Explore every episode of the podcast Unified Purpose
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inspiring Environmental Action & Community Building | 08 Jul 2025 | 00:35:26 | |
Three things you’ll learn in this episode:
About Clayton and Ideas for us:
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| Inside the Unique Model of Steadfast Veterans for Homeless Vets | 03 Jul 2025 | 00:40:27 | |
Three things you’ll learn in this episode:
1. Addressing Veteran Homelessness with a Holistic Approach: Anthony Roberts founded Steadfast Veterans after encountering a homeless Marine living in his childhood home, highlighting the deep-seated issues veterans face upon returning to civilian life. Steadfast Veterans focuses on providing stable housing—525 sq. ft., one-bedroom, one-bath homes—as the foundational step for veterans to then access critical "wraparound services" for emotional, physical, financial, and addiction support from partner agencies. 2. Unique Nonprofit Model for Maximum Impact: Steadfast Veterans operates with a distinct financial model where 100% of direct donations go specifically to the construction and building process of homes, separating these funds from administrative costs, which are covered by government-provided HUD-VASH rental vouchers. This transparent approach aims to maximize the impact of donations and avoid common criticisms faced by larger nonprofits regarding overhead. 3. Challenges of Military Transition and Societal Misconceptions: Anthony sheds light on why veterans struggle with homelessness, attributing it to the drastic shift from highly structured military life to unstructured civilian life, personal trauma (like PTSD from witnessed combat), and societal misunderstandings of military service. He also notes the undercounting of female homeless veterans due to "couch surfing" and the overall need for better transition support from the military itself.
About Anthony and Steadfast Veterans:
- Website: https://steadfastveterans.org/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-roberts-54b50a131/
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| Philly Culture: Empowering Nonprofits & Community Connection | 01 May 2025 | 00:46:02 | |
Three things you’ll learn in this episode:
1. How Fiscal Sponsorship Helps Nonprofits Thrive
In this episode, you'll learn about the concept of fiscal sponsorship, how it supports nonprofit organizations, and the process behind choosing and partnering with the right ones. The discussion reveals how this system helps smaller organizations scale and achieve their goals.
2. The Importance of In-Person Connection Post-COVID
Discover the value of in-person interactions, especially in the post-COVID era. From coworking spaces to community events, you'll hear why human connection is so vital for personal and professional growth, and how organizations like Culture Works create spaces for this to happen.
3. The Future of Philadelphia’s Cultural Landscape
Learn about the exciting new cultural initiatives in Philadelphia, including the first-ever citywide cultural plan and new resources like a digital cultural calendar. The conversation also touches on the vibrant, diverse events taking place, and how these foster community and connection.
About Ariel Shelton and Philadelphia CultureWorks:
- Website: http://cultureworksphila.org/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeryelle/
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| The Mission of Callisto: Connecting Survivors | 24 Apr 2025 | 00:35:18 | |
Here are three key points from the interview:
About Tracy DeTomasi and Callisto:
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| Empowering Young Advocates: The Mission of Flawless Foundation | 17 Apr 2025 | 00:29:15 | |
Three things you’ll learn in this episode:
🔹 The importance of honest conversations about mental health
🔹 How Flawless Foundation is empowering young mental health advocates
🔹 The role of social media in raising awareness and creating impact
About Janine Francolini and Flawless:
- Website: https://flawlessfoundation.org/mission-and-vision/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-francolini-57999926/
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| K-3 Literacy Intervention: Joyful Readers' Innovative Approach | 17 Apr 2025 | 00:30:51 | |
Three things you’ll learn in this episode:
📚 The literacy challenges facing young students today
👩🏫 How AmeriCorps tutors provide personalized reading support
🌟 The long-term impact of early literacy on education and life success
About Sarah DeLucas and Joyful Readers:
- Website: https://joyfulreaders.org/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joyful-readers/
✨Sponsors✨
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| Teacher to Advocate: Patience, Community & Empowering the Vulnerable | 10 Apr 2025 | 00:45:43 | |
Three things you’ll learn in this episode:
1. Journey from Teaching to Advocacy: Tyrell Brown initially aspired to be a teacher, inspired by figures like Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society. Their career began in retail before they transitioned into education, teaching young children and working on kindergarten readiness programs. Tyrell’s passion for supporting vulnerable children led them to political advocacy and grassroots organizing, ultimately guiding them to their current role at Galilee QTBIPOC. 2. Creating Spaces for Community and Growth: Through their work, Tyrell has focused on building inclusive and affirming spaces, especially for queer and trans youth. They helped develop children's programming at the Trans Wellness Conference and later joined Galilee QTBIPOC to design a camp specifically for queer and trans children and families. Their approach emphasizes fostering curiosity, joy, and connection. 3. Balancing Patience, Impact, and Responsibility: Tyrell draws from their experience with children to bring patience and understanding into their advocacy work. They highlight the importance of recognizing the profound impact adults have on others, advocating for more intentional and compassionate interactions. By maintaining a sense of curiosity and openness, they strive to create environments where people feel empowered and supported.
About Tyrell Brown and Galaei:
- Website: http://galaei.org/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyrell-brown-2b234988/
✨Sponsors✨
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| How Art & Storytelling Shape Communities | 03 Apr 2025 | 00:40:52 | |
Three things you’ll learn in this episode:
1. The Power of Art in Community Transformation: Mural Arts Philadelphia uses public art as a tool for social change, aiming to inspire people, improve places, and influence practices to create a more just and equitable city.
2. The Intersection of Communications, Psychology, and Storytelling: Chad Eric Smith’s background in psychology and performing arts helps him approach communications with a deep understanding of human behavior, emotional intelligence, and storytelling, making messaging more impactful.
3. Creativity as a Universal Human Expression: Creativity exists in everyone, but societal norms and structures sometimes suppress it. Mural Arts Philadelphia provides a platform for individuals—especially underserved populations—to engage with and express their creativity in transformative ways.
About Chad Eric Smith and Mural Arts:
- Website: http://muralarts.org/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-eric-smith/
✨Sponsors✨
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| How Maternity Care Coalition Is Changing Birth and Parenting for the Better | 08 Jan 2025 | 00:28:00 | |
Three things you’ll learn in this episode:
1. Mission of Dignity, Autonomy, and Equity: The organization’s core mission is to support parents and children by addressing racial and social inequities. They aim for parents to "birth with dignity," "parent with autonomy," and raise healthy, thriving children, recognizing that historical injustices have limited access to choice and autonomy, thus affecting people's dignity.
2. Challenges of Racial and Social Inequities: Maternity Care Coalition’s work focuses on eliminating barriers related to the social determinants of health, such as access to transportation, healthcare, and childcare, which disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Racial biases in healthcare, such as the mistreatment of Black and Brown women, exacerbate these inequities, making it harder for parents to receive the support they need.
3. Fundraising and Community Impact: Leveraging her background in fundraising, Samantha emphasizes that successful fundraising requires connecting people to causes they care about. The transition from a university to a nonprofit highlights the importance of diverse funding streams, while also ensuring that the dignity of clients is respected and that they are not exploited for fundraising purposes.
About Samantha Harclerode and Maternity Care Coalition:
- Website: https://maternitycarecoalition.org/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-harclerode/
✨Sponsors✨
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| How Can Simple Conversations Change Lives? | 11 Dec 2024 | 00:29:39 | |
Three things you’ll learn in this episode:
1. Miracle Friends' Mission and Impact: The organization provides a simple but crucial service of connecting people, especially those who are isolated or lonely, through phone-based friendships. It helps people navigate loneliness, offering emotional support through regular, meaningful conversations.
2. Accessibility and Remote Nature of the Program**: Miracle Friends operates entirely remotely, meaning participants and volunteers can be from anywhere in the world. This makes the program highly accessible, especially for individuals who may feel disconnected due to geographic or social barriers.
3. Growth and Outreach Strategy: The organization uses various strategies to raise awareness and recruit volunteers, including social media, media appearances, partnerships with local organizations, and Kevin Adler's book. Their outreach aims to spread the word about the program and encourage involvement, particularly focusing on both volunteers and individuals in need of support.
About Colette Lay and Miracle Messages:
- Website: https://www.miraclemessages.org/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colettelay/
✨Sponsors✨
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Enter code for 15% off your first month: UNIFIEDPURPOSE15
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| Funding Flexible Education: How College Together is Changing the Game | 13 Nov 2024 | 00:32:19 | |
Three things you’ll learn in this episode: 1. Fusion College Model: Oscar Wang's initiative, College Together, aims to create a new type of college, termed "Fusion College," which combines digital curriculum with in-person support. This model is designed to address inefficiencies in traditional college systems and specifically focuses on providing accessible and supportive pathways for disadvantaged, first-generation students in Philadelphia.
2. Focus on Underserved Students: Oscar emphasizes the need to support not only high-achieving students but also the majority of students who may not have access to elite institutions. The mission is to create an inclusive educational environment that provides necessary resources and mentorship, ensuring that all students have a fair chance at success in higher education.
3. Addressing Distrust in Higher Education: The closure of UArts highlights broader concerns about college stability, costs, and return on investment for students. Many prospective students, particularly first-generation and low-income individuals, feel misled about the college experience, including financial aid and support. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency and building trust in educational institutions.
About Oscar Wang and College Together:
- Website: https://collegetogether.org/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oscar-wang-831a4318/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegetogether
✨Sponsors✨
Penji, the human first creative subscription service for agencies and teams.
Enter code for 15% off your first month: UNIFIEDPURPOSE15
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| Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice: Making a Difference for Immigrants | 16 Oct 2024 | 00:30:59 | |
About Jonathan Goldman & Anna Johnson and SCIJ:
- Website: https://www.scijimmigration.org/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgoldmanma/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/passionjohnson/
✨Sponsors✨ Penji, the human first creative subscription service for agencies and teams. Enter code for 15% off your first month: STUDENTCLINICPA15
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| Saving Lives Through Water Safety with No More Under | 30 Jun 2025 | 00:42:08 | |
Three things you’ll learn in this episode:
About Chezik Tsunoda and No More Under:
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| Overcoming Challenges in the Nonprofit Sector: CTIPP's Perspective | 25 Sep 2024 | 00:43:41 | |
Three things you’ll learn in this episode:
About Jesse Kohler and CTIPP:
✨Sponsors✨ Penji, the human first creative subscription service for agencies and teams. Enter code for 15% off your first month: CTIPP15
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| Global Philadelphia: Preserving Heritage, Promoting Internationalism | 28 Aug 2024 | 00:22:38 | |
Global Philadelphia Association's Mission and Impact: The Global Philadelphia Association positions Philadelphia on the international stage, having made it the first World Heritage City in the U.S. They engage with diverse cultures and communities in the city through events, art, and sustainability projects, aiming to enhance Philadelphia's global reputation. Events and Community Engagement: The association organizes significant events like the Globey Awards and the World Heritage City Celebration, which honor impactful work in various sectors, including education, corporate leadership, and sustainable development. They also partner with local festivals and cultural events, promoting Philadelphia's diverse heritage. Marketing and Volunteer Strategies: The organization emphasizes the importance of both digital and print media for effective outreach. They value printed materials for their broader reach and clarity of messaging. They also encourage community involvement through volunteer opportunities at events and partnerships, highlighting the significance of social media in their marketing efforts. About Zabeth Teelucksingh and The Global Philadelphia Association:
✨Sponsors✨ Penji, the human first creative subscription service for agencies and teams. Enter code for 15% off your first month: UNIFIEDPURPOSE15
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| Empowering Young Women of Color Through Tech | 03 Jul 2024 | 00:37:20 | |
Penji Partnership Coordinator, Shannon, has a heartwarming chat with Cheryl Ann Wadlington, the founder of Evoluer House in Philadelphia. They discuss about the hardships that young girls of color face in the city, tips for non-profit marketing, and the role universities take in gentrification. Three things you’ll learn in this episode: Disproportionate Impact on Girls of Color: The discussion highlights the alarming disparities faced by girls of color, particularly in education and the juvenile justice system. These girls are disproportionately suspended, with those who have darker skin being three times more likely to face suspension. The conversation also touches on the mental health struggles these girls face due to exposure to violence. Evoluer House's Mission: Cheryl Ann Wadlington, the founder of Evoluer House, shares her organization's mission to empower marginalized girls of color by providing programs that help them learn, lead, and thrive. Evoluer House aims to counter the school-to-prison pipeline and offers support through various development programs, focusing on personal growth and leadership. Challenges in Nonprofit Funding: The discussion delves into the challenges faced by grassroots organizations in securing funding. Cheryl emphasizes the need to be relentless in fundraising efforts and to seek support from corporations while being cautious of funders who demand too much for too little. She advocates for trust-based funding to support organizations working directly with those in need. About Cheryl Ann Wadlington and Evoluer House: ✨Sponsors✨ Penji, the human first creative subscription service for agencies and teams. Enter code for 15% off your first month: EVOLUERHOUSE15
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| Whole Person Care: Empowering Homeless Individuals & Sustainable Change | 27 Jun 2025 | 00:37:18 | |
Three things you’ll learn in this episode:
1. Whole Person Care" Through Relationship Building: Tracy Community Connection Center focuses on building long-term, trusting relationships with clients to address the root causes of homelessness, rather than just immediate needs. This relationship-first model ensures individuals are ready for services when opportunities arise. 2. Innovative Mobile Services & Dignity Restoration: The organization provides essential and unique mobile services like showers and laundry, alongside food and case management, which not only address immediate physical needs but also play a crucial role in restoring dignity and improving mental well-being for homeless individuals. 3. Collaborative Approach and Systemic Solutions: TCCC actively collaborates with various community partners (hospitals, behavioral health, food banks, etc.) and utilizes a centralized Homeless Management Information System to avoid service duplication and ensure comprehensive support. They also engage in eviction prevention and family reunification efforts as crucial steps towards long-term solutions.
About Carrie Grover and Tracy Community Connections Center:
- Website: http://www.tracyccc.org/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-grover-4b078119a/
✨Sponsors✨
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| Prevention Links: Holistic Approach to Substance Use & Stigma | 26 Jun 2025 | 00:32:50 | |
Three things you’ll learn in this episode:
1. Holistic Approach to Substance Use Disorder: Prevention Links focuses on both prevention (building resiliency and mental well-being, especially in at-risk youth) and recovery support, meeting individuals where they are without forcing abstinence, and addressing underlying factors like trauma and socioeconomic challenges. 2. Addressing "Functioning Addiction" and Stigma: The discussion delves into the often-overlooked challenge of "functioning addicts" and the societal stigma surrounding addiction, highlighting the importance of early intervention through primary care and family support, as well as de-stigmatizing recovery by openly sharing success stories. 3. Peer-Led Support and Community Reintegration: Prevention Links utilizes peer recovery specialists (individuals with lived experience) to normalize the recovery process and educate on diverse pathways, emphasizing the critical need for societal support to help recovering individuals reintegrate and thrive, rather than facing continued marginalization.
About Morgan and Prevention links:
- Website: https://preventionlinks.org/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-thompson-m-s-w-9a070660/
✨Sponsors✨
Penji, the human first creative subscription service for agencies and teams.
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| The One Small Gift That Changed Everything for a Cancer Patient | 23 Jun 2025 | 00:32:02 | |
Here are three things you’ll learn in this episode:
1. The power of small acts—how simple gestures like sending a meme or a care package can make a big difference for someone going through treatment.
2. How Rachel turned her pain and passion into purpose by founding Beyond Basic Needs, a nonprofit that has now delivered over 1,200 chemo care kits across the U.S.
3. Why waiting for the “perfect time” to start something meaningful is a myth—and how starting small, asking for help, and showing up can create real impact.
About Rachel and Beyond Basic Needs:
- Website: https://beyondbasicneeds.org/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelminion/
✨Sponsors✨
Penji, the human first creative subscription service for agencies and teams.
Enter code for 15% off your first month: UNIFIEDPURPOSE15
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| The Solar Revolution You Haven’t Heard About | 19 Jun 2025 | 00:34:20 | |
Here are three things you’ll learn in this episode:
1. Solar energy can help nonprofits, schools, and places of worship drastically cut costs—freeing up more resources for their mission. Jackie shares how her nonprofit helps fund solar projects for underfunded organizations with massive energy needs.
2. Incorporating solar into school buildings also builds awareness and career opportunities in the clean energy sector. Jackie emphasizes that solar installation jobs can’t be outsourced and are well-paying and growing in demand—making them ideal for future generations.
3. There are accessible financial incentives and trusted resources to help people and organizations navigate solar adoption. With tools like tax credits, state rebates, and freely available research from SEIA and NREL, solar isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s a smart, sustainable investment for many.
Jackie also explore how community solar arrays can reduce air pollution, cool down urban areas, and even stabilize the grid during extreme weather events. Most importantly, they highlight how knowledge and trustworthy guidance can cut through climate misinformation and help more people feel empowered to make change.
About Jackie Harrison-Jewell and Couillard Solar Foundation:
- Website: https://couillardsolarfoundation.org/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelineharrisonjewell/
✨Sponsors✨
Penji, the human first creative subscription service for agencies and teams.
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| Healing Hearts & Hooves: Faith & Friends' Unique Community Impact | 05 Jun 2025 | 00:33:47 | |
Three things you’ll learn in this episode:
1. Healing Through Equine-Assisted Programs: Faith and Friends offers unique programs like "Reading with the Rescues," combining certified speech and occupational therapy with hippotherapy for children with disabilities. They also showcase rehabilitated rescue horses to inspire individuals, demonstrating that even those who have faced abuse can become contributing members of society. 2. Building Inclusive Community & Challenging Societal Norms The organization cultivates a diverse and positive "found family" environment, emphasizing connection and empathy in a world increasingly disconnected by technology. Faith highlights the importance of diversity and challenges the societal notion of disposability, particularly regarding the elderly and animals, advocating for the inherent value of all beings regardless of age or perceived usefulness. 3. A Volunteer-Driven Model for True Impact: Faith and Friends operates as a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with every penny going directly back into programs. They attract dedicated volunteers through word-of-mouth and a flexible, trust-based system, allowing individuals to contribute meaningfully without strict time commitments, fostering a genuine desire to help and reducing burnout.
About Faith Sadiku and Faith N Friends:
- Website: https://faithnfriends.org/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-sadiku-9a63a671/
✨Sponsors✨
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| She Survived the Headlines. Now She’s Leading a National Movement | 22 May 2025 | 00:36:47 | |
Three things you’ll learn in this episode:
1.Youth-Led Impact: SafeBAE is led primarily by young people—two-thirds of the board are youth—ensuring authentic, peer-to-peer education and solutions that reflect the voices and experiences of the generation they serve.
2. Creative Advocacy & Access: From launching a consent-themed clothing line called “Ask First” to making all educational materials free, SafeBAE ensures prevention education is accessible, relevant, and empowering for all students.
3. Overcoming Systemic Barriers: Ayla discusses how SafeBAE navigates the challenges of integrating sensitive education into schools, including lack of funding, cultural resistance, and the need for age-appropriate but honest messaging.
About Aela Mansmann and SafeBAE:
- Website: http://www.safebae.org/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aela-mansmann-a14706180/
✨Sponsors✨
Penji is the human-first creative subscription service for agencies and teams.
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| Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Network for Success | 08 May 2025 | 00:42:17 | |
Three things you’ll learn in this episode:
1. Empowering Women in Business Through Holistic Support: Felicia Shanken founded Philadelphia Women's Network Connection (PWNC) to provide comprehensive support for women entrepreneurs, addressing areas like marketing, leadership, and financial literacy, and fostering a collaborative environment for growth.
2. The Importance of Authentic Connection and Collaboration: PWNC prioritizes building genuine relationships and fostering a strong sense of community among women in business, emphasizing that these connections are crucial for individual and collective success.
3. Giving Back to the Community and Investing in the Future: Felicia and PWNC are deeply committed to community engagement, offering mentorship, educational workshops for young people, and initiatives like a breast cancer awareness event, highlighting the importance of paying it forward and empowering the next generation.
About Felicia Shanken and Philadelphia Womens Network Connection:
- Website: https://phillywnc.org/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillywnc/
✨Sponsors✨
Penji, the human first creative subscription service for agencies and teams.
Enter code for 15% off your first month: UNIFIEDPURPOSE15
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