Ben Strauss, the founder of Midwest Custom Clothing, shares his story as to why he feels clothing will help bolster the culture of the Midwest.

The is a Forte-Short: Small Stories, Big Purpose.

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"It's all about those small steps to make happen." - Christian Sydney

When you think about climbing a mountain, you probably don't think of how it can support refugees. 

Well, that's exactly what Christian and his friends did when they decided to summit Mt. Killamajaro. 

Today on the show, we hear the story of how Christian and his friends decided to use one of the most exciting moments in their lives to give back to others. 

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Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

"There's something about getting out of bed at 6am when it's cold - it brings everyone together." - Tim Kelly

They run, jump, skip, dance, and know how to have fun.

They are also a part of the movement known as Run Wild CLE - and its aim is to engage the Cleveland, Ohio community in all inclusive workouts, together.

Its founder, Cleveland native Tim Kelly, firmly stands behind the belief that running is capable of empowering a community.

Today, we hear Tim's story on what lead him to not just Run Wild but also, Do Good.

Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/RUNWILDCLE/?ref=br_rs

Learn more about their story: http://www.runwildcle.com/

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Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

"If a child has the chance to experience what Christmas is all about, then it will change how they view the world." - Lakisha Covert

Christmas!

It's a season dedicated to traditions, family, friends, and good cheer.

However, for some families, it can difficult to create that experience for their children, especially if there is any financial burden. 

Enter Kisha: a former teacher/principal whose community-driven vision of the world along with her love of Christmas is giving that holiday experience to families in need. 

Using what she's learned from over a decade in education, Kisha's mission is to ensure every child and family get to experience what the joy of Christmas is all about.

Learn more about The Christmas Experience: https://www.tchristmase.org/

Follow their story: https://www.facebook.com/XmasExperience/

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Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

"When I had to become a role model, that became more important than anything else." - Paul Siciliano

How do we change our perception of the people around us?

Like the guy who cuts you off on the highway or the woman who didn't pick up after her dog - how do we see the good them when it's tempting to just get angry?

Paul Siciliano shares with all of us how he is attempting to navigate the answers to those questions. 

Having lived the earlier part of his life frustrated and angry, certain events, including becoming a parent, forced him to look at those emotions differently.

Paul's perspective is now one of kindness. The kindness that keeps people safe on motorcycles, putting a smile on the elderly's faces, and letting his dogs become the mascots of the community.

Share a story of you or someone you know who is putting people first: [email protected]

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Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

"I can't volunteer, but maybe I can bring goods for people who need them." -Daniel Sanchez

The Sonoma County Wildfire.

It destroyed 6,600 structures - including 5,130 homes, killing 23 people.

As soon as the fire began to damage those homes, people that lived close by took action. 

One of those individuals, Daniel Sanchez, decided to collect items from friends and family to bring to the Sonoma County area. As a result, he ended up mobilizing a community.

Learn more about the recovery effort in Sonoma County: https://www.sonomacountyrecovers.org/

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Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

"My own self, at my very best, all the time." - Motto of the American Youth Foundation

Those that have participated in any program with the AYF know those words are integral to applying those lessons they've learned, to the values they hold so dear.

By creating an environment where all are welcomed and are challenged to be themselves, the AYF has led the charge with a community of those empowered by self-discovery.

Today, we speak with two individuals who have both witnessed and experience first hand how impactful discovering oneself can be on the youth of tomorrow. 

Learn about the mission - ayf.com

Share a story of you or someone you know who is putting people first: [email protected]

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Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

"If you're in a position of power to help, and you don't help? That other side comes out of me." - John Feal

September 11th, 2001.

A day that changed everything. The effects of what happened still linger even today.

John Feal has felt those effects first hand. Having had an accident on September 17th at ground zero, he soon learned those who had fallen ill or injured from the fallout debris were not getting the medical compensation they deserved.

Having learned from his mom to give the shirt off his back to those who need it more, John Feal soon got to work. 

A veteran, lobbyist, kidney donor, and now community champion - He continues to fight on behalf of those medically affected by 9/11 and is adamant in honoring those who first responded during our nation's darkest hour.

Follow his fight: fealgoodfoundation.com 

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Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

"I believe in the power of manifestation." - Tracy Maxwell

The word healing, literally means, to make whole. 

It also happens to be the prime directive of Tracy Maxwell's work. 

Whether it's connecting a community of single cancer survivors, hazing prevention education on college campuses, or coaching someone in their time of need.

Tracy is not only just an avid adventurer, speaker, and healing coach - she is a cancer survivor. One that is committed to letting people know - that they are enough.

Share a story of you or someone you know who is putting people first: [email protected]

Music:"Funkorama"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/