On this episode of the DO GOOD X podcast, host Stephen Lewis speaks with Dr. Argrow “Kit” Evans-Ford, a visionary leader, spiritual director, and social entrepreneur dedicated to healing and empowerment. As the founder of Argrow’s House of Healing and Hope, Dr. Kit provides a safe space and sustainable employment for women healing from violence in the Quad Cities. She is also the force behind Autistic & Loved, a social enterprise that creates sensory-friendly products and resources for children with autism and sensory processing disorders—including the innovative chewery pendants. With an unwavering commitment to community-driven impact, she shares her journey of growing two mission-driven businesses, leadership challenges, and partnerships' power in scaling social enterprises. Tune in as Dr. Kit offers wisdom on listening to your heart and community to create meaningful, lasting change.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Dr. Kit reflects on the growth of the organization

(05:20) The challenges in growing a mission-driven businesses

(08:51) The value of partnerships and the creation of the foundation

(15:31) Securing resources for a mission-driven business and the benefits of working with DO GOOD X

(21:06) Head to DO GOOD X to explore resources

(28:55) Stephen’s takeaways

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The success of Argrow’s House and Autistic & Loved is to listen to the community's needs. By understanding and responding to what women healing from violence and autistic children require, they have been able to shape programs and products that have a meaningful impact.
• A significant challenge in scaling mission-driven businesses is trusting others to share the vision. You must build strong, trustworthy teams and form partnerships with like-minded organizations, allowing both businesses to expand and better serve their communities.
• Aligning funding sources with mission and values is essential for maintaining an organization’s core purpose. Securing resources that genuinely support the vision without compromise ensures long-term impact. Trust-based philanthropy, strong networks, and community support are crucial in sustaining meaningful social ventures.

RESOURCES:

Autistic & Loved - Website

Argrows House - Website

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X - Podcast

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

DO GOOD X - YouTube

DO GOOD X - Spotify

DO GOOD X - Instagram

GUEST BIO

Dr. Argrow “Kit” Evans-Ford is a spiritual director, social entrepreneur, and founder of Argrow’s House of Healing and Hope, a safe space offering free services and employment for women healing from violence in the Quad Cities. She also founded Autistic & Loved, LLC and the Autistic & Loved Foundation, creating sensory-friendly products and resources for children with autism. An award-winning author, Kit has received the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for Public Service and the Tom Locke Innovative Leader Award. She lives in Bettendorf, Iowa,...