The Collage Podcast - Episode 58: Yuni
Release Date: January 1, 2025
Host: Feed My Sheep
Guest: Yuni
Introduction
In Episode 58 of The Collage Podcast, produced by Feed My Sheep in Temple, TX, host Bobby welcomes Yuni, a dedicated wife, mother, and friend who brings a wealth of experience from her nonprofit endeavors. Recorded in the heart of Temple, the episode delves deep into themes of service, community support, and the intricate journey of navigating divorce.
Guest Background and Personal Journey
Yuni shares her foundational experiences shaped by growing up in a military family. Her father served for nearly three decades, instilling in her the values of service and selflessness. This upbringing laid the groundwork for her involvement in nonprofits and community programs.
Yuni [02:18]: "Growing up in a military town, service is what I know. Being part of other nonprofits and programs has made involvement easy and fulfilling."
She further elaborates on her roots in Colleen, Texas (formerly Fort Cavazos), highlighting the close-knit nature of military communities and the impact of frequent relocations on her personal life.
Yuni [04:00]: "We didn’t have extensive traveling experiences, but relocating during high school was heart-wrenching. Adjusting was tough, but I graduated and moved forward."
Life of Service: Beyond Self
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the essence of service. Yuni emphasizes that true service emanates from selflessness and sacrifice, qualities deeply ingrained in her through her father’s example.
Yuni [06:31]: "Service is sacrifice. It's about reaching into the depths of who you are to help others, something not everyone can achieve."
Bobby concurs, reflecting on the prevalent self-centered mindset in today's society and the rarity of genuine altruism.
Bobby [08:40]: "Out of all the self-centered focus in life, a life of serving others is how we're truly made."
Yuni adds that overcoming personal traumas and evolving as individuals are crucial steps towards meaningful service.
Yuni [09:06]: "Service is an ongoing evolution of self. Sharing your story and helping others through their struggles is a profound form of service."
Introducing Scootable: Supporting Divorcees
The highlight of the episode is Yuni’s introduction of her nonprofit, Scootable.org, dedicated to assisting individuals navigating the tumultuous waters of divorce. The initiative was born out of a personal experience where Yuni and her friend found a lack of resources to support someone going through a divorce.
Yuni [15:41]: "We didn’t see anything on a national or even local level that could support divorcees, so we decided to start Scootable."
Scootable’s Mission:
Scootable aims to provide comprehensive resources for divorcees, whether they are pre-divorce or newly divorced. The nonprofit acknowledges that divorce affects both men and women and strives to offer support that caters to the unique challenges each faces.
Yuni [15:48]: "We help both men and women because divorce impacts both sides. It's about ensuring everyone has access to the necessary resources."
Key Services and Resources:
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Information and Resources Page:
- Divorce Process Guidance: Step-by-step timelines and what to expect during the divorce process.
- Support for Children: Strategies to communicate and support children through divorce.
- Domestic Violence Resources: Recognizing signs and accessing help.
- Financial Assistance: Navigating bank accounts, insurance options, and transportation.
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Case Management:
Scootable offers personalized case management in select Texas counties, aiming to expand its reach as the organization grows.
Yuni [21:55]: "Divorces can take over two years, especially with children involved. Our goal is to help people understand and navigate this lengthy process."
Addressing the Emotional and Social Impact of Divorce
The conversation delves into the profound emotional toll divorce takes on individuals and their families. Yuni likens the grief experienced during divorce to mourning a significant loss, highlighting the societal taboo surrounding the topic.
Yuni [25:36]: "Divorce rates are high today, yet it's not openly discussed. It's okay to rebuild and find happiness outside of a failed marriage."
Bobby shares a personal anecdote about witnessing a colleague struggle with domestic violence and the complexities of escaping an abusive relationship without financial independence or access to essential resources.
Bobby [27:12]: "If you don’t have access to bank accounts or financial resources because of economic abuse, escaping a divorce can feel impossible."
Yuni concurs, emphasizing that economic abuse is a severe form of domestic violence that often goes unrecognized.
Yuni [28:14]: "Economic abuse, like controlling access to finances, is a form of domestic violence that many don't realize."
Philosophical Reflections: Control and Response
Towards the episode's conclusion, both hosts engage in a philosophical discussion about personal control and responses to life's events. They introduce a formula to encapsulate this philosophy:
Bobby [48:15]: "Life is a series of choices. The only choice I truly control is my reaction to the weather."
Yuni echoes this sentiment, reinforcing the power individuals hold over their responses to external circumstances.
Yuni [50:27]: "You are the most important component in your own story. Your healing and success are in your hands."
Closing Thoughts and Community Support
The episode wraps up with heartfelt affirmations of mutual support and the importance of community. Both Yuni and Bobby emphasize that their initiatives are about ensuring no one feels alone in their struggles.
Bobby [55:18]: "You matter. You're valuable. Just dig deep and pull yourself up."
Yuni reinforces the message, highlighting the interdependence of individuals within a community.
Yuni [53:10]: "People are interdependent. If I can help my neighbor, then I'm helping my community."
Conclusion
Episode 58 of The Collage Podcast offers an insightful exploration into the challenges of divorce and the critical importance of community support. Through Yuni’s dedication with Scootable.org and philosophical reflections on service and personal control, listeners are reminded of the power of compassion, selflessness, and the enduring impact of stepping up to help others in their time of need.
For more information on Scootable and its resources for divorcees, visit scootable.org.
Notable Quotes:
- Yuni [06:31]: "Service is sacrifice. It's about reaching into the depths of who you are to help others, something not everyone can achieve."
- Bobby [48:15]: "Life is a series of choices. The only choice I truly control is my reaction to the weather."
- Yuni [50:27]: "You are the most important component in your own story. Your healing and success are in your hands."
Thank you for tuning into The Collage Podcast. For more episodes and information, visit redcordmedia.org.