At Community Nexus, we’re always looking for ways to expand opportunities for growth, independence, and connection. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our newest collaboration with Kibu, a digital platform designed to bring fitness, life skills, and community engagement directly into people’s homes.

Through this partnership, families and individuals can access a unique membership that combines Kibu’s innovative platform with the supportive programming of Community Nexus. Together, we’re building a bridge between skill development and community connection.

So, what does this mean for you? Members will have access to a library of over 300 pre-recorded lessons spanning life skills, job development, and fitness, with new content added weekly. From practical everyday tasks to fun workouts and engaging activities, the platform makes learning both accessible and enjoyable. But this isn’t just about lessons, it’s about belonging. Members also join an inclusive community where people of all abilities can connect, share experiences, and grow together.

The benefits extend beyond the individual as well. With easy-to-use reporting and progress tracking, families and providers can see growth in real time, making it simple to celebrate milestones and set new goals. And because memberships are eligible for NYS Self Direction, they’re more accessible for families across New York.

Memberships are available for $75 per quarter or $275 annually, offering flexibility and value for both families and providers.

At its heart, this collaboration reflects what Community Nexus stands for: combining innovation with human connection. By working together with Kibu, we’re creating new pathways for individuals with disabilities to gain confidence, independence, and joy while strengthening the communities that support them.

Ready to take the next step? Join through the Family & Friends Network and discover how fitness, skills, and community can come together right in your own home.

By Kibu + Community Nexus

Building Connections in the Mid-Hudson Valley: LIFEPlan’s Provider Networking Event

Community Nexus is proud to spotlight our friends at LIFEPlan as they bring providers, care managers, families, and community members together for a special networking event in the Mid-Hudson Valley.

Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, 240 Main St., Goshen, NY 10924
Panel Discussion on Self-Direction: 12 – 1 p.m.

This event is designed to foster collaboration across the care community. Providers will showcase their programs and services directly to CCO Care Managers, supervisors, members, and families. Whether you are already receiving services or exploring your options, this is a welcoming space to connect, ask questions, and discover resources that can help.

The panel discussion on Self-Direction will be an especially valuable opportunity for families and individuals interested in learning more about creating personalized pathways of support.

At Community Nexus, we share LIFEPlan’s commitment to building stronger networks that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We’re excited to see this event bring people together in the Mid-Hudson Valley and encourage our community to take part.

 Register today to join the Mid-Hudson Valley Provider Networking Event and be part of this important conversation!

Check out future networking events below:

Plattsburgh

Thursday, October 16, 2025 | 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
SUNY Plattsburgh, ACC Building – Cardinal Lounge
101 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Networking luncheon with a presentation on Community Resources.

Taconic Region

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
DoubleTree Hilton Poughkeepsie
40 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Panel discussion on Transition Services from 12-1 p.m.

Thank You for Making the 2025 Workforce Development Conference a Success!

We are filled with gratitude following the incredible turnout and energy at the 2025 Workforce Development Conference hosted by Community Nexus at Marist University. To every attendee, panelist, and sponsor, thank you for being part of this milestone event.

This year’s conference gathered passionate leaders, changemakers, and community members dedicated to building a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative workforce. It was wonderful to witness attendees from diverse backgrounds and experiences coming together for this event, fostering new partnerships and connections across various sectors, including education, business, government, and non-profits. The vibrant participation and engagement throughout the day were truly remarkable. Whether you spoke on a panel, represented an organization, or simply joined us to listen and learn, your presence contributed to making this gathering both informative and inspiring.

Our panels explored critical topics shaping the future of work across industries, including:

• Empowering Veterans & Entrepreneurs of All Abilities at Mid-Hudson Works

• Inclusive Employment Models Driving Economic Growth: Brick It Again & The Jawonio Commercial Cleaning Company

• Mental Health & Workforce Reintegration – Investing in People Through the Coworking Model

• Business Roundtable: Integrating Housing, Employment, and Support Services for Inclusive Growth

• Training for a Net-Zero Future – Practical Tools for Sustainable Design and Development

• Building the Future: Regenerative Housing in the Wellbeing Economy

• Manufacturing Regenerative Healthy Homes: Linking Sustainable Housing to Workforce Innovation

• Business Roundtable: Advancing Equitable Housing and Community Resilience in Newburgh

• Reimagining Employment for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: Letter Boards Are the Key to Independence

• Beyond the Hype: How AI is Reshaping Work & Leadership

• Tech First: New Tools and Funding for Independent Living

• Business Roundtable: How AI is Reshaping Work & Leadership

• Housing Innovation: Linking Sustainable Housing to Workforce Innovation

• Sustainable Economy and Workforce Development: Hemp and Sustainable Economic Development in the NY Rust Belt

 Want to see the full lineup of panels, speakers, and organizations who participated?

[Click here to view the full Conference Program PDF]

These conversations helped us push boundaries, spark collaboration, and plant seeds for future innovation and partnerships.

A heartfelt thankyou to our generous sponsors, whose support made this event possible:

Foundational Framework, Warm Heart Life, Knowledge Playgrounds, Jawonio, M&T Bank, CDPHD, Salon J, Mid Hudson Works, Hemp Hub, and Clubhouse International.

Finally, we would also like to express our appreciation for the individuals who worked behind the scenes to make this event happen, including both volunteers and organizers. Your contributions were essential to the event's success.

We're honored to be in community with all those who supported the event. Here's to building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We look forward to continuing this work together.

With appreciation,

The Community Nexus Team

Community Nexus is proud to welcome Warm Heart Life as a sponsor of the Workforce Development Conference 2025! Founded in 2019 by Brandon Gaydorus, who is also one of this year's keynote speakers, Warm Heart Life is more than just a coaching platform; it represents a bold vision for what is possible when individuals commit to becoming their best selves.

Warm Heart Life helps individuals achieve their personal, professional, and financial goals by creating an environment that fosters clarity, momentum, and meaningful action. Through high-impact events, one-on-one coaching, and speaker training, programs like Speaker School and A to B Con have successfully brought together hundreds of eager participants, helping them to grow, express their ideas, and lead with purpose.

Brandon is deeply dedicated to mental health advocacy. He actively works with Laurel House, an organization that provides essential mental health resources to individuals and families throughout Connecticut. Laurel House's Resources to Recover initiative offers integrated services, including recovery planning, education and employment support, housing assistance, cognitive remediation, and outreach for individuals affected by mental illness.

Warm Heart Life's ambitions extend well beyond the present. The long term plan includes establishing 10 universities in 10 major U.S. cities, each aiming to accommodate 10,000 students. With this initiative, Brandon and his team are igniting a national movement focused on self-discovery, discipline, and community. Their mission aligns perfectly with the goals of our Workforce Development Conference, which seeks to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and create lasting change.

We proudly spotlight Warm 

Heart Life and encourage you to explore their impactful work further.

Learn more about their programs, events, and vision at www.warmheartlife.com or www.speakerschoolmastermind.com

Follow along on social media:

Instagram: @brandongaydorus

Linkedin: Brandon Gaydorus

Facebook: brandon.gaydorus

Breakout Session | Workforce Development Conference 2025

As artificial intelligence continues to rapidly evolve, it is not only transforming the tools we use, but also the very structure of work and leadership. In a world where algorithms now influence decisions, productivity, and even creativity, professionals can no longer afford to stay on the sidelines. To remain relevant and resilient, we must do more than simply adopt new technologies—we must fundamentally rethink how we work, lead, and grow.

That’s why Community Nexus is proud to present the breakout session “Beyond the Hype: How AI is Reshaping Work & Leadership” as part of the 2025 Workforce Development Conference. This session, scheduled for 11:45 AM on June 27 at Marist University, invites business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and forward-thinking professionals to take a deep dive into the real, lasting impact of AI—not the speculative hype, but the strategic shifts already redefining careers and industries.

This session will explore how AI can be integrated into business systems to unlock growth, boost operational efficiency, and strengthen market positioning. Participants will learn how to position themselves and their organizations at the forefront of innovation, while remaining grounded in ethical practices and human-centered leadership.

But AI isn’t just reshaping business, it’s also transforming careers. From new job titles to entirely new industries, the employment landscape is shifting beneath our feet. Attendees will examine the evolving expectations of today’s workforce and gain practical strategies for future-proofing their personal and organizational brands. Equally important, the session will emphasize the enduring value of human skills, those deeply personal, emotional, and intuitive abilities that no machine can replicate.

This isn’t just a conversation about what’s possible—it’s a roadmap for what’s next. Participants will walk away with a clearer understanding of how to responsibly harness AI’s potential, avoid critical pitfalls, and adapt to the changing demands of leadership in an AI-driven economy. The session will also address the broader implications of AI adoption, including security risks, ethical challenges, and the emerging responsibilities that come with operating in this new digital reality.

Whether you’re leading a team, scaling a business, or navigating a career transition, this session offers essential insight into the future of work, and the tools you’ll need to thrive within it.

Please note: A ticket to the Workforce Development Conference is required to attend this session. The conference will take place on June 27, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Marist University.

Speaker Spotlight: Brandon Gaydorus Is Empowering Growth Through Action

Community Nexus is proud to spotlight Brandon Colon, a dynamic force in personal development, as a featured speaker at our Workforce Development Conference 2025! A five-time published author, speaker, and founder of Warm Heart Life, Brandon has dedicated his career to helping individuals take meaningful steps toward personal, professional, and financial transformation. His books span topics from public speaking to golf performance and global impact, offering a unique blend of insight and inspiration.

Brandon has led over 250 speaking engagements and is the visionary behind events like A to B Con (2022–2024) and TEDxStamford (2024), where he creates opportunities for people to learn, grow, and lead with purpose. After being named the youngest person on Golf Digest’s Top 50 Trainers in America list in 2019–2020, Brandon shifted his focus from fitness to personal development — a transition that speaks to his belief in lifelong learning and shared growth.

At the Workforce Development Conference 2025, Brandon will share his expertise on building momentum toward your goals and unlocking your potential, no matter where you’re starting from. He joins a powerful lineup of leaders and changemakers committed to shaping a more inclusive and opportunity-filled future.

Hosted by Community Nexus, this one-day conference will take place on June 27, 2025, at Marist University in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Tickets are now $80 (Early Bird until May 15).

Register today and take the next step toward your future.

Catch Prize at the Workforce Development Conference!

We’re excited to announce a fun and exclusive opportunity for attendees of this year’s Workforce Development Conference, a prize courtesy of the Hudson Valley Renegades!

One lucky attendee will walk away with:
️ 4 Renegades tickets
4 official Renegades hats

It’s a perfect way to celebrate community, professional growth, and maybe your next big win on the field!

How to Enter: Simply purchase your ticket to the Workforce Development Conference. All attendees are automatically entered into the door prize drawing. No extra steps required!

Important Details About the Prize:

• Tickets must be used by September 7, 2025

• Valid only for Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday home games during the 2025 regular season

• Gift certificates must be exchanged in person at the Heritage Financial Park box office

• Exchange is subject to availability and does not guarantee tickets for any specific game

We're incredibly grateful to the Hudson Valley Renegades for their continued support of workforce development in our region and for helping make this year’s conference even more memorable.

️ Don’t miss your shot—grab your conference ticket today and be automatically entered to win!

Speaker Spotlight: Hamza Khan is Redefining the Future of Work

Community Nexus proudly welcomes Hamza Khan to the stage at our Workforce Development Conference 2025! A best-selling author, award-winning entrepreneur, and globally recognized keynote speaker, Hamza has dedicated his career to empowering others through leadership, resilience, and the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. His viral TEDx talk, “Stop Managing, Start Leading,” has inspired millions, and his insights have been featured in major outlets, including Inc., VICE, and Business Insider. With clients ranging from Microsoft and Deloitte to top universities, Hamza deeply understands what it takes to lead with purpose in today’s workforce.

As one of our featured speakers at the Workforce Development Conference 2025, Hamza will join a lineup of industry leaders and changemakers focused on building a more inclusive, innovative, and future-ready workforce. Hosted by Community Nexus, this one-day conference will take place on June 27, 2025, at Marist University in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Tickets are now $80 (Early Bird until April 30). Register today and be part of the movement shaping the future of work.

We are proud to celebrate Kristin Mayo, Chief Executive Officer of Community Nexus, for being named one of the Hudson Valley’s Top Forty Under 40 Movers & Shakers by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce! 

This award honors young leaders making a lasting impact in the region each year through their professional achievements and dedication to community growth. Kristin’s recognition is a testament to her visionary leadership in expanding opportunities for individuals and families across the Hudson Valley.

Under Kristin’s guidance, Community Nexus continues to grow as a hub for professional, educational, and social connections, creating innovative alternatives to traditional social safety nets. By fostering collaboration, vocational training, and community-driven initiatives, she continues to help shape a future where everyone has the resources to thrive.

This honor is well deserved, and we are thrilled to see her dedication recognized! Congratulations, Kristin!

To learn more about the Top Forty Under 40 Mover & Shaker Awards, visit: dcrcoc.org/40Under40

Join us at the 2025 Workforce Development Conference!

Community Nexus is proud to present a collaborative conference focused on transforming workforce development throughout New York State. This event will bring together business leaders, decision makers, community members, caregivers, academics, and the individuals we serve to strategize around pressing workforce challenges.

Date: Friday, June 27, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Marist University, Poughkeepsie, NY
Tickets: $100

Super Early Bird Tickets are on sale until March 31, 2025 ($60).

Early Bird Tickets are on sale until April 30, 2025 ($80)

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This year’s conference will feature three transformative speaker tracks focused on workforce innovation.

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At the event participants will have the opportunity to:

• Discover innovative strategies to boost workforce development in any organization.

• Network with industry leaders to explore partnerships that can lead to sustainable business growth and a more skilled workforce.

• Connect academic research to new business models with real-world applications that lead to higher employee recruitment and retention.

• Share their expertise and innovative ideas, and gain valuable insights from industry experts and community leaders.

• Learn from renowned experts in workforce development, policy advocacy, and economic innovation.

• Participate in hands-on workshops offering practical tools and strategies.

• Celebrate the achievements of individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to workforce development.

• Gain insights into the current New York State workforce landscape.

Be part of this pivotal event and help build a thriving community where everyone has the opportunity to excel. Together, we can drive innovative solutions, foster social cohesion, and create a future where no one is left behind. We look forward to your participation and collaboration in making this conference a landmark event for workforce development.