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Discover the incredible journey of Wendi and Rick Cross as Wendi takes us from the heart of Africa to the vibrant communities of Sacramento. Wendy's story began with the adoption of a young boy from Ethiopia, sparking a mission that transcends borders to support vulnerable children. Learn how an eye-opening family trip to Africa inspired the creation of a children's home in Uganda, where local staff strive to empower families and reintegrate children into their biological homes. Wendi shares insights on how education plays a crucial role in breaking the cycle of poverty and emphasizes the importance of keeping families together.

In Sacramento, Wendi's passion for helping children continued to grow, leading to a significant impact on local youth facing challenges. Starting with distributing essentials like diaper bags and school supplies, Wendi's organization has expanded to address the needs of those experiencing homelessness and domestic violence. The power of collaboration shines through as the organization partners with churches, businesses, and nonprofits, while individual contributions and events like the "Evening of Hope" fuel their mission. A small facility in Elk Grove serves as a testament to the community's commitment to making a difference.

Hear heartwarming stories of transformation as Wendi's team empowers vulnerable youth through meaningful relationships and opportunities. From providing clothing and school supplies to sponsoring extracurricular activities, the organization helps children build skills and connections that can change their lives. With a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, Wendy's organization nurtures a new generation of community leaders, creating a cycle of growth and support that inspires us all. Join us in celebrating the collective action that drives this life-changing mission forward.

To learn more about XHope Missions visit the website HERE
Instagram: @xhopelocal/@xhopeinternational
Facebook: @XHOPElocal/@XHOPEinternational
Linked In: XHOPE

CHAPTER SUMMARIES

(00:00) From Africa to Sacramento
Wendi Cross shares the journey of establishing a children's home in Uganda and supporting local families in Sacramento.

(10:46) Supporting Vulnerable Youth in Sacramento
International program supports foster care placements through community collaboration, funding from donations and events, and a facility in Elk Grove.

(17:43) Empowering Vulnerable Youth Through Relationships
Local organization provides clothing, supplies, and support for children in need, fostering growth and community involvement.

(29:35) Building a Community to Support Youth
Small team, volunteers, and community involvement drive success for organization empowering vulnerable children.

Thank you so much for listening! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

Evelyn Jensen, CEO of Impact 100 and Sarina Paulsen, President of the organization give us some key dates as we head into the new year.
A recently launched opportunity for a member scholarship is now available with the application period open from Dec1, 2024 thru January 5, 2025. The other key dates are application for your nonprofit organization to compete in the 2025 awards and they are January 13th, 2025 through March 22nd, 2025. This is one you don't want to procrastinate on as the awards will be at least $100,000 for two organizations. $275,000 was awarded in 2024. Be sure to get this on your calendar. Also, there will be a grant writing course that you can register for as well. If you're interested in any of these programs, don't miss out. Get your application in today by visiting:

IMPACT100

Thank you so much for listening! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

Trailblazer, performing artist, Executive Driector and Co-Founder of G.I.R.L.S. Rock Sacramento, Larisa Bryski joins me to share her inspiring journey behind founding G.I.R.L.S. Rock Sacramento, a dynamic initiative empowering young girls, women and those struggling to be their authentic selves. Through gender inclusion with radical love and support (GIRLS), the organization uses music, performance and other creative outlets to create community for each of the members during the various summer "camps". Larisa shares her inspiration from a Linda Ronstadt concert and the social climate of 2015 that motivated her to create a safe, supportive space for young women in a male-dominated field. Her journey from conceptualizing the camp to its successful launch in 2016 is a testament to her dedication to breaking down barriers and nurturing young talent.

The episode unfolds the vibrant world of music camps that Larisa has crafted, where creativity and community blend seamlessly. Imagine a space where kids are encouraged to express their authentic selves without the pressure of competition, but with collaboration and teamwork. The camps, supported by a passionate team of volunteers and professionals, offer a diverse range of activities beyond music—think yoga, self-defense, and even screen printing! This holistic approach not only enriches their musical education but also addresses essentials like communication and understanding of like minded individuals. This underscores the transformative power of community and the arts in empowering young individuals.

As we close, Larisa shares her ambitious vision for expanding G.I.R.L.S. Rock Sacramento. From hiring staff and fairly compensating artists, to establishing a central facility and introducing a DJ component, the aspirations are as bold as they are exciting. As always, securing funding is what allows the program to continue and that remains the primary and continuous goal. Larisa's commitment to gender inclusivity and radical love remains central, fostering individuality and activism among teens. Her revolutionary work exists to change lives and build a more inclusive artistic community.

For more information about G.I.R.L.S. Rock Sacramento and to learn about summer camp schedules, simply click on the link to their website HERE.
To follow on Instagram: @girlsrocksacramento
Facebook: girlsrocksacramento
To hear the music of one of the camps that was recorded and produced, you can find it on Spotify by searching "GIRLS Rock Sacramento" of click on this link and enjoy!
The opening and closing music for this episode is original music created from one of the summer camps.

CHAPTER SUMMARIES:
(00:00) G.I.R.L.S. Rock Sacramento Program Overview
G.I.R.L.S. Rock Sacramento was founded by Larisa Bryski, inspired by female rock artists and the need for a supportive space in the music industry.

(13:38) Music Camps Fostering Creativity and Community
Music camps offer a nurturing environment for kids to explore their creativity, supported by a d

Thank you so much for listening! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

If you missed the first ever, Sacramento Philanthropy Summit this past October, you may have heard about the incredible presentation made by Dr. Jane Wei-Skillern. I had the opportunity to catch up with her afterward to share a brief summary of what she presented. If this piques your interest and you would like to see a little more, you can get a summary video in the link HERE. Finally, if you would like to view the slides in Dr. Wei-Skillern's presentation, you'll find them in this link. Dr. Jane Wei-Skillern slide deck.

About Dr. Skillern:
Jane Wei-Skillern, Ph.D., is a senior fellow at the Haas School of Business at University of California, Berkeley. Previously, she has served on the faculty at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Harvard Business School (HBS), and London Business School. She is the author and coauthor of dozens of HBS case studies, book chapters and journal articles. A distillation of her work can be found at newnetworkleader.org.

She is the lead author of the casebook, Entrepreneurship in the Social Sector (Sage Publications, 2007). Her research on the leadership and management of social enterprises examines the topics of nonprofit growth and management of multi-site nonprofits and most recently has been focused on nonprofit networks. This research examines how nonprofit leaders that focus less on building their own institutions and instead invest to build strategic networks beyond their organizational boundaries can achieve dramatic gains in mission impact with the same or fewer resources.

Thank you so much for listening! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

How does a nonprofit like the Safety Center maintain its mission of enhancing community safety over 90 years? Join me, Jeff Holden, as we uncover the remarkable legacy and strategic vision of this organization with insights from CEO, Darell Teat and Chief Operations and Strategy Officer, Kelly Huffman. With divisions spanning DUI education, motorcycle safety, workplace training, and the beloved Safetyville, the Safety Center continues to equip individuals with crucial safety skills. Kelly and Darrell share their experience leading a seamless transition into her role as Chief Operations and Strategy Officer, ensuring the organization's continued impact as a separate search continues in advance of Darrell's departure at year end.

Explore the financial strategies that sustain the Safety Center's $9 million budget, focusing on engaging the community and overcoming funding misconceptions. Hear about Safetyville's role in educating children for 40 years through its interactive experiences and the collaborative efforts with partners like the Office of Traffic Safety, local school districts and law enforcement. These partnerships have launched impactful programs addressing bicycle and pedestrian safety, along with initiatives for teen drivers, foster youth, and other groups, showcasing the depth of their safety education commitment.

We also look into the workplace safety challenges businesses face and how Safety Center assists them in navigating compliance issues with OSHA. Kelly shares her vision for spreading awareness through a balanced social enterprise model, ensuring that safety education is accessible nationwide. Darrell reinforces the commitment to seeing Safety Center grow beyond the current geography as more and more state requirements are met to properly license their programs. Celebrate the organization's dedication to making communities safer and discover the strategic planning behind its ongoing success.

To learn more about the Safety Center and their various programs, you can find them HERE

CHAPTER SUMMARIES
(00:00) Safety Center Programs and Safetyville Overview
Safety Center promotes safety through DUI education, motorcycle training, workplace training, and Safetyville, celebrating its 90-year legacy.

(14:54) Safety Center Funding and Collaboration
Safetyville's challenges and strategies include leveraging their 40th anniversary, collaborating with partners, and providing impactful experiences for foster youth and other groups.

(24:04) Safety Center Vision and Funding
Nature's workplace safety compliance journey, holistic training, financial constraints, and social enterprise model for spreading awareness.

(36:59) Transition to Chief Strategy Officer
Kelly becomes Chief Operations Officer at nonprofit with support from Gilbert and Associates, ensuring continuity and honoring 90-year legacy.

Thank you so much for listening! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

Unlock the secrets to breaking the cycle of poverty through education, work and community with Father Christopher Calderon, President of Cristo Rey High School as he shares the transformative journey of students as they progress through their years on campus. With heartwarming success stories like Ximena's—a trailblazer as the first in her family to attend college—this episode sheds light on the powerful role education plays in changing lives. Join us as we explore how the national network of Cristo Rey schools provides quality education for students who often start two to three grades behind, overcoming financial barriers with impressive retention and college acceptance rates.

Hear firsthand how Cristo Rey High School creates opportunities beyond local boundaries, reassuring parents that their children will thrive whether staying in Sacramento or venturing nationwide. Alumni share their stories, proving the value of these experiences and the success that follows. We also celebrate the growing trust and demand for the school, evident in its record freshman class size and waiting list, all while embracing students of all faiths in a welcoming community.

Discover the unique work-study program that forms the backbone of student success and school sustainability. Father Chris discusses how partnerships with local businesses not only finance education but also provide students with crucial professional experience well beyond their peers at other schools. We explore the challenges of maintaining sufficient placements and the deep connections forged between students and their work-study partners. This is more than education—it's an invitation to join a thriving community dedicated to breaking poverty's chains and fulfilling dreams, all while changing the family dynamic and socio-economic position in the community.

For more information about the school and to learn about enrollment visit Cristo Rey High School, Sacramento

(00:00) Breaking the Poverty Cycle Through Education
Cristo Rey High School transforms lives of low-income students through college prep education, with high retention and college acceptance rates.

(11:21) Expanding Opportunities Through Education
Alumni share experiences to reassure parents about sending students to prestigious schools, while promoting access and inclusivity at Sacramento State.

(17:34) Empowering Students Through Work-Study
The Catholic school supports non-Catholic students through a unique work-study program, providing practical skills and fostering inclusivity.

(25:13) Investing in Student Success and Community
Cristo Rey schools provide transformative experiences for students through work-study opportunities and community partnerships, despite financial challenges.

(34:41) Fulfilling Dreams Through Work-Study
Work-study programs at Cristo Rey Sacramento High School support financial needs, enhance students' experiences, and form valuable relationships.

(42:22) Celebrating Success at Cristo Rey
Cristo Rey School in Sacramento's success story is a testament to community support and breaking the cycl

Thank you so much for listening! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

The loss of her grandson, Joshua, to addiction and homelessness profoundly changed Marlene Fitzwater's perspective on caring for marginalized communities. This personal tragedy motivated her to establish Joshua's House, a hospice facility dedicated to offering dignity and support to terminally ill homeless individuals. In this episode, listeners are invited to join a heartfelt discussion with Marlene, the visionary founder of the Health Communications Research Institute. Together, they explore her journey from healthcare communications to building a sanctuary of care for those often forgotten.

The episode digs into the complex transition from theory to practice in establishing Joshua's House in Sacramento. Marlene candidly shares the challenges faced, from navigating California's construction permits to managing project finances. With invaluable support from allies like city councilman Jeff Harris and insights from Salt Lake City's similar initiatives, this endeavor is transforming North C Street. As the project completes, the urgency to address the stark realities of homelessness in Sacramento becomes ever more poignant.

Marlene’s dedication, along with extensive community collaboration, has made Joshua's House a reality. The final stages involve laying cement and setting foundations, but the groundwork for a compassionate future has already been established. With over a million dollars in funding secured, including a generous grant from Anthem Blue Cross, this ambitious project promises to provide a dignified end-of-life experience for its residents.

To learn more about Joshua's House you can visit the website HERE.

(00:00) Improving Communication & Providing Dignity

Marlene Fitzwater's Health Communications Research Institute addresses healthcare disparities among marginalized populations, including hospice care for homeless individuals at Joshua's House.

(09:14) Building Joshua's House in Sacramento

Joshua's House, a hospice for the terminally ill homeless, was created in Sacramento after founder's personal loss and challenges with permits and funding.

(21:31) Launching Joshua's House

Collaborative effort to provide housing for terminally ill homeless individuals, with criteria for residency, pet care, and partnerships with healthcare, law enforcement, churches, and community groups.

(30:30) Building Joshua's House

Joshua's House, a hospice for the homeless, was established through community support and needs financial aid, volunteers, and supplies.

(38:29) Securing Funding for Joshua's House

Joshua's House receives over $1 million in funding, ensuring completion and opening by year's end for end-of-life care.

Thank you so much for listening! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

Imagine standing on a sprawling ranch in Grass Valley, where the chaos of urban life fades away and students in need find a sanctuary of hope. Nate Boyd, Executive Director and Zach Malek, Outreach Pastor join me to share their experiences at Christian Encounter Ranch, a place of refuge and transformation for young individuals facing severe challenges like domestic violence and substance use disorders. Nate takes us through his inspiring journey from intern to executive director, shedding light on the ongoing struggles these teens endure and how the serene environment of the ranch offers them a chance to heal and rediscover hope.

Our conversation continues as we explore the unique educational approach at Christian Encounter Ranch’s faith-based high school. With a remarkable student-to-teacher ratio of one to five, the program provides personalized learning that helps students unlock their potential and explore their beliefs in a nurturing community. We discuss the various paths to graduation and the supportive dormitory setting that fosters growth and independence for students adjusting to life away from home. This holistic approach not only facilitates academic success but also prepares students for independent living and future opportunities.

We then shift to fundraising and highlight the annual Agony Ride, a 24-hour cycling event that unites the community in support of at-risk youth. This powerful event showcases heartwarming stories of perseverance and illustrates the collective effort of cyclists, volunteers, and local organizations to show these young individuals they are truly valued. Through therapeutic programs and faith-based initiatives, Christian Encounter Ranch empowers youth to overcome their past and build brighter futures, creating ripples of healing that extend to families and communities. Both Nate and Zach exemplify the passion and dedication that drives this transformative mission.

To learn more about Christian Encounter Ranch, you can visit the website HERE
Or you can call or text 530-268-0877

Thank you so much for listening! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.