Philanthropy in Phocus

Today Tommy D is joined in The Attic by Taina Sanin, who’s the Programs Director of Nonprofit New York. We will discuss how Nonprofit New York Educates, Advocates & Networks on behalf of its 1700+ Nonprofit members.

Tune in for this sensible conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.



Tommy introduces himself and the show and gives some insight about Philanthropy in Phocus - from the attic. Tommy then introduces Taina Sanin and her Non-Profit, and welcomes her to the show. Tommy asks Taina what pulled her to the nonprofit sector - Taina explains that it all began when her family immigrated to the United States of America from Haiti, and her mother had a dream where she saw Taina helping people. Taina said she has always wanted to give back in some way, and she struggled as an immigrant to have a need to be successful, but that world was not her life. According to Taina the only thing that separates the nonprofit sector from the for profit sector is; the individuals working for the nonprofit are trying to get investors to invest in missions and causes rather than a product.

After some playful banter the two get back into it - Taina gives an introduction to “Nonprofit New York” the company that Taina has worked tirelessly with - Nonprofit New York works to unify the nonprofits of New York, they have managed to serve 42,000 non-profit organizations in the last two years. The company knew what the nonprofit organizations deserved and have really advocated for the sector. Nonprofit New York has been around for over 30 years and the people of the organization strongly believe that healthy nonprofits are much more equipped to focus on their various missions and services. The company built itself off advocacy and continued on to grow - people wanted more out of the organization, such as training and knowledge. The biggest challenges the organization has faced is growth - as they bring on more partners, more companies, more employees their ‘need’ increases and therefore the company needs more support and funding to function and attain that growth.

Nonprofit organizations cover about 5 percent of all New York City businesses according to Tommy. Taisha talks about how Nonprofit New York helps other nonprofit organizations, by providing them opportunities of training and giving them various tools, resources and knowledge to help them with their various problems and hurdles. Nonprofit New York’s goal is to strengthen the various nonprofit organizations, they specialize in helping in strengthening the various management positions in the nonprofit organizational structure. Taina talks about the various trends you see in her company's work, by truly strengthening best practices at the various levels of the organization's structure. Taina mentions that this year specifically the company is focusing on the work on equity - specifically racial equity - and the best practices in nonprofits relating to equity.

Taina takes it away by talking about how for small organizations it can be expensive to get the resources to strengthen their professional work community and that's why many nonprofit organizations struggle because they can't access those tools. This is where Nonprofit New York comes in, they specialize in providing them those tools at an affordable cost. The new membership campaign launched by Nonprofit New York to provide support to nonprofits that are bipoc (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)running organizations and provide them a two year membership. This means that the organization and everyone in it has unlimited access to the tools and resources - provided by Nonprofit New York - needed for an extended period of time. This would give them access to 77 labs, training, resources and tools - and Tommy has pledged to help 10 businesses for two years. Tommy introduces ‘Always Freyday’ and says goodbye.

Today Tommy D is joined in The Attic by  Hey There Beautiful Foundation Founder & Executive Director Dailisha Rodriguez

Whose goal is to empower women and young girls with the confidence they seek in order to achieve success and abundance. Their vision is to provide support, connection, trust, inspiration and leadership skills. With workshops continually beautify communities while creating personal human connections to support empowering the world. They believe anything you can dream will flourish with hard work and perseverance.

Tune in for this sensible conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.



Tommy introduces the show from his attic and gives the audience a brief introduction about his guest Dalisha Rodriguez. The two jump right in by talking about Dalisha’s Non-profit, Hey There Beautiful. Dalisha gives the audience an introduction to her past, talking about her need to leave the corporate sector and stray from the societal norms that constrained her, as she was unsatisfied in the legal world. The two go over Dalisha’s story and she describes how it is important for girls to look within themselves and rather than be given the answers to find their path in this world. Dalisha emphasizes that “beauty is loving yourself,” as 90% of young girls want to change their bodies - but according to Dalisha, we must help change mindsets around us.

The two dive in by talking about Dalisha’s TedX talk - she talks about how the beginning of her momentous speech was a little chaotic, however it came together with a great ending. Tommy then transitions to talking about some of the programs that ‘Hey There Beautiful’ has; Get your life together, live on facebook is a show that is hosted by two coaches. This show talks about moving forward and discusses difficult situations in comedic ways, this program is made to motivate individuals to do more, succeed and rise up. One of the programs offered spanked inspiration for Tommy as well, Dalisha says that she had a similar experience - she said that while making her Non-profit she was letting go of friendships and relationships, as she was trying to grow and people were choosing not to push her up at that moment in her career.

Both Dalisha and Tommy talk about the impact the organization is making on the ground. Dalisha talks about the STEM program that is run by ‘Hey There Beautiful,’ teaching kids all sorts of things, including coding. They just initiated their STEM program and the innovative platform already has about a dozen students, this is to motivate entrepreneurship - according to Dalisha it would be great to see more students with the power of developing their own ideas on their own. Dalisha talks about her toy drive that was extremely successful and she was happy to have brought so much joy to the community. Dalisha talks about one of her students who is selling cupcakes and making $500 a week, at the age of 13. Dalisha presses that it is important to partner with other non-profit organizations, collaboration brings a lot more success compared to working alone.

The two dive in and talk about connecting each other to various nonprofit organizations. Dalisha talks about the organizations that she plans to connect with; organizations that are large, financially beneficial and organizations that are prepared to be as ambitious as Dalisha. They go over on how to get connected and in touch, and Dalisha talks about how her social media is all public to be a s accessible as possible. They thank all the supporters on facebook live. 

Shawn Slevin started Swim Strong Foundation in 2006 to reduce unintended drowning by teaching water safety and swimming skill education. Swim Strong offers Learn to Swim (including Adaptive) through Competitive programs for ages 3 through Seniors. They have taught more than 10,000 students how to swim and given more than $1 Million in free swim lessons to families in need.

Swim Strong’s newest offering is “Know Before You Go™” series of four environmentally focused water safety educational programs which may be taught in person, remotely or in blended fashion. Shawn is a passionate advocate for water safety and has been featured in two documentary films, many articles, tv and radio appearances and been recognized for her community work by several local civic and governmental agencies and nationally by USA Swimming Foundation.

Tune in for this sensible conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.



Tommy D introduces the show and talks about how the non-profit on today's episode is one that is close to his heart. Tommy emphasizes the importance of bringing non profit organizations on his show to give them recognition, because according to him they are often overlooked. Tommy then introduces Shawn Slevin, the founder of ‘Swim Strong,’. Tommy Continues to talk about the work Swim Strong does, and how they have raised over 1 million dollars for the cause. Shawn takes the reins to talk about how she became a water safety advocate, and her story on being a drowning victim.

In this segment Tommy and Shawn dive into the large numbers of drowning victims, and how climate change is making it more necessary to know how to swim. According to Shawn, the increase of strength and number of storms has opened up an opportunity for people who don't have the skills to swim, to learn. Tommy reflects on his experience on living with the fear of water bodies, and transitions into talking about the various programs that Swim Strong has. Shawn takes the lead in this portion providing a summary of the various statistics on drowning. According to Shawn one of the more prominent parts of their non profit is that they teach them about the importance of water safety as well as teaching people how to swim. Swim Strong has reached out to whomever they can, and now have approximately 9000 students and 4 different programs that look at water safety from an environmental and seasonal point of view.

Tommy dives right in talking about the programs association with schools, but he asks about the post covid lockdown situation that has molded the entire program. Shawn mentions how due to covid they have seen more people who are dedicated to learning how to swim, and the skills they are learning here are being transported to other areas of their lives - they are even being able to create income out of this. Swim Strong has also been working very hard to bring swimming to places and communities that don’t have access to it. The non profit organization has been actively going into areas where people of color reside as according to shawn disadvantaged people should be able to learn life skills without struggle. Shawn also mentions a film that Swim Strong has been involved in with a production company, this film shows how people of color have been disadvantaged when it came to learning how to swim. Shawn also talks about all the packages they have at swim strong, from school based packages to individual packages.

Shawn talks about the various collaborations that Swim Strong is doing, especially in the environmental conservation field - as climate change increases and various water levels rise it is important to learn about water safety and how to swim. Swim Strong has partnered with the board of Education and several politicians to implement swimming and water safety into modern educational systems. Shawn plans to take this program global and has already implemented Swim Strong in 3 countries, with international sponsors. Tommy thanks shwan for being on the show and introduces ‘Always Freyday’, and says goodbye to the listeners/viewers.

Tommy D interviews Sophie Dubuisson, State Director of NY, for Best Buddies International.

They will discuss Best Buddies Programs that increase inclusion for the IDD - Intellectually & Developmentally Disabled community.

Tune in for this sensible conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.



Tommy D Introduces himself and the show from his attic. Tommy gives a reference to what his show is about and then talks about general philanthropic organizations that are underrepresented and underfunded, he also gives reference to how these nonprofits need more attention and be more in the spotlight. Tommy then introduces Sophie Dubuisson and talks about her professional career and her connection to the organization Buddies international. Sophie takes the reins by giving her introduction about her profession in event management, and then talks about ‘Best Buddies International.’ The two go into the history behind Best Buddies International, and how the organization that helps people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. They give an emphasis on inclusion and how integral it is to keep them in the conversation as well as a part of the conversation

Steve begins by sharing the story of how he learned about the program ‘Best Buddy’s’, and how Best Buddies International won at the ‘Imagine Awards’ all in the same night. Sophie then begins by talking about the Best Buddies program – starting from Georgetown University to a program that is diverse and can be associated with or added to any school. Sophie talks about Best Buddy’s presence in New York, and their intention to continue to grow. She gives the audience an idea of how involved people can get, from 20 to sometimes 200. It is very common to have students get involved in the Best Buddies program, According to Sophie.

Tommy asks Sophie about the jobs program at Best Buddies. Sophie talks about how this program is different from the one they hold at schools – it is an adult based program for people who are 18 – they work with various organizations to pair people with intellectual or developmental disabilities with jobs in a professional environment. Sophie mentions this past year has been difficult due to the pandemic, however, she is grateful that they have been able to maintain their partnerships with their organizations.

Tommy and Sophie talk about the various events for Best Buddies in 2021 to grow awareness and attract the audience to their cause. Sophie mentions a Covid Safe friendship walk that is hybrid. Sophie compares the event to last year and how the organization has more opportunities because last year the pandemic forced their event to be completely online. The walk has been able to raise $50,000 but their goal this year is $20,000 as the organization understands the financial difficulties that have risen this year. Sophie also spoke about how without this funding they can’t grow, start more programs, and develop. Towards the end, Tommy gives the show a send off and then a shout out to the next show ‘Always Freyday.’

With Special guest Sister Tesa Fitzgerald the founder of Hour Children, a home in Long Island City, Queens for children whose mothers were incarcerated. 

Tune in for this sensible conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.



Tommy introduces his guest, Sister Tesa Fitzgerald. She is the founder of Hour Children This is an organization that provides resources for children whose mothers are incarcerated. Tommy reads Tesa’s bio which includes her education, awards and acknowledgments, and the founding of her organization. Tesa tells a story about how children would refer to her organization as “Mother’s House”. She talks about the significance of the “hour” in “Hour Children”. Hour Children is based in Queens with nine houses so far. They provide basic needs for the mothers and their children. They have a thrift shop and food pantry,

Sister Tesa goes into detail about the food pantry. She talks about the elevated need for food due to the pandemic. She also talks about the donations she gets for her organization. Some of these basic needs include: diapers, coats, socks, and other articles of clothing. She says, “We are very attentive to what the people are asking for”. Sister Tesa tells the public who they can reach out to if they want to volunteer. Tommy and Sister Tesa talk about some of the guilt people may feel when getting help from a food pantry. Sister Tesa talks about the importance of volunteers having conversations with people in the food pantry lines. This creates a human connection.

Tommy asks Sister Tesa to talk about the transition of a woman from being incarcerated back into the real world. Sister Tesa describes the process of smoothly being women back into society. They set up housing and create routines for them to get them accustomed to the real world.The women are then enrolled in the Working Women training program. This program provides resources for women to start working. Sister Tesa also talks about the discrimination the women face due to their criminal records.

Sister Tesa talks about some of the projects her organization is working on such as the stereotype of Rykers and poverty.There is also a parole advocacy virtual event. Sister Tesa plugs Hour Children’s website. She recommends coming in person and meeting the women. Sister Tesa says her organization needs laptops.

The Spirit of Huntington Arts Center is a nonprofit organization with a focus on serving 2 specific communities individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities(IDD) and veterans. They serve these communities through educational art classes and their unique ArtWorks program. ArtWorks is a program that provides technical training to prepare students for a career in digital arts. 

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Tommy D will lead us through a conversation with The Executive Director of the Spirit of Huntington, Michael Kitakis. As always, we will learn about the history of the organization, a deep dive into the programs, and the future of Spirit of Huntington.

Tune in for this sensible conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.



Tommy welcomes his guest, Michael Kitakis. Michael is the founder of The Executive Director of the Spirit of Huntington Arts. Michael goes on to talk about his background in marketing and how Spirit of Huntington Arts got started. 

Michael continues his story about the founding of his non-profit/ He asked his friend, Eric, to paint a mural over some graffiti on one of his buildings. Michael emphasizes the importance of “going back to your roots”. Michael has always had a passion for art. Michael and Eric started teaching art classes to three students in a garage. Michael and Tommy talk about Michael’s work with Special Education PTA. Michael says, “It’s not always about the art. It is about the process”. 

Michael tells a story about how one of his students inspired him to add digital art to the curriculum in his art class. ArtWorks is a class Michael added that shows students how to secure a career in the art field. Michael talks about how he values the work other non-profits do and why most of his clients are non-profits. Michael’s programs provide people with a purpose and a sense of belonging. Michael plugs his website, www.spiritofhuntington.com Tommy mentions his socials and closes the show.

Transitional Services for New York, Inc. is a comprehensive, community-based mental health organization located in New York City. We provide a continuum of rehabilitative services to enrich the lives of those recovering from mental illness and facilitate their transition to increased levels of independence.

Each year TSINY serves more than 4,000 NYC individuals going through mental health challenges.

This week on Philanthropy in Phocus, Tommy D will have the great opportunity to interview, Dr. Larry Grubler, CEO of TSINY. As always, during the discussion, we will talk about the history of the organization, the programs and how they address the needs of their constituents and stakeholders & What’s the future of TSINY and how do we address Ending the Stigma of Mental Health Conversation?

Tune in for this sensible conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.



Tommy greets his audience and talks, his passion for nonprofit work, and his role in helping non profit organizations network with others. Tommy then reads a passage about TSI and talks about their work with mental health. Tommy then reads a bio about his guest, Dr. Larry Grubler. Grubler is the CEO of Transitional Services for New York, which focuses on mental health counseling in Queens, NY. He started at the organization in 1981. Tommy asks Larry how he realized he wanted to work with patients who have mental illnesses and disabilities. Tommy and Larry discuss the stigma surrounding mental health.

Tommy and Larry continue their discussion on the stigmas of mental health. Larry talks about his personal experiences with mental health in his family and how it inspired him to start the organization. In the 1960s, medicine was starting to be used as a means to treat mental health. Larry continues with talking about how those with mental health illnesses were often hospitalized for long periods of time without proper treatment. Larry says his organization was inspired by trying to help those who are checked out of mental institutions smoothly transition back into the real world. Tommy says, “We all need support”.

Tommy talks about the importance of supporting each other. He compares physical injuries and mental illnesses and the stigma surrounding mental health . Tommy shows a chart highlighting various statistics on mental illnesses in young people. Larry shares the hotline for suicide prevention and his views on the statitics. Tommy recalls a relevant quote,“Everyone you meet is going through a battle you know nothing about''. Larry and Tommy talk about how people are more inclined to discuss their physical challenges than their mental challenges.

Segment 4: Larry talks about the services TSI offers, such as housing, counselling, day programs and mobile outreach programs. TSI also has “Turn The Page Again”. This is a book store and program that teaches people how to transition back into the workplace and how to talk about your mental illness to your employers. Larry gives his contact information. Here is the website, www.tsi.org.

For his premiere on TalkRadio.nyc, Tommy D interviews Katie McGowan to learn about Horsability.

Horsability’s mission is to improve the lives of individuals with special needs through Equine Facilitated Therapy. 

Through this interview, Tommy and his listeners will learn about the history of this organization, the programs they have to serve the community and stakeholders as well as who the collaborate with and others that they would like to work with.

Tune in for this sensible conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.



Tommy welcomes his audience to his premiere show. He refers to his show as the “nonprofit sector connector”. He talks about his passion for non-profit work and the goal for his new show. Tommy gives some background information about Horseability and his connection with his upcoming guest, Katie McGowan.Horseability is an organization that promotes therapeutic horse riding and accessibility for handicapped individuals. It was founded by Katie on1993. Tommy then welcomes Katie to the show. Katie expands on the history of her organization and her love for horses. Horseability was born when Katie lent a horse to her horse to a friend and physical therapist who used hippotherapy as a treatment modality for a child with cerebral palsy. Tommy asks Katie about the growth of Horseability over the years. Katie talks about an important lesson she teaches her students. She says, “If someone asks you to try nothing new, as long as it is legal and safe, try it.”

 Katie tells a story about how the siblings program at Horseability came to be. She expands on the importance of communication between the families and community and staff at Horseability. Horasebilit has had to expand their programs to address the needs of the community. She says, “There’s something here for everyone”. Horseability works with 300+ clients a week! Tommy then asks Katie about the effect the animals have on the guests. She talks about non verbal communication and the emotional impact the animals have on patients who have a hard time verbally communicating with humans. Tommy asks Katie about the positive health effects of Horseability. Katie also teases a new program where they could bring the horses and animals to you. She gives an example about a patient who had alzimers. She also introduces her volunteer program.

Katie brings in a special guest, Aidden, a pony from the farm. Katie then talks about the reactions of clients when they meet the animals for the first time. Katie is appreciative that she can say she “loves what she does”. Tommy asks Katie to talk about the connection between volunteering and mentorship. She talks about her first volunteers, her dad, a gynecologist, and various teachers. She expands on the inclusivity of Horseability and variety of skills that can be used on the farm. Katie provides her perspective as a former mentee and current mentor. She talks about the importance of sharing what you know. She says, “If you’re asking for help, be humble”.

Tommy asks Katie who she wants to connect with. She says we would love to connect with other nonprofits. She talks about the benefits of working with nonprofits and the benefits from a donor’s perspective. She expands on the versatility of assistance Horseability can provide: autism, veterans, eating disorders, etc. Tommy and Katie talk about the experience of being on the farm and a possible trip the staff at TalkRadioNYC will take. Tommy then asks where she sees Horseability going in three years. She talks about the sudden change in strategy the pandemic caused in her plan. She says she is focusing on mental health within her programs. Katie then shares her website, www.horseability.org. Tommy thanks Katie, promotes his socials, and closes the show.