Nonprofit Luminaries

On today's episode I speak with Ayan Hersi and Amy Do, Board President and Vice President of All Girls Everything Ultimate, also known as AGE UP.  AGE UP is a nonprofit organization South Seattle that uses Ultimate Frisbee as a catalyst for change. They help empower future leaders through relationship building, social justice education, and providing leadership opportunities. It's a unique approach, using a sport they all love,  to connect young people of color to opportunities and resources. They increase access to physical activity, mentorship, and authentic leadership roles that extend their reach as agents in the community.   Ayan and Amy share how they got involved in AGE UP, their passion for social justice and how we can help empower today's youth to help make a better tomorrow.   Learn more about AGE UP at www.allgirlseverything.org   Follow them on Instagram or Facebook   Share and Follow Share this podcast with a friend.  The more people know about the great work happening in our community, the greater difference we can all make.  Visit www.nonprofitluminaries.com to listen to previous episodes and learn about other great nonprofit organizations in the Puget Sound.  Get involved and help make a difference in our community. Follow me on Social Media to stay up to date on the podcast. Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries),  and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries)

Navigating the child welfare system can be a daunting task, even for seasoned professionals.  There are layers of regulations, policies, state laws, and industry jargon.  It's enough to make your head spin.  The power dynamics in a courtroom are also challenging.  Lawyers are arguing for and against you.  Professionals are making statements about your life.  And, finally, waiting for a judge to make a decision about your family.  Imagine that and you have a glimpse of how difficult it can be for parents who are working to get their children back. My guests today are Jill Murphy and Shawn Powell of Parents for Parents program in King County.  Parents for Parents helps parents whose children have been removed from their care by Child Protective Services. They connect Parent Allies, parents who have successfully navigated the juvenile dependency system, with parents who are new to the system. Parent Allies provide support and help parents new to the system understand what they must do to successfully reunite with their children. Shawn, Parent for Parent coordinator, and Jill, Program Supervisor, share some of their experiences and why its important to provide support to parents who are engaged with the child welfare system. Learn more about Parents for Parents King County Share and Follow Share this podcast with a friend.  The more people know about the great work happening in our community, the greater difference we can all make.  Visit www.nonprofitluminaries.com to listen to previous episodes and learn about other great nonprofit organizations in the Puget Sound.  Get involved and help make a difference in our community.Follow me on Social Media to stay up to date on the podcast. Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries),  and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries)

Every parent hopes to have the support of their friends and family as they grow in their parenting.  Parenting advice, resources knowledge and a helping hand are key to "parenting success".  For families of color however, the support and resources can be hard to come by, especially if you live in a community that doesn't have as many people or families who look like you.  Questions about identity, cultural traditions, navigating the community and dealing with things like racism and systemic oppression are all things that families of color deal with.  So how do you develop meaningful relationships and get the support you need?  You join an organization like Families of Color Seattle. My guest today is Christine Tang, Executive Director at Families of Color Seattle (FOCS) FOCS is a non-profit organization that is connecting parents to build a loving community of families of color. Their programs include parent groups, community resources, events, and racial equity consulting. They specialize in community dialogues, workshops, and consulting on race, family engagement, and anti-bias education. FOCS equips parents, educators and others with tools to talk with children on identity, racism, inclusion, equity, and trauma-informed practices. Christine shares how she came to work with FOCS, The services they provide and how you can join them in helping to support families of color. Learn more about Families of Color Seattle at www.focseattle.org Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share and Follow Share this podcast with a friend.  The more people know about the great work happening in our community, the greater difference we can all make.  Visit www.nonprofitluminaries.com to listen to previous episodes and learn about other great nonprofit organizations in the Puget Sound.  Get involved and help make a difference in our community. Follow me on Social Media to stay up to date on the podcast. Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries),  and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries)

On Today's Episode, I'm joined by Russell Brooks, Executive Director at Red Eagle Soaring. We talk about the work of Read Eagle Soaring, its impact on Native Youth and what inspired him to pursue filmmaking.

My guest for this episode is Suzanne Gwynn, Executive Director at Ladybug House. Suzanne shares her vision for family centered palliative care for children and how Ladybug house is supporting families dealing with end-of-life care. Suzanne has served as a critical care nurse for more than 35 years, in both the United States and Canada. She’s worked with the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Providence Hospice and Swedish Medical Center. Suzanne has worked with clients of all ages and played a critical role in the consideration and support of their families. Suzanne concluded long ago that there was a desperate need for respite and end-of-life care outside the hospital setting. Ladybug House is a Seattle-based nonprofit working to build Washington’s first freestanding, family-centered palliative care home and hospice for children, adolescents, and young adults with life-shortening illnesses. You can find out more about Ladybug House at www.ladybughouse.org You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Share and Follow Share this podcast with a friend.  The more people know about the great work happening in our community, the greater difference we can all make.  Visit www.nonprofitluminaries.com to listen to previous episodes and learn about other great nonprofit organizations in the Puget Sound.  Get involved and help make our communities better. Follow me on Social Media to stay up to date on the podcast. Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries),  and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries)

I'm back after a long break adjusting to the "normal" this pandemic has thrust on us.My guests this week are Alice Casson and Amber Lindamood of Hand in Hand. Alice Casson serves as the Executive Director of Hand in Hand, after 9 years of volunteering and serving as the Director of Operations within the organization. Alice is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families, and contributes her passion to her role as a relative caregiver and adoptive mom.Amber Lindamood serves as the Director of Programs at Hand in Hand. Amber is an alumna of foster care, holds a Masters of Social Work from the University of Washington, and is passionate about child abuse prevention and Child Welfare reform.For 10 years Hand in Hand has helped children and families in crisis by providing, support, hope and opportunity. Hand in Hand was our very first guest almost 1 year ago and they're back to share about some of the changes they've experienced and how they're helping to meet the needs of their community in the during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find out more about Hand In Hand at www.handinhandkids.orgYou can also follow them on Facebook, and Instagram.

Today's guest is Samantha Kelly Executive Director of Youth in Focus.  Youth in Focus provides a supportive and inclusive community with a sense of belonging and safety for youth from a variety of backgrounds.  Their programs help youth find their creativity, identity, and voice while sharing their unique and personal stories through photography.Samantha is a dynamic leader with more than 20 years of leadership roles in nonprofit organizations.  Her primary goal at Youth in Focus is to ensure equitable access to high-quality arts education programing for teens to find their voice, discover their power and develop skills that prepare them to succeed in education, career and life.  Samantha believes our community is stronger when ever person, especially youth and marginalized populations, has access to the resources they need to succeed.  She has dedicated her career to creating inclusive spaces and opportunities for people to connect, feel valued and achieve their full potential through art.You can find out more about Youth in Focus at www.youthinfocus.orgYou can also follow them on Facebook, and Instagram. Share and Follow Share this podcast with a friend.  The more people know about the great work happening in our community, the greater difference we can all make.Follow me on Social Media to stay up to date on the podcast. Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries),  and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries) Help me support Family Reunification Day! CLICK HERE

Domestic violence impacts a wide range of people in the community. Survivor's lives can be impacted for years, but so can the lives of their children, friends, family and even their pets. For many survivors, the emotional and psychological abuse is harder to recover from than the physical damage.  Isolation, manipulation, gas lighting, harassment and other controlling behaviors can wreck havoc on a survivor's mind and mental health. That's why, for over 40 years, New Beginnings has been working to end Domestic Violence in the greater Seattle Area.  Today's guest, Susan Segall, tells us about New Beginnings and their work in the community.  Susan has over 35 years of experience with nonprofits focused on gender-based violence, reproductive rights, peace and social justice. Prior to New Beginnings, Susan served as Pacific Northwest Regional Director for the American Friends Service Committee, coordinated emergency room and hotline services for Women Organized Against Rape in Philadelphia, and provided sexuality education to professionals at Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania.  She is honored to serve such a vital, groundbreaking organization as New Beginnings. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic violence, get help.  Call the New Beginnings 24-hour Help Line at 206.522.9472 You can find out more about New Beginnings at www.newbegin.org.  You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Learn more and help break the cycle. Help me support Family Reunification Day! CLICK HERE Share and Follow Share this podcast with a friend.  The more people know about the great work happening in our community, the greater difference we can all make. Follow me on Social Media to stay up to date on the podcast. Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries),  and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries)

On today's episode I sit down with Helen Lakeru, President of Many Lights Foundation and talked with her about their mission to heal the pain of abuse and neglect in children by providing children in kinship and foster care with permanent homes in a multi-generational community.  Many Lights Foundation tries to espouse the "it takes a village" approach by bringing people together to live in intentional relationships so that they can have a neighborhood where everyone flourishes. You can find out more about Many Lights Foundation at www.manylights.org.  You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Be sure to tell a friend about this podcast.  The more people know about the great work happening in our community, the greater difference we can all make. Follow me on Social Media for up to date information.  You can find me on Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries),  and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries)

Welcome to Nonprofit Luminaries, I'm you're host, Anibal Ruiz, today I get the privilege of sharing my conversation with Vu Le, author of Nonprofit AF and former executive director or Rainier Valley Corp.  Vu has a passion for making the world better by developing leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and fostering collaboration between diverse communities. During this conversation Vu shares some important views on how we can make the nonprofit sector more equitable for the people we serve, especially for marginalized populations, including how we approach funders and fundraising, leadership and advocacy. Vu's posts are a must read If you have any interest in how we can improve our nonprofit work.  You can find his writings at Nonprofitaf.com, as well as Facebook and Twitter. In this conversation, Vu mentions a couple of his previous blog posts and books. If you're interested in reading those, check out the links below. Please be sure to share this episode with anyone you think might be interested, you may not agree with everything said, but the conversation is an important one to have. I hope you've enjoy this conversation and are inspired to be a stronger advocate for equity and justice.  Visit nonprofitluminaries.com and check out our previous episodes featuring great nonprofit organizations in the Puget Sound.  Follow me on Social Media for up to date information.  You can find me on Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries),  and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries) Don't forget to tell a friend about the podcast and let's spread the word about the great work happening in our communities. Blog posts and Books Getting Rid of Grant Applications - blog post - https://nonprofitaf.com/2019/09/foundations-its-time-to-stop-using-grant-applications-to-distribute-funding/ The Happy Healthy Nonprofit - https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Healthy-Nonprofit-Strategies-without/dp/1119251117 By Beth Kanter and Aliza Sherman The Executive Director job is Impossible - https://rvcseattle.org/2018/02/executive-director-job-impossible/ By Ananda Valezuela Star Trek and the Future of the Nonprofit Sector - https://nonprofitaf.com/2017/11/star-trek-and-the-future-of-the-nonprofit-sector/ Asperin and Democracy - https://ssir.org/articles/entry/aspirin_and_democracy By Jan Masaoka

I'm back with a new episode after a short holiday break.  Here's hoping for a great 2020 for you, your friends and loved ones.   Think back to your high school days.  What took up most of your time and energy.  If you were like me it was sports, hanging out with friends and sometimes being up to no good.  I was somewhat aware of the civic and social issues happening around us, but I was in no way mature enough to help address any of them.   Today's guest, Fadumo Roble, isn't spending her high school days like I did.  Fadumo is the President and Founder of Movement of Advocacy for youth, or MAY.  They are a youth led organization working to promote solutions to social justice issues that impact their community.  When I say youth led, I don't meant college age, all of the leaders are still in high school and they work to help inform and education their peers on issues that impact all of us. They still hang out with friend and focus on academic issues, but they're also dedicating their time to help make things better all around us.  I'm grateful to them for their efforts and the legacy they'll leave for others. Find out more about Movement of Advocacy for Youth at www.movementofadvocacy.org You can also follow them on Instagram and Twitter Follow me on Social Media for up to date information.  You can find me on Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries),  and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries)

The future belongs to you.  That's the refrain we usually give to young people as a way to encourage them to engage in complex societal conversations or to push them forward to take their studies and other responsibilities more seriously.  But what are we actually doing to equip them?  How are we developing young people to be the influencers of tomorrow that we often say they will be?  Beyond that, are we providing opportunities for them to have a voice and be or become influencers in their own communities, especially in communities of color? By partnering with community organizations, high schools, colleges and employers, Degrees of Change helps to prepare diverse, homegrown leaders to succeed in college and use their degrees to build more vibrant and equitable communities.  Find out more at www.degreesofchange.org or visit them on Facebook, Instragram, or LinkedIn Follow me on Social Media for up to date information.  You can find me on Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries),  and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries)

Foster care is a complex subject and an even more complex system that has a goal of keeping children in safe and stable homes.  Most people don't understand what foster care is and for a lot of people, their understanding is shaped by misinformation, misunderstanding and a lot of bias.  All of that impacts our ability to empathize with the people involved.  Most of us are willing to think of the children impacted, but what about the caregivers?  The foster parents and relatives caring for the children in need.  And what about the biological parents, who despite their mistakes and struggles, deserve to have a shot at making things right and getting their children back?  How do we begin to understand such a complex system, much less, begin to make it better?  The first step is to get in touch with an organization like Fostering Family. Fostering Family is an initiative to support children and youth in foster care throughout the Puget Sound region by increasing community-wide support for kids and families. They aim to help improve things for everyone involved in foster care by educating the community and finding a role for people and organizations .  No matter your skill set or knowledge, we all can do something.  We all have a role, find yours. Find out more at www.fosteringfamilywa.org or visit them on Facebook and Instragram. Follow me on Social Media for up to date information.  You can find me on Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries),  and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries)

All of us want to belong, to be a part of something or some place where we are valued, where our contributions make a difference and where we are appreciated.  We all want a place where we can nurture and grow our relationships and where we are supported in our struggles and share in our successes.  In short, we all long for community.  Unfortunately, people experiencing homelessness and addiction have a hard time finding that place to belong.  Many have been ostracized by family, friends and neighbors.  Over time, they might lose their own sense of worth and begin to believe that they have nothing to contribute. Fortunately, there are organizations, like Recovery Cafe, that provide a space for people to find their community.  A space where deep relationship can be built, where healing can take place and where people can rediscover their worth. Recovery Café is a community of individuals who have been traumatized by homelessness, addiction and other mental health challenges coming to know themselves as loved with gifts to share. Find out more at www.recoverycafe.org or visit them on Facebook or Twitter.  Follow me on Social Media for up to date information.  You can find me on Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries),  and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries)

Since their domestication approximately 5000 years ago, horses have played an important role for humanity. They have carried soldiers into battle, pulled wagons and tilled fields, Herded cattle, and provided a mode of transportation. In other cases, their beauty can be seen through performance and art like the dancing Lipizzaner Stallions or those used by Mexican Charros and Mariachis. No matter the view, horses are helpful companions and majestic animals, but their magic doesn't end with work tasks or dance performances.Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, or Little Bit, is a community where horses transform the bodies, minds, and spirits of people with disabilities. Since 1976, Little Bit has been providing healing through equine therapy.  Their main programs, Adaptive Riding, Hippotherapy, and Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy helped over 500 individuals in 2018, ranging in age from 2 to 77. Find out more at www.littlebit.org or visit them on Facebook. Follow me on Social Media for up to date information.  You can find me on Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries),  and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries)

Communities of color have a unique set of difficulties due to systemic injustices.  racism, red lining, gentrification and other societal issues that contribute to those communities being at a disadvantage.   How do you combat that?  You get together with guys like Andre Franklin, Cedrick Alderman and the other leaders of BUILD 206 and invest in your community.  You help to strengthen young people through relationship building, mentoring, providing resources and in general being an example for people to follow. When you do that, positive things happen.  Violence can decrease, relationships can improve and a stronger sense of community can be created where people are willing to support one another in facing the hard issues that are around them. If you want things to improve in your community, follow the footsteps of BUILD 206, and invest in those you live with. Brothers United In Leadership Development (BUILD) is a grassroots organization with the vision that Black men are empowered leaders and mentors who make positive change in their community by instilling pride, hope, and perseverance in Black men. They focus on civic engagement, leadership development, mentoring, and community partnerships throughout the greater Seattle area. Find out more at www.build206.com or visit them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Follow me on Social Media for up to date information.  You can find me on Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries),  and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries)

All of us experience grief.  None can escape the fact of death or suffering that exists all around us.  Often our grief is aided by a cherished memory, a photo or a gift from a loved one that has passed. However, for some families, the cause for grief is so sudden or so intense that they are too busy or too exhausted to capture those moments.    That is where Lynette Huffman Johnson and the team at Soulumination step in. Soulumination celebrates the lives of children and parents facing life-threatening conditions by providing professional photographs of these special individuals and their families, free of charge. Led by a small team of paid staff, and supported by volunteer photographers, Solumination coordinates with hospitals and families to help create memories that families can carry with them long after their time of suffering. In a culture where many of us fear death and try to stay away from grief. Soulumination is providing a way to embrace grief by celebrating the life that is, even in the darker moments. Find out more at www.soulumination.org or visit them on Facebook and Instagram. You can also read an article written for the New York Times by one of their volunteer photographers, Caroline Caitlin.  Follow me on Social Media for up to date information.  You can find me on Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries),  and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries)

Music has been a tool for expression for a long time, a way to communicate opinions, emotions and express identity.  In some cases, music has helped us rally against oppression, uniting us under and anthem of advocacy and empowerment.  Music can encourage us, motivate us, and help to transform us.  It can help us discover our voice, exercise our creativity and build confidence in ourselves and others. That is what Natalie Walker, Executive Director of Rain City Rock Camp, and her team strive to do.  Rain City Rock Camp uses music to empower girls, women, and gender non-conforming individuals to engage their creative potential through music, champion equity, and thrive in a community of allies and activists. Fin out more at www.raincityrockcamp.org or visit them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter  Follow me on Social Media for up to date information.  You can find me on Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries),  and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries)

Imagine a school where children with disabilities are understood by their peers. A school where incidences of bullying decrease because children empathize with one another. What if children weren't left out of activities because they don't look like they could participate? What if a child with sensory issues was given the space to self regulate and then embraced by their peers rather than shunned for their "strange behavior" What would that school look like? How would those students be different? What would our communities look like if this school existed in all our neighborhoods? What if we understood each other's differences? That is the question Allison Bureau, Executive Director of The Idea Project asks. Through The IDEA Project, Allison hopes to provide an answer to that question by helping schools become inclusive for children with disabilities. Allison is a mother of two children, her oldest, Wyatt, born in 2005, has Down syndrome and apraxia of speech. Allison is an active member of the special education parent advisory committee (SEPAC), a member of the Climate and Culture committee, member of the Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports committee in the Tahoma School District, and is the co-founder of IABstone, LLC, a software company specializing in free speech communication technology for children with special needs. As the Executive Director of The IDEA Project, Allison oversees all of the Curriculum Development, Coordination with Schools, and evaluation of the programs. Additionally, Allison oversees the fundraising efforts of The IDEA Project, manages key strategic partnerships, and oversees the operations of the organizations. The IDEA Project is a non-profit organization that provides interactive disability education awareness in schools, with custom programs tailored to each grade level. Their goal is to create understanding and empathy by educating students about differences and different abilities. Find out more at theideaproject.org or visit them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.  Follow me on Social Media for up to date information. You can find me on Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries), and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries)

Today's episode is a brief overview of the origins of Nonprofit Luminaries, how it got started, what I hope to accomplish and how you can help support the podcast and the organizations that are featured. I'd love your feedback, message me on any of the social media platforms below, leave a comment on this page or e-mail me at info@nonprofitluminaries.com Follow me on Social Media for up to date information. You can find me on Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries), and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries)

According to the Human Trafficking Hotline, there were 11,000 cases of human trafficking reported last year. 11,000 cases of forced labor, sex trafficking, forced marriages, domestic worker abuse. All cases of people, often minors, being exploited for someone else's gain. This is happening all across America, in communities like yours and mine. Trafficking is connected to other social issues as well; juvenile justice, mental health, education, women's rights, foster care and so many more. What can we do to stop it? Robert Beiser, Executive Director of Seattle Against Slavery, shares about the work they do to help end Human Trafficking. He tells us about their strategies and how we, as a community, can get involved in helping to bring these issues out of the shadows. Robert Beiser has long been interested in issues of social justice and community engagement. He was a long-time volunteer with Seattle Against Slavery when it began, and became its first paid employee as Executive Director. Seattle Against Slavery envisions a community where no one is exploited for labor or sex. Its mission is to mobilize the community in the fight against labor and sex trafficking through education, advocacy and collaboration with local and national partners. Find out more at seattleagainstslavery.org or visit them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn. Follow me on Social Media for up to date information. You can find me on Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries), and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries)

On Today's Episode, Beth Farmer, Program Director at Refugees Northwest shares  how Refugees Northwest supports asylum seekers and refugees. Refugees Northwest believes that every person forced to flee war, persecution and terror can heal, thrive, and enrich our community with their unique gifts and strengths.  They work with thousands of refugees and asylum-seekers each year to build upon the strength and courage that got them here, and to support their hopes and dreams. Their programs include trauma-focused mental health support, torture treatment, unaccompanied minor foster care, asylum assistance, complex medical case management, and a variety of community programs that help develop new skills, gain citizenship, and build fulfilling connections.  Visit www.refugeesnw.org to learn more about Refugees Northwest and how you can help support asylum seekers and refugees. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter Follow me on Social Media for up to date information. You can find me on Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries), and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries)

On Today's Episode, I talk with Debbie Lacy, Executive Director of the Eastside Refugee and immigrant Coalition (ERIC). She shares what ERIC does and how her mother's experience inspired her to pursue her masters in social work and become an advocate for all immigrants and refugees. Debbie Lacy co-founded ERIC in 2002.  Advocating for immigrant and refugee communities, ERIC supports cities, institutions, and organizations in East King County to be safe and welcoming places for all. Debbie has over 20 years of experience that includes clinical social work, nonprofit management, community organizing and engagement, intercultural competency, group facilitation, and organizational leadership in equity efforts. ERIC's work has given rise to a new, broader equity initiative. Debbie is developing "Eastside for All," a private operating foundation that will launch in 2020. You can find out more about Eastside for All at www.eastsideforall.org Visit www.ericmembers.org to learn more about ERIC and how you can help support building welcoming communities for immigrants and refugees. You can also find them on Facebook Follow me on Social Media for up to date information. You can find me on Facebook (@nonprofitluminaries), Instagram (@npluminaries), Twitter (@npluminaries), and LinkedIn (@Nonprofit Luminaries)

For Episode 6, my friend, Jake Prendez, joins me to share his story as an artist, activist, and community art gallery owner where he hopes to support marginalized communities through artistic expression. Jake is a renowned Chicano artist, curator and public speaker, displaying his work in exhibitions around the country. He creates art with a specific focus on themes relating to Chicana/o and Indigenous culture, activism, social justice, pop culture and satire. Jake now resides in Seattle and is a host of the Pop up Mercado, lectures around the country, leads the Próxima Generación: Youth Residency Project and is the owner/director of the Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery in White Center. Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery is a multi-use space in White Center WA, hosting art exhibitions, arts workshops, a gift shop for artists and artisans, and a space for spoken word, music and arts related lectures.  A space for those that find themselves in nepantla - the space in between. Check them out on Facebook  and follow their Instagram.  Learn more about Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery on their website www.nepantlaculturalarts.org.

My Guest for episode 5 is Mikaela Chandler of Skookum Kids.Mikaela Chandler is the Advocacy and Policy Coordinator at Skookum Kids, a foster care focused non-profit in Bellingham. She moved into her role last August after previously working full time at Skookum House, a 24-hour emergency placement shelter, for 2 years. Skookum Kids operates various foster care oriented programs in Whatcom County. They aim to restore the foster care system by licensing and supporting foster parents, providing emergency care for initial removals, and advocating for smarter policy and collaboration to help serve vulnerable children in Washington state.  Check them out on Facebook ("Skookum Kids") and follow their Instagram (@skookumkids). Learn more at their website www.skookumkids.org.

On Episode 4 my guest is Trey Rabun, Foster Care Services Supervisor and former outreach specialist with Amara.  Trey has been working with Amara for nearly 8 years and, along with his husband, is a licensed foster parent currently caring for a 4 year old foster child. Amara is a not-for-profit that serves children in foster care and the families who care for them.  Their mission is to ensure that every child in foster care has the love and support of a committed family - as quickly as possible and for as long as each child needs.  They provide services primarily in King and Pierce County with offices located in Seattle and Tacoma. Trey shares with us the work of Amara and how you can get involved in helping them achieve their mission. Learn more about Amara at www.amaraputskidsfirst.org. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Deb Christian President of Seattle Angels On episode 3 of Nonprofit Luminaries, I sit down and talk with Deb Christian, President of Seattle Angels.  Seattle Angels' mission is to walk along side children in the foster care system as well as their caretakers, by offering consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building, and mentorship. They accomplish this through two main programs: Love Box and Dare to Dream. Love Box provides foster families with community and holistic support so that they can continue to do the important and meaningful work of being a foster parent.  Volunteers are matched with a local foster family and then provide monthly support, through tangible goods and services.  Dare to Dream is Seattle Angels' one on one mentor program for foster youth ages 15-21 and has a goal to engage youth, help them be supported, and equip them to navigate life. Learn more about Seattle Angels at www.seattleangels.org. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram Have you supported a foster family?  Are you or have you been a foster parent that received, or could have used support like what Seattle Angels offers? Share your experience in the comments below.

Brave is a one-day catalytic event whose purpose is to remind girls that they are worth being celebrated. Brave seeks to remind these girls that they are valuable and toencourage them to dream big dreams for what their futures can be. At the event, girls will hear of the many resources available to them, they'll hear from speakers about how they can be empowered and they'll be showered with dinner, gifts, giveaways, hair and makeup styling, personal portraits, confidence-building art projects, and much more. Join them on May 18th from 4-8pm. Register at Http://tinyurl.com/bravex3 If you'd like to support the event through donations visit Http://tinyurl.com/givebrave What does empowerment mean to you?  How can we help empower young women in society today?  Let me know in the comments below.

Today I sit down with Todd McNeal, Executive Director at Hand in Hand., an organization driven by compassion for those who have been abused, neglected and marginalized.  They aim to restore hope to kids in crisis and offer a support system to strengthen families. Learn more about hand in hand at www.handinhandkids.org. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram.