Episodes

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... What if the solution to combating domestic violence, elder abuse, and human trafficking lies in the power of community collaboration? Join me as I sit down with the inspiring Faith Whitmore, a United Methodist pastor turned political figure, who now leads the Family Justice Center in Sacramento. Faith's journey is nothing short of remarkable, and she credits her diverse background for preparing her to champion a cause t...

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... What critical role do vernal pools play in our ecosystem, and why should their preservation be a priority? Join me, Jeff Holden, as I uncover these questions with Mackenzie Wieser, CEO off Sacramento Splash. Mackenzie offers an in-depth look into these unique habitats, discussing the diverse species they host and their importance in maintaining biodiversity. Highlighting the lifecycle of creatures like tadpole shrimp, M...

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... What if navigating the healthcare system could be a seamless journey rather than a daunting challenge? Greg Stone, CEO of Peach Tree Health joins me to shed light on the fascinating evolution of Peach Tree Health, from its humble beginnings as a county-controlled clinic in Yuba County to a pioneering independent nonprofit and federally qualified health center. Together, we unpack the collaborative efforts with hospital ...

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... Join me for a fascinating exploration of Sacramento's significant historical evolution with our passionate guests, Walter White, President of the Sacramento Historical Society, Delta Pick Mello, Vice President and Gregg Lukenbill, Vice President. Listen in as Gregg passionately outlines Sacramento's monumental contributions from the Civil War, the Gold Rush, and the construction of the transcontinental railroad to the e...

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... What does it take to help newly arriving refugees, immigrants, and survivors of trafficking find stability and a sense of belonging in a new country? On this episode, I welcome Jessie Mabry, CEO of Opening Doors, a nonprofit organization that has been making a significant impact in Northern California since 1993. Jessie takes us through the inspiring journey of how a modest church outreach grew into a robust 501c3 nonpr...

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... What can a school garden teach us about community health and education? On this episode of the Nonprofit Podcast Network, I am thrilled to welcome Salvador Ramirez, the inspiring Executive Director of Yolo Farm to Fork. Salvador's journey from an agricultural family background tied to the Bracero Program, through an enriching Peace Corps service in Kazakhstan, to his current leadership role, is nothing short of remarkab...

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... How does a small organization tackling hypertension grow into a community health powerhouse? Join me for an inspiring conversation with Deborah Oto-Kent , the visionary founder of the Health Education Council, as she shares nearly four decades of experience transforming community health. Deborah takes us through the humble beginnings of her organization, initially focused on hypertension in diverse, low-income communiti...

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... Can humor save lives? Join me, Jeff Holden, for an extraordinary episode where we'll uncover the potent mix of comedy and mental health with our special guests Brad and Victoria Bonar, and local comedian, DJ Sandhu. These amazing individuals share their raw and real experiences, including Brad's brave recounting of his 5150 hold and his journey to openly discussing his struggles with depression and thoughts of suicide. ...

Love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Send a text... Learn how one parent with twins born with hearing loss was introduced to an effective support program for children as we share the compelling story of Licia Green, the Development Director for CCHAT (Children's Choice for Hearing and Talking) program. Experience the emotional highs and lows of her journey as a parent of deaf twin daughters, from the shock of their diagnosis to the profound relief and optimism found through the nurturing ...

What happens when theater arts meet social-emotional learning and conflict resolution? Join me, Jeff Holden, in this thought-provoking episode as we shed light on the extraordinary work of the NorCal School of the Arts. We'll explore how this organization seamlessly integrates music, theater, dance, and visual arts into educational settings and communities, benefiting everyone from pre-kindergarten students to adults. Michael, a former fourth-grade teacher turned program manager, shares his uniq...

Can horses really sense human emotions? Join me, Jeff Holden, as I uncover the profound mental health benefits of equine assisted therapy with Donna Eckwortzel, Founder and Executive Director of Hearts Landing Ranch. Donna’s unique program at Hearts Landing Ranch allows participants to bond with rescued horses without ever riding them, harnessing the horses' natural instincts as prey animals to create a therapeutic environment ripe for emotional healing. Hear how being present with these empathe...

What if nonprofits could thrive with the same professionalism and efficiency as for-profit businesses? Join me as I sit down with Kim Tucker from The Impact Foundry to dissect the evolving landscape of nonprofit business models and capacity building. Kim unpacks the shift from donation-based funding to earned revenue and why nonprofits must invest in robust internal systems and talent. Discover the misconceptions that hold nonprofits back and the critical distinction between ego-driven and missi...

Imagine a world where neurodiversity is not only understood but celebrated for the unique strengths it brings to our society. ERin Schirm of Meristem joins me for a transformative conversation on how this organization is fostering independence and opening doors to employment for adults on the autism spectrum and other neurodiverse conditions. Erin shares the beautiful metaphor behind 'Meristem'—a place of growth and regeneration—mirroring their mission to nurture potential through the Meristem m...

Have you ever wondered how your individual skills and resources could make a profound difference in your community? Join me as I talk with Brad Squires, CEO of Social Venture Partners (SVP). He'll explain venture philanthropy, a model where engagement goes far beyond writing checks. In a candid conversation, Brad illustrates how SVP Sacramento harnesses the power of the 5Ts—time, talent, treasure, testimony, and ties—to empower local nonprofits. We discuss innovative programs like Fast Pitch and...

This episode unlocks the secrets of Granite Wellness Centers' innovative approach to treating substance use disorder as CEO, Victoria Blacksmith takes us behind the scenes of their life-changing programs. Be inspired by the diverse range of services tailored to preempt substance-related challenges, including the organization's deep-rooted commitment to early adolescent intervention and special care for mothers in recovery. Victoria's expertise shines a light on the necessity of evolving language...

There's a magical quality to the story of Soil Born Farms, a tale of transformation and community that encapsulates the very essence of urban agriculture's potential. As Sean Harrison takes us back to the early days of his pioneering journey, we can't help but feel the pull of nostalgia and the electric charge of innovation. From his formative years at UC Santa Barbara to the bustling reality of Sacramento's first certified organic urban farm, Sean's recollections are a testament to the power of...

Journey with me down the aisles as I speak with Chelsea Minor, VP, Community Impact and Public Affairs at The Raley Companies and Executive Director of Food for Families. Chelsea shares her inspiring tale of weaving community service into the fabric of business. Our conversation is more than just a reflection; it's a deep connection to the heart of giving that beats strongly within our local Raleys, Bel-Air and Nob Hill grocery stores. Chelsea's dual role allows her to be at the forefront of an ...

Have you ever pondered the inner workings of the foster care system and the unsung heroes guiding children through it? Carol Noreen, Executive Director of CASA Sacramento, joins me today to shine a spotlight on the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program, revealing the intricate juggling of compassion and legal advocacy that shapes the destinies of foster children. This heartfelt conversation unfolds the layers of CASA's influence as we traverse the tale of siblings whose lives were tra...

Listen in as Executive Director Bonnie Patterson from Rebuilding Together Sacramento joins me to share the incredible story of how a modest volunteer initiative blossomed into a robust nonprofit organization, touching countless lives along the way. With a legacy that began as "Christmas in April", the group now offers a plethora of programs aimed at aiding low-income homeowners. Their mission? To ensure older adults and individuals with disabilities can live safely and independently in their own...

Ever wondered how a summer program can transform a child's future? Breakthrough Sacramento's 30th anniversary is a testament to the staying power of education and mentorship. Join me as Faith Galati, the dedicated Executive Director of Breakthrough Sacramento, shares the floor with an energetic eighth grader, Johanna. Their stories intertwine to paint a vivid picture of the program's history, its impactful peer-teaching approach, and the ways in which it champions educational equity, helping stu...

Unlock the secrets of entrepreneurial growth and community impact with Cathy Rodriguez Aguirre, President/CEO of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, as she shares the chamber's transformative work. Our conversation spotlights the array of bilingual services provided, from supporting micro-businesses to partnering with corporate giants like SMUD and Wells Fargo. By weaving in the compelling stories of Hispanic and Latina-owned businesses thriving within the Sacramento region, we showcase...

Join me as as I welcome Meghan Adamski from "A Touch of Understanding". We'll uncover the compassionate journey and profound influence of an organization that has been championing disability awareness for over three decades. Meghan shares with us the heartfelt origins of the program, stemming from the founder's childhood experience that lead to the creation of an educational initiative that has since touched the lives of thousands of students. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and the progra...

Ever wondered how the spirit of giving is nurtured within a community? Kerry Wood, CEO of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation joins me to shed light on the monumental efforts that drive philanthropy forward. Our conversation pulls back the curtain on the operational magic of community foundations, where donor passions intertwine with community needs, creating a tapestry of impact that will hopefully span across generations. Kerry's insights into donor-advised funds and scholarships reveal...

Imagine the journey from a bustling media career to the tranquil life off-the-grid, and finally to the helm of a once-struggling animal shelter. That's the life of Kenn Altine, CEO of the Sacramento SPCA. He's here to shatter the illusion that animal welfare organizations are solely about the animals, revealing the deep connections between the care of pets and the well-being of their human companions. Through Kenn's experiences, we uncover the nuanced reality of shelter management, from the chal...