In this powerful episode of Community in Focus, Tim Nye sits down with John Echevarria, Colton’s District 4 council member, police officer, coach, and devoted father, for a deeply personal conversation about service, resilience, and the life-changing impact of community support. John shares his journey growing up in the housing projects of San Bernardino, raised by a single mother whose unwavering belief in education shaped his future. From moments of childhood hardship and loss to a calling in law enforcement sparked by tragedy, his story is one of transformation and purpose. He reflects on how Catholic Charities San Bernardino & Riverside Counties once supported his own family during their most difficult times—and how that experience continues to fuel his commitment to give back. This episode explores the power of mentorship, the importance of local colleges in opening doors, the realities of frontline service, and what it truly means to lead with compassion. It’s an inspiring reminder that the investment we make in families and young people today can shape community leaders for generations to come.

This week on Community in Focus Catholic Charities CEO Tim Ney sits down with Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. to share stories about growing up in the Inland Empire, lessons in resilience and service, and the power of partnership among local government, nonprofits, and the community. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about faith, family, and giving back.

In this episode of Community in Focus, CEO Tim Ney sits down with Perris Mayor Michael Vargas to talk about the city’s growth, vision for local development, commitment to public safety, and efforts to end childhood hunger. Together, they explore how faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and city leadership can work hand in hand to uplift the community and bring lasting change.

In this episode of Community in Focus, CEO Tim Ney sits down with Mayor Jim Steiner of Corona to explore his journey from firefighter to public servant. Mayor Steiner shares stories of his upbringing, decades of service in the fire department, the influence of his family, and his deep commitment to supporting youth and families in the community.

In this inspiring episode, Catholic Charities CEO Tim Ney sits down with Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson. Born and raised in Riverside, Mayor Lock Dawson shares her journey from studying biology at UC Riverside to serving as a park ranger and ultimately stepping into public office. She reflects on the importance of education instilled by her family, her work in public policy, and the role of partnerships in tackling pressing issues like youth and veteran homelessness. Together, they discuss what makes Riverside unique, the city’s spirit of collaboration, and the importance of supporting vulnerable communities.

In this episode of Community in Focus, Catholic Charities CEO Tim Ney sits down with Riverside County Supervisor Jose Medina to discuss his journey from Panama to California, his passion for education, and his service through the Peace Corps. They explore how family values, Catholic upbringing, and a love for teaching shaped his career in public service, and why he encourages young people to follow their passions and pursue lifelong learning.

In this episode, we sit down with Greg Bradbard, CEO of the IEHP Foundation. From his early days at UCI to a transformative college internship, Greg shares how his passion for helping others led him into the nonprofit world. He reflects on the qualities that make an effective nonprofit leader and highlights the importance of collaboration across organizations to better serve the Inland Empire.

In this episode of Community in Focus we sit down with Matt Kill CEO of Hyperbolt to explore how technology and compassion can intersect for good. Matt shares how his company partnered with Catholic Charities to implement an AI powered phone line designed to improve our call answer rate and better serve those in need. We dive into the ethical responsibilities of using AI in the nonprofit space and Matt opens up about his personal journey from growing up in Australia to being inspired by his mother who served as Deputy Director General to ultimately using his skills to make a social impact.

In this episode, we sit down with Father Jose, whose journey of faith began in the Philippines. Inspired by the church at a young age, he followed a calling to become a priest and served as a missionary in Timor, where he devoted years to spiritual service and community support. Eventually, Father Jose came to the United States to care for his sister and continued his mission of compassion and faith here in America. Tune in as he shares his remarkable story of dedication, family, and service across borders.

In this episode of Community in Focus we sit down with James Alkhass, a barber and dedicated parishioner at St. Matthew’s. Born in Kuwait, James reflects on his early years as an altar boy, his family’s immigration journey to Michigan, and the experiences that shaped him as they settled in California. He shares how his faith, family, and community have guided his path and how he now gives back through both his profession and his parish life.