennie Treby

Jennie Treby: https://thinkbigforkids.org/about-us/leadership/jennie-treby/

Jennie Treby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennie-treby/

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