Lotus Village Voices - The Official Podcast of Lotus House Women's Shelter

In this special Mother's Day episode of Lotus Village Voices—Georgette Madison, Lotus House Guest Services Director and proud alumna—sits down with fellow alumna Kelly Michel, now Assistant Director of Operations Support at the National Women's Shelter Network.Together, they reflect on what it means to mother through uncertainty, to grow in community, and to carry both past and purpose into new chapters of life. Kelly's story offers a reminder: motherhood isn't about having it all together—it's about presence, transformation, and love that keeps showing up.Want to support Lotus House?Visit lotushouse.org to learn how you can get involved.Follow us on social media @lotushouseshelter.For volunteer opportunities, email us at volunteering@lotushouse.org.Thanks for tuning in!Host: Georgette MadisonEditor: Margo HannahCover Art & Logo: Sam Billman

In this episode of Lotus Village Voices, guest host Liz sits down with James Haj, CEO of The Children's Trust of Miami-Dade, to explore how their investments are transforming the lives of children and families across our community. From funding afterschool programs and mental health services to supporting the construction of our new Children's Village, The Children's Trust is a true partner in creating spaces of healing, learning, and opportunity at Lotus House and beyond. Want to support Lotus House?Visit lotushouse.org to learn how you can get involved.Follow us on social media @lotushouseshelter.For volunteer opportunities, email us at volunteering@lotushouse.org.Thanks for tuning in!Host: LizEditor: Margo HannahCover Art & Logo: Sam Billman

This episode we're celebrating Women's History Month featuring inspiring perspectives from the women of Lotus House Women's Shelter. They share what womanhood means to them, the challenges women continue to face, and their hopes for the future.Their voices remind us that history isn't just made by famous figures—it's shaped every day by women showing resilience, courage, and strength in their own lives.Want to support Lotus House? Learn how you can get involved by visiting lotushouse.orgFollow us on all socials @lotushouseshelter Email us at volunteering@lotushouse.org for opportunities to make a difference.Thanks for listening!Host: NiyahEditor: Margo Hannah Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

In this special Valentine's Day episode of Lotus Village Voices, hosts Salleth and Niyah explore the meaning of love in all its forms. Through heartfelt reflections from the women and children at Lotus House, we celebrate connection, kindness, and the people who make life special.But love isn't just about romance—it's a transformative force. In honor of Black History Month, we pay tribute to the powerful legacy of bell hooks, a visionary thinker whose work redefined love as an intentional practice rooted in care, respect, and justice.Join us for an episode filled with wisdom, warmth, and reflections on how love shapes our lives and communities.Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1eVolunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/All other inquiries email:  love@lotushouse.orgWebsite: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Salleth and NiyahEditor: Margo Hannah Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

In this special 2024 recap episode, we reflect on the incredible milestones, touching personal stories, and community-driven impact that shaped the year at Lotus House. Hear from dedicated staff, celebrate our accomplishments, and honor the resilience of the guests we serve.Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1eVolunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/All other inquiries email:  love@lotushouse.orgWebsite: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Salleth and NiyahEditor: Margo Hannah Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

In this heartwarming Thanksgiving episode of Lotus Village Voices, we sat down with some of the incredible women and children at Lotus House to reflect on gratitude. Tune in to hear what they're thankful for this season.It's that time of year again! Help us make this holiday season special for our families: Shop our Holiday Toy Wishlist: Browse the fun here!Amazon Wishlist: Pick a gift and send some love!Sponsor a Child's Holiday Wishlist: Make their holiday wishes come true!Help Create Gift Bags for Women: Shop our gift bag wishlist!To volunteer for the holidays or in general: volunteering@lotushouse.orgAll other inquiries: love@lotushouse.orgWebsite: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, this special episode of Lotus Village Voices features two inspiring Latina alumni who share their personal experiences as well as what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them. Please note: Around 3:15, you may hear some thunder in the background, but don't worry—it only adds to the atmosphere of this heartfelt conversation.Tune in now to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us! Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1eVolunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/All other inquiries email:  love@lotushouse.orgWebsite: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: SallethEditor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

The kids are back in school—some excited, some not so much. Tune in to hear what they're most excited about for the upcoming school year. Plus, we have a special guest host, our very own Lotus House alumna Sky'Lynn, who is heading into the 10th grade this year!To support our back to school efforts including donating school supplies, uniforms, and more, please email us at love@lotushouse.org.Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1eVolunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/All other inquiries email:  love@lotushouse.orgWebsite: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Salleth, Skyy'Lynn & AlanaEditor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

In this episode, our hosts hit the streets during our latest community drive to connect with the vibrant Overtown community. Since 2020, Lotus House has been dedicated to hosting community drives, and this month, we took the opportunity to interview local residents. Tune in as we hear firsthand from community members about their experiences, thoughts on the drive, and ideas on how we can better support Overtown. Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1eDONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.comVolunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/All other inquiries email:  love@lotushouse.orgWebsite: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Salleth & RunishaEditor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

In this special episode of Lotus Village Voices, we celebrate Pride Month with Grecia, a dedicated counselor at Lotus House. Grecia shares her insights on the importance of Pride Month and the ways we can all support the LGBTQ+ community. We dive into the importance of understanding LGBTQ+ issues, fostering inclusive environments, and advocating for equal rights.We're also excited to introduce our new host, Salleth, an alumna of Lotus House and a passionate LGBTQ+ ally. Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1eDONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.comVolunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/All other inquiries email:  love@lotushouse.orgWebsite: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Liz & SallethEditor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

Join us for heartwarming interviews as the little ones at Lotus House share their adorable tributes to the amazing mothers who nurture them. Grab some tissues and prepare for a dose of sweetness as we celebrate the extraordinary bond between mothers and their children. Happy Mother's Day!Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1eDONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.comVolunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/All other inquiries email:  love@lotushouse.orgWebsite: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Elizabeth & DaniEditor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

As National Volunteer Month draws to a close, we're taking a moment to express our gratitude for the dedicated volunteers who tirelessly support the women, children, and staff at the shelter. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization, and we couldn't do what we do without them.Joining us on the podcast are the incredible founders of Men in Pink, Daniel Ramos and Christoph Babka, who bring their strength and compassion to the shelter each month. From organizing and cleaning around the building to sorting donations, serving meals, and hosting fun activities with the kids, their impact is truly immeasurable. Tune in as they share their inspiring stories of why they volunteer and recount their favorite moments spent making a difference in the lives of othersUrgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1eDONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.comVolunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/All other inquiries email:  love@lotushouse.orgWebsite: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Elizabeth & DaniEditor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

Before the month ends, we're taking a moment to honor and celebrate the incredible legacy of Black history in America. Join us on the podcast as we shine a light on the often overlooked heroes and heroines who've made remarkable contributions to this country, and continue to inspire us all.  Plus, our very own kid host, Aysha, is back!Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1eDONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.comVolunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/All other inquiries email:  love@lotushouse.orgWebsite: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Jatericka LamonsEditor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

Cheers to 2024!

Join us for a very heartwarming Thanksgiving special. In the spirit of gratitude, we sit down with the incredible women and children who call Lotus House home, as they generously share what they are thankful for this season. Help us make this holiday season a special one for our families:Holiday toy wishlist:https://lotushouse.org/2023holidaydrives/Sponsor a child:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0ZuNK5Ue_dssHpqpPvZamII2NWwEvcn1PizWbXY5WovFHuw/viewformHoliday volunteer sign-up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWpxZHO1YdWwvn7VDh4TFi8DSZcKyM4Lfj5S0k2BSxZtc3lA/viewformDONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.comAll other inquiries: love@lotushouse.orgWebsite: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Jatericka LamonsEditor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

We're back with a very special episode honoring Pride Month, featuring special guest Jessica Lam, an advocate and ally for the LGBTQIA+ community.  Jessica shares her story as a trans woman coming out in the 90s, LGBTQ awareness and how we can come together to understand one another. We hope you walk away from this episode just as touched as we are.  HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1eDONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.comVolunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/All other inquiries email:  love@lotushouse.orgWebsite: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Jatericka LamonsEditor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

In honor of Women's History Month,  we interviewed Isabella Dell'Oca, the newly appointed Executive Director of Lotus House.  In this episode, we discuss her new role, her journey there, and her passion for the women and children at shelter. Listen to the end to hear a few women from the shelter talk about what makes them strong and resilient.We hope you enjoy this episode! Be sure to share with a family member or friend. Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1eDONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.comVolunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/All other inquiries email:  love@lotushouse.orgWebsite: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Jatericka LamonsEditor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

We're back with another lived experience episode.  This time we invited Elizabeth to share a heartfelt story on how she overcame living on the streets at the young age of 12 to her journey as Outreach Coordinator at Lotus Village.We hope this episode touches you as much as it did for us.  Please remember to share with a family member or friend. Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1eDONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.comVolunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/All other inquiries email:  love@lotushouse.orgWebsite: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Jatericka LamonsEditor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

We are so excited to introduce our new host Jatericka Lamons, a.k.a. Tay Tay, who currently serves as Programming Coordinator at Lotus Village. In this episode, Tay Tay recounts her personal experience with homelessness.Please help us give Tay Tay a warm welcome by sharing this episode with your family and friends.Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1eDONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.comVolunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/All other inquiries: email love@lotushouse.orgWebsite: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Jatericka LamonsEditor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

For our tenth episode, we welcomed a very special guest, Becca McCharen-Tran, who has hosted sewing workshops for the guests at Lotus House, and is also Founder and Creative Director of the Miami-based swim and activewear brand, Chromat. Listen in as we discuss Chromat's brand philosophy and how it intersects with our mission here at Lotus House along with the importance of community,  creative activism and inclusivity.Help us make this holiday season a special one for our families: Holiday toy wishlist: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pIbjKM3S0AmGCDAs4uJIEW4_PYnDEOXO/view?usp=share_linkHoliday volunteer sign-up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecqUJ9NZEzUshRON-BSJYE_ZBR5EupdRyhxNUsR5y6WwT_wA/viewformIf you enjoyed this episode, please give us a rating on Spotify and Apple.Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1eDONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.comAll other inquiries: love@lotushouse.orgWebsite: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, Twitter and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Jackie Roth Editor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

We sat down with Shana Cox, our Deputy Director of Children Services, to discuss how she and her team provide  individualized, trauma-informed quality therapeutic services to over 250+ children at the shelter. You can learn more about how our  services for children and other programs at https://lotushouse.org/ourprograms/If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a rating. Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1e DONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.com Volunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/All other inquiries: love@lotushouse.org Website: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Jackie Roth Editor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

For the third installment of our Lived Experience series, we interviewed Lotus House alumni Pat Morrell to discuss her experience living at the shelter and how it led to her current position as Youth Education and Programming Coordinator. This episode also serves as Part I of our conversation on youth (ages 18-24) homelessness and how we support this vulnerable population. You can learn more about how our youth programs at www.lotushouse.org/ouryouth/If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a rating on Spotify and Apple. Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1e DONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.com Volunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/All other inquiries: love@lotushouse.org Website: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Jackie Roth Editor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

Introducing the newest development in Lotus House history - the National Women's Shelter Network! This has been an aspiration of ours for many years and we are so excited to tell you all about it. Returning to the show is Lotus House Founder & Executive Director, Constance Collins, along with Director of the National Women's Shelter Network (and producer of this podcast!), Grettel Jimenez-Singer. Learn more about the NWSN at www.nationalwomensshelternetwork.org or follow them on Instagram @nwsn_org. Check out footage of our Women's Month celebration on Instagram at @lotushouseshelter. If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a rating on Spotify and Apple. Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1e DONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.com All other inquiries: love@lotushouse.org Website: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Jackie Roth Editor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

For the second installment in our Lived Experience series, we welcomed Director of Guest Services and alum Runisha Johnson. We've been sitting on this interview for awhile and are so happy to share it with you! Check out footage of our Valentine's Day and Black History Month celebrations on Instagram at @lotushouseshelter. If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a rating on Spotify and Apple. Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1e DONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.com All other inquiries: love@lotushouse.org Website: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, Twitter and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Jackie Roth Editor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

Happy 2022! In this episode, we highlight our achievements from 2021 -  our 15th anniversary as a shelter - as detailed in our annual report. Stay tuned throughout the episode for some interview tidbits from the kids and staff about their intentions for the new year. 2021 Annual Report: https://lotushouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2021-Annual-Report.pdf?mc_cid=684b1a7be1&mc_eid=f1c7f0cbdfTODAY Show feature: https://www.today.com/video/how-lotus-house-helps-homeless-women-and-children-129166405835LVV Episode 4 with Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ze22mIXij0IEat'Cha Vegetables music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH5lMSWLXQIUrgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1e DONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.com All other inquiries: love@lotushouse.org Website: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Jackie Roth Editor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

We were so grateful to Madam Mayor Daniella Levine Cava for choosing Lotus House to celebrate her one-year anniversary in office! We discuss why she picked us for this special day, her decades of service to women and children throughout her career, and her vision for the County. Last but not least, she chats with Zaniyah, 12-year-old daughter of an alum staff member, to answer questions we solicited from our younger kids. We'll be back with new episodes in the New Year! Until then, the warmest holiday wishes from our House to yours. Holiday toy wishlist: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vGWEQBYQnRZvYDzJa0-jglShXUUCLxlm/view?usp=sharing Holiday volunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteering/Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1e DONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.com All other inquiries: love@lotushouse.org Website: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Jackie Roth Editor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

We sat down with Education & Employment Director, Cynthia Perez, to discuss the process of meeting guests' varied needs when it comes to finding a job and completing their education - as well as how we constructed a virtual school for our children during the pandemic, affectionately called the "Lotus Learning Pod." Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1e Volunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteering/DONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.com All other inquiries: love@lotushouse.org Website: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Jackie Roth Editor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

In our first installment on the subject of Lived Experience, we sat down with alumni and Director of Operations, Sharonee Delevante, to discuss her time living and working at shelter, and her dreams for her and her son. Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1eVolunteer sign-up:  https://lotushouse.org/volunteering/Eat'Cha Vegetables music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH5lMSWLXQIDONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.comAll other inquiries: email love@lotushouse.orgWebsite: www.lotushouse.orgFollow us on Instagram: @lotushouseshelterHost: Jackie Roth Editor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman

Welcome to our first episode! This week we feature a conversation with founder and Executive Director, Constance Collins, and hear sound bites from moms and kids from our Mother's Day event. Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1e Volunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteering/All other inquiries: email love@lotushouse.org Website: www.lotushouse.org Instagram: @lotushouseshelterHost: Jackie Roth Editor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman