Glenn 2 Greatness: Voices of Hope

In October’s episode of Voices of Hope, “Pathways to Possibility” Host Garrett Edwards sits down with Rachel Sanchez, Community Schools Director in Hamilton City and member of the Glenn 2 Greatness Executive Steering Committee, and Linda Riggle, renowned CTE Coordinator, business owner, and Growth Associate for Reach University. Together, they explore the historical context of Career Technical Education (CTE) in Glenn County and share how these pathways open doors of opportunity for students and the broader community. Their conversation shines a light on the lasting impact of CTE and the possibilities it creates for the future.

Glenn2Greatness Voices of Hope Podcast - Meet the Team In this episode, host Garrette Edwards sits down with the newly established leadership team of Glenn2Greatness. Listeners will meet the people behind the mission, each bringing their expertise and passion to the work of creating pathways in education and healthcare for our community. On this episode: Julie Carriere, Executive Director Lauren Wong, Tri Counties Community Action Partnership Executive Director Sera Maben, Network Project Coordinator Sarah Manuel, Data Specialist and Grant Writer Darcie Rutledge, Marketing Director Together, they share insights into their roles within Glenn2Greatness, the vision guiding the organization, and the impact they aim to make. From strengthening educational and healthcare pathways to responding to needs identified by our community, this episode highlights how leadership and collaboration are shaping a brighter future for Glenn County.

As we release the August episode of Voices of Hope Podcast this Labor Day, our message remains one of hope and resilience. Labor Day is a time to honor the dedication, sacrifice, and service of working people—and few institutions embody that spirit more than Glenn Medical Center, which has been a staple of our community for 75 years. From its beginnings, Glenn Medical Center has stood as more than a hospital. In a large rural county like ours, it has been a lifeline—a place where families welcomed new life, where healing was possible, and where neighbors found care close to home. For generations, it has reflected the hardworking spirit of Glenn County itself. When we recorded this podcast episode, our intent was to highlight that legacy and inspire hope for the future of rural healthcare, even in the face of challenges. That message carries even greater weight now as the community navigates difficult news: Glenn Medical Center will close its Emergency Room and inpatient hospital services on Monday, October 21, 2025, following the loss of its Critical Access Hospital designation. Hospital Administrator Lauren Still spoke to the community’s heartbreak while reminding us of the commitment that remains: “We are heartbroken to close the ER but want to assure our community that Glenn Medical Center clinics are still here for you. We did everything in our power to appeal CMS’s decision, but we must now focus on serving patients where we can and helping our dedicated staff transition into other good employment opportunities.” Despite the closure of ER and inpatient services, Glenn Medical Center’s clinics will remain open and fully staffed—including the Family Care Clinic and Glenn Family Medical Group in Willows. These clinics will continue to provide vital care for local residents, carrying forward the legacy of service built over decades. Matthew Beehler, Chief Strategy Officer of American Advanced Management, reaffirmed this commitment: “Although ER services must close, our commitment to rural healthcare remains. We will soon announce what additional services will continue to be provided through our Rural Health Clinic. Glenn County deserves reliable care, and we intend to continue serving this community to the very best of our ability.” As we make this transition, Glenn 2 Greatness intends to continue engaging in collective impact and working with partners—such as Tri Counties Community Action Partnership—to connect residents with community health workers and support access to both medical and social care in Glenn, Colusa, and Butte Counties. In addition, we are committed to pursuing grants at the local, state, and federal level to bring new resources and innovative solutions into our region. Finally, this Labor Day episode closes with a story of inspiration: a local Glenn County resident, now an aspiring physical therapist, who is actively supporting the community while pursuing their dream. Their journey reminds us that, even in times of uncertainty, the future of healthcare is rooted in the dedication of individuals who rise up to serve others. As you listen, we invite you to reflect not only on the hospital’s past 75 years of dedicated service, but also on the strength of our rural community—the way we come together in times of change, and the hope we carry forward into the future.

In July’s episode, “Apprenticeships for a Stronger Tomorrow,” Dr. Aaron Koch (Community Schools Lead, Glenn County Office of Education) and Dr. Erin Whitney (Assistant Director, Chico State School of Education) explore how schools, higher education, nonprofits, and community agencies are coming together to build connected education pathways. Through purposeful partnerships, they’re creating hands-on opportunities that empower young people to pursue careers in education—strengthening both individual futures and the region as a whole.

In June’s episode of Voices of Hope, we connect with the inspiring coordinators leading the Med Ed Club movement in Glenn County and the EMS Corps initiative expanding across Butte, Colusa, and Glenn counties. Together, they discuss how these youth-driven programs are cultivating the next generation of healthcare professionals. From hands-on experiences and mentorship to career exploration in emergency medicine and beyond, discover how students are building skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose. Whether you're a student, educator, or community advocate, this episode highlights the transformative power of early exposure and intentional support in shaping future healthcare pathways.

Grace in the Grit: Teaching, Treasures, and Transformation Meet Kim Clain—educator, mentor, and co-op contributor at Auntie’s Attic in Orland. From college professor to special ed teacher to shop owner, her journey is one of grit, grace, and reinvention. Tune in for an inspiring story of lifelong learning, community, and the power of purpose.