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Charity Matters

Charity Matters

By Heidi Johnson

The Charity Matters Podcast shares the stories of innovators, entrepreneurs and inspiring modern-day heroes who set out to solve the problems of humanity with their incredible journeys of service. Join us each week for a front-row seat to the best of humanity.
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Episode 44: The Silverstein Foundation and author of Simple Acts, A Busy Teens Guide To Making A Difference

Charity MattersAug 24, 2022

00:00
42:33
Episode 75: Calibrate
Mar 13, 202443:32
Episode 74: 4Girls

Episode 74: 4Girls

This week, we welcome the founder of 4Girls: Claudia Copely. Join us for an empowering conversation about her amazing work helping young girls to identify themselves as authentic, confident and resilient, preparing them for real life success. We know you will love this episode and the inspiring mantra as much as we do!

Feb 28, 202435:56
Episode 73: Heroes Voices Media Foundation

Episode 73: Heroes Voices Media Foundation

On Monday, we celebrated leaders who served our country. Today, I am thrilled to say we are doing the same by celebrating Heroes Voices Media Foundation: an amazing organization that serves those who have served, our military. Donald Dunn was a veteran suffering from PTSD when he and a fellow veteran began a podcast to talk about whatever was on their mind. Donald joins us today to talk more about his experience!

Feb 22, 202448:37
Episode 72: Praline’s Backyard Foundation

Episode 72: Praline’s Backyard Foundation

We are happy to welcome the founder of Praline’s Backyard Foundation to season 7 of the Charity Matter’s podcast! You will learn about the 10 million+ survivors of domestic abuse in the United States and how one in three households of those survivors have a pet with whom they share together. Join us today for an inspiring conversation about how Orazie Cook came up with a solution to help both our furry friends as well as survivors of domestic abuse heal with her nonprofit.

Jan 31, 202430:44
Episode 71: Posse Foundation

Episode 71: Posse Foundation

Welcome to Season Seven of the Charity Matters podcast! We are SO excited for all of the amazing conversations we have scheduled for you this season. In this episode, we will introduce to you the amazing Debbie Bial, who for the past thirty plus years, has been passionate in building her national organization, Posse Foundation. Her foundation places gifted young people who might be missed by elite schools in supportive multicultural groups of ten students or posses. These students are mentored, prepared and positioned for success; After listening to Debbie's passion, you will understand why.

Jan 17, 202441:24
Episode 70: Focusing Philanthropy
Dec 14, 202346:13
Episode 69: GlamourGals

Episode 69: GlamourGals

Today's guest, Rachel Doyle, started her nonprofit in high school and twenty years later has over ninety chapters nationwide connecting teens and senior citizens through GlamourGals. Join us for an inspirational conversation about what we can do for our seniors, ourselves, the power of connection and coming together over something beautiful.

Dec 06, 202342:42
Episode 68: Driving Single Parents
Nov 29, 202324:03
Episode 67: When We Walk By

Episode 67: When We Walk By

Join us today to hear what Kevin is doing every day through his beautiful work with Miracle Messages.  Take a moment to hear about his incredible new book, When We Walk By, which comes out today . I have been reading it and can not say enough about how Kevin's personal story, work and journey to help our unhoused neighbors is beyond inspirational. He is truly one of the most fun and interesting people to learn from.

Nov 09, 202357:16
Episode 66: You, Me Neurodiversity

Episode 66: You, Me Neurodiversity

Episode 66: You, Me Neurodiversity 

Today, Alyssa is joining us to share about her latest work with Autism and her new project called You, Me, Neurodiverstiy. Join us as Alyssa shares her inspiring journey from big sister, college student and nonprofit founder.


Nov 04, 202330:33
Episode 65: Curiosity 2 Create 

Episode 65: Curiosity 2 Create 

Join us today for an inspirational conversation with Katie Trowbridge, the founder of Curiosity 2 Create. A nonprofit that is on a mission to help our teachers and ultimately our students. Their mission is to equip K-12 educators with the skills needed to embrace their innate curiosity and encourage critical thinking by providing leading edge resources for our teachers.  Like Charity Matters, Katie is on a mission to help the helpers. If you have a student, know a teacher or care about education in our country you are not going to want to miss this conversation.

Oct 18, 202338:33
Episode 64: Riley’s Way

Episode 64: Riley’s Way

Please join us for an inspirational conversation from our guest Ian Sandler. Learn as Ian shares the heartbreaking story behind the creation of Riley's Way and the beautiful lasting legacy he has created to honor his beloved daughter.

Sep 27, 202356:15
Episode 63: Girls For A Change

Episode 63: Girls For A Change

A few months ago when I was in DC, a friend introduced me to a terrific philanthropist. He in turn introduced me to today's guest, Angela Patton. Friends connecting friends is simply THE best! Angela Patton is a remarkable human who wanted to help her community, more specifically the girls in her community. What began as giving two weeks of her vacation to start a camp for girls is now twenty years later a movement with her nonprofit Girls for A Change.

Join us today, for a motivational and inspiring conversation about passion, resilience and what happens when we lift others up. Angela is sunshine in a bottle and making the world better one girl at a time. This is the perfect episode for a summer day and the best way for us to wrap up Season Five of our podcast, so enjoy!

Jul 28, 202344:47
Episode 62: Mitchell Thorp Foundation

Episode 62: Mitchell Thorp Foundation

It is always challenging talking to parents who have lost a child.  Beth and her family have taken their loss and turned it into incredible support for families whose children suffer from life threatening illness with their organization the Mitchell Thorp Foundation. Join us today for an uplifting, inspirational conversation of love, family, faith and purpose.


Jul 12, 202337:01
Episode 61: Dignity Defense Institute

Episode 61: Dignity Defense Institute

Today's guest, Nicole Smith is the founder of the Dignity Defense Institute, a nonprofit that is setting out to educate humanity on human value. Their mission is to become an amplifying force for the defense of human dignity.  Join as Nicole shares her story about working on the PR side of human crisis and how that work and the birth of her daughter inspired her to use her voice to help create change.

Jun 29, 202343:33
Episode 60: City of Hope

Episode 60: City of Hope

Join Dana and June Penrod from City of Hope to learn how one person can make a difference for so many living with cancer. Dana's humor and insight will inspire you and make you think about how you live. She is a true example of the quote above and what really matters.


May 31, 202340:44
Episode 59: Project Libertad
May 04, 202333:22
Episode 58: 410 Bridge

Episode 58: 410 Bridge

Kurt Kandler's story is one of resilience, passion, and dedication to improving the lives of those less fortunate. His organization, 410 Bridge, has faced numerous challenges in its mission to provide aid and support to communities in Africa. But despite these obstacles, Kurt's unwavering commitment to the cause has led to tangible changes and a glimmer of hope in the lives of those who have been forgotten by society.

Apr 19, 202335:58
Episode 57: Mission Launch

Episode 57: Mission Launch

Did you know one in three Americans have an arrest or conviction record? That means almost 80 million Americans today have an arrest or conviction rate. Today's guest is no stranger to these numbers; she is actually part of that statistic. Join us to learn the incredible story of one woman's journey from prison to nonprofit founder. Teresa Hodge is an absolute inspiration. Learn about Teresa's life's tireless work to help those who have been incarcerated rebuild their lives with her organization Mission Launch.

Apr 06, 202342:21
Episode 56: Start Lighthouse

Episode 56: Start Lighthouse

There is a reason and a story behind today's guest, Rina Madhani's mission to inspire literacy in thousands of underserved children. Join us for an incredible conversation and see why Rina was a L'Oreal Women of Worth. She is a bright light!


Mar 22, 202333:31
Episode 55: Grass Roots Grocery

Episode 55: Grass Roots Grocery

If you have been to the grocery store recently you know how insane food prices are these days. When eggs are $8.99 something isn't right! When one New York school teacher realized that his students were going without food he decided to step up in a very big way. It turns out that 1 in 4 New Yorkers who are experiencing a food emergency can even access a food pantry.

Join us today to hear the inspirational conversation of one man's journey from the classroom to major food distribution to serve thousands of meals to his neighborhood. Dan Zauderer is an inspiration for us all in his mission to get all of us to be neighbors helping neighbors with his nonprofit @grassrootsgroceryny

Mar 08, 202349:11
Episode 54: One Block UWS
Mar 01, 202342:17
Episode 53: Hearts of Gold

Episode 53: Hearts of Gold

Since this week is all about love and Valentines, it seems only fitting that today our guest is all about love. Her name is Deborah Koenigsberger and she is the founder of the nonprofit Hearts of Gold. When you hear her remarkable story about the impact one person can make, it will make you think differently. So join us for a remarkable conversation about love and action. Think of this as a belated Valentines Day gift to yourself!

Feb 15, 202346:54
 Episode 52: CURE Epilepsy

Episode 52: CURE Epilepsy

Today's guest is a perfect example of one woman with a huge goal. Susan Axelrod is the founder of Cure Epilepsy. She will inspire you with the remarkable story of her journey to find a cure for epilepsy to help her daughter. It is a story you don't want to miss and the perfect way to start your year and ours. Susan set out to achieve a goal 25 years ago. Each year Susan and her community paved the way and ultimately raising ninety million dollars towards epilepsy research.

Feb 01, 202345:02
Episode 51: Free Wheelchair Mission

Episode 51: Free Wheelchair Mission

Did you know that there are 75 million people on this planet in need of a wheelchair? Can you imagine being dialed and not having access to get around? That is only one of the amazing facts I learned from today's guest, Don Schoendorfer. Don is the founder of Free Wheelchair Mission. His story is incredible, as is his work in providing over one million wheelchairs to people in need.

Join us today to learn how a MIT Bioengineer changed his life and millions of others. You won't want to miss this amazing conversation. Don Schoendorfer is a truly special human who is an inspiration for all with his journey of service.

Nov 17, 202248:22
Episode 50: Mindful Littles
Nov 03, 202243:04
Episode 49: Free to Thrive

Episode 49: Free to Thrive

Join us today for an inspirational conversation with Jamie Beck, the Founder of the nonprofit Free to Thrive. Jamie shares with us an insight into human tracking and remarkable work she and her team are doing to help so many.

Oct 19, 202243:11
Episode 48: The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation

Episode 48: The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation

Join us today for an inspirational story about the power of one family's love and the incredible legacy Jimmy Miller has left on thousands with the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation. An organization that uses adaptive surfing, to help  children with disabilities, veterans, health care workers and so many more heal through their amazing work and the power of the ocean.

Oct 05, 202245:11
Episode 47: Drink Local Drink Tap

Episode 47: Drink Local Drink Tap

One of the questions I always love asking our guests is, "Did you grow up helping others?" It is always fascinating to see where and when the seed of compassion took root in all the incredible people who do nonprofit work. Today's guest, Erin Huber has an incredible life experience of serving others that started at age 12, founded her first nonprofit at 16 and continues to this day with her award winning nonprofit, Drink Local Drink Tap.

Join us for an inspirational conversation about what one person can really do to change the world. Erin Huber has been changing it for decades. Her work ethic, passion for helping others and amazing life journey is an inspiration for us all.

Sep 29, 202238:45
Episode 46: A Place At The Table

Episode 46: A Place At The Table

Today's guest, Maggie Kane has created an amazing community and a wonderfully unexpected solution for homelessness. Her nonprofit, A Place at the Table, provides community and good food regardless of means. Her delicious Raleigh, North Carolina café is a cozy, warm, friendly café with great food and everyone is welcome.

Sep 15, 202241:34
Episode 45: Happy Community Builders

Episode 45: Happy Community Builders

Over the years in all of my conversations, the story in founding a nonprofit usually involves a tragedy. Today's conversation all began with one man who was going to become a grandparent and didn't like the world his future grandchild would inherit. So, he got to work in trying to create a better world with kindness through his nonprofit The Happy Community Builders.

Aug 31, 202243:35
Episode 44: The Silverstein Foundation and author of Simple Acts, A Busy Teens Guide To Making A Difference

Episode 44: The Silverstein Foundation and author of Simple Acts, A Busy Teens Guide To Making A Difference

Welcome to Season 4 of the Charity Matters Podcast. We are thrilled to continue bringing the best humans on earth to share their journeys in service to others. Join us for a terrific conversation about her journey starting a nonprofit for Parkinson's to writing a book to inspire others to serve. Natalie is pure sunshine in a bottle and just what we need to get inspired for a new school year. More importantly, her new book, Simple Acts: The Busy Teen's Guide to Making a Difference is an inspiration for the entire family.

Aug 24, 202242:33
Episode 43: Roots for Boots

Episode 43: Roots for Boots

Today is Memorial Day, a national day when we honor and recognize those who have given the ultimate sacrifice of service. So it is only fitting that today we are having a conversation with an incredible nonprofit Roots for Boots that serves those who serve, our veterans. Join us today as Christy Lucus talks about her mission basiclaly meet whatever need or challenge a veteran active duty or military family would have. 

May 29, 202233:59
Episode 42: Greenline Housing Foundation

Episode 42: Greenline Housing Foundation

If you are not familiar with the history of redlining then you need to listen to this episode! Today's conversation is an education that many of us didn't have and an important issue that we all need to learn about.

Join us today as Jasmin Shupper, the Founder of Greenline Housing Foundation, discusses the history of redlining and her nonprofit's mission to help facilitate the closing of the racial wealth gap by providing grants to qualified people of color for down payments and home maintenance assistance. Jasmin is an inspiration and a bright light!

May 18, 202247:32
Episode 41: Sow Good Now
May 11, 202244:50
Episode 40: Girls Leading Girls

Episode 40: Girls Leading Girls

Today's conversation is equally inspiring because that is exactly what our guest, Bre Russell does, coach soccer and SO much more! Join us as Bre shares her inspirational journey from a student-athlete to a nonprofit founder teaching thousands of young women how to lead.

May 04, 202244:19
Episode 39: West Coast Sports Associates

Episode 39: West Coast Sports Associates

Twenty-five years ago four college buddies who loved sports decided to change all of that for thousands of kids across Southern California. Join us today for a fantastic conversation with one of the founders of West Coast Sports Associates, Mike Gottlieb. As Mike shares the journey of turning a passion for sports into an incredible nonprofit organization that has raised millions for inner-city youth.

Apr 20, 202236:50
Episode 38: Foster The Mind

Episode 38: Foster The Mind

Brian's nonprofit, Foster the Mind helps children from the foster care system who struggle with trauma and mental health challenges from trauma. Join us for a fascinating conversation looking at mental health and the foster care system in a totally different way with our guest Brian Butler. This conversation will most definitely open your mind!

Apr 07, 202249:30
Episode 37: Empty Frames Initiatives

Episode 37: Empty Frames Initiatives

The Empty Frames Initiative is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower orphaned and vulnerable youth as they transition out of state foster care by providing community, training in life skills and counseling. Join us today to meet Miriam and learn about the beautiful work she is doing to help our young adults as they age out of the Foster Care System.

Mar 30, 202248:37
Episode 36: Miracle Messages

Episode 36: Miracle Messages

Have you ever seen a homeless person on the street and walked by because you didn't know what to do or say? Today's guest, Kevin Adler, is going to enlighten all of us as he shares his inspirational journey of reuniting the homeless with their family with the help of the non-profit Miracle Messages.

Mar 16, 202251:27
Episode 35: Beverly Hills Community Farm

Episode 35: Beverly Hills Community Farm

This week’s guest is Jennifer Levy from Beverly Hills Community Farm. Join us for an educational and fascinating conversation about the exciting new ways Jennifer and her nonprofit organization are educating and feeding her community with her innovative work.

Feb 23, 202240:07
Episode 34: Saving Tiny Hearts

Episode 34: Saving Tiny Hearts

Today’s guests are Francie Paul and Larry Kluge. When Francie Paul's son Joshua was born with CHD she and her husband Brian decided to make a positive impact for their child and so many others. They founded the nonprofit Saving Tiny Hearts. If ever there were two humans with huge hearts to mend all the broken ones it's Francie and Larry.

Feb 16, 202251:52
Episode 33: NonProfit on the Rocks

Episode 33: NonProfit on the Rocks

Today's guest is Matt Kamin. Matt has lived a life full of philanthropy in so many ways. Before Matt became the host of the popular podcast, Nonprofit on the Rocks...which is how we met and Co-Founder of Envision Consulting, he was a two-time nonprofit founder.  Matt's story is the perfect example of how one seed of compassion turned into an inspiring life full of service. Matt is truly a ray of sunshine and you won't want to miss our joyful and uplifting conversation.

Feb 02, 202237:30
Episode 32: Diveheart
Jan 19, 202243:46
Episode 31: Raise The Barr

Episode 31: Raise The Barr

Join us today for an incredible conversation with Lori Barr about her journey as a single mother to nonprofit founder. Lori shares her story of raising Anthony as a young mother and how they decided to give back to help other single moms finish their education and support their families.

Dec 08, 202131:43
Episode 30: Bisous for Leo
Nov 17, 202129:43
Episode 29: Oath to Country Foundation

Episode 29: Oath to Country Foundation

Justin has founded the nonprofit organization Oath to Country Foundation to provide support for our Veterans. This inspirational conversation about family, love, and service brought me to tears more than once.  Justin's story, commitment, and determination to serve those who have so bravely served us is an inspiration for us all. Take a listen.

Nov 11, 202156:49
Episode 28: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network PanCAN
Oct 27, 202139:17
Episode 27: The Pollination Project
Oct 13, 202140:56
Episode 26: Love Not Lost

Episode 26: Love Not Lost

Join us today for an incredible conversation with Ashley Jones, the founder of Love Not Lost. Ashley shares her journey through grief with the loss of her young daughter and her transformational experience from loss to creating a remarkable organization that provides family photoshoots for the terminally ill.

Sep 29, 202145:47