Ending Poverty Together

with guest Joseph Lauren of Restorative Justice Housing Ontario

We’ve all been given a second chance at some point, one that probably had a hefty positive impact on our lives. Yet when it comes to former prison inmates, our society often hesitates to offer up second chances. With the chants of “Yes, but not in my backyard” opinions colouring society, how can ex-offenders with a criminal record find healthy housing or jobs? And without a roof over their head or a steady paycheck, how can they possibly reintegrate into society and achieve the so-called “normal life” that’s expected by the very people pushing them to the margins?

In this episode, Joseph Lauren of Restorative Justice Housing Ontario (RJHO) shares his personal story of being the first Canadian ever to serve a federal prison sentence for insider trading. Listen in as he shares candidly of the immense challenges ex-offenders face upon their release and what RJHO is doing to address these obstacles. We all have an opportunity to help by offering something as simple as a cup of coffee and a second chance.

Recommended Resources:

Episode hosted by Shelaine.

With guest Ingrid Delgado of Food for the Hungry Guatemala.

It’s hard to imagine dealing with a natural disaster, especially during a pandemic. In late 2020, Guatemala faced two devastating back-to-back hurricanes. Two years later, families are still recovering and dealing with the multi-layered challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. When communities needed one another the most, they were told to distance themselves. It’s not hard to see why people’s mental health suffered.

Ingrid Delgado of FH Guatemala shares about new mental health initiatives that are having a huge impact for particularly women and families in Guatemala. Listen in to discover how promoting education and understanding about mental health is going a long way in helping communities to recover and have hope for the future. And these lessons apply in our daily lives too! When we normalize the feelings we all experience, our compassion and community around mental health grow.

Recommended Resources:

Episode hosted by Shelaine.

with guest Bruce Taylor of Enviro-Stewards.

It can be difficult to think beyond today’s to-do list and budget. Yet, when it comes to your business having big environmental and social impacts, seeing beyond the immediate is crucial—for the health of the planet and for your business.

Bruce Taylor of Enviro-Stewards shares creative, innovative ways for companies to see beyond the quick fixes and move toward becoming carbon neutral, energy efficient, and responsible with water—all without sacrificing the bottom line. 

And lowered carbon footprints are not all that Enviro-Stewards is focused on. Bruce also offers some keen insights about the social impacts this company is having across the globe—impacts that are saving the environment and also helping individuals and families to flourish!

Recommended Resources:

Enviro-Stewards - website

Episode hosted by Shelaine.

with guest Hieke Morton of Gathering Markit.

Have you ever heard of a meal kit doing more than offering convenience, but actually changing a life? In this episode, we’re talking about more than just a particularly delicious recipe with its pre-ordered box of fresh ingredients. We’re talking with red seal chef Hieke Morton, who has started a new spin on food banks with Gathering Markit, a non-profit grocery store offering meal kits, a fresh cup of coffee, and a safe place.

Hieke shares how the emotional impact of using a food bank touched her own life and how Gathering Markit is flipping an experience that can be rife with shame and stigma, and turning it into one of warmth and community. Through moving stories of her regular customers, she offers insight into how something as simple a recipe can change a life, the power of small actions to make a difference, and the utmost importance of putting dignity first.

Recommended Resources:

www.gatheringmarkit.com

Episode Hosted by Shelaine.

with guest Matt Miles of the Jesus Collective.

In the 1950s, simply living in North America typically meant having some understanding of Christianity—or at least a passing familiarity with a few Bible stories. As the decades have spun on and society has grown more secular, this sort of ‘cultural Christianity’ is starting to fade away, but is that necessarily a bad thing?

In this episode, Matt Miles, Executive Director of Jesus Collective, takes on hard-hitting questions about how things have changed over time, ranging from poverty to theology. Matt assures that we need not be afraid of these changes, but rather lean into them! In doing so, we just might have an opportunity to engage deeper with a new generation that hungers for justice, peace, and identity–all things that Jesus offers.

Recommended Resources:

Jesus Collective - website

Episode hosted by Shelaine.

with guest Hyun Ju Jang of Korea Food for Hungry International.

In February 2022, the world reeled as Russia invaded Ukraine and triggered a massive humanitarian crisis. Eight million people have been displaced, fleeing their homes and seeking refuge in neighbouring countries.

In this episode, Hyun Ju Jang of Korea Food for Hungry International, an organization that has been working in Ukraine for years, offers a behind the scenes look at relief efforts. Jang takes us through the nuances of a Ukrainian refugee’s journey and the three priorities that aid organizations are upholding as they come alongside displaced peoples. Jang also reminds us all that, while these large numbers can be overwhelming, behind each number is an individual with their own story.

Recommended Resources:

Korean Food for the Hungry International

Give to Emergency Relief through Food for the Hungry Canada

Episode hosted by Shelaine.

with guest Brian McConaghy of Ratanak International.

Each year in Cambodia, thousands of young people are human trafficked and exploited—forced into the sex trade, sold to be basically slaves, and worse. Is it possible to stop this, to ultimately break this cycle of abuse? And let’s consider each survivor’s dignity; when someone has been treated without it for so long, living in such trauma, are they still ’to die for’ in the eyes of God?

Brian McConaghy, Founding Director of Ratanak International, joins us to pull open the difficult topic of human trafficking. Ratanak International, named after a baby girl who needlessly died in Cambodia, is dedicated to bringing hope to a society that would have saved this girl. While the story of human trafficking may begin dark, it can end with hope as survivors are continuously recovered and treated with the dignity and radical love that God sees for us all. 

Content warning: This episode features a valuable conversation on human trafficking. Please be aware that this discussion could be triggering and may not be suitable for all listeners.

Recommending Resources:

Ratanak International

Episode hosted by Shelaine.

with guest Stu Minshew CFO of Utilisouth, Inc. and co-owner of Living Stones Solutions

Let’s face it, our current work climate isn’t exactly accessible to those on the margins. Previous experience, access to technology, networking opportunities, these are all privileges that elevate certain populations while continuing to oppress the vulnerable. How can people within organizations, both leaders and workers alike, redefine their culture to not only welcome those on the margins as valuable members of their teams, but to help them thrive?

In this episode, Stu Minshew of Living Stone Solutions discusses the need for businesses to redefine their hiring practices, supply chain choices, and more to reflect our values and to help within our own communities. Listen in to gather some tips and tools that will help us all–business, church, and individual alike–move toward greater social impact.

Recommended Resources:

Living Stones Solutions

Utilisouth.com

Episode hosted by Shelaine.

with special guest Angie Peters from Yonge Street Mission.

With each passing day, the income gap grows wider and wider. Business executives get richer, while their entry level employees are forced to use food banks. Timely medical care is accessible to those who can pay while others struggle on waitlists or skip filling a prescription. Fewer and fewer couples can afford their own home. Is this really the world we dreamed of? If so many people are being pushed to the margins, then, as a society, we must not be living in a way that aligns with our values. There must be something more that each of us can do.

In this episode, Angie Peters from Yonge Street Mission opens up about the power behind listening and coming alongside people who live in chronic poverty. She shares inspiring stories of what can happen when marginalized individuals are encouraged to rediscover their childhood dreams. Through Yonge Street Mission’s poverty hack-a-thon, Angie encourages us all to rethink how we see solutions to poverty. We all have skills, talents, and assets that make us the perfect person to come alongside someone in need—yes, even you! And the truth is, if we all help one person out of poverty, then we really can end poverty, together.

Recommended Resources:

Yonge Street Mission - website

Never Too Late To Start Learning - blog article

Episode hosted by Shelaine.

with special guest Tanya Prinsep from Advisors with Purpose.

For most of us, writing a will is confusing, intimidating, and even frustrating necessity.. But what if we viewed these crucial documents and decisions in a different light—what if your will could act as a way for you to make statements about what is important to you and about the legacy you can leave?

In this episode, Tanya Prinsep from Advisors with Purpose, speaks candidly about the joys of living generously—not just financially, but with our gifts, time, and talents, too. Listen in as she offers insight on how to prepare a will that works for you, your values, and your family, all while leaving an impacting and generous legacy along the way.

Recommended Resources:

It's Never Too Early To Make A Plan - blog article

Advisors with Purpose

Episode hosted by Shelaine.