Mission Matters

Amy Van Polen is the CEO of Bridge Communities, a nonprofit organization helping homeless families. She oversees an eight-person executive leadership team that consists of fund development, community engagement, finance, program, and evaluation directors. Leveraging 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and management, Amy spearheads the NPO's fund development and engagement team in raising over $4.2 million of a $5.2 million budget. She is passionate about discovering opportunities and implementing strategies for nonprofit organizations to create meaningful relationships with their stakeholders.

Family homelessness often stems from economic factors and abuse, including a lack of affordable housing and inadequate wages. It's important to recognize that many families grappling with homelessness are employed, so how can we end this epidemic?

Organizations like Bridge Communities are making significant strides in the fight against homelessness through innovative programs and dedicated leadership.Advocate Amy Van Polen explains how they provide transitional housing, mentoring, and supportive services to homeless families, empowering them to achieve self-sufficiency. Through comprehensive programs and personalized support, Bridge Communities addresses the root causes of homelessness and helps families regain stability and independence.

In this recent episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, host Paul Feith sits down with Amy Van Polen, CEO of Bridge Communities. Amy delves into the organization's mission to end homelessness, highlighting Bridge Communities' programs and efforts to empower families facing homelessness. Additionally, Amy shares her insights on effective leadership strategies and techniques for successful fund developme

Nancy Wiersum is the Executive Vice President of Advancement for Loaves & Fishes Community Services, an anti-poverty, hunger relief agency providing food and leadership to the Naperville and DuPage areas. With a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership, she has held executive positions at renowned organizations such as the Robert Crown Center for Health Education and 360 Youth Services. Nancy is also a seasoned speaker and writer, having authored columns in multiple publications simultaneously and hosted NCTV17's television show spotlighting nonprofit organizations for eight years, interviewing over 1,000 individuals. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Nancy has received prestigious awards such as the Paul Harris Fellowship award and the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce "Woman Who Inspires" award.

Over time, food pantries have evolved to meet the changing needs of communities, yet there remain gaps in access and resources. How can programs like these overcome such challenges and work to bridge the divide?

Food pantries like Loaves & Fishes play a critical role in supporting communities and providing essential resources to those in need. Community advocate Nancy Wiersum has witnessed firsthand how the organization addresses community needs while striving to create long-term solutions by offering vital services to individuals and families facing food insecurity. One of Loaves & Fishes' standout initiatives is its CARES programs, which provide comprehensive support to individuals and families, including access to nutritious food, financial assistance, and educational resources. These programs alleviate immediate hunger and empower individuals to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith hosts Nancy Wiersum, Executive Vice President of Advancement for Loaves & Fishes Community Services, to explore the profound impact of food pantries on communities. Nancy delves into the mission of Loaves & Fishes, highlighting its services and CARES programs. She also shares valuable insights gained from navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic, highlighting the organization's resilience and adaptability.

Mike Briggs is the President and CEO of Little Friends, a nonprofit agency supporting the needs of individuals and families dealing with developmental disabilities and autism. With over 35 years of experience leading private and nonprofit organizations as President, CEO, and COO, Mike has a proven track record of success. His expertise spans various sectors, including manufacturing, where he oversees end-to-end operations. Beyond his corporate roles, Mike serves on multiple boards and as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Millikin University. In addition to his strategic finance, sales, and marketing expertise, he is renowned for his expertise in lean manufacturing disciplines. Recently, Mike's leadership was honored with his selection as one of the Titan 100, which recognizes top executives in Chicago.

Intellectual disabilities have far-reaching implications, affecting individuals and their families. Given that all parties involved have distinctive struggles and challenges, how can comprehensive support and services be designed to address these needs effectively?

Top executive Mike Briggs highlights organizations like Little Friends, which offers a comprehensive approach to support, mainly through its family care team and various support groups. These resources provide invaluable assistance and guidance to families navigating the complexities of caring for loved ones with intellectual disabilities, offering a network of support. Moreover, Mike emphasizes Little Friends' commitment to assessing and measuring its impact on the community. By implementing robust community impact measurement strategies, the organization can gauge its effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that its programs and services continue to meet the evolving needs of individuals and families facing intellectual disabilities.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith sits down with Mike Briggs, President and CEO of Little Friends, delving into the organization's profound impact on individuals with intellectual disabilities. Mike navigates through his career trajectory and transition into the nonprofit sector, shedding light on Little Friends' mission, its extensive range of services, and the pivotal role of the family care team and additional support groups.

Bob and Judy Jung are the Founders and Co-owners of Jung Family Painting, a family-operated painting and decorating business offering paint products, doors, fences, crews, and more. Specializing in interior and exterior painting for residential and commercial properties, they extend their expertise to staining decks, doors, fences, and more. Commemorating two decades of service, Jung Family Painting's primary area encompasses the Western suburbs of Naperville and nearby regions. In the spirit of community engagement, Judy and Bob are marking their company's 20th anniversary by offering $20,000 worth of complimentary painting projects to local nonprofits this year. Their commitment to philanthropy also includes supporting Little Friends through three annual fundraisers, reflecting their passion for giving back to the community.

Navigating the complexities of business is a perpetual journey, and even the most successful ventures encounter challenges. Whether grappling with leadership obstacles or mastering the delicate art of delegation, the question remains — what proven strategies can businesses employ to triumph over hurdles and forge a path to success by learning from past mistakes?

In an open and insightful discussion, veteran entrepreneurs Bob and Judy Jung unveil their leadership challenges on their business journey. Their conversation delves into the pivotal role of a business coach, shedding light on the progressive impact such guidance can have for business owners. As the narrative unfolds, the Jungs share intricate strategies they've employed to drive business growth, emphasizing the importance of delegation and operational procedures. Furthermore, they emphasize the power of expanding business horizons through strategic networking groups and cultivating partnerships that contribute to mutual growth and community philanthropy.

On today's episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith engages in a dynamic conversation with Bob and Judy Jung, the Founders and Co-owners of Jung Family Painting. Beyond the strokes of paint, the Jungs unravel the art of community engagement, discussing their philanthropic endeavors, leadership triumphs, and the transformative role of a business coach in the entrepreneurial journey.

Ashley Abraham is the Executive Director at Ride Assist Naperville, which provides seniors with affordable and dependable transportation to and from medical appointments. She joined RAN in 2021 and leverages her extensive background in working with nonprofit organizations. Over the past decade, Ashley has accumulated experience collaborating with small and nonprofit businesses. Beyond her professional pursuits, Ashley shares her art and marketing talents as a volunteer with the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana.

As individuals age, they may face difficulties in driving due to health issues or other constraints, limiting their ability to commute to various destinations independently. How can society address these challenges and explore potential solutions?

Communities across the United States are recognizing the importance of ensuring reliable transportation services for seniors, with programs like Ride Assist playing a crucial role. Seniors advocate Ashley Abraham sheds light on the unique design of Ride Assist, emphasizing its commitment to providing seniors with accessible transportation, particularly for medical appointments. While the primary focus is on healthcare-related travel, Ride Assist demonstrates flexibility by occasionally catering to a diverse range of services, showcasing its dedication to meeting the varied needs of older individuals in the community.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith welcomes Ashley Abraham, the Executive Director of Ride Assist Naperville, to delve into the program's mission, services, target audience, and future goals.

Geri Kerger is the Executive Director of NAMI DuPage, a national organization providing support, advocacy, and education for people with mental illness and their families. As a dedicated nonprofit executive, she brings a wealth of experience in program management and administration to her role. Geri excels in resource development for nonprofits, employing strategic and innovative methods to communicate an agency's message and amplify its impact effectively.

Beyond her executive responsibilities, Geri contributes to academia as an adjunct faculty member at National Louis University in the Greater Chicago Area, specializing in human services and law courses. Her multifaceted expertise reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing the mission of NAMI DuPage and supporting the broader nonprofit community.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the United States. Its unique model is committed to hiring individuals with lived experiences to facilitate key programs. This combination of firsthand experience, training, and education contributes to the organization's distinctiveness. How does NAMI stand out as a mental health advocate trailblazer in DuPage County?

Geri Kerger's dedication to mental health advocacy is rooted in a personal commitment to making a difference in individuals and families facing mental health challenges. Her decision to work with NAMI reflects a shared vision of fostering understanding, support, and resources for those navigating the complexities of mental health. From educational programs to support groups, NAMI addresses the diverse needs of individuals affected by mental health conditions. One of the noteworthy aspects of NAMI DuPage's initiatives is its focus on mental health programs tailored for children, such as Ending the Silence. Beyond direct services, NAMI DuPage engages in advocacy programs that work towards influencing positive change in mental health policies through forming alliances with the local court system.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith welcomes Geri Kerger, Executive Director of NAMI DuPage, for an in-depth conversation about the organization. Geri provides valuable insights into the diverse range of programs NAMI offers and sheds light on DuPage County's impactful role as an advocate and support system for mental health initiatives.

Michael Sitrick is the President and CEO of the DuPage Foundation, a charitable organization established to improve the quality of health, education, and human services in DuPage County. In his roles, Michael spearheads efforts to expand the organization's capacity and influence. Additionally, he helps shape the foundation's strategic vision by forging community partnerships and assisting individuals in realizing their philanthropic objectives. With a wealth of leadership experience, Michael's background is rooted in philanthropy and community engagement. He is a dedicated community connector and volunteer leader who actively engages in volunteer work, further strengthening his ties to the community.

The DuPage Foundation is a beacon of community development and philanthropy. Established to enhance the quality of life in DuPage County, how has it significantly impacted the community?

As a certified fundraising executive, Michael Sitrick explains the foundation has awarded over $100 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in DuPage County. These grants have funded many projects, including early childhood education access, affordable housing, environmental protection, and arts and culture. The foundation has also played a key role in supporting the development of DuPage County's parks, trails, and other recreational amenities. Additionally, its grants have helped improve thousands of lives in DuPage County. Its charitable acts have also helped create a more vibrant and sustainable community. The DuPage Foundation's efforts have strengthened communities and created a long-lasting impact.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith welcomes Michael Sitrick, President and CEO of the DuPage Foundation, for an in-depth conversation about the foundation. In addition to sharing the foundation's mission and its growth over the years, Michael expounds on the DuPage Community Transformation Project and the challenges of implementing year-end giving initiatives.

Mark Buschbacher is the President and CEO of Serenity House Counseling Services, a substance abuse and community-centric support system helping addicts develop innovative processes to approach life to gain freedom for a fresh start. At Serenity House, Mark leverages his background in operational efficiency, talent acquisition, and performance management to achieve the organization's goals and objectives.

Mark is a leader and business partner who effectively drives improved efficiency, cost management, and strategic growth. He participates in due diligence and integration of mergers and acquisitions that significantly position organizations for success. His background spans from P&L management roles to HR planning and implementation in retail, manufacturing, and healthcare industries.

In the fast-paced and often stressful world we live in, the need for substance abuse support has become crucial. Serenity House Counseling Services emerges as a beacon of hope, providing compassionate and professional services to people pursuing guidance and support on their journey to wellness. How does Serenity aim to break silence and stigmas while empowering generations?

Serenity House Counseling Services started as a humble endeavor, operating out of an abandoned farm and staffed by over 600 volunteers who openly express vulnerability. Such passion and commitment continue to be the foundation for the organization today. Serenity offers residential care and recovery home programs for adult men and women. Unlike traditional recovery programs that typically last 45 to 90 days, Serenity works with its clients for up to two years. Facility head Mark Buschbacher explains that longer recovery periods increase the chances of lifelong sobriety. While in residential care, Serenity staff helps clients find employment and provides transportation to and from work. After completing their stay in residential care, clients are released to a halfway house, which helps them take the next steps to reintegrate into society as healthy, happy, and responsible individuals.

On today's episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith converses with Mark Buschbacher, the President and CEO of Serenity House Counseling Services. Mark delves into Serenity's dedication to aiding long-term substance abusers to achieve and maintain sobriety through a holistic approach. He also shares what attracted him to joining Serenity House's team, the facility's services and programs, and how they differentiate themselves from other recovery programs.

Joan Wincentsen is the Executive Director of the American Hearing Research Foundation, a 67-year-old nonprofit funding hearing loss, balance disorders, and cause prevention research. Joan possesses over 20 years of nonprofit experience, including association management, where she's honed her skills in fundraising, budget management, program development, and marketing. Before joining AHRF, Joan was the Executive Director of Conquer Myasthenia Gravis, a patient advocacy organization.

Hearing loss is the third most prevalent issue among older adults, affecting an estimated 40-48 million Americans. Of that number, 28.8 million could benefit from hearing aids. How can we increase awareness of this issue and help more affected people?

The American Hearing Research Foundation aims to raise funds and awareness for hearing loss and its many causes and symptoms, including imbalance, vertigo, and tinnitus. Joan Wincentsen, a leader at the organization, explains that hearing impairments can have far-reaching consequences, such as the inability to learn or perform well in school or at work. Furthermore, disorders and debilitating diseases like Ménière disease that cause hearing loss can lead to isolation and suicidal thoughts.

Join Paul Feith on today's episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, where Joan Wincentsen, Executive Director of the American Hearing Research Foundation, joins the show. Joan shares her inspiration for joining AHRF, the organization's mission, and why research and funding are imperative to curing and treating hearing loss.

Rick Lochner is the President and CEO of RPC Leadership Associates, a leadership and business consultancy that helps develop entrepreneurs, executives, nonprofit board members, and professionals. He honed his skills while serving 11 years in the military, leading soldiers in challenging environments worldwide. Upon leaving the Army, Rick spent the next 18 years in corporate leadership, ranging from front-line management to senior executive management. He successfully led organizations in Fortune 100 corporations and privately held entrepreneurial ventures in various industries. Rick is a revered coach, facilitator, and workshop and keynote speaker. He has also authored seven books, including Finding the Missing Piece: The Impact of Effective Communications on Sustainable Success. Rick graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Because foundations hold agencies more accountable for their budget spending, the idea of feel-good funding is less prevalent. So how can nonprofit business leaders operate a sustainable organization and serve their target demographic?

Rick Lochner, a thought leader in charitable organizations, argues that nonprofit directors must adapt their thinking to the 21st century. One way to do this is to adopt the following five pillars: social enterprise, storytelling, social media, partnerships, and measures of success. Social enterprises differ from traditional charitable agencies in planning operations and seeking financing rather than relying on grant allocations. It is, therefore, imperative to create impactful narratives that will amass more donations and partnerships. Organizations can use social media to share these stories and connect with potential donors and partners. Finally, nonprofit leaders must establish measures of success so that they can track their progress and make necessary adjustments.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith once again welcomes Rick Lochner, President and Head Coach at RPC Leadership Associates, to discuss the five pillars of thinking like a 21st-century non-profit leader. Rick explains the difference between thinking versus doing, the social enterprise model, and why storytelling is essential to a nonprofit's mission.