Community Cares

In this episode of Community Cares, we sit down with Brian Wadsworth, a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and longtime Northern Nevada community leader, to talk about public service, Native leadership, and what it means to give back right where you grew up. Brian reflects on growing up on the Pyramid Lake Reservation, serving his Tribe in multiple roles, and why he’s now stepping forward as a candidate for Washoe County Commissioner, District 5. We dig into his work with the Nevada Indian Commission and regional tourism and cultural preservation efforts, and explore how representation, fiscal responsibility, and collaboration can move our communities forward.

In Episode 132 of the Community Cares Podcast, Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn sit down with KOLO 8 Morning Break host Katey Roshetko to talk about the power of local storytelling and spotlighting community change-makers. Katey shares her journey into broadcast journalism, what she’s learned from interviewing nonprofits and neighbors across Northern Nevada, and how local media can help elevate the voices of those serving our most vulnerable. If you care about building stronger connections between nonprofits, media, and the community, this conversation will give you practical ideas, encouragement, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep our region informed and inspired.

Community Cares Podcast – Episode 131: Circle of Life Hospice Foundation’s New ProjectIn Episode 131 of the Community Cares Podcast, Dave McLaughlin talks with Chaplain Chaz, who shares the work of the Circle of Life Hospice Foundation and the developing Circle of Life Grief and Trauma Resource Center. The episode highlights the vision for expanded grief and trauma support in the Reno-Sparks community, building on Circle of Life’s existing grief support and bereavement care.Listeners will hear:The heart and vision driving the Circle of Life Hospice Foundation’s new project, and how it is intended to support compassionate care and resources for local families now and in the future.How the planned Circle of Life Grief and Trauma Resource Center is being shaped, with a focus on creating a dedicated space for ongoing grief and trauma support once it opens.Simple, practical ways that volunteers, donors, and community partners can come alongside the Foundation during this development phase and as the project grows.Throughout the conversation, Chaplain Chaz speaks as part of the team, consistently pointing back to the mission and future plans of the Circle of Life Hospice Foundation and the Circle of Life Grief and Trauma Resource Center rather than to himself. The episode invites listeners to stay connected, spread the word, and consider how they might support or participate in this care for Northern Nevada neighbors.Learn more:Circle of Life Hospice Foundation: colhospice.com/foundationGood Shepherd’s Clothes Closet: gsccreno.org#CommunityCaresPodcast #GoodShepherdsClothesCloset #CircleOfLifeHospiceFoundation #CircleOfLifeGriefAndTraumaResourceCenter #ChaplainChaz #NorthernNevada #NewProjects #CommunityImpact #FaithInAction #RenoSparks

Community Cares Podcast – Episode 130: Lisa Moore, Founder & CEO of Life ChangesIn Episode 130 of the Community Cares Podcast, co-hosts Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn sit down with Lisa Moore, Founder and CEO of Life Changes. Lisa shares her heart for walking alongside people in transition and how Life Changes provides safety, shelter, and support for those affected by substance abuse, incarceration, mental illness, homelessness, sex trafficking, and domestic violence.You'll hear stories of transformation, faith, and perseverance, along with honest insight into what it takes to serve individuals and families who are rebuilding from tough circumstances. Whether you're passionate about outreach, going through a season of change yourself, or looking for ways to support others, this conversation will encourage you and point you toward next steps.Learn more about Life Changes at lifechangesinc.solutions and Good Shepherd's Clothes Closet at gsccreno.org#CommunityCaresPodcast #GoodShepherdsClothesCloset #LifeChanges #LisaMoore #NorthernNevada #CommunityImpact #HopeInAction #FaithAndCommunity #SupportLocal #Recovery #Reentry

Community Cares Podcast – Episode 129: Brittney Thaler, Great Basin BNI & The Dees Group Real EstateIn Episode 129 of the Community Cares Podcast, host Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn sit down with real estate professional and connector Brittney Thaler to talk about what it really looks like to build community through relationships, not just transactions.Brittney shares how her work with Great Basin BNI and The Dees Group Real Estate helps local families navigate big life transitions while also strengthening the small business network across Northern Nevada.You’ll hear stories about collaboration, referrals, and trust, plus practical insight on why showing up consistently for your neighbors can change both your business and your city.If you care about supporting local entrepreneurs, fostering healthy growth in the Reno/Sparks area, or just want to better understand today’s housing landscape, this conversation will give you encouragement and real-world ideas you can use.Learn more about Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet and how to get involved at https://www.gsccreno.org#CommunityCaresPodcast #GoodShepherdsClothesCloset #Reno #SparksNV #NorthernNevada #GreatBasinBNI #TheDeesGroup #LocalBusiness #RealEstate #CommunityImpact #SupportLocal

Episode 128: A New Perspective on ServiceIn this episode of The Community Cares Podcast, Chaplain Chaz Blackburn and Dave McLaughlin sit down with our newest board member, Jon Cole. A civil engineer and dedicated volunteer, Jon shares why serving with Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet matters to him and reflects on the power of quiet, consistent community care in the Reno/Sparks area.Tune in for a thoughtful, down-to-earth conversation about service, leadership, and making a difference right where you are.🎧 Listen and learn more about our work at:Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet – https://www.gsccreno.org🤝 Special thanks to our sponsors for supporting this community-focused conversation:Shelly’s True Value Hardware – https://shellys.shoptruevalue.comSpherion Staffing & Recruiting (Reno) – https://www.spherion.com/our-offices/reno_1128/Relentless Business Mastery – https://www.relentlessbusinessmastery.com#CommunityCaresPodcast #GoodShepherdsClothesCloset #RenoCommunity #NonprofitLife #VolunteerSpirit #LeadershipInAction #CommunityMatters #ShellysTrueValueHardware #SpherionReno #RelentlessBusinessMastery

Episode 127 – Walking With Youth: Emilio Vaca & Reno/Sparks Young LifeThis week on the Community Cares Podcast, Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz sit down with community leader and Young Life advocate Emilio Vaca to talk about what teens in Reno/Sparks are really facing—and how caring adults can make a life-changing difference. From showing up at games and club nights to creating safe spaces where students are known by name, Emilio shares stories, insights, and simple next steps for anyone who wants to support middle and high school students in Northern Nevada.Whether you’re a parent, educator, ministry leader, or neighbor who just cares about the next generation, this conversation will encourage you to lean in, listen well, and take one small step toward a young person in your world.🎧 Listen now and learn more about Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet at https://www.gsccreno.org​#CommunityCaresPodcast #GoodShepherdsClothesCloset #GSCC #RenoSparks #NorthernNevada #YouthMinistry #YoungLife #RenoYoungLife #CommunityImpact #LocalNonprofit

Join Community Cares Podcast as Ciara Ressel, Public Information Officer for the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) in Reno, reveals the NV Craft Beverage Passport 2026!Sip, stamp, and win prizes like NDA pint glasses, stickers, regional swag, and grand gift baskets from Nevada's craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries—launching Jan. 30 at Reno spots like Bristlecone Beer Co. and valid through Dec. 31, 2026.Episode Highlights: Ciara shares expanded Reno-Sparks routes, NDA's support for local producers via regulations and marketing, and how the passport promotes Nevada's thriving craft beverage scene and community engagement—no discounts, just stamps for prizes!Stream now on YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook.Learn more at getclothes.org#CommunityCarespodcast #NVCraftBeveragePassport #SupportLocal #RenoNevada #CraftBeverages #NevadaAgriculture #CommunityEngagement #getclothes

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - CCP 125

Community Cares Podcast – Episode 124: A Conversation with Jeff Howard, Board Secretary of GSCCIn episode 124 of Community Cares, host Dave McLaughlin welcomes Jeff Howard, Board Secretary of Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet (GSCC). With Chaplain Chaz away this week, Jeff steps in to share his insights on the mission, impact, and inner workings of GSCC in the Reno–Sparks community.​Jeff talks about what inspired him to join the board, how governance supports community outreach, and the importance of restoring dignity through free clothing programs. Learn how GSCC serves hundreds of neighbors every month with free clothing and how you can help sustain and grow this work.​🔗 Learn more or get involved: **https://www.gsccreno.org**​🎧 Tune in now to meet the people behind GSCC’s mission — and discover how small acts of service can create big change.#CommunityCaresPodcast #GSCC #RenoSparks #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityImpact

In this uplifting episode of the Community Cares Podcast, co-hosts Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn sit down with Gabrielle Torres from Freedom In Faith, a local ministry bringing hope and spiritual transformation to inmates across Reno and Sparks.Through community groups, discipleship classes, and the gift of Bibles, Freedom In Faith offers encouragement and a pathway to renewal for those seeking a new beginning behind bars. Gabrielle shares heartfelt stories of redemption, the power of faith in hard places, and how connection and compassion can change lives forever.Presented by Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet, a nonprofit serving our community with free clothing and dignity for those in need, this episode reminds us that hope and grace extend to every person—no matter their circumstances.🎧 Tune in and be inspired to see how faith and service can transform our community from the inside out.www.gsccreno.org

🎉 Happy New Year from the Community Cares Podcast! 🎉 Kick off 2025 with the CCP crew as we ring in the New Year and reveal a HUGE project that will shape how we serve our neighbors in the Reno–Sparks community. In Episode 122, “Happy New Year! HUGE PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT,” Dave and Chaplain Chaz reflect on last year’s impact—celebrating our partners, volunteers, and donors—and share an exciting new initiative that will expand access to free clothing and resources for those most in need. 🗣️ What You’ll Hear: - A behind-the-scenes look at why this new project matters for families, seniors, and unsheltered neighbors in our region. - Practical ways YOU can get involved in 2025—volunteering, sponsoring episodes, or amplifying the message in your community. 💡 Who This Episode Is For: - Community members who want to start the year making a real difference. - Nonprofits, churches, and agencies looking to collaborate and share their free services. - Supporters of Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet who want to see what’s next in 2025. 👉 Hit play, celebrate the New Year with us, and discover how this new project can help you love your community in a bigger, more intentional way this year! Learn more at getclothes.org

Merry Christmas! - CCP 121Celebrate the heart of Christmas with this week’s episode of Community Cares Podcast. Executive Director Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn gather around the mic to reflect on the hope, generosity, and faith that make this season so meaningful for our Reno/Sparks community.​They share how simple acts of kindness can change a life, and highlight ways to support families in need through Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet during the holidays.Whether you’re looking for a moment of encouragement, a reminder of what Christmas is really about, or practical ideas to serve others, this episode will warm your heart and inspire you to give. Tune in, share with a friend, and help spread the light of Christmas in Northern Nevada. getclothes.org

Ray from SilverSummit Healthplan joins co-hosts Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn for a powerful conversation about how healthcare and community support work together to serve Nevada families. Together, they unpack the ways SilverSummit connects members to medical, behavioral health, and supportive services, and why removing barriers to care is so critical in our region. The episode also highlights how partnerships with nonprofits like Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet help meet practical needs, such as clothing, so individuals can focus on their health, stability, and next steps.​Listeners will hear real-world examples of community impact, learn how to explore benefits and resources through SilverSummit Healthplan at https://www.silversummithealthplan.com, and discover how to get involved with Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet at https://www.gsccreno.org. Whether you are seeking support, looking for ways to serve, or simply wanting to better understand what’s available in Reno/Sparks, this episode of Community Cares offers hope, practical information, and a deeper look at the organizations walking alongside our neighbors every day.

Foster The City with Pastor Gregg KatzIn this episode of the Community Cares Podcast, Chaplain Chaz Blackburn and co-host Dave McLaughlin sit down with Pastor Gregg Katz to talk about Foster The City and the powerful impact it is having on vulnerable children and families in our region. Pastor Gregg shares how churches and individuals can step into the foster care crisis with practical support, meaningful partnership, and Christ-centered hope.​Listen in as the conversation covers:The vision and mission behind Foster The City.How local churches can wrap around foster families.Next steps for anyone who feels called to get involved.​Learn more about Foster The City at https://fosterthecity.org and Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet at https://www.gsccreno.orgIf you’ve ever wondered how you or your church can make a difference in the foster care space, this episode will both challenge and encourage you. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode to help spread the word about Foster The City and the many ways our community can care together.

Community Cares Podcast welcomes Jose Gomez to the show alongside cohosts Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn for an inspiring conversation about caring for our neighbors and strengthening community support. In this episode, they share stories from the front lines of service, talk about partnerships that make a real difference, and highlight practical ways listeners can get involved right here in our community.Learn more about Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet, volunteer opportunities, and how to support the mission at: https://www.gsccreno.org​Connect with Molina Healthcare of Nevada, explore member resources, and see how they are investing in community health at: https://www.molinahealthcare.com​If you enjoy this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe to the Community Cares Podcast, and share it with someone who needs encouragement today.

Community Cares Podcast | Featuring Valeria Koss of RennerVation FoundationIn this inspiring episode of Community Cares, Executive Director Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn of Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet sit down with Valeria Koss, Executive Director of the RennerVation Foundation. Together, they explore how her team is transforming lives across Northern Nevada through housing rehabilitation, resource support, and community partnerships that bring lasting hope and stability.Valeria shares what fuels her passion for helping others, the mission behind the RennerVation Foundation, and how collaboration between local nonprofits strengthens the entire community. This heartfelt conversation shines a light on how compassion and connection can create real change.Watch, subscribe, and join Dave and Chaz as they highlight the people and organizations making Northern Nevada a more caring place to live.Learn more at www.gsccreno.org and www.rennervationfoundation.org#CommunityCaresPodcast #GoodShepherdsClothesCloset #RennerVationFoundation #NorthernNevada #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityImpact #LocalHeroes #FaithInAction

Community Cares Podcast, Ep. 116Explore another episode of the Community Cares Podcast featuring Dave as host, with special guest Mark Teachout. Mark shares his role as an ambassador for Business 4 Transformation, discussing community involvement and business impact. Tune in for an insightful conversation on local engagement and innovative business approaches—Chaz is off this episode, but the dialogue continues with meaningful stories and advice.getclothes.org

In this episode, we honor the spirit of Veterans Day by reflecting on its origins as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I. We explore how the meaning of the day evolved to celebrate and recognize all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Join us as we share stories of service, sacrifice, and gratitude from our community and beyond — reminding us why this day of remembrance continues to matter.Learn more and connect with us at www.gsccreno.org#VeteransDay #ArmisticeDay #CommunityCaresPodcast #HonoringService #SupportOurVeterans #Gratitude #CommunitySupport

Community Cares Podcast | Episode 114, featuring Hunter RandIn this episode, we sit down with filmmaker and Sparks City Council candidate Hunter Rand, who is running to represent Ward 2. Hunter shares his vision for a vibrant, connected Sparks community and talks about how his creative background shapes his approach to leadership and problem-solving.Join us as we discuss local issues, community engagement, and what it means to bring a fresh perspective to city government. Whether you live in Ward 2 or just care about the future of Sparks, this conversation offers valuable insight into civic involvement and storytelling through action.Hunter Rand - CCP 114