Building the “How” Behind Lasting Change

Read SoC’s 2025 Annual Report: progress on WCSD attendance, student mental health (Care Solace), universal Pre-K planning, childcare access, and stronger family supports.

Featured image showing the SoC 2024 Annual Report cover.

Strengthen our Community (SoC) 2024 Report

March 5, 2025

I am honored to share the progress and impact we’ve made during our inaugural year. Our mission to enhance the lives of children, families, and communities in Northern Nevada goes beyond words; it is a promise of substantial change. This journey was made possible by the support of our dedicated partners (see Annex D) and our founder, Michael Dermody, Chairman and CEO of Dermody Properties.

The Cost of Chronic Absenteeism

February 27, 2025

If the chronic absenteeism rate seen in 2024 persists, Southern Nevada is expected to face a lifetime cost of $610.0 million attributed to the Class of 2025. Over time, this snowballs to $14.4 billion over the next 20 years in Clark County alone.

Strengthen our Community (SoC) 2025 Annual Report: Building the “How” Behind Lasting Change

Read SoC’s 2025 Annual Report: progress on WCSD attendance, student mental health (Care Solace), universal Pre-K planning, childcare access, and stronger family supports.

Lindsey Rowles February 3, 2026

Children at preschool doing a project with their teacher

The Childcare Crisis Is Everyone’s Problem

The childcare crisis doesn’t seem to affect those of us without young children. However, the lack of childcare and its high costs impact everyone. For

Mike Kazmierski October 2, 2025

Featured image showing an elementary aged boy struggling over his text book in a library

Dyslexia, the Ignored Disability

You, your child, or someone you know has dyslexia. More than 40 million US adults and 15% to 20% of the kids in our schools have

Mike Kazmierski July 31, 2025

FEatured image showing a student in a classroom on her phone while the teacher writes on a chalkboard. Many students appear absent.

Confronting Chronic Student Absenteeism: Why Nevada Can’t Afford to Wait

Discover how chronic absenteeism is impacting Nevada’s students, families, and economy. Learn about its root causes, far-reaching costs, and actionable solutions our community and lawmakers can pursue to reverse this urgent trend and protect our future. Read more from “As Seen in This is Reno.”

Mike Kazmierski June 25, 2025

Featured image showing the exterior PBS Station in Reno, NV

Let’s Support Our PBS Reno

Discover why supporting PBS Reno is vital for the Reno-Sparks community. Learn how local PBS programming, educational resources, and community partnerships benefit over 500,000 residents—and why your support matters to keep PBS Reno strong amid federal funding cuts.

Mike Kazmierski June 5, 2025

Featured image showing a young woman alone and distraught on the school steps.

Our Kids Deserve Basic Health Care

Inadequate health care for children is a significant issue. According to research from Columbia University, nearly one in five children experience insufficient health coverage, meaning

Mike Kazmierski May 21, 2025

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Building the “How” Behind Lasting Change

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Strengthen our Community (SoC) 2024 Report

The Cost of Chronic Absenteeism

Articles

Strengthen our Community (SoC) 2025 Annual Report: Building the “How” Behind Lasting Change

The Childcare Crisis Is Everyone’s Problem

Dyslexia, the Ignored Disability

Confronting Chronic Student Absenteeism: Why Nevada Can’t Afford to Wait

Let’s Support Our PBS Reno

Our Kids Deserve Basic Health Care

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Meet the 2025 Starfish Coin Recipients

Leaders across Northern Nevada who are strengthening families, schools, and systems through real action.