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Sharing the untold stories of nonprofits in our community, making what's beneath the surface known.
37 Episodes
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Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Bob Von Kaenel, President and CEO of Hope Network, to explore how mission-driven leadership can transform lives and communities across West Michigan and beyond. Bob shares his journey into nonprofit leadership and how Hope Network has grown into a comprehensive organization serving people with mental health needs, developmental disabilities, brain and spinal cord injuries, and workforce barriers. Through innovative programs, strong partnerships...
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Keli Christopher, Founder and Executive Director of STEM Greenhouse, to explore how innovative STEM education can transform communities and create pathways to opportunity. Dr. Christopher shares the story behind STEM Greenhouse and how her background in education and leadership inspired her to reimagine how young people—especially those historically underrepresented in STEM—engage with science, technology, engineering, and math. Throu...
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Brian Elve, Executive Director, and David Madiol, Director of Development and Communications at Guiding Light—a Grand Rapids nonprofit dedicated to helping men and women break free from addiction and rebuild their lives. Brian and David share how Guiding Light’s long-term, residential recovery programs walk alongside men and women with dignity, accountability, and community, offering not just sobriety, but stability, purpose, and lasting ...
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Mikisha Plesco, Founder and CEO of Cultivating Futures and a passionate advocate for the young people and families of West Michigan. Mikisha shares how her own journey led her to create Cultivating Futures, an organization dedicated to helping youth build confidence, develop meaningful life skills, and access the support systems they need to thrive. She talks about how mentorship, stability, and community-centered programming can change the tra...
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Stacy Bare, Executive Director of Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, a nonprofit working to ensure every neighbor has access to vibrant, welcoming, and well-cared-for public green spaces across the city. Stacy shares how Friends’ work — from community-led, urban tree plantings and park revitalization projects to youth programs and neighborhood partnerships — is strengthening local ecosystems and deepening residents’ connection to the outdoors. The ...
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with BeAnka Masefiade, Executive Director of Osofomaame - a Grand Rapids nonprofit that is committed to reducing the overrepresentation of Black families in the child welfare system. BeAnka shares how Osofomaame’s work - through programs like the Abundant Life Academy and community education initiatives - is building pathways to belonging, stability, and empowerment for young people navigating the foster care system. The organization also provides v...
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Megan Erskine, CEO of Catherine’s Health Center - a Grand Rapids nonprofit expanding access to exceptional, compassionate healthcare for every neighbor, regardless of income or insurance. Megan shares how Catherine's Health Center's dedication to community health and health equity fuels their mission to break down barriers to care. From primary and preventive services, to behavioral health and community outreach, the organization is meeting peo...
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Hannah Berry, Executive Director of Lions and Rabbits Center for the Arts, a Grand Rapids-based nonprofit transforming communities through creativity, collaboration, and public art. Hannah shares how her journey as an artist and entrepreneur inspired her to build a space where art isn’t just seen - it’s shared, celebrated, and used as a catalyst for community change. From large-scale murals and artist residencies to creative workforce developme...
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Shawn Kohlhaas, owner of Culinary Cultivations and a dedicated local philanthropist who is using his passion for hospitality to strengthen the West Michigan community. Shawn shares how his journey as an entrepreneur led him to see food and hospitality as more than business, it’s a vehicle for connection, generosity, and change. Through his philanthropic efforts, Shawn supports a wide range of causes, from workforce development and education to ...
Send us a text New Look. New Season. Same Mission. One year in, and we’re just getting started. In this episode, we celebrate our first anniversary, share an exciting new partnership with Heart of West Michigan United Way, and give you a look at what’s next for the podcast. Tune in and join us for the journey ahead!
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Stacy Datena-Postma, Senior Philanthropy and Engagement Manager, and Shelisa Jeffers, Case Manager with Covenant House, a nonprofit dedicated to providing shelter, support, and opportunity to young people experiencing homelessness. Stacy and Shelisa share how Covenant House works to break the cycle of homelessness by offering not just a safe place to sleep, but also comprehensive wraparound services like education, job readiness, and mental hea...
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Nicholas Kristock, founder and Executive Director of Fleece & Thank You, a nonprofit bringing comfort and hope to children facing extended hospital stays. Nicholas shares how the simple gift of a handmade fleece blanket—paired with a personalized video message from the maker—creates a powerful connection between volunteers and patients. Since its founding, Fleece & Thank You has delivered thousands of blankets to hospitals across Michig...
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Karol Clason, a board member with Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting early detection, supporting survivors, and funding research to end ovarian cancer. Karol shares some of her own personal story with OC and how MIOCA is raising awareness across the state through education, advocacy, and community engagement, while also providing vital resources and connections for those impacted by the disease. From stat...
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Gratia Lee and Satorie Spicer from Access of West Michigan, a nonprofit dedicated to building a community where all people have access to healthy food and economic opportunity. Gratia and Satorie share how Access is addressing food insecurity and poverty through collaborative partnerships, poverty education simulators, innovative food systems work, and programs that equip individuals and communities for long-term change. From supporting local f...
Send us a text In this episode, the guys sit down with Jamon Alexander, President and CEO of West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT), a nonprofit in Grand Rapids working at the intersection of equity, education, and opportunity. Jamon shares his path to leadership and how WMCAT is empowering teens and adults through creative programs, career training, and community partnerships. From afterschool arts and design classes for high school students to career pathways in healthcare and...
Send us a text In this episode, the guys sit down with Dan Gowdy, President and CEO of Wedgwood Christian Services, a nonprofit in West Michigan providing life-changing support for youth and families. Dan shares his journey into leadership, the evolving needs of the community, and how Wedgwood continues to respond with care, innovation, and deep-rooted commitment. From residential care and counseling to education and prevention programs, Wedgwood’s work reflects a holistic approach to healing...
Send us a text In this episode, the guys sit down with Troy Vugteveen, President and CEO at Trillium Living (parent organization of Holland Home), a nonprofit senior population health organization working to enhance the lives of today's and tomorrow's seniors. With a focus on wellness, community, and compassionate care, Trillium Living surrounds seniors, their loved ones, and caregivers with continuous resources and solutions to optimize health and wellness at each step of the aging journey. ...
Send us a text In this episode, the guys sit down with Jodee Bruneau, Program Director at King’s Table, a nonprofit in Grand Rapids, MI that’s on a mission to make sure everyone feels seen, known, and loved. Rooted in the belief that every individual deserves a seat at the table, King’s Table creates inclusive programs that support and celebrate children and adults with disabilities. King's Table's work is all about friendship, fun, and the kind of belonging that changes lives. Jodee shares p...
Send us a text In this episode, the guys sit down with Ellen Sawyer, Executive Director, and Savana Beal, Development Director of Comprehensive Therapy Center (CTC)—a Grand Rapids nonprofit that has been transforming the lives of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over 40 years. Ellen and Savana take us inside CTC’s unique, whole-child approach, which combines speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, sensory integration, and motor therapy. Through their work...
Send us a text In this episode, the guys sit down with Tarah Carnahan, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Treetops Collective—a cross-cultural movement that connects with and invests in New American refugee women leaders to transform communities into places of belonging. Tarah shares how Treetops is fostering cross-cultural community, empowering refugee and immigrant women as leaders, and creating pathways for economic mobility and meaningful social connection. Want to make a difference? Vi...
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