On today's show, BUZZ creator Michael Hemphill buzzes about two inspirational nonprofits that help people live better and die better.

DePaul Community Resources works to improving the lives of children, families, and individuals with developmental disabilities. Meanwhile, Spirit’s Rest offers comfortable housing and around-the-clock compassionate care and support to hospice patients and their families during their end-of-life journey.

Here are Michael's conversations with Caroline Stanfill, founder and executive director of one of Spirit’s Rest, and Renee Brown, president and CEO of DePaul Community Resources.

BUZZ creator Michael Hemphill isn't buzzing today in his adopted state of Virginia or his homestate of Alabama, but way out in Montana and Washington to highlight a special nonprofit that is connecting prison inmates with the outside world … through art. How they got connected with Buzz4Good way across the country – and more importantly the heart-breaking, soul-healing work they do – is the subject of our conversation with Cyrus Lee.

Cyrus already had a heart for prison ministry when his son was convicted of second degree murder and began serving a 20-year sentence in Washington State Penitentiary. Cyrus founded the nonprofit Bears ‘n Stuff, based in his hometown of Libby, Montana.

We're buzzing about an incredible and inspiring arts project opening June 1 at a new nonprofit arts space in downtown Roanoke, Virginia. It features portraits of 10 of the city’s most iconic citizens, from Dick & Dave of the Q99 Mornin’ Show to Mayor Joe Cobb and former Carilion Clinic CEO Nancy Agee.

Today, BUZZ creator Michael Hemphill talks with the founders of the nonprofit arts space, Art on 1st, and shares the inspiration behind the exhibit from its creator, Whitney Brock.

We also share portions of our newest BUZZ that aired on public television this week starring the nonprofit Sav-A-Life, which helps women – and men – facing an unplanned pregnancy.

Reflecting on our newest shows highlighting nonprofits, BUZZ creator Michael Hemphill has to ask:

1. If the Trump administration insists DEI be eradicated, why must it come at the expense of Black history, which is far more accurate than the mythology we've always been taught?
2. If we claim to be pro-life, why are politicians providing fewer and fewer resources and help for that life once it is born?
3. Why is Trump eliminating funding for nonprofits that are working tirelessly to provide the services that government won't provide?

We discuss these thoughts and more in today's Buzz4Good as we share our recent work highlighting and helping such nonprofits as:

• Franklin County, Virginia chapter of the NAACP
• Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School
• Sav-A-Life, which works to help women facing unplanned pregnancies
• And Christian Service Mission, which serves thousands of low-income families with food, home repair, and other support

Today BUZZ creator Michael Hemphill buzzes about a Blacksburg, Virginia nonprofit that provides hope to walk for thousands of amputees around the world.

Appropriately named Hope to Walk, the nonprofit in May hopes to travel to Ukraine to provide prosthetic legs to some of the estimated 100,000 soldiers and civilians, women and children, who are now amputees because of the war. Listen to our recent BUZZ Live! that featured its cause and need for $15,000 to fund its trip.

We also share a clip from our newest BUZZ TV show that stars the nonprofit Masterpiece Alliance, which provides community and friendship for adults with intellectual disabilities.

In today's episode, BUZZ creator Michael Hemphill chats with Lisa Lietz about the upcoming SML Gives Day when 36 different nonprofits hope to raise $200,000 to better serve Bedford and Franklin counties in the Smith Mountain Lake area of Virginia. We also share a recent BUZZ Live talk show that features one of these Franklin County nonprofits, Healing Strides of Virginia, along with Apple Ridge Farm and the inspiring story of a cancer survivor turned internationally touring banjo player.

BUZZ is proud to present a new 30-minute talk show called BUZZ LIVE! that’s designed to be “The Tonight Show for Nonprofits!"

During the show – which we live-streamed to our Facebook and YouTube channels and later broadcast on Blue Ridge PBS – BUZZ creator Michael Hemphill chats with the inspiring people who serve, and are served by, nonprofits in Roanoke, Virginia ... along with a musical guest affiliated with a local nonprofit!

February 6, 2025

Franklin County NAACP’s “Raising the Shade”
Musical Guest: Bryan “Harvest Blaque” Hancock
Masterpiece Alliance‘s Scott Habeeb

WATCH LIVESTREAM ON FACEBOOK

WATCH LIVESTREAM ON YOUTUBE

To kick off Black History Month, we are buzzing about Melrose Plaza in the historically African-American community of Northwest Roanoke. It's located in a once thriving Black neighborhood that was decimated in the 1950s and 1960s by discriminatory redlining and eminent domain.

Last time on our show, BUZZ creator Michael Hemphill talked with E.B. Smith, the new executive director of the Harrison Museum of African American Culture, which is considering a move from downtown Roanoke, Virginia, to Melrose Plaza.

Today Michael chats with Zenith Barrett, vice-president of advancement at Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, which is coordinating the $30 million Melrose Plaza project. Melrose Plaza will feature anchor facilities to create positive change and address the community’s most vital needs – affordable food, healthcare, education for adults, and financial independence.