Donna explores how Cyclone Bagels is redefining support for formerly homeless veterans by providing more than just housing; they are fostering empowerment through culinary employment, community connection, and a sense of belonging.

Key Topics Discussed

• The Mission of Concern Housing: Jim Mutton, Associate Executive Director, explains how Concern Housing has expanded over 53 years to serve approximately 1,800 individuals, focusing on supportive housing for formerly homeless veterans.
• Housing as Healthcare: The importance of providing stable, supportive housing—subsidized so veterans pay only 30% of their income—as the critical first step in a journey toward health and wellness.
• The Cyclone Bagels Model: Joaselyn Cruz, who transitioned from a high-stakes career at a two-time James Beard award-winning bakery to Cyclone Bagels, details how the shop is tailored to meet veterans "where they are".
• Veteran-Centric Operations: Shifts are intentionally kept short (four hours) to accommodate varying levels of mental and physical stamina.
• Therapeutic Environment: Beyond making delicious sourdough bagels, the shop serves as a venue for treating moral injury, fostering camaraderie, and creating a safe, inclusive community space.
• Ripple Effects: The impact extends to the neighborhood, where veterans act as mentors to local youth, creating surrogate family bonds and inspiring educational pursuits.

Guests

• Joaselyn Cruz: Director of Operations, Cyclone Bagels.
• Jim Mutton: Associate Executive Director, Concern Housing.
• Michelle Marcisak : Marketing, Concern Housing/Cyclone Bagels.

Support the Mission

If you are inspired by the work happening in Coney Island, you can support them in the following ways:

• Visit: Stop by Cyclone Bagels in Coney Island for a coffee and a bagel.
• Donate: Contributions can be made directly via cyclonebagels.com or concernedhousing.org.
• Follow: Stay updated on social media at @concernedhousing and @cyclonebagels on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

In this episode, host Donna Hoffmeyer explores the intersection of technology, legacy, and human connection with guest Miles Spencer, CEO and co-founder of Reflekta.ai. Miles, an entrepreneur and storyteller, shares how his "soul tech" company allows users to create fully interactive, digital legacies that enable spontaneous, dynamic conversation between family members across generations.

Donna and Miles discuss the emotional weight of legacy, the importance of storytelling for veterans and first responders, and how this technology serves as a modern evolution of the "last letter" transforming static memories into an accessible, living dialogue that can be shared with loved ones for decades to come.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us spread these vital resources further into the community. Until all are home and all are well!

Transitioning out of military or first responder life is rarely a straight path. The weight of cumulative trauma and PTSD can leave individuals feeling isolated, stressed, and disconnected from the communities they fought to protect.

In this episode, host Donna Hoffmeyer sits down with Laura Lindsey, Development Director of Heroes on the Water, to explore a unique, powerful avenue for healing: kayak fishing. Laura shares how getting out on the water provides veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with a calm environment to decompress, lower their stress levels, and safely reconnect with a community that understands their experiences. From the role of family in long-term recovery to the life-changing impact of alternative wellness, this conversation sheds light on what it truly takes to heal after the uniform.

Connect & Learn More

• Website: Heroes on the Water
• Take Action: Visit their website to find a local chapter, sign up to volunteer, or donate to support their mission.
• Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode of Beyond the Frontline, please leave us a review and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!