Community Cares

Lily Blackburn - CCP 111

Community Cares Podcast Episode 111 features Chaplain Chaz Blackburn and host Dave McLaughlin in a heartfelt conversation with early teen guest Lily Blackburn. Together, they explore the challenges and personal experiences that come with growing up, touching on themes of resilience, self-discovery, and support. This candid dialogue offers insight into the emotional journey of adolescence and the importance of understanding and connection.

getclothes.org

#CommunityCaresPodcast #TeenStruggles #MentalHealthMatters #PodcastDiscussion #YouthResilience #OpenConversation #ChaplainChaz #DaveMcLaughlin

Nevada Day Dinner - CCP 110

Nevada Day is almost here, and we’re celebrating in style! In Episode 110 of the Community Cares Podcast, Chaplain Chaz and Dave host an in-house Nevada Day Dinner conversation packed with state history, fun facts, and a few hidden gems you may not know about the Silver State. From the origins of Nevada Day to quirky bits of local lore, this lively discussion is all about honoring our home and sharing a hearty dose of Nevada pride.

Join us for our annual Nevada Day Dinner — a community gathering filled with great food, good company, and plenty of local spirit. Learn more or RSVP at getclothes.org/nv.

#NevadaDay #NevadaHistory #CommunityCaresPodcast #SilverState #RenoSparks #LocalLore #NevadaPride #CommunityEvent

Matt Bruback, co-founder of Compassionate Business Networking, joins Community Cares to discuss his transition from professional baseball to social entrepreneurship. After inventing the Sensory Belt to aid children with developmental disabilities, he launched monthly Reno networking events that pair business connections with charitable giving—spotlighting organizations like Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Help at Home Senior Care. Tune in for actionable insights on integrating compassion into your professional life and driving meaningful community impact.

getclothes.org

#CommunityCaresReno #CompassionateBusinessNetworking #BusinessWithPurpose

Community Cares Podcast | Episode 108

In this episode of the Community Cares Podcast, host Dave McLaughlin sits down with December Watts from Give Hope NV and Councilman Donald Abbott.

December shares the mission and heart behind Give Hope NV, a nonprofit dedicated to serving families and individuals in crisis with compassion and resources that bring dignity and renewed hope. She explains the impact their work is having in Northern Nevada and how community members can get involved.

Councilman Donald Abbott gives us an exciting look at the future of downtown Sparks, highlighting plans for a brand-new event designed to revitalize the area, bring people together, and showcase the community’s growing vibrancy.

This episode is perfect for anyone passionate about local nonprofits, downtown development, and the leaders driving positive change in Sparks and Reno.

🌟 Listen in and be inspired by the people creating opportunities and hope right here at home.

Learn more at getclothes.org - Also look up givehopenv.org

Follow the Community Cares Podcast and stay connected with stories of service, vision, and impact across Northern Nevada.

#CommunityCaresPodcast #Reno #SparksNV #GiveHopeNV #RevitalizeSparks #CommunityImpact #Nonprofit #NorthernNevada

Community Cares Podcast | Episode 107

Guest: Tom Graham

Episode Overview

In this episode, Chaplain Chaz Blackburn and Dave McLaughlin talk with Tom Graham about his journey, his passion for serving others, and the impact he’s had on our community. Tom shares valuable stories from his career, lessons he’s learned, and how giving back has shaped his path.

This conversation is filled with inspiration, leadership insights, and encouragement for anyone looking to make a difference.

Why You Should Listen

Hear Tom’s personal journey of service and leadership

Learn how community involvement can create lasting change

Get inspired to take action in your own neighborhood

Stay Connected

🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations with community leaders

👍 Like and share to spread stories that inspire

💬 Comment below and tell us how you’re giving back

Learn more at getclothes.org

#CommunityCaresPodcast #TomGraham #CommunityLeadership #InspiringStories #RenoSparks #GoodShepherdsClothesCloset

Join hosts Chaplain Chaz Blackburn and Dave McLaughlin as they sit down with the remarkable Sarah Wilkinson, a true force for change in the Reno-Sparks community. As Executive Director and founder of Carolynn's Children & Family Foundation, Sarah shares her deeply personal journey that began when her daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2021. This life-changing experience opened her eyes to the overwhelming challenges faced by families with children who have disabilities, inspiring her to create a compassionate network where no family feels like they're drowning alone.In this heartfelt conversation, Sarah discusses how her foundation provides comprehensive resources, advocacy, and educational support to empower children with disabilities and their families throughout Northern Nevada. But Sarah's community impact doesn't stop there - she also co-founded Compassionate Business Networking, a monthly gathering that brings together Reno business professionals while highlighting local charities and their missions.

With her background spanning aviation, business development with Tuebor Security Network, and student pilot training, Sarah brings a unique perspective to nonprofit leadership. She's also the CEO of Wilkinson Growth Partners, providing outsourced business development solutions, proving that you can build successful businesses while making a meaningful difference in your community.

This episode is packed with inspiration for anyone looking to turn their personal challenges into purpose-driven action, whether you're a parent navigating difficult circumstances, an entrepreneur wanting to give back, or simply someone seeking ways to create positive change in Northern Nevada.

carolynnfoundation.org

getclothes.org

**#CommunityCaresReno #CarolynnFoundation #EpilepsyAwareness #ChildrenWithDisabilities #RenoNonprofits #CommunitySupport #DisabilityAdvocacy #FamilySupport #NorthernNevada #CompassionateNetworking #EntrepreneurialGiving #TurningChallengesIntoPurpose #RenoSparks #NonprofitLeadership #CmunityImpact

Maria's Story - Community Cares Podcast Episode 105

Experience a story behind homelessness in Episode 105 of the Community Cares Podcast. In this special story-driven episode, we follow the path of an everyday individual facing challenges that can lead anyone into homelessness. Through powerful storytelling, learn what it means to truly get close to the issue—empathy, understanding, and a call to community action. Listen and discover how small changes, big hearts, and genuine support can transform lives.

Join the conversation, support the cause, and get involved at getclothes.org

#CommunityCaresPodcast #HomelessnessAwareness #EmpathyInAction #Podcast #GetClose #SparksNV #RenoCommunity #EndHomelessness #ListenAndLearn

Community Cares Podcast | Episode 104
Guest: Mara Langer, Jewish Nevada

In this episode of the Community Cares Podcast, we sit down with Mara Langer, Chief Development Officer at Jewish Nevada, to explore the powerful ways her organization strengthens community, builds connections, and provides meaningful support across Northern Nevada.

Mara shares insight into Jewish Nevada’s mission to ensure a vibrant Jewish community for generations to come, while also extending care and collaboration beyond their own network—partnering with nonprofits, faith communities, and organizations working for the greater good.

Together, we discuss what true community care looks like, the importance of building bridges across diverse groups, and how generosity and compassion can have a ripple effect that transforms lives.

If you care about collaboration, inclusion, and the power of community, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

👉 Learn more about Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet at: www.gsccreno.org

**#CommunityCaresPodcast #GoodShepherdsClothesCloset #JewishNevada #CommunityOutreach #NonprofitLeadership #NevadaNonprofits #BuildingCommunity #FaithAndAction #NorthernNevada #mmunityCare

Mari Hutchinson, STEP 2 - Community Cares Podcast Ep. 103

Join us for an inspiring conversation in episode 103 of the Community Cares Podcast, hosted at Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet. Our special guest, Mari Hutcheson, Executive Director of STEP2, shares the life-changing work happening at her organization, supporting women and families in their journey toward recovery and self-sufficiency.

In this episode, Mari discusses:

• The mission and impact of STEP2 in our local community

• How STEP2 empowers women to transform their lives

• Challenges and successes in the world of addiction recovery

• Opportunities for community members to get involved

Whether you’re passionate about community service, looking for hope-filled stories, or interested in supporting the work of STEP2 and Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet, this episode offers insights and motivation to make a difference.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more voices and stories from community changemakers!

Learn more at getclothes.org

#CommunityCaresPodcast #GoodShepherdsClothesCloset #STEP2 #AddictionRecovery #WomenEmpowerment #CommunityService #NevadaNonprofits #Inspiration #Changemakers #SupportLocal

Natalie Stevenson, Cancer Community Clubhouse - CCP 102

In this heartfelt episode of the Community Care Podcast, we sit down with Natalie Stevenson, co-founder and Executive Director of Cancer Community Clubhouse in northern Nevada. Natalie shares her inspiring journey as a metastatic breast cancer survivor and reveals how her personal experiences have shaped her commitment to building a supportive, empowering community for cancer patients and survivors. Natalie discusses the importance of finding connection, hope, and joy throughout the cancer journey, highlighting the free and affordable programs CCC offers to foster healthy living, emotional resilience, and education. Drawing from her background in real estate and finance, she returns to her passion for human services to make sure no one faces cancer alone. As a single mother, an advocate, and a leader, Natalie brings warmth and wisdom to the conversation, exploring ways to embrace purpose and happiness in uncertain times. Whether she’s mentoring with Imerman Angels or enjoying mindfulness moments at Lake Tahoe, her story is a testament to the healing power of community and compassion. Tune in for honest reflections and practical insights on survivorship, advocacy, and the everyday efforts that bring hope and care to our local cancer community.

Learn more about the Community Cares Podcast at getclothes.org