Small Steps, Big Community!
Audio Only Episode
Welcome to the “hello community®” podcast! Join us as Host Catherine Jura speaks with Tina Fitzgerald of Syracuse, NY. Tina shares how profound loss led her into isolation—and how small, safe steps helped her develop community again. Today, her calendar is filled “from dusk till dawn” with work, service, leadership, and community. Her message is bold and unforgettable: keep trying, because when we stop trying, we stop caring—including caring for ourselves.
In this episode, Tina and Catherine explore:
· How the loss of Tina’s husband and mom led to isolation.
· The role of one established community as her starting point for healing.
· How trusted invitations helped Tina take “baby steps” back into the world.
· The importance of purpose.
· Tina’s powerful reminder: “There’s no such thing as failure…it’s only failure when you stop trying.”
Tina reminds us that healing does not require giant leaps; it often begins with one “baby” step toward something that feels safe. By following purpose, honoring her own pace, and letting community love her back to life, Tina found what she calls her “sparkles” again.
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Note from Catherine:
I am glad you are here! I hope you found some tips and inspiration to help you move towards the connection and community you desire!
If you found this episode helpful please share it with others, so together, we can build a world where everyone has the connection and community they need and want!
If you would like to be updated on new episodes please subscribe.
Till next time!
Catherine
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Chapters/Timestamps
[00:00:30–00:01:01] Opening: Why Hello Community Exists
[00:01:02–00:2:35] Meet Tina Fitzgerald
[00:2:36–00:5:51] A Series of Losses and the Beginning of Isolation
[00:5:52–00:10:50] How an Established Community Helps Tina to Move Forward
[00:10:51–00:12:23] A New Opportunity Through Self-Advocacy Work
[00:12:25–00:13:29] From Small Opportunities to Regular Work
[00:13:30–00:14:25] Lions Club, Service, and Expanding Community
[00:14:26–00:17:30] From “Too Peopley” to Purpose
[00:17:31–00:19:10] Community Boosts Tina as She Boosts Community
[00:19:11–00:20:56] How Tina’s Life Experiences Guide Her Direction
[00:20:57–00:23:44] Baby Steps and Safety Lead to Bigger Steps
[00:23:45–00:25:50] There Is No Such Thing as Failure
[00:25:51–00:28:24] Baby Steps, Safety, Big Community
[00:28:33–29:13] Tina Finds Her Sparkle Again
[00:29:25–00:30:46] Closing and Resources
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Tina’s Biography
Tina is an active community member.
She supports people with disabilities in areas such as the prevention of domestic violence and sexual abuse and sexuality education.
Tina is the Central/Northern Regional Coordinator for SANYS: Self-Advocacy Association of New York State. She is the first person with a disability to hold this position.
Tina is also in leadership for Lions Club International on the district level.
To see Tina (pictures) visit “hello community®” Facebook Page and look for her episode–”Small Steps, Big Community”: https://lnk.bio/hellocommunity
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Looking for more information?
1) Project Unlonely: An interactive website with ten seasons of mini films (loneliness, connection and community): a Creativity Hub, and lots of information: https://www.artandhealing.org/project-unlonely/
2) “Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World” by Dr. Vivek Murthy. https://www.northshire.com/book/9780062913296
3) “hello community®” Link Tree: in one click you will have access to our Facebook Page (and all our episode platforms) https://lnk.bio/hellocommunity
