find your cause

When families are forced to flee their homes, starting over in a new country can feel impossible. In this episode, Joseph Smalzer speaks with Shawn Smith, Executive Director of Global Impact Initiative, about how his team helps refugees rebuild their lives in Central Texas. From finding housing and learning English to gaining employment through CDL training and the Refugee Sewing Collective, GII provides the support needed to turn survival into stability. Shawn shares the realities of refugee resettlement, the cultural challenges many families face, and how his organization is creating real pathways to independence.Listen to Find Your Cause to learn how Global Impact Initiative is helping refugees not just adapt, but thrive.Visit Global Impact Initiative using the following links:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebookVisit GTZP.org to learn more.

In this episode we interview Livi Kerszenbaum, Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Orange County United Way. Orange County United Way’s mission is to improve lives in Orange County by delivering measurable long-term solutions to complex issues in education, financial stability, health and housing. Orange County United Way’s unique approach comes from an understanding that the community’s most critical issues are interrelated and must be tackled in an interconnected way to provide long-term solutions that break the cycle. Orange County United Way is focused on four key initiatives: United to End HomelessnessUnited for Financial SecurityUnited for Student Success2-1-1 OC. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://givebutter.com/orange-county-united-way  Phone: +1 (949)660-7600 Email: https://www.unitedwayoc.org/contact-us/  Website: https://www.unitedwayoc.org  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedWayOC/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unitedwayoc/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orange-county-united-way/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ocunitedway Guest Information Guest Name: Livi Kerszenbaum Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/livi-kerszenbaum/ 

In this episode we interview Isaac Esene, Founder/Director at GoodWorks. GoodWorks’s belief is clear: to create safer communities, we must foster a more informed and proactive generation. Beyond just witnessing, we are cultivating a generation equipped to act, ensuring fewer preventable deaths and injuries in emergencies.Through tailored workshops, strategic partnerships, and cultural engagement, we simplify crucial life-saving concepts like bleeding control, opioid overdose response, harm reduction, and CPR.Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://givebutter.com/iVR97h Email: operations@goodworkshealth.org Website: www.goodworkshealth.org Instagram: @dagoodworks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/86925972/

In this episode we interview Robb Munger, Founder & President of Exodus Place. Exodus Place’s mission is to Glorify God by meeting each man where they are. We provide a hand up rather than a handout by equipping these men with physical, emotional, mental and spiritual tools for successful reintegration into the community. Exodus Place is the largest transitional Housing Facility for men in Michigan. Transitional Housing is a stepping stone for homeless people who need temporary residence until they can afford long term or permanent housing. Exodus place can house up to 135 men at a given time and we call our residents members. We provide our members with a hand up not a hand out. Members pay low monthly dues (not rent) to live here. These dues include access to case management, education & job training, meal program, spiritual counseling, medical care and more. Although we deal primarily with the homeless population, we are not a homeless shelter. We're different for the following reasons:  We never put an expiration date on a member's stay. Members pay low monthly dues to live here. We offer programs to assist in our members' development.At Exodus Place, we understand that problems require big solutions that's why we're different from a shelter. We don't treat the symptoms for homelessness, we provide the cure. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://www.exodusplace.org/donate.html Phone: +1 616-242-9130 Email: info@exodusplace.org Website: http://www.robbmunger.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExodusPlace/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exodus.place.gr/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exodus-place/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMrDXQpIbWhBJbOV-dhJQZAGuest Information Guest Name: Robb Munger Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbmunger/

In this episode we interview Elizabeth Cushing, CEO at Playworks. Playworks’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.Playworks is the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play to transform children’s physical and emotional well-being. With more than 25 years of experience, the organization aims to bring out the best in every kid and hopes that one day, every child in America will get to play every day. Through direct-service coaching of youth and providing training and consultation for adults working with kids, Playworks partners with elementary schools, districts, and community-based organizations to bring games and youth development practices. With an emphasis on social, physical, and emotional skill-building, students feel included while being active and developing valuable skills needed to thrive in and out of the classroom. During the 2023-2024 school year, the nonprofit is ensuring more than 600,000 youth in over 1,300 schools and community partners experience safe and healthy play during and beyond the school day nationwide.Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://donate.playworks.org/give/46209/#!/donation/checkout Website: https://www.playworks.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakeRecessCount Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playworksrecess/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/playworks YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/playworksorg Twitter: https://twitter.com/Playworks

In this episode we interview Diana Canant, Founder and CEO at LifeSpheres. LifeSpheres’s mission is to To build resilience that empowers people to thrive by resolving trauma in peer-communities globally.LifeSpheres, a California 501(c)(3) Public Charity and a South African NPO, facilitates trauma healing through a community program. They create safe spaces for deep listening and mutual support, addressing trauma effectively and affordably. Their PeerCommunity CoCare Program serves diverse communities, offering workshops on deep listening skills and tailored CoCare sessions. Graduates can further support others and access resources through follow-up workshops. Operating on a commitment-based model, LifeSpheres offers free services with support from donors who share their mission.Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://www.turningthetideoftrauma.org/contact Phone: 1.650.275.2537 Email: info@lifespheres.org Website: https://www.lifespheres.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurningTheTideOfTrauma/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turningthetideoftrauma/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianacanant/

Lynn Margherio, founder and CEO of Cradle to Crayons, discusses the mission of the organization to end clothing insecurity for children. She shares her personal inspiration for starting the organization and the initial activities they undertook to understand the needs of families. Lynn highlights the growth of Cradle to Crayons over the past 20 years, from supplying 2,000 packages to children in the first year to projecting a million packages this year. She emphasizes the impact of the organization through feedback from agency partners and volunteers. Lynn also addresses the ongoing need for essential items and the importance of policy changes to support families in need. She outlines the future goals of Cradle to Crayons, including raising awareness, educating the community, and distributing more packages to children across the United States.Takeaways Cradle to Crayons aims to end clothing insecurity for children by increasing access to affordable, appropriate, and adequate clothing. The organization has grown from supplying 2,000 packages in the first year to projecting a million packages this year. Feedback from agency partners and volunteers highlights the impact of Cradle to Crayons in providing essential items to children and families in need. There is an ongoing need for essential items, and policy changes are necessary to support families in need. Future goals of Cradle to Crayons include raising awareness, educating the community, and distributing more packages to children across the United States.Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/donate-now/ Website: https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c2cboston/ | https://www.instagram.com/c2cphiladelphia/ | https://www.instagram.com/c2cchicago/ | https://www.instagram.com/c2cnyc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cradlestocrayons/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/cradlestocrayons

In this episode we interview Nate Pietrini, Ed.D., Executive Director at High Jump. High Jump equalizes access to education for Chicago middle school students who have exhibited academic ambition and potential and who are of limited economic means. We provide academic enrichment, counseling and support to students of diverse backgrounds, with the goals of sending our participants to superior college preparatory schools, ensuring their success while they are there, and enhancing their ability to gain admission to highly regarded four-year colleges and universities.High Jump empowers Chicago’s middle schoolers to become well-rounded leaders through our tuition-free programs, which offer one-of-a-kind experiences, resources, and educational support for curious and motivated 7th- and 8th-grade students who want to challenge themselves academically.We provide a holistic learning program to help learners develop the skills they need to thrive wherever they go. The program consists of six weeks of daily instruction in the summer and an average of two Saturdays each month during the school year. Our curriculum exposes students to culturally relevant literature, themes, rigorous math instruction, and experiential learning.What makes a student a scholar? A love of learning and a desire to seek experiences to challenge themselves socially and academically. Our students are intellectually curious and academically motivated; many are the first people in their families to attend college.Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://highjumpchicago.org/donate Phone: 312-582-7700 Email: ask@highjumpchicago.org Website: https://highjumpchicago.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highjumpchi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highjumpchicago/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/high-jump/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@highjumpchicagoGuest Information Guest Name: Nate Pietrini, Ed.D.  Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-pietrini-ed-d-70652354/

In this episode we interview Ausra Tallat-Kelpsa Di Raimondo, Board President at Blue/Yellow USA. Blue/Yellow USA's mission is to provide medical care, humanitarian, and non-lethal aid to Ukraine. Blue Yellow USA's mission is to provide non-lethal medical aid and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. They deliver aid to high-risk areas near the front line and underserved areas. The organization was founded in 2019 and is driven by a historical connection to Ukraine and a desire to support its struggle for independence and democracy. They provide non-lethal aid such as protective gear, medical equipment, and rebuilding materials. Blue Yellow USA plans to continue fulfilling needs, rebuilding infrastructure, and maintaining support in the long term. They are seeking volunteers and support from individuals and encourage advocacy to ensure aid reaches Ukraine. Takeaways Blue Yellow USA provides non-lethal medical aid and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, focusing on high-risk and underserved areas. The organization was founded in 2019 and is driven by a historical connection to Ukraine and a desire to support its struggle for independence and democracy. They provide non-lethal aid such as protective gear, medical equipment, and rebuilding materials. Blue Yellow USA plans to continue fulfilling needs, rebuilding infrastructure, and maintaining support in the long term. They are seeking volunteers and support from individuals and encourage advocacy to ensure aid reaches Ukraine. Sound Bites "Our mission is to provide non-lethal medical aid and care and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, to its citizens, its defenders, all the way down to its animals." "We've been very much involved in that history. I do a lot of research. I've been doing it for 30 years in on World War Two and in this area of what happened in Lithuania, the Baltics and other countries that are our neighbors." "Short-term, we see ourselves fulfilling all these needs, including protective protection needs. Once the victory is gained, we will need less of the protection type stuff, but we will need a lot of the rebuilding materials, rebuilding medical facilities, providing them with equipment, providing them with trained personnel that now will be willing to come and work with different people." Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: www.foblueyellowukraineusa.org/donate Phone: +1 (630) 770-6551 Email: blueyellowusa@foblueyellowukraineusa.org Website: www.foblueyellowukraineusa.org Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/blueyellowusa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-yellow-for-ukraine-usa/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blueyellowukraineusa Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlueYellowUKR Guest Information Guest Name: Ausra Tallat-Kelpsa Di Raimondo Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ausra.marija.desiree Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ausra-tallat-kelpsa-di-raimondo-529180b/

In this episode we interview Vriti, Co-founder & President and Mike Peck, VP at Ed3 Dao. Ed3 DAO’s mission is to empower educators with the knowledge and tools in emerging technologies like AI & Web3, ensuring every student is equipped for the future workforce. Ed3 DAO is a global community for educators who wish to catalyze innovation in education and reimagine learning with emerging technologies, with a focus on AI & Web3. First, we Educate. We provide free global learning events for educators both virtually & IRL, as well as partner with universities to deliver coursework for teacher development programs. Second, we Empower. We give micro-grants to members who want to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and we invite our members to take ownership of our community through a distributed governance model. Third, we Elevate. We help educators and institutions implement projects and innovations using AI & Web3, such as Learner Employment Records and virtual reality curriculum.  Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Email: people@ed3dao.com Website: https://www.ed3dao.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ed3dao/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/81369342/admin/feed/posts/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ed3DAO Guest Information Guest Name: Vriti Saraf Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vriti-saraf/

In this episode, Joseph interviews Kerry Brodie, the Founder and Executive Director of Emma's Torch. Emma's Torch is an organization that empowers refugees and survivors of human trafficking through culinary training and workforce development. Kerry explains that she founded the organization after realizing that she had the passion and idea to create a culinary training program for refugees and survivors of human trafficking. She was inspired by the question, "Why not me?" and decided to take on the challenge herself. Kerry highlights the mission of Emma's Torch, which is to empower refugees and survivors of human trafficking by providing culinary training and opportunities for workforce development. She explains that empowerment is important because these individuals have often been told that they are different, other, and not the same. Emma's Torch aims to change that narrative by recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of all humans and providing them with opportunities to pursue their goals and dreams. When asked about the origin of including survivors of human trafficking in the mission statement, Kerry explains that they work with a wide range of individuals who have been forced to flee or migrate for various reasons. They focus on tailoring their support to the needs of these individuals and have developed a range of training modules to address English language skills, conflict resolution, and employability. Joseph asks Kerry about the name "Emmas Torch" and she explains that it is a tribute to Emma Lazarus, a Jewish woman who advocated for refugee resettlement and wrote the poem that is now inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty. The poem, titled "The New Colossus," speaks to the idea that welcoming refugees is what makes the United States strong and unique. Kerry shares the initial activities of Emmas Torch, which started with a minimum viable product approach. They provided three weeks of culinary training to three students and raised funds through a catering event. They then opened their doors in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and expanded their training to include employability and empowerment modules. In terms of data and impact, Kerry mentions that Emmas Torch has worked with approximately 350 students since its inception. They have seen significant wage growth among their students, with an average earning increase of six times within the first year after graduation. Their students also have a high job retention rate of around 85%. Overall, Emmas Torch has created over $7 million in increased wages. Kerry discusses the future of Emma's Torch, which involves expanding their presence in New York and Washington, DC. They are also exploring opportunities for replication in other cities and states with high refugee populations and a need for social services. In terms of engagement, Kerry encourages people to visit their restaurant, support their catering services, and follow them on social media. She also welcomes partnerships with employment partners, nonprofit organizations, and anyone who wants to collaborate in supporting their mission. Overall, Kerry is grateful for the opportunity to share the work of Emmas Torch and is inspired by the positive impact they are making in the lives of refugees and survivors of human trafficking. She hopes to continue growing and providing opportunities for individuals to build a new life and pursue their dreams. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://emmastorch.org/donate Phone: (718) 243-1222 Email: Info@emmastorch.org Website: https://emmastorch.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmmasTorchFood/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmastorchfood/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emma's-torch

Lyric Amodia, Founder and Executive Director of The Movement Street, joins Joseph in this episode. The Movement Street is a nonprofit organization that redefines community service through impact and style. Lyric was inspired to start the organization after witnessing the effects of the Flint water crisis and wanting to make a difference. The organization aims to make community service more attractive and engaging for the community, with a focus on sustainability. Lyric shares that The Movement Street initially focused on charitable giving and community give-back events, such as a back-to-school supplies giveaway and water distribution drives in Flint, Michigan. They have since expanded their activities to include educational workshops, health and wellness events, community yoga classes, and financial literacy workshops. They also host an annual gala event called the Creative Classic, which showcases black art in various locations. When asked about the secret sauce of the Movement Street's success, Lyric emphasizes the importance of creativity, style, and personal connections. They aim to create a fun and engaging experience for volunteers and community members, making them feel like they are part of something bigger and inspiring them to continue giving back. They also prioritize treating everyone like family and fostering transparent communication. Lyric shares stories of the impact The Movement Street has had on volunteers and community members. People have been inspired to start their own nonprofits, collaborate on initiatives, and think creatively about making a difference in their communities. The personal connections and collaborations formed through the Movement Street have left a lasting impact on individuals and businesses. Looking to the future, Lyric envisions expanding The Movement Street's reach nationally and internationally. They hope to open community centers and hubs where programming can take place and foster connections. Lyric is also pursuing a master's in business administration to further develop their skills and run the organization full-time. To get engaged with The Movement Street, individuals can visit their website and sign up to volunteer or collaborate. They can also follow the organization on Instagram and TikTok to stay updated on events and initiatives. The Movement Street welcomes anyone willing to serve and contribute to their mission. Overall, Lyric emphasizes the power of creativity, socialization, and social action in creating positive and long-lasting change. They believe that together, communities can unite and make a difference through the power of creativity.

In this episode we interview Tony Woods, Founder & Executive Director at Public Equity. Public Equity’s mission is to improve the quality of life and access to resources for the most vulnerable communities. Public Equity believes that community members are the experts on their neighborhoods, their voices should be heard, and that genuine relationships with the community are crucial to mitigating violence. Public Equity empowers communities to reclaim their historically nostalgic and sacred community spaces by collaborating with the community and street influencers to minimize gun violence and keep neighborhoods safe. Public Equity serves Auburn Gresham and the Greater Englewood community and has touched over 3,000 community members thus far. Public Equity’s strategy is rooted in street intervention/ outreach, case management, victim services, additional prevention and support services, youth development, and reintegration  Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: http://equityiskey.org/donate/ Phone: +1 (312) 721-7908 Email: sm@equityiskey.org Website: http://equityiskey.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/equityiskeychi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equityiskeychi/?hl=am-et YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4au4Aene9CcWskbV3_vJow Twitter: https://twitter.com/equityiskeychi

In this episode we interview Anna Wassman, Founder and Executive Director at Onco-Ballet Foundation. Onco-Ballet Foundation’s mission is to provide free Onco-Ballet classes to anyone facing cancer.  The Onco-Ballet Foundation was created to share ballet movement tailored and modified for the cancer community to help them get back in touch with their body. Our Founder and Executive Director, Anna Wassman, was a former professional ballet dancer and 2x young breast cancer survivor who found that ballet was helpful for her along her healing journey. She created the Onco-Ballet™ class to help her fellow cancer community find movement, creative expression and healing through ballet. We offer events throughout the year and partner with local hospitals across the US to offer workshop style classes and 6 week into sessions to share ballet with the cancer community. The Onco-Ballet foundation believes that ballet can be healing and we are here to offer these classes for free to anyone facing cancer.  Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://oncoballet.com/donate Phone: 714-904-2466 Email: oncoballet@gmail.com Website: https://www.oncoballet.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552790495760 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oncoballet/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onco-ballet-foundation Guest Information Guest Name: Anna Wassman-Cox Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oncoballet/ Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annawassman/

In this episode, Joseph interviews Jacque Stefanik, the Executive Director and Co-founder of Serving People with a Mission (SPM). SPM is a leadership development program that focuses on providing young people, particularly teenagers and those in their twenties, with the tools and resources to become servant leaders in their communities. Jacque explains that the mission of SPM is to seek and provide people from all walks of life with the knowledge and resources they need to make a positive impact in their communities. Jacque shares the story of how SPM was founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a college student at Loyola University of Chicago at the time, Jacque felt the need to continue giving back to his community even when student organizations were unable to operate. Along with two friends, he co-founded SPM with the goal of empowering young people to become servant leaders. The core program of SPM is called the Hand in Hand Leadership Program, which focuses on mentorship, teaching the principles of servant leadership, and providing exposure to different community-based nonprofits. The program includes workshops, field trips to organizations like Loyola University of Chicago and Grant Thornton, and a philanthropy project where students are given a budget to make decisions for the greater good of their community. Jacque emphasizes the importance of teaching students fiscal responsibility and the skills needed to become successful professionals. SPM partners with various schools and organizations, including Loyola University of Chicago, Noble Schools, and Chicago Public Schools, to deliver their programs. They also have partnerships with environmental justice organizations like Plant Chicago and Grow Greater Englewood. Jacque mentions that SPM is grateful for the support of funding partners such as The Chicago Community Trust and Grace Lutheran Church and School. In terms of measuring impact, Jacque states that SPM has seen around 55 students graduate from their programs so far, with a goal of expanding their alumni network and running simultaneous programs at different schools. They also collect data through testimonials from students and parents, highlighting improvements in confidence, professionalism, and college readiness. Looking ahead, Jacque envisions SPM growing to have more staff and support to make it a full-time job for their leaders. They aim to expand their programs and partnerships, reach more schools and colleges, and continue making a positive impact in the community. To engage with SPM, Jacque invites people to visit their website, follow them on social media, subscribe to their newsletter, and consider donating financially or donating clothes. He also encourages potential partners to reach out to collaborate on promoting servant leadership and making a difference in the community. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged? Donate: https://www.servingpeoplewithamission.org/donate Phone: 17737932810 Email: jacque@servingpeoplewithamission.org Website: https://www.servingpeoplewithamission.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPMLeads?mibextid=ZbWKwL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spm_leads?igsh=YXJsM2ZlYW5rcTBs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spmleads/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@servingpeoplewithamission6554?si=y1ULUkMNsgs3BIb5 Guest Information Guest Name: Jacque Stefanic Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waryjt?mibextid=ZbWKwL Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spm_leads?igsh=YXJsM2ZlYW5rcTBs Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquestefanic