Philanthropy Speaks

What does it look like when a community pantry feels more like a neighbor’s living room? In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, co-hosts Jennifer Farrington, Senior Program Officer and Damon Ross, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint sit down with Nate Jonker, Treasurer of the Clio Area Human Services Fund, to explore how the organization in northern Genesee County is tackling food insecurity, rural poverty, and access to basic needs with a fresh approach. 

The fund has grown into a trusted partner for Clio families, through the Safety Net Store, and its new big move into the former Lacure Elementary School. This new community hub will bring together food, healthcare, workforce, and wraparound supports in a way that strengthens relationships and builds opportunity. 

The conversation also touches on the challenges of federal funding cuts, the current needs of Michigan families, why collaboration between local businesses, government, and nonprofits is essential for sustainable solutions. 

Tune in to hear how this neighbor-to-neighbor model is redefining service delivery.

To learn more about the Clio Area Human Services Fund, visit their Facebook page. 

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This episode of Philanthropy Speaks marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. 

Host Lynn Williams, Director of Equity & Community Engagement, sits down with Jessica Dixon, Community Advocacy and Peer Specialist at the Disability Network, for a conversation about the disability experience, ableism, intersectionality, and inclusion. 

Jessica discusses how the Disability Network supports and empowers people with disabilities to live independently in Genesee County, and how the team ensures that people with disabilities have a seat at the table for systems-level conversations. Jessica also shares how her own lived experience, including both visible and non-apparent disabilities, has shaped their work. With humor and heart, Jessica invites listeners to rethink assumptions, center the voices of people with disabilities, and move from pity to partnership.

Listen to this episode to understand how "the disability experience is the human experience," and what it means to build a world where everyone can thrive. 

If you’d like to learn more about the Disability Network, visit disnetwork.org. To learn more about the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, visit cfgf.org. 

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Legacy giving and planned gifts can shape vibrant, long-lasting futures for our communities. This episode of Philanthropy Speaks features a conversation with Aaron Hamp. Aaron is the founder and president of INC Systems and co-founder and president of ProSwipe. In addition to his businesses, Aaron is a proud member of the Legacy Society at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. Alongside host Lottie Ferguson, Vice President of Development and Donor Services at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Aaron dives into how he's leaving a legacy through philanthropy. 

Aaron walks us through the process of what it was like to include the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and four other organizations in his will. He also discusses other ways to give back, such as ensuring that those employed in his companies receive "Volunteer Time Off" to become active in the community. 

To explore how you can leave your legacy, visit us at cfgf.org.  

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Content Warning: This episode discusses topics related to suicide, self-harm, mental health, gun violence, and death, which may be distressing for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. 

In honor of Mental Health Month, Philanthropy Speaks presents a powerful conversation featuring CFGF President & CEO Dan Kildee, community advocate and nurse Tarnesa Martin ("Nurse T"), and host Moses Bingham, CFGF Director of Strategic Initiatives. Together, they open up about mental health struggles and the far-reaching impact of gun violence in our community. 

Dan Kildee shares his personal journey with mental health and how the effects of gun violence have shaped his life, offering insight into the resources and strategies that have supported his healing. Nurse T draws on her experience at Hurley Medical Center, highlighting community mental health trends and professional resources available.  

Learn more about the Community Foundation of Greater Flint at cfgf.org and Hurley Medical Center at hurleymc.com. 

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.

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In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, this episode of Philanthropy Speaks features a conversation with Lucine Jarrah, Executive Director of the Arab American Heritage Council (AAHC). Host Sue Peters, Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, dives into the rich culture, stories, and leadership of the Arab American community in Flint and Genesee County. 

Lucine shares how her Lebanese heritage shapes her identity and fuels her passion for advocacy, civic engagement, and cultural empowerment. Together, they explore AAHC’s ongoing programs—from immigration and language services to educational workshops and the powerful Wujud storytelling podcast. They also highlight the significance of the new Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) category in the U.S. Census and what it means for community resources, equity, and visibility. 

Learn more about the Community Foundation of Greater Flint at cfgf.org and find out more about the Arab American Heritage Council at aahcflint.org.  

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In this special episode of Philanthropy Speaks, we're celebrating National Reading Month by exploring the role reading plays in strengthening our communities. Host Chakara Wheeler, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, is joined by Susana Quintanilla, the founder and director of El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil (EBFE). 

Tune in to hear how EBFE is preserving Mexican culture and empowering children through dance, music, and education, all while promoting literacy initiatives. Susana shares the importance of first-language literacy enrichment through cultural arts, highlights EBFE’s Bilingual Book Parade series, and offers her top bilingual book recommendations for Reading Month. 

Discover how reading, culture, and the arts come together to shape brighter futures for our youth. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Greater Flint at cfgf.org and find out more about El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil at ebfedance.org. 

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In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, we shine a light on the powerful story of the St. John Street neighborhood, a once-thriving Black community in Flint, Michigan through the lens of the documentary St. John Street: Story of a Neighborhood. This film celebrates the vibrant history and enduring spirit of the St. John Street neighborhood, a once-thriving Black community in Flint. The documentary highlights the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its residents in the face of urban renewal and the construction of a highway that led to their displacement. 

Host Dan Kildee, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, is joined by director and editor Justin Brown, producer Rodney Brown, and St. John Street Historical Committee President James Wardlow. Together, they explore the documentary, the remarkable history of the St. John Street neighborhood, and the importance of preserving and sharing these stories.

Tune in to learn more about this community, the impact of urban renewal, and how the St. John Street Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint is working to honor its legacy.

Watch the documentary on WKAR-TV, Michigan State University’s PBS station, airing Tuesday, February 4, at 6 p.m., and Thursday, February 6, at 10 p.m. Distributions will expand to PBS stations nationwide and will be available on the PBS streaming application. 

Learn more:

• Community Foundation of Greater Flint’s TRHT work: cfgf.org/trht
• St. John Street Historical Committee: stjohnstreethistoricalcommittee.com
• iMichigan Productions: imichiganproductions.org

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In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, we're observing the National Day of Racial Healing through a discussion with local racial healing practitioners. Host Sue Peters, Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, is joined by Elizabeth Jordan, Patrick McNeal, and Regina Laurie. 

Tune in to discover how these community members conduct racial healing circles and visioning sessions throughout Flint and Genesee County—and the insights, lessons, and perspectives they’ve gathered along the way.  

Learn more about the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation work, at cfgf.org/trht.  To learn about the National Day of Racial Healing, visit dayofracialhealing.org.  

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In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, we're highlighting the Sacred Heart Veteran Village—a transitional housing program designed specifically for local veterans. Host Damon Ross, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, is joined by Katie Baxter and Tom Haeussler from Catholic Charities of Shiawassee & Genesee Counties.

Tune in to discover how this innovative project will create a community of 24 to 26 small homes, complemented by a Community Veteran Resource Center in Flint, along with other programs provided by Catholic Charities.

Learn more about Catholic Charities at catholiccharitiesflint.org, and visit cfgf.org to see how the Community Foundation of Greater Flint is influencing and connecting generosity to Genesee County needs. For good. For ever. For everyone.

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In this special episode of Philanthropy Speaks, we’re highlighting Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month. Host Chakara Wheeler, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, is joined by Asa Ascencio Zuccaro. Asa is the Executive Director of Latinx Technology & Community Center, a non-profit organization focused on enhancing the dignity and quality of life for the Flint & Genesee County Latinx community and other cultures.  

Tune in to discover how this community-driven organization strengthens cultural pride, provides resources, and offers volunteer and engagement opportunities. Join us as we learn about the importance of supporting Hispanic and Latinx heritage in our community, and how we can all play a part in celebrating these vibrant cultures. 

Learn more about Latinx Technology & Community Center at latinxflint.org, and visit cfgf.org to see how the Community Foundation of Greater Flint is influencing and connecting generosity to Genesee County needs. For good. For ever. For everyone.

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