passion inspires

Ep 10.  As part of our newest series, Start-Up Nonprofits, we hear from Andy Gibson,  who shares the heart behind Certain Hope Community, a nonprofit founded to bring connection, hope, and belonging to families raising children with disabilities.

Andy and his wife Laura’s youngest daughter was born with a rare chromosome disorder that introduced countless hospital stays, difficult conversations, and moments of deep uncertainty. Alongside the medical and emotional challenges came something quieter but just as heavy: isolation. The kind that settles in when others don’t fully understand the loss of expectations, the constant advocacy, or the strain placed on the entire family alongside navigating everyday life.

Through their own journey, Andy and Laura recognized a powerful truth that no family should have to walk this road alone. Certain Hope Community was born out of that need for in-person community, shared meals, accessible adventures, and spaces where families are seen, supported, and celebrated.

This conversation is about choosing to focus not on limitations, but on what is possible, and how faith, joy, and community can transform even the hardest stories.  

Ep 9.  In this episode of our Nonprofit Changemakers series of Passion Inspires, we sit down with Nonprofit Consultant and Author, Kevin Eastway, as he completely reframes how we should think about fundraising and donor relationships. Kevin shares honestly how fundraising didn’t feel like a two-way street at first; it felt like he had to convince people to give, treating them like ATMs. To him, this transactional approach felt inauthentic, and that discomfort is what motivated him to change the way he thinks about raising funds.

Kevin introduces the idea of “mutual plenty,” the belief that fundraisers have something to give donors, too. Instead of making constant withdrawals, we can make deposits into their lives through genuine care, curiosity, and meaningful connection. He talks about the common fear of fundraising and how to help donors figure out their unique role in the organization’s mission.

In this episode, you’ll hear practical, heart-level guidance:

If you’re in nonprofit leadership, development, or donor stewardship, we hope this conversation inspires your great, essential work. We also hope this encourages you to see fundraising as relationship-building and shared missions that serve both sides equally, not just meeting a number. 

Ep 8. In this second episode of our Nonprofit Changemakers series, we sit down with Beth Fisher, author of Remorseless, cancer survivor, and former Chief Advancement Officer at Mel Trotter Ministries, to unpack what it really means to lead with heart, strategy, and equity in the nonprofit world.

Ep 7.  As part of our new series, The Nonprofit Changemakers, we sit down with Lisa Mathews, CEO of 70x7 Life Recovery, an organization walking alongside men and women returning to society after incarceration. Lisa shares the unique challenges returning citizens face, like barriers to housing and employment, decision fatigue, shame, and re-entering a world that has moved on without them.

Lisa also reflects on her journey from a “rescue mentality” in nonprofit work to an empowerment-based approach that honors the strengths and gifts each person already carries. Instead of approaching returning citizens as problems to fix, Lisa emphasizes meeting them as equals—people with inherent value, gifts, and stories that matter. She shares how 70x7 fosters spaces where accountability and compassion exist side-by-side, giving individuals the opportunity to rebuild their lives without being defined by their past. This shift from a rescue mindset to one of empowerment and dignity has transformed not only the lives of participants but also the hearts of volunteers, mentors, and community partners.

Through moving stories of resilience, friendship, and restored hope, this conversation reminds us of the power of forgiveness, the beauty of walking alongside others, and the importance of seeing people not through the lens of their mistakes, but as human beings full of potential and worth--with the dignity that everyone deserves. 

Ep 6. In this deeply moving episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of Paws With a Cause, a nonprofit that trains assistance dogs to transform lives. What starts as a story of financial hardship becomes a testimony to the power of passion and storytelling.

Ep 5.  In this heartfelt episode, Jeff reflects on his journey of discovering and partnering with Senior Neighbors, a Grand Rapids nonprofit committed to serving older adults.

Jeff shares stories of seniors like Elmer, a widower who found renewed joy and friendship through a local senior center. The episode also highlights the creative marketing campaigns that brought visibility and emotional resonance to Senior Neighbors’ work, from humorous video spots to moving storytelling that secured funding and changed perceptions.

More than a look into their marketing, this episode is also a tribute to the vital role Senior Neighbors plays in combating senior isolation and honoring every stage of the aging journey. It’s a thank-you to Bob Barnes for his decades of service, and a call to see, support, and stand with the seniors in our lives so that they are no longer alone.

Ep 4.  In this uplifting podcast episode, Jeff celebrates the powerful creative partnership his team at Scott Allen Creative had with Mary Buikema, former Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Kent County.

#MissionDrivenMarketing #HabitatForHumanity #CreativePartnership #InspiredMarketing #RealImpactStories #PassionInspires #ScottAllenCreative

Ep 3.  In this episode, Jeff shares the powerful story of Rev. Dr. Judy, who answered God’s calling to leave a life of wealth and comfort to serve the vulnerable in the Kibera slums. What began as a small act of compassion for four women in need, has now blossomed into Home Care Spiritual Fellowship, a ministry serving thousands through education, job training, and Bible Clubs.

Jeff also shares the story of Samuel, a young man born with a disability and raised in poverty, who became the first in his family to graduate from high school through child sponsorship.

Through stories of women learning dressmaking skills and children being fed and taught through Bible Clubs, Jeff reflects on how God is using these ministries to bring hope and healing. 

Additionally, Jeff shares the awe-inspiring moments of his safari, which helped him reconnect with the wonder and joy of God's magnificent creation. 

✨ Highlights:

"A single tree, no matter how large, cannot make a forest... but together, we thrive."

Ep 2.  In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jeff Johnson, President of International Needs USA, to explore the humble beginnings of this global nonprofit.

From what started as a single $5 gift, to a recent vision to raise $1 million to reach 1 million, Jeff shares how small gifts can create lasting impact when led by faith.

Learn more about the history of International Needs, how it operates as an Indigenous-led ministry, and why building long-term relationships with donors matters.

“Our job is to plant trees, in whose shade we will never sit. But shade will come."

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about missions, purpose-driven marketing, or simply wondering how their small gift can make a big difference.

Hosted by Jeff Terpstra through Scott Allen Creative, a marketing agency in Grand Rapids, MI. Your passion is our inspiration. Watch this episode on YouTube or find our more at scottallencreative.com. 

Ep. 1  I always wondered why cups of cold water were important to the One who taught us so much about sacrificial love. He said, “If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones he will be rewarded.”

My father exemplified that to me. Every day he would show small acts of thoughtfulness to those around him. I remember him helping my blind mother with the dishes, bringing meals to a family in need, and offering up his two apartments so missionary families had a place to stay and visit. For him, every day was a day to look around and ask, “What can I do today to remind the people around me that they are loved?”

In this episode, I share defining moments that shaped my journey, including:

🎨 A trip to an art store that unlocked my creative calling

These moments may have seemed small at the time, but they left a lasting impact. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode "How It All Started" and that it might inspire you to see the beauty in simple, thoughtful gestures.