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 homes. Bonnie paints a vivid picture of the transformation led by her predecessor, Carrie Gritt, wh ..read more

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 students like Johanna build a solid academic foundation during the pivotal summer months leading back i ..read more

This episode has a special space in our catalog as Kids First was the very first non profit to have been recorded back during the pandemic. Since that first episode was all about the virtual event, it seemed only fair to bring it up do date to help get the story told of all they do for the community. Listen in as I speak with Debbie Gabelich, CEO, as we explore the comprehensive services offered by Kids First, a family resource center dedicated to supporting families through counseling, assistance with essentials, and specialized support for children affected by sex trafficking. Debbie shares ..read more

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 the Chamber's unwavering dedication to education, resources, connections, and advocacy. This episod ..read more

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 program's history, we uncover how a single second-grade classroom initiative has blossomed into a far-reac ..read more

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 challenges of dog intake to the national shortage of veterinarians. This conversation isn't just about t ..read more

Join me today as we explore the powerful partnership between Big Brothers Big Sisters and Luminous Minds, aimed at enriching the lives of children through mentorship and improved literacy. Listen in as my guests, Brenda Frascheur, Jacob Petersen and Chandra Roughton, shed light on the incredible mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters to create life-changing bonds between 'bigs' and 'littles' by fostering, supporting and teaching literacy for children struggling to read. Moreover, Clumipalshandra from Luminous Minds introduces us to the Lumipals program, an innovative literacy initiative that furt ..read more

As the rhythmic thumping of our hearts often goes unnoticed, so does the silent threat of heart disease that looms over us, especially for women. Dr. Reetu Sharma, a driving force behind the Go Red for Women movement, joins the conversation kicking off American Heart Month, to shine a light on the nuances of women's heart health and The American Heart Association. Listen as we talk of cardiovascular conditions, such as strokes and blocked arteries, and explore how atherosclerosis plays a pivotal role in these life-threatening events. The urgency of recognizing and responding to the symptoms of ..read more

Join me for a profound journey with Dr. Luke Wood, the trailblazing president of Sacramento State University, as we discuss the stories and struggles that have shaped his dedication to serving students from all walks of life. From his own experiences with food and housing insecurities to his tireless advocacy for vulnerable student populations, Dr. Wood offers an intimate look at how personal challenges can transform into a force for the greater good. Listen as he shares his vision for a university ecosystem that not only educates but also empathizes with and empowers its students. As we conti ..read more

Discover the story of how women's philanthropy is reshaping our community with Evelyn Jensen, CEO of Impact 100 Greater Sacramento. She illuminates the profound effect of collective giving, where each $1,000 donation unites to award significant grants to impactful nonprofits. Hear how these women leverage their financial might and insight to drive transformative change, with a whopping $200,000 disbursed in 2023 alone. Evelyn's personal narrative of dedication to community service intertwines with the intricacies of Impact 100's model, demonstrating the strength of collaboration and the magnif ..read more