Welcome to My Friends in Philanthropy, the podcast dedicated to sharing the stories, struggles, and hope behind the organizations and individuals making a real difference.

In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Patti Parker sits down with Cindy Parsons of the Wounded Warrior Project — but this conversation is about far more than a nonprofit.

Together, Patti and Cindy speak directly to warriors, caregivers, and families who feel alone, afraid, or unsure of where to turn. They highlight the critical work of Wounded Warrior Project, its no-cost programs, and how they support not just the veteran but the entire family — emotionally, physically, and practically.

This is an emotional, heartfelt episode about courage, loss, community, and the bravery it takes to ask for help. If you or someone you love has been impacted by military service, PTSD, or life-changing injury, this conversation may be the most important one you hear today.

If you are a veteran, service member, caregiver, or family member in need of support, call the Wounded Warrior Project at 877-TEAM-WWP (832-6997), or visit https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Patti Parker, CFP®, is the host of My Friends in Philanthropy and the founder of Discovery Financial, an independent advisory firm specializing in guiding clients through major life transitions such as retirement, marriage, divorce, or loss. With more than 20 years of experience in financial planning—and a prior career as a Registered Nurse—Parker brings a unique blend of expertise and compassion to her work, helping hundreds of individuals make confident financial decisions during challenging times. Through her podcast and her advisory practice, she is committed to elevating community impact and empowering people to navigate change with clarity and trust. Learn more about Patti's advising here: https://www.discoverywealthmanagement.com/our-team

Welcome to My Friends in Philanthropy, the podcast dedicated to the people and organizations driving meaningful change.

In this episode, Patti Parker sits down with longtime community innovator Neli Rowland, a leader with a 30-year track record of transforming how we address homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Neli shares how she and her husband built one of the nation’s earliest vertically integrated ecosystems—combining supportive housing, social services, and social enterprises—to help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity, purpose, and long-term stability.

They discuss the limitations of traditional shelter models, the power of transitional employment, the importance of addressing root causes rather than symptoms, and why real estate and economic development are essential tools for breaking cycles of crisis. Neli opens up about proof-of-concept results, lessons learned across thousands of cases, and her forthcoming book designed to help cities nationwide replicate sustainable, compassionate systems of care.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who believes that people deserve more than a meal and a bed—they deserve opportunity, community, and a path back to independence.

Neli Vazquez- Rowland is the Co-Founder & President of A Safe Haven Foundation (ASHF). Founded in 1994, ASHF is a vertically integrated eco- system that supports social service delivery along with vibrant social business enterprises in order to create a sustainable environment that fosters positive change in the lives of homeless individuals.

Learn more about Neli and her incredible organization at: https://www.asafehaven.org/

Patti Parker, CFP®, is the host of My Friends in Philanthropy and the founder of Discovery Financial, an independent advisory firm specializing in guiding clients through major life transitions such as retirement, marriage, divorce, or loss. With more than 20 years of experience in financial planning—and a prior career as a Registered Nurse—Parker brings a unique blend of expertise and compassion to her work, helping hundreds of individuals make confident financial decisions during challenging times. Through her podcast and her advisory practice, she is committed to elevating community impact and empowering people to navigate change with clarity and trust. Learn more about Patti's advising here: https://www.discoverywealthmanagement.com/our-team

Welcome to My Friends in Philanthropy, the podcast dedicated to the people and organizations driving meaningful change.

In this episode, Patti Parker talks with Mandi Moynihan from the USAA Educational Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to providing free financial education to the military community. Mandi shares how the foundation helps service members, veterans, and their families gain the knowledge and confidence to make smart financial decisions—from budgeting and debt management to planning for major life events. She also opens up about her own journey from West Point graduate to Certified Financial Planner, and how her personal experiences fuel her passion for financial empowerment. It’s an inspiring look at how education, discipline, and heart can strengthen the financial readiness of those who serve.

Check out Mandi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandi-moynihan-cfp%C2%AE-32084a127/

Get help from the USAA Educational Foundation here: https://usaaef.org/

(Since the date of this recording, Mandi has left the USAA Educational Foundation)

Patti Parker, CFP®, is the host of My Friends in Philanthropy and the founder of Discovery Financial, an independent advisory firm specializing in guiding clients through major life transitions such as retirement, marriage, divorce, or loss. With more than 20 years of experience in financial planning—and a prior career as a Registered Nurse—Parker brings a unique blend of expertise and compassion to her work, helping hundreds of individuals make confident financial decisions during challenging times. Through her podcast and her advisory practice, she is committed to elevating community impact and empowering people to navigate change with clarity and trust. Learn more about Patti's advising here: https://www.discoverywealthmanagement.com/our-team

Welcome to My Friends in Philanthropy, the podcast dedicated to the people and organizations driving meaningful change.

In this episode, Patti Parker sits down with philanthropy consultant Rick Peck to unpack the business side of giving. They explore how nonprofits can sharpen their message, attract sustainable funding, and move beyond just asking for cash donations. From the untapped potential of non-cash assets to helping financial advisors start more meaningful conversations about giving, Rick reveals practical strategies that help good-hearted missions run like great organizations. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes that doing good should also mean doing it well.

Check out Rick's website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.com/

Follow Rick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-peck/

Listen to Rick's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-to-give/id1676351458

Patti Parker, CFP®, is the host of My Friends in Philanthropy and the founder of Discovery Financial, an independent advisory firm specializing in guiding clients through major life transitions such as retirement, marriage, divorce, or loss. With more than 20 years of experience in financial planning—and a prior career as a Registered Nurse—Parker brings a unique blend of expertise and compassion to her work, helping hundreds of individuals make confident financial decisions during challenging times. Through her podcast and her advisory practice, she is committed to elevating community impact and empowering people to navigate change with clarity and trust. Learn more about Patti's advising here: https://www.discoverywealthmanagement.com/our-team

Welcome to My Friends in Philanthropy, the podcast that shines a light on nonprofits and the incredible people behind them.

Join us in celebrating purpose, connection, and the power of giving back, one friend at a time.

Look out for a new episode every week!