Hope, Nevada (Hope, NV Podcast)

This week we got to have a conversation with Bill & Penny Poullier who facilitate the Kids First Club at Youth First.

After eight years in a very successful medical device sales career, Ryan decided it was time to become his own boss. In 2016, he started an in-home caregiving company in Reno called Amada Senior Care. It grew very quickly to the point that Ryan could barely keep up if he wasn’t hiring 20+ people a month. Ryan has built his business to be one of the top 5 franchises in the country out of almost 200 locations.

After being in business for almost two years, Ryan realized that there was a huge lack of available dollars to help indigent seniors and veterans receive caregiving services they so desperately needed. Because of this, Ryan decided to start a non-profit organization called the Hart Foundation which raises money to provide free caregiving services to veterans and seniors who could not otherwise afford them. The foundation has achieved 501c3 status and will be a great resource to our indigent veteran and senior citizen community.

This week we got to talk with Linda Schmitt, the Founder and Executive Director of Hosanna Home.

This week we got to hear from Gabby Totton, Executive Director of Trauma Intervention Program (TIP).

This week we got to hear from Julia Seidel, the Executive Director of Compassion Community Clinic.

Compassion Community Clinic (CC Clinic) is a non-profit dental clinic, offering health and hope to low-income, uninsured adults in Northern Nevada. CC Clinic is the first and only ongoing, free dental clinic in Northern Nevada. 

In Washoe County, 1 in 4 adults are estimated to have no dental insurance, which equates to approximately 107,119 individuals — though many professionals predict the number is higher. At CC Clinic, patients are served with sincere concern for their physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Our all-volunteer staff of dental professionals provide exams, X-rays, fillings, extractions, cleanings and instruction on maintaining oral health. In the last five years, CC Clinic has provided more than $780,000 in free care to those who couldn’t otherwise be treated. Committing to complete a patient’s treatment plan is a large investment, with the average patient having 3 visits – though many require more extensive care and referrals to specialists. At this time, CC Clinic’s waiting list is two years long, which is one of the shortest patient waiting periods for dental care in Northern Nevada. 

CC Clinic is currently in a time of transition and growth with the goal to be better positioned to serve more patients and become an increasingly vital partner in the Northern Nevada healthcare community.

Project 150 Reno, a non-profit dedicated to helping homeless, displaced, and disadvantaged high school students, is currently serving over 30 schools in Northern Nevada. 

Reno’s Beginning

Project 150 Reno was started in 2014 by a dedicated group of volunteers following the same mission – serve homeless, displaced, and disadvantaged students so they could focus on high school and graduate.  The Reno group started by collaborating with a few high schools to provide food, clothing, school supplies, and food along with sponsoring shopping days three times a year to distribute additional supplies to students in need.

Today

Today Project 150 Reno has provided basic need items to over 30 schools in Northern Nevada with many schools having a permanent closet that is stocked by Project 150 Reno liaisons.

What started as teen shopping days held three times per year in a church or warehouse has now evolved into a permanent boutique that can provide basic needs to students on a weekly basis.   The Project 150 Reno Boutique held its grand opening in April 2019 and will continue to expand access to students needing basic supplies.

Support

Project 150 Reno has committed to providing homeless, displaced, and disadvantaged students with food, school supplies, clothing, and toiletry items.  With your support Project 150 Reno can better serve the students in Northern Nevada. High school is tough enough without worrying about basic needs.

Welcome to Season 2 of Hope, Nevada!

Hope, Nevada exists to:

1. connect people to the needs in our city
2. raise awareness of hope happening in our city
3. spotlight people/organizations bringing hope to our city (“candle lighters”)
4. inspire listeners toward hope-filled engagement and action for the love of our city

This week on Hope, Nevada we got to have a conversation with Jessica Cisneros, the Program Director of Awaken.

Awaken is a faith-based nonprofit organization, whose mission is to increase awareness and education surrounding commercial sexual exploitation and to provide housing and restoration for its victims. 

Awaken Online: awakenreno.org

This week we had a conversation with representatives from Donor Network West - which connects organ and tissue donors to people in need throughout northern California and northern Nevada. We hear from Dawn, a donor mom; Tom, a two time organ recipient; and Jeff, the Director of Organ Operations.
Learn more about Donor Network West at https://www.donornetworkwest.org/

This week we got to have a conversation with Lori Thomas, the Executive Director of Youth First.

-- Lori started working with kids as a Young Life volunteer in college,  1979. (40 years ago)

---graduated from UNR, taught English and coached at Reed High School  for 4 years

---went on YL staff and was Area Director in this area for 21 years 

---taught alternative and Adult Ed part-time with Washoe County School District  20-ish years at various schools

--worked @ Truckee Meadows Boys & Girls Club as director of teen centers for 3 years, while deciding what I wanted to be when I grew up. ☺

--Started Youth First in 2010 as Executive Director

I oversee operations of four ministry teams (listed below), recruit, train and deploy volunteers and ministry helpers, oversee fundraisers, network with our community partners, and mentor young adults and young moms.   

Youth First is a non-denominational outreach that works within the context of mentoring and relationship-building to bring the gospel to kids and families in generational poverty and the urban parts of our city.   We also mentor in terms of life skills, with homework help, emergency referrals, financial education, etc.  

YF MINISTRY “CLUBS”

-- 1010 Moms Club (Moms in their 20’s or teens)   

-- KFC (Kids First Club—an elementary school on Denslowe Dr / Lemelson Stem neighborhood) 

--Young Adults (kids coming out of Hug High) 

--Hug High YF club

Grocery Outlet: Independence from Hunger

Meet Dean and Sara Biggs, owners and operators of two local Grocery Outlets. Grocery Outlet’s core mission is, “Touching lives for the better.” You will hear about how the Biggs participate in this mission, meeting needs in our local community through initiatives like Independence from Hunger during July - and throughout the whole year through school partnerships and other community involvement. They have adopted a “Just ask us” mentality when it comes to resourcing our community and meeting needs.

Email the Biggs at spanishsprings@groceryoutlet.com 

Follow their locations on Facebook at:

Lemmon Valley - https://www.facebook.com/LemmonValleyGroceryOutlet/

Spanish Springs - https://www.facebook.com/GroceryOutletSpanishSprings/

Additional links from the episode:

• Project 150’s episode of Hope, NV: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hopenv/episodes/Project150-Reno-with-Liz-McFarland-e1omme5/a-a8kedv7

• RAVE’s episode of Hope, NV: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5rDUqx9ibbblgUA3br2qGV?si=932f65ff9d4a4fcb

This week on Hope Nv, we got to have a conversation with Sharon Hickox, the Clinical Services Manager at NoteAble Music Therapy Services.

NoteAble Music Therapy Services addresses physical, social, and mental health needs in our community, by offering a range of adaptive mental health services.

NMTS Online: nmtsreno.org

To get in contact with NMTS:

mail@nmts.org

775-324-5521

This week on Hope, Nevada we got to have a conversation with Mari Hutchinson, the Chief Executive Officer at Step2.

Step2 is a private local nonprofit that was founded in 1986. At its core, Step2 was founded on the concept that women shouldn't have to choose between being a mom, and receiving substance use disorder treatment. 

Step2 Online: step2reno.org

 This week on Hope Nevada we got to have a conversation with Trevor Macaluso, the Chief Executive Officer of Eddy House.

Eddy House is a local non-profit that focuses on homeless and at-risk youth, 18-24. The focus on this young population is intentional, studies show that if a person is stably housed before the age of 25, they are 80% less likely to remain chronically unhoused over the span of their lifetime. The goal is to focus on the next generation so that these kids are prepared for what sustainable independence and adult life looks like. 

Willow Street 24/7 day services available

Eddy House online: eddyhouse.org

Get to Know Chris Rhodes

Most of us know Chris Rhodes as a gifted speaker, serious bible scholar and friend. It’s not easy to get him to talk about himself: he’d rather share about the people he serves as the Executive Director of Reno’s Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet. But he has actually lived quite a fascinating life marked by travel, scholarship and service.

Chris began his long association with Covenant 27 years ago when he and his family moved to Reno. In 2004 Fred and Lillian Howe, two of GSCC’s original founders, tapped Chris to run the growing ministry full-time. 

As Executive Director, he oversees the full operation at the ministry which is located at the Community Assistance Center on Record St. in downtown Reno. He also networks with many community businesses and churches for fundraising and education purposes. Recently, he has led efforts to organize community outreach ventures to serve low-income families, Reno’s homeless and the growing immigrant population in our county.

Today, the ties between this local, unabashedly evangelical outreach ministry and Covenant remain strong: along with Chris, four of the eight currently serving board members attend our church and many others have donated countless volunteer hours over the years.

Chris has served as a deacon and is currently our Elder on the Christian Education Ministry Team. If his front-row seat is ever empty on a Sunday morning, he is likely representing GSCC at another local church or filling a pulpit. He also ministers to the residents and staff at Stone Valley Alzheimer's Special Care Center on Sunday afternoons.

We are thankful Chris also serves on the Mission Ministry Team and our Vision Team.  He has a passion to see Covenant’s members embrace the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20) and become more purposefully outward-looking in support of the mission work of our church both locally and around the world. 

Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet

Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet has grown steadily since its founding in 1996 when a group of church members perceived a need in our expanding community and got busy filling that need.

From providing a permanent source for quality clothing that served about a dozen people each day, GSCC has grown into a multi-service, evangelical ministry that typically helps 100+ people each day. In addition to its store-like location on Record Street in downtown Reno, Executive Director Chris Rhodes, one paid staff member and volunteers often visit elementary schools and other convenient locations to help more families, senior citizens on low fixed incomes, the working and job-seeking poor, veterans, and immigrants in our area.

This week we got to talk with Kimberly Weingartner who started the Katie Grace Foundation in honor of her daughter, Katie Grace.

The Katie Grace Foundation was created to give back to people throughout the community as well as showcasing the beautiful characteristics of Katie.

This week we had a conversation with Chuck Grimm, the executive director of Pathfinders.

This week we had a conversation with Kerri Countess, founder, and CEO of Forever 14. Forever 14 advances conversation and human connection to prevent teen suicide. In honor of Kerri’s precious son Caleb who died by suicide, she is a passionate advocate for teenagers in our community and breaking the stigma around this topic.

Learn more about Forever 14 and get involved at https://forever14.org/

This week on Hope, NV we got to have a conversation with Jenny Yeager Chief Programs and Strategy Officer of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.

The Food Bank of Northern Nevada's mission is feeding the hungry today and solving hunger for tomorrow through community partnership. They are the primary regional food distribution and support system in our area - serving approximately 130,000 people.

FBNN Online: fbnn.org

Meet Laura Palma-Lopez, initiator of the Awaken Your Dream project through Awaken - a local non-profit helping victims of commercial sexual exploitation. Awaken Your Dream exists to raise funds for a down payment to make a survivor’s dream come true by owning their own home. Laura saw a need and is utilizing personal resources and community collaboration to meet that need. Check out her inspiring story that started with the simple thought, “I could help with that.”

To give, visit https://awakenreno.org/donate/ and in the comment box, designate for Awaken Your Dream.

Additional links from the episode:

Awaken’s episode of Hope, NV: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hopenv/episodes/Awaken-with-Jessica-Cisneros-e1plbni/a-a8o2cbc

Meet Miriam Esparza, marketing and communications coordinator for the Domestic Violence Resource Center. They provide free services for people experiencing family violence, with a mission to advocate for victims and rebuild safe and hopeful lives.

Learn more about the Domestic Violence Resource Center and get involved at https://domesticviolenceresourcecenter.org/

Additional links from the episode:

-AmeriCorps: https://americorps.gov/

-Domestic Violence & Evangelical Churches podcast w/ Pastor Neil Schori: https://untangledfaithpodcast.com/2023/05/10/79-domestic-violence-evangelical-churches-guest-neil-schori/

This week we got to talk with Angel and  Michael Sweazy about starting a Reno Chapter of Youth With a Mission.

This week we got to sit down with Amy McKillip of Kindness Matters.

Meet Halie Meiners, Executive Director of Scarlet Hope, an organization committed to sharing the hope and love of Jesus with exploited and trafficked women in Reno. Every Thursday night, Scarlet Hope volunteers bring trays of food, meet needs, and build relationships with women in the adult entertainment industry. The scope of the number of women being exploited and turning to the sex industry to survive may shock and disrupt you. Halie and the Scarlet Hope team is paving the way for us to follow Jesus into the shock and disruption with humility, hope, and active love.

Learn more about Scarlet Hope and get involved at https://scarlethope.org/reno/

This week on Hope Nevada we got to have a conversation with Anne Elizabeth Northan, the Executive Director of Join Together Northern Nevada.

Meet Susan Nissenbaum with Washoe CASA Foundation - and a CASA herself since 1995. CASAs are Court Appointed Special Advocates speaking up for abused and neglected children. Assigned to a child for the duration of their court case, the CASA may be the only consistent adult in the child’s life in an unfamiliar world of social workers, lawyers, judges, and courtrooms. The foundation is on mission to support the CASA Program through fundraising, advocacy, outreach, and community awareness. 

Learn more about the CASA program and the foundation at: https://washoecasafoundation.com/

Schedule a Virtual Coffee with CASA to learn what it’s like to advocate for a child in our community at: https://washoecasafoundation.com/get-involved/coffee-with-casa.html

This week we had a conversation with Patti Weiski, founder and CEO of Dress for Success Reno in Northern Nevada. Dress for Success empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and development tools to help them thrive in work and life.

Learn more about Dress for Success and get involved at https://reno.dressforsuccess.org/

Hope, Nevada is a podcast produced by Sparks Christian Fellowship. The mission of this podcast is to tell stories of hope in our community - to be a light in the darkness. Hosted by Whitney Wilson and Pastor Jason Hall, each week will feature a different local/global partner of SCF's sharing stories of how they've seen hope in the work that they do.

This week on Hope, NV we got to have a conversation with Lacie Carl, President of the Northern Nevada Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors. NNCOPS has been serving the Northern part of Nevada since 2016, their primary goal is to rebuild the shattered lives of law enforcement survivors. If there's a line of duty death, they are there to serve the families, agencies, and coworkers to rally around them and help them through that grieving process.

Instagram: @northernnvcops

Facebook: @northernnvcops

Contact: northernnevadacops@gmail.com

NNCOPS online: northernnvcops.org

This week we got to hear from both Jen Robinson, the Youth Intervention Director & Cofounder, as well as Shontell Brewer, the Public Prevention Coordinator from Awaken.

This week we got to have a conversation with Misty Vaughn Allen, the Statewide Coordinator with the Office of Suicide Prevention.

Meet Scott Nessel, director of the Reno Adolescent Boy’s Center through Teen Challenge - a unique and successful long-term, residential recovery program. Scott describes Teen Challenge as more of a discipleship program than rehab, approaching recovery through mentoring, education, training, and spiritual direction. What started as one pastor’s desire to see young men have the opportunity for restoration rather than incarceration has turned into nearly 1500 residential recovery centers around the world. The NorWestCal-Nevada region has ten Teen Challenge centers that welcome men, women, teens, children, and families facing addiction, substance abuse, and trauma. They put hope within reach.

Learn more about Teen Challenge and get involved at https://www.teenchallenge.net/

This week on Hope, NV we got to have a conversation with Jason Sheffield with the Nevada House of Prayer

In partnership with the local church and other organizations, they hope to equip our city with a culture of prayer, worship, and unity - and to be an incubator of true community and Kingdom lifestyle.

For more info and to see the prayer room schedule, visit http://www.nvhop.org/

As the Chief Executive Officer at STEP2, Mari is responsible for the planning, budgeting, staffing, motivating, and overall management of the agency. She wears many hats, ranging from managing the daily operations of STEP2 to writing grants and securing program funding.

Give Hope Foundation

This week we had a conversation with Elisabeth Hadler, marketing director for the Give Hope Foundation. Give Hope is a volunteer run organization providing assistance, hope, relief, and financial support for Northern Nevada families with children battling catastrophic illnesses.

Learn more about Give Hope and get involved at https://givehopenv.org/

Meet Michelle Rector, Executive Director of Seniors in Service. Their mission is to engage vibrant and experienced volunteers to enrich Northern Nevada communities one life at a time through their Foster Grandparent Program, Senior Companion Program, and Respite Voucher Program. They insist on having fun along the way!

Learn more about Seniors in Service and get involved at https://seniorsinservicenevada.org/ or call 775-358-2768.

This week we had a conversation with Myree Townsend, Executive Director of the Bed Bug Relief Foundation. The Bed Bug Relief Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to providing information, advice, local resources, and bed bug treatments to those individuals who cannot afford them on their own. Their goal is to remove the stigma and shame from bed bug infestations and see a drastic reduction in the bed bug population in Northern Nevada.

Learn more about the Bed Bug Relief Foundation and get involved at www.bedbugfoundation.com

Additional links from the episode:

City of Tranquil Light by Bo Caldwell - https://www.amazon.com/City-Tranquil-Light-Bo-Caldwell/dp/031264180X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1AZFET9X4ZX0W&keywords=city+of+tranquil+light&qid=1684867817&sprefix=city+of+tranquil+li%2Caps%2C398&sr=8-1

This week we got to hear from Luis Santoni, the Executive Director of the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission.

This week we got to have a conversation with Jocelyn Lantrip, the Director of Marketing for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.

This week we get to learn from Maricela Gutierrez, Executive Director of the JustIN Hope Foundation. This foundation builds a community of inclusion, empowerment, and support for families and individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities of all ages. She has an impactful and personal history with the foundation and is driven by the potential to meet real needs through sustainable and collaborative partnerships. Their program Hope Works is responding to the youth unemployment rate crisis for individuals with disabilities, benefiting employers and participants alike. As Maricela says, this is more than employment. It is empowerment! Maricela’s passion is evident, and our city is better because she and JustIN Hope are a part of it.

Learn more about the JustinIN Hope Foundation and get involved at justinhope.org

Let’s talk addiction, empathy, prosocial activities, relational resources, and being parental with licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Jolene Dalluhn! Jolene is the co-founder and Executive Director of Quest Counseling. Quest brings hope, recovery, and healing to our community by providing comprehensive, caring, and quality behavioral health treatment to each person and family seeking services.

Learn more about Quest Counseling and their many treatment services at https://www.questreno.com/

Additional links from the episode:

-Solace Tree’s episode of Hope, NV: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5lCsaet5wQCeLWhymDrqUH?si=b88ec84d087646d9

-Jennifer Garner on why her teens aren’t on social media: https://youtu.be/QZb8BLek1S8

-Jeff Foxworthy at North Point Community Church, talking about his experience at the Atlanta Mission (starts around 15:20): https://youtu.be/UZiHJ5wWkvU

Sophie Moeller is back! This time, she tells us about Reps 4 Recovery, which strengthens the sober community one rep at a time. They strive to strengthen the sober community and health of recovering persons through fitness coaching, community, and mentorship.

Learn more about Reps 4 Recovery and get involved at https://www.reps4recovery.org/

Additional links from the episode:

-Biopsychosocial approach to well-being explained: https://www.verywellmind.com/understanding-the-biopsychosocial-model-7549226

-Reno Food Systems: https://www.renofoodsystems.org/

This week on Hope, Nevada we got to have a conversation with Dave McLaughlin, the new Executive Director of Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet.

GSCC is here for people and the community, not just clothing - Their mission is to address the needs of the entirety of the person wearing the clothes by connecting them to other community orgs in the area - on top of providing a (free) dignified shopping experience.

Shopping Hours -

• Mondays 3 pm - 7 pm
• Wednesdays 9 am - 1 pm
• Fridays 9am - 1pm

Donations by Appointment -

• Tuesdays 10 am - 3 pm
• Thursdays 10 am - 3 pm

Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet Online: gsccreno.org

This week we got to talk with Jim and Carol Smitherman about their new group for bereaved parents, While We're Waiting. These meetings are a safe and uplifting experience where hurting parents can form connections with other moms and dads who truly understand the experience of losing a child and who share faith in God.

In this episode, we got to have a conversation with Jessica Cisneros, the Executive Director of Safe Embrace. 

Jessica initially started working with survivors and their children in the child welfare system in Clark County in 2006. She started as a case manager for a non-profit and eventually was promoted to supervisor and then to a program director. After moving back to Reno, she worked for NCJFC as a Site Manager working with courts across the nation on best practices and the intersection between child welfare and domestic violence.  She joined the Safe Embrace team in December 2017 as the Program Director and was promoted to Executive Director in June 2019.  

Safe Embrace is a non-profit committed to ending the cycle of domestic and sexual violence in our community. We offer a wide variety of prevention and intervention services that are survivor centered and trauma informed. Some of the largest successes include expansion of our co-ed safe house to 32 beds, incorporating a housing first and rule reduction model in all residential programs and expanding our outreach and prevention education programming. Information regarding our programs and volunteer opportunities can be found on our website at www.safeembrace.org or you can call our 24 hour hotline at 775-322-3466.

This week on Hope Nv, we got to have a conversation with Courtney Vogt, the Development Manager of Spread The Word Nevada.

The goal of Spread The Word Nevada is to promote literacy and to make it possible for all of Nevada’s children to experience the magic of books.

Office located at 290 Gentry Way Suite#6

24Hr Book Drop Box

Spread The Word Nevada online: 

SONV is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities through inclusive sports, education and health. The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization offers free year-round training and competition programs for 3,253 athletes who compete in more than 60 competitions in 10 sports annually. On the playing field, SONV promotes inclusion through Unified Sports, bringing together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to play as teammates. On school campuses, SONV impacts more than 62,000 school-aged students by promoting inclusion through the Unified Champion Schools Program, which encourages Unified Sports, Inclusive Leadership programs and Whole School Engagement. SONV is also committed to improving the overall health and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities through Healthy Athletes events, offering health screenings and services free of charge. SONV relies on the support of 4,766 volunteers and funding from individuals, organizations, corporations and foundations. In 2018, SONV honored the 50-year anniversary of Special Olympics.

 This week we had a conversation with Monica DuPea, Executive Director of Nevada Youth Empowerment Project (NYEP). NYEP gives homeless young women in the Reno area a chance to reroute their lives through a structured program that provides housing and basic needs, life skills training, and opportunities to practice new life skills, and the support and love of a family.

Learn more about NYEP’s and get involved at https://nyep.org/

Additional links from the episode:

- Homeboy Industries: https://homeboyindustries.org/

- Father Greg Boyle TedTalk: https://youtu.be/ipR0kWt1Fkc

- Article on the “Gen Den,” the intergenerational housing complex: https://www.nnbw.com/news/2021/nov/30/intergenerational-housing-bringing-vulnerable-yout/

This week we got to hear from Mike Cutler of International Friends of Reno.

This week we had a conversation with Samantha Perez, volunteer coordinator for the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army exists to meet human needs wherever, whenever, and however they can. Every program is rooted in the passion to serve God by serving the lost, vulnerable, needy, poor, hurting, helpless, and hopeless. 

Learn more about the Salvation Army and get involved at reno.salvationarmy.org

Meet Emilio Parga, the founder and Executive Director of The Solace Tree, as well as Solace Tree participants and advocates - sisters Hailey, Lily, and Chloe. The Solace Tree provides grief and loss support for children, teens, and families. They have much to teach us - and you will love learning from their wisdom and experience! Through their peer support programs and education opportunities, children and teens learn to cope and adjust to the many changes in their lives associated with grief - because as Emilio teaches us - “if children are old enough to love, they are old enough to grieve.” Whether you are grieving or love someone who is, this one has value for us all.

Learn more The Solace Tree and get involved at https://www.solacetree.org/

Additional links from the episode:

• TIP (Trauma Intervention Program) episode of Hope, NV: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3cPu4rmofgVc6Is0zLqwNq?si=a18a3f59205a4dac

• The Dougy Center: https://www.dougy.org/

• On Mortality seminar: https://www.youtube.com/live/nTMzuIpQMy0?feature=share

• Girls on the Run episode of Hope, NV: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7xAYWH5h9rdjz9Ba1Q3AyU?si=4351aac672104065

Meet Sydney Roberts & Jenny Angius with Urban Roots, a Reno-based nonprofit striving to change the way our community eats and learns through garden-based education. Their many programs - including farm camps, monthly workshops, preschool programs, and even a Dead Plant Society - enrich lives and create friendships for all ages. Whether you don’t know where to start with gardening in the high desert or are a seasoned green thumb, Urban Roots provides many ways to get outside and grow.

Learn more about Urban Roots and get involved at https://www.urgc.org/

Additional links from the episode:

• Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport: https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Minimalism-Choosing-Focused-Noisy/dp/0525542876/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3V5TF8Z89CBYY&keywords=digital+minimalism&qid=1699558330&sprefix=digital+minimalism%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-4
  

Meet Marie Baxter, C.E.O. of Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada. They are a major operation of impact, responding to unmet human needs. With food, clothing, shelter, and a helping hand, they bring hope to people in order to build spirit and self-reliance within them and within our community. Recently, they launched an initiative to interrupt general poverty, and the ways that volunteers can get involved goes on and on. If you have wanted to serve our community and haven’t known where to start, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada and get involved at https://ccsnn.org/

Additional links from the episode:

-Economic Mobility Pathways: https://empathways.org/

Sharon Chamberlain has served as the Chief Executive Officer at Northern Nevada HOPES

since August 2011. Under Sharon’s leadership, HOPES has undergone a tremendous

expansion, from a small HIV service organization serving 600 patients, to a growing community

health center that serves over 10,000 men, women, and children in Northern Nevada. Sharon

oversaw the construction and opening of HOPES' new 38,000 sq. ft. integrated care facility –

The Stacie Mathewson Community Wellness Center – which opened in 2016. Since then,

HOPES has expanded its services to include pediatric primary care, x-ray and diagnostics, legal

services, financial empowerment coaching, as well as having greatly expanded behavioral

health, adult primary care, transportation, and medication delivery services. Prior to serving as

CEO of HOPES, Sharon spent the past 20 years serving the HIV/AIDS community. In Santa

Monica, California, she spent five years as Executive Director of Common Ground, during which

time she was appointed County Commissioner on HIV by the L.A. Board of Supervisors. Before

her time in Southern California, Sharon served as Assistant Executive Director for over five

years at the HIV Alliance in Eugene, Oregon. Her professional focus on HIV prevention and

care services in Oregon resulted in the establishment of the largest needle exchange in the

state, the creation of a dental clinic for low income HIV-positive people, and the implementation

of rapid testing in non-clinical settings.

About HOPES

Northern Nevada HOPES is a nonprofit community health center located in downtown Reno,

Nevada. HOPES provides integrated medical and wellness services, with a focus on lowering

barriers to care for underserved communities. Services offered include adult and pediatric

primary care, chronic disease management, behavioral health counseling, substance use

counseling, case management, nutrition, pharmacy, transportation, and community outreach

and education. HOPES’ welcoming and innovative one-stop-shop healthcare model improves

access to care for thousands of individuals and families in in northern Nevada.

RISE - Reno Initiative for Shelter and Equality

"You don't need permission to get involved." Meet Benjamin Castro, the Executive Director and founder of RISE, the Reno Initiative for Shelter and Equality. What started as a community potluck has turned into an organization cultivating a greater sense of dignity for our unsheltered neighbors by providing equal access to shelter, knowledge, and opportunity. RISE seeks to create a stronger community through the use of shared resources and mutual aid. This led to the low-barrier and unique shelter - OUR Place, the largest emergency housing provider for women and families in our community. Ben stepped into the opportunity and invited us to do the same.

Learn more about RISE and OUR Place at http://www.renoinitiative.org/

This week on Hope, Nevada we got to have a conversation with Katie Pace, of Rebuilding Together Northern Nevada

Rebuilding Together online: rtnnv.org

Phone Contact: 775-395-9808

This week we got to hear from Kris Scillaci, volunteer lead of the Food Pantry at SCF.

This week on Hope, Nevada we got to have a conversation with Dr. Karen Gedney, the of Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission. We also got to hear from Dr. Karens' mentee, Jalissa Williams.

Meet Sophie Moeller - program director with the Northern Nevada Ronald McDonald House Charities. She sums up her job beautifully as, “I get to help families.” Located in Reno, the Ronald McDonald house lodges families living more than 30 miles away with a child receiving treatment at an area hospital. Doing so eases the emotional and financial strain families experience when children face health complications. In addition to the house, they offer additional programs bridging service gaps for families including the Ronald McDonald house, the Family Room at Renown, the Care Mobile, and the Travel-for-Treatment program.

Learn more about Northern Nevada Ronald McDonald House Charities and get involved at https://rmhcnnevada.org/

Additional links from the episode:

-Step 2 episode of Hope, NV: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4tcPXosskO96bWh6aABAJ0?si=5e5df09a283f4af5

-Teen Challenge: https://www.teenchallenge.net/

This week on Hope, NV we got to have a conversation with Jake Wiskerchen, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zephyr Wellness.

Zephyr Wellness’ mission is to provide citizens in our community, state, and country with the best possible care for mind, body, and spirit through accessible, holistic, and compassionate approaches that honor personal freedom.

Zephyr Wellness Online: zephyrwellness.org

This week we got to hear from the CEO of Veterans Guest House, Naureen Leary.

This week on Hope Nevada we got to have a conversation with Annie Goni-Stewart, the Executive Direction of For Kids Foundation.

The mission of For Kids Foundation is to fill in the gaps, created by other programs, to fund urgent unmet needs of northern Nevada children where there is no other known resource available, so that children may thrive.

For Kids Foundation online: forkidsfoundation.org

In this episode we got to have a conversation with Leo Castro, Founder and Senior Pastor of ECC.

Meet Kathleen Teipner, program director at Community Services Agency - which exists to help people get out of poverty. Empowering individuals and families to become self-sufficient through advocacy, results-based programs, and community partnership in Northern Nevada, they offer a wide variety of programs from Head Start, Energy Efficiency, Victim Advocacy Program, Employment Assistance and Training, and Free Income Tax Preparation. Kathleen says this non-profit work needs to be “in your blood” - and you will hear through this episode, it is definitely in hers. We are a better community for it.

Learn more about the Community Services Agency and get involved at https://www.csareno.org/

This week on Hope, Nevada we got to have a conversation with Kate Schmidt, the Northern Nevada Regional Director for Foster The City.

Foster The City is a growing coalition of churches, moving across Northern Nevada, working together to provide a loving home for every child in foster care. Its mission is to enable the local church to answer the biblical mandate to care for vulnerable children. Foster The City is a coalition of churches rather than an independent non-profit.

Foster The City online: https://fosterthecity.org/

For more information or to get involved, contact Kate at kate@fosterthecity.org

Meet Amy Dewitt-Smith, executive director of Neighbor Network of Northern Nevada, or N4. The N4 village connects Northern Nevadans for inclusive, community-based services from volunteer opportunities to affordable transportation. Through this episode, we glean from Amy’s 20+ years of experience working in aging and disability services. The village of N4 is relational, reciprocal, and offers person-centered support for members.

Learn more about N4 and get involved at https://neighbornv.org/

Additional links from the episode:

-CBS News “Aging in America: Stuck in the Middle” feature: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/aging-in-america-stuck-in-the-middle/

-Beacon Hill Village: https://www.beaconhillvillage.org/content.aspx?page_id=0&club_id=332658

-HourWorld: https://hourworld.org/index.htm

Diaz is a human service provider turned community patron passionate about targeted messaging and relationship-building to enhance business development and self-growth.

From children’s services, to animal welfare, to substance abuse, and University Assistant Athletic Director, Diaz has used his Bachelor’s from Nevada and Master’s degree from the University of Iowa to enhance his skills and help build a better community. While serving 14 years as the C.E.O. of STEP2, Diaz operated as a grant writer, consultant, and community advocate while building a multi-million-dollar campus. STEP2 is nationally known for being one of the most effective treatment programs in the country for families. He served for 4 years on the National Advisory Committee for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 6 years as the Treasurer of Nevada AADAPTS and another 4 years consulting to the Cultural Competency and Diversity Network in Washington, DC under President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative. Diaz is currently the CEO of Eddy House in the plight against youth homelessness in Reno and owns Performance Driven Consulting, adding smartness to business solutions.

This week we had a conversation with James Kitchen, FCA Nevada State Director.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Vision: To see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes

Mission: To lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church

Meet Paula Jones and Jan Wise, representing the Assistance League of Reno-Sparks. Assistance Leagues across America engage and empower volunteers to strengthen their communities. They do this through conducting community needs assessments and developing programs to meet the needs they uncover. If you have wanted to volunteer in our community and didn’t know where to start, here is your start! Whether helping children receive new school clothes, working with veterans, or delivering food to homebound seniors, there is no shortage of ways to assist our community - and build friendships along the way.

Learn more about Assistance League of Reno-Sparks and get involved at https://www.assistanceleague.org/reno-sparks/

Additional links from the episode:

• The Good Life book: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Life-Lessons-Scientific-Happiness-ebook/dp/B0B3Y7J6PN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2992A2CWS5W4K&keywords=the+good+life+book&qid=1694716317&sprefix=the+good+life%2Caps%2C738&sr=8-1
  

Boys & Girls Club is way more than a day care - and Amber Seifert is here to tell us about it. Amber is the marketing coordinator for the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, where each location creates a place for kids to feel safe and connected, finding a place to belong and a place to become. Their over 50 locations serve 13,000 youth annually throughout our region. A resource center for families and the community, they provide low-cost childcare, homework help, scholarships, meals, hygiene supplies, sports leagues, youth leadership development, and more. No child is turned away from the Boys & Girls Club due to inability to pay.

Learn more about Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows and get involved at https://bgctm.org/

This week on Hope, Nevada we got to have a conversation with Luis Santoni, the of Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission.

The Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, non-denominational Christian organization dedicated to helping the homeless, hungry, addicted, and abused in the Northern Nevada area.

Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission online: rsgm.org

This week we had a conversation with Nikki Hertzler, a local foster mom and author. Nikki is passionate about encouraging others to search for God’s strength and wisdom and in finding His purpose for their lives.

To contact Nikki and to order her book Help! I’m a Foster Parent, visit her website: nikkihertzler.com

Additional links from the episode:

- LC Cares https://lifechurchreno.com/lccares

- Foster the City https://fosterthecity.org/

- 7 Longest Yards book https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Longest-Yards-Pushing-Leaning/dp/031035692X

- 7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story film https://7yardsfilm.com/

R.A.V.E. Family Foundation

This week we had a conversation with Korine Viehweg, executive director for RAVE family foundation. RAVE improves the well-being of Nevada families by providing respite to those caring for children with special needs. They accomplish their mission by training youth volunteers to care for these exceptional children.

Learn more about RAVE and get involved at https://nnrff.org/about-us/

Additional links from the episode:

-New Life for Haiti: https://newlifeforhaiti.org/

-Home Boy Industries: https://homeboyindustries.org/

Meet Mallory Morgan, Youth Outreach Coordinator with Destiny Church. Destiny has a heart for young people and for outreach, and they dream of using their building - Destiny Center - as a Youth Center. Mallory walks us through “the beginning of the beginning” of the Traner Project, as she recruits a team to build relationships with students at Traner Middle School.

Learn more about Destiny Center at https://destinyreno.com/

Contact Mallory to get involved at mallory@destinyreno.com

Financially support Mallory at https://giving.ag.org/donate/700001-299915

Additional links from the episode:

- Youth First of Reno/Sparks: https://www.youthfirstreno.org/

- Youth First episode of Hope, NV: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2aQNrHsoF5Olx6YWi7B5E0?si=5978e06126ea47ed

- Lectio 365 app: https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/
- How to be Unsuccessful: An Unlikely Guide to Human Flourishing by Pete Portal: https://www.amazon.com/How-Successful-unlikely-guide-flourishing/dp/0281088179/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=how+to+be+unsuccessful+pete+portal&qid=1700174774&sr=8-1
- "The Next Right Thing" from Frozen 2: https://youtu.be/kFkClV2gM-s?feature=shared

This week we had a conversation with Lisa Moore, founder and CEO of Life Changes, Inc - a Level II Sober Living Home providing safety, shelter, and support to adults affected by substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration, homelessness, human trafficking, and domestic violence. They are dedicated to empowering each client to achieve their life vision.

Learn more about the Life Changes, Inc. and get involved at https://www.lifechangesinc.solutions/

We welcome Sharon Chamberlain to the podcast this week. Sharon is the CEO of Northern Nevada HOPES, a community health center in Reno providing affordable, high-quality, medical, behavioral health, and support services for all. What started as a single-room clinic to serve those with HIV/AIDS has expanded to providing comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare for 14,000 people in our community. Through their presence on 4th Street, they are turning a healthcare desert into a “Corridor of Hope,” including northern Nevada’s first bridge-housing community called Hope Springs and the new clinic being built across the street projected to open summer 2024.

Learn more about Northern Nevada HOPES at https://www.nnhopes.org/

Parkinson Support Center of Northern Nevada

Meet Dr. Mindy Loksin, former family physician and founding chair of the Parkinson Support Center of Northern Nevada - and Ms. Anne Pott, gerontologist, and board member. PSCNN provides support for those affected by Parkinson’s; opportunities for our Parkinson’s community to engage and connect; and information to the public to raise awareness of the disease. They exist so no one has to face Parkinson’s alone.

Learn more about the Parkinson Support Center of Northern Nevada and get involved at https://www.pscnn.org

Additional links from the episode:

• Parkinson Association of San Diego: parkinsonassociation.org

• Rock Steady Boxing: http://southtownreno.rsbaffiliate.com/

• Annual Movement Fair info: https://www.pscnn.org/pscnn-movement-fair

Meet Gabrielle Totton, Executive Director of TIP. They specially train volunteer citizens to provide emotional first aid to survivors of tragedy in order to ease their immediate suffering and facilitate their healing and long-term recovery. This program teaches the “uncommon sense” of how to benefit those experiencing trauma.  

Learn more about TIP and get involved at https://www.tipnnv.org/

This week on Hope Nv, we got to have a conversation with Joy Heuer, the Executive Director of Girls On The Run Sierras.

Girls On The Run Sierras is a non-profit designed to teach critical life skills using research-based programs. Meeting in small teams, trained volunteer coaches inspire girls of all abilities to strengthen confidence through dynamic interactive lessons and physical activity.

This week on Hope, Nevada we got to have a conversation with Liz McFarland, a lead volunteer with Project150 Reno.

Project150 is a free clothing boutique available for disadvantaged teenagers in the Reno/Sparks area, offering a dignified shopping experience.

Project150 online: project150reno.org

Meet Kayla Valy with the Reno Bike Project. This community bike shop is built around the belief that the bicycle is the world’s greatest, most utilized mode of transportation - and they want every individual to be able to afford, maintain, and enjoy one. They are committed to getting “more butts in more seats more often,” with several programs toward that end. In this episode, Jason encourages us not just to listen to a good story but join a great story. Reno Bike Project could be your story!

Learn more about Reno Bike Project and get involved at https://renobikeproject.org/

This week we got to hear from Dr. Karen Gedney and hear her amazing story. Dr. Gedney is the Consultant in Prison Reform on the Ridge House Board.