One of the biggest travesties in our country is the number of unhoused individuals and families. Home Again LA is changing the narrative around homelessness by recognizing it as a situational crisis, not a personal failure. Through innovative partnerships with faith-based organizations, corporations, and community agencies, HALA has helped over 600 families transition from homelessness to permanent, stable housing while building resilience and hope.

Albert Hernandez, CEO of Home Again LA, shares his personal journey from a family on the brink of homelessness to leading one of the most impactful nonprofits serving unhoused families in Los Angeles County.

Albert's Personal Story

• One of 11 siblings raised in Koreatown, Los Angeles
• Father passed away when Albert was 14; mother worked two jobs to support the family
• Started working at Boys and Girls Club at age 14 with a 4.0 GPA
• Every paycheck went to help his mother with rent, food, and family necessities
• Worked in the nonprofit sector for 20+ years before joining Home Again LA as CEO in July 2015

The Homelessness Crisis

• Most Angelenos are one paycheck away from homelessness
• Post-pandemic cost of living increases:
  • Food costs have doubled
  • 1-bedroom rent: $1,800 → $2,400–$2,500/month
• Families have deep roots in Los Angeles County and often cannot simply "move elsewhere"
• The unhoused community is vastly misunderstood

Home Again LA's Core Programs

1. Emergency Shelter (Core Program)

• 90-day program for families with children experiencing homelessness
• Operates like a "boot camp"—fast-paced, goal-oriented
• Average turnaround: 54 days to permanent housing
• Congregations provide overnight housing (6 PM–7 AM)
• Day center offers showers, laundry, job training, case management, Wi-Fi
• Key requirement: Children must be enrolled in school and attending regularly
• Serves families fleeing domestic violence and those experiencing job loss/income disruption

2. Rapid Rehousing Program

• 6-month program (launched 2017)
• Our organization pays a portion of the security deposit and rent
  • Month 1: 90% of rent
  • Month 2: 80% of rent
  • Gradually decreases so family takes over 100% by end of program
• Results: 471 families served; all but 2 successfully took over their leases
• 12-month follow-up support to ensure housing stability

3. Eviction Prevention Program

• Started during the pandemic
• Provides financial assistance for families with rental arrears
• Includes employment support and financial stability planning
• Impact (2020–2021): Leveraged over $2 million in federal, state, and county funding
• Continues today as cost-of-living crisis persists

4. Financial Education/Outreach Program

• Classes on credit vs. debit, building emergency savings, understanding interest rates
• Partnership with Operation Hope for homeownership certification classes
• Success story: 3 families who were living in their cars are now homeowners

5. After-School Care Partnership

• Partnership with local Boys and Girls Club
• Scholarships for all families' children
• Allows parents to work full 8-hour shifts (pickup as late as 5–7 PM)
• Critical for parental employment stability

THE FAITH-BASED PARTNERSHIP MODEL

• Origins: Founded in 2008 by faith-based community members who recognized the fastest-growing unhoused population was families with children
• No dedicated shelter facility — congregations provide evening beds (6 PM–7 AM)
• Parishioner involvement: Provide meals, homework tutoring, mock interviews, emotional support
• Corporate partnerships: Walt Disney Company, Logix Federal Credit Union, National Charity League (mothers & daughters volunteer group)
• Not a faith-based organization — rather, a secular nonprofit that works alongside faith communities
• Impact: 90% of graduating families report that "being treated like any other community member" was the most impactful part of the program

AHA MOMENTS The Estrada Family Story

• Single mother and teenage son fleeing domestic violence
• Mother had zero credit history — no credit card, apartment, or vehicle in her name
• She was "invisible" to the housing system
• Required 116 days in shelter (vs. typical 90 days)
• Successfully housed; son is now in college and volunteers for program participants
• Lesson: No credit history is worse than bad credit; flexibility and advocacy are essential

BEST PRACTICES HIGHLIGHTED

1. Quality over Quantity: Focus on compassionate, individualized care rather than serving maximum numbers
2. Treat the nonprofit like a business: Sustainable fundraising, financial reserves, and operational planning are non-negotiable
3. Collaboration is essential: Leverage partnerships with Boys and Girls Club, financial institutions, corporations, and faith organizations
4. It takes a village: No single entity can solve homelessness; success requires community infrastructure
5. Flexibility within structure: Accountability (school attendance, job seeking) balanced with compassion for unique circumstances
6. 12-month follow-up: Maintain relationships post-housing to ensure long-term stability
7. Treat people with dignity: Break bread together; ask "How can we help?" not "How did you fail?"

ORGANIZATIONAL CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS

Challenge: Landlord hesitancy to rent to formerly unhoused families Solution: Education, advocacy letters, and relationship-building. Today, landlords proactively call HALA when units become available.

Challenge: After-school childcare prevents parents from working full shifts Solution: Partnership with Boys and Girls Club providing scholarships for all families' children.

Challenge: Pandemic-era income loss and rental arrears Solution: Eviction Prevention Program leveraging $2M+ in government grants (2020–2021).

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Website: HomeAgainLA.org Phone: (818) 562-7778 Services Available:

• Emergency shelter for families with children
• Rapid rehousing assistance
• Eviction prevention support
• Financial education classes
• Employment support and job training
• Volunteer opportunities
• Facility tours

Ways to Help:

• Donate to support families
• Volunteer with congregations or corporate teams
• Host a meal or tutoring session
• Provide job training or mock interviews
• Become a landlord partner

NOTABLE QUOTES

"One of the biggest travesties in our country is the number of unhoused individuals and families. We are a developed country, after all, and often fail to take care of our own." — Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff

"Most of us are a paycheck away from losing our homes. The reality is, we're just trying to survive." — Albert Hernandez

"It's not a handout. There are some requirements. The family has to have some skin in the game." — Albert Hernandez

"Being treated like any other member of this community was the most impactful part of the process." — 90% of HALA graduates

"They're not just making and serving dinner. They're actually breaking bread with the family." — Albert Hernandez, on volunteers

RECOMMENDED LISTENING FOR

• Nonprofit leaders and staff
• Social entrepreneurs and business leaders
• Faith community organizers
• Policymakers addressing homelessness
• Corporate volunteer coordinators
• Anyone interested in community-based solutions to homelessness
• Job seekers and career counselors

Listen to the entire episode at SmallandGutsy.org

In this episode of Small & Gutsy, Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff sits down with Keri Burgess, founder of The Farm Dog Rescue, and Nancy Zare, a dedicated volunteer foster parent, to discuss the critical work of dog rescue, rehabilitation, and responsible adoption in Martin County, Florida.

The Farm Dog Rescue is a no-kill dog rescue organization that has made it a mission to rescue and adopt dogs, educate the community, and help animals in need. Beyond individual rescues, the organization is focused on addressing the larger issue of pet overpopulation through spay and neuter programs and policy advocacy.

Throughout the conversation, Keri and Nancy share powerful stories of transformation—from chained and malnourished dogs finding forever homes, to the importance of careful vetting and placement, to the unique "Seniors Helping Seniors" program that pairs older dogs with older adopters. They discuss the realities of rescue work, the emotional rewards of fostering, and why focusing on the present rather than a dog's traumatic past is so important.

Key topics include:

• Owner surrenders, and why 95% of Farm Dog Rescue's dogs come from families who can no longer care for them
• The critical role of foster families in rehabilitation and placement
• How legislation and spay/neuter policy are needed to reduce pet overpopulation, particularly in the southern states
• The importance of pet trusts for senior pet owners
• Nancy's journey from volunteer to experienced foster parent and the confidence it builds
• Why quality placement matters more than quantity of rescues
• The "Seniors Helping Seniors" program: pairing senior dogs with senior adopters
• How to focus on a dog's potential future rather than its traumatic past
• The systemic issue: "You cannot kill your way out of pet over-population"

Guest Bios

Keri Burgess – Founder, The Farm Dog Rescue

Keri Burgess is a passionate animal advocate and rescuer with over 20 years of experience in animal welfare. As the founder and president of The Farm Dog Rescue, she has devoted her life to saving and rehabilitating dogs in need. Her journey in rescue began as a foster, and over the years, she has volunteered for numerous shelters and organizations, gaining invaluable experience.

In addition to her rescue work, Keri is a full-time realtor and owner of a real estate coaching company, where she helps professionals grow and succeed in their businesses. Her business acumen lends itself to both running The Farm Dog Rescue as a sustainable nonprofit and selling real estate—balancing compassion with strategy to ensure success in both fields.

Nancy Zare – Volunteer Foster Parent, The Farm Dog Rescue

Nancy Zare is known as the "LinkedIn Whisperer" and is the creator of the Likability Sales System. She is a renowned business consultant who shows professional business owners how to generate warm, organic leads on LinkedIn and turn them into clients. She has authored seven books, including an Amazon International Best Seller.

As a volunteer foster parent for The Farm Dog Rescue, Nancy has fostered 38 dogs in just a few years.

Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff – Host, Small & Gutsy

Dr. Laura is the host and founder of Small & Gutsy, a podcast and 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to spotlighting smaller nonprofits and social enterprises under $10 million. Her mission is to raise visibility for these organizations and connect them with volunteers, donors, investors, and job seekers.

Key Takeaways

1. Owner Surrenders Are the Primary Need: The Farm Dog Rescue receives 10-15 owner surrender calls per day, with 95% of their dogs coming from families who can no longer care for them—not from shelters.
2. Quality Over Quantity: Farm Dog Rescue prioritizes careful vetting, behavioral assessment, and thoughtful placement over rescuing the most dogs possible. Their average hold time is 12 days, with some dogs placed in as little as one hour and others taking up to a year.
3. Fostering Is Transformational: Foster families like Nancy don't just help dogs—they help themselves. Fostering builds confidence, teaches new skills, and provides deep personal rewards.
4. Policy Change Is Essential: The real solution to pet overpopulation is not no-kill shelters—it's spay/neuter legislation and responsible breeding policies, which have already reduced overpopulation in northern states.
5. Pet Trusts Matter: Many seniors assume their family will care for their pets if something happens, but this often doesn't happen. Pet trusts ensure dogs go to appropriate rescues and forever homes.
6. Seniors Helping Seniors Works: Pairing senior dogs with senior adopters creates perfect matches—older dogs need laps and love, and older people want exactly that.
7. Focus on the Present: Dogs live in the moment. While their past trauma matters for understanding behavior, the focus should be on creating a joyful, safe present and future.
8. Rescue Is a Business: Even nonprofits must operate like businesses with financial stability, clear processes, and strategic planning to be sustainable and effective.
9. It Takes a Village: The Farm Dog Rescue has 52 volunteers in different roles—from fostering to transport to admin. Sustainability comes from distributed leadership and a strong team.
10. Who Rescues Whom? The relationship between rescuer and rescued is mutual. Dogs provide us with purpose, presence, and unconditional love in ways that transform our own lives.

Organizations & Resources Mentioned

The Farm Dog Rescue

• Website: TheFarmDogRescue.com
• Phone: 772-224-3323
• Services: Dog rescue, adoption, fostering, behavioral training, spay/neuter programs, Seniors Helping Seniors program
• Location: Martin County, Florida
• Mission: No-kill dog rescue supporting animal welfare through rescue, adoption, education, and community outreach

Small & Gutsy

• Website: SmallandGutsy.org
• Mission: Spotlight smaller nonprofits and social enterprises to raise visibility and connect them with volunteers, donors, investors, and job seekers
• Contact for organization recommendations: [email protected]

Rachel Miller, founder of Film2Future, joins Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff to discuss how her nonprofit is revolutionizing access to the entertainment industry for underserved LA youth. Rachel shares her personal journey, from discovering filmmaking at 16, to creating a comprehensive, completely free program that removes barriers to entry for talented teenagers from low-income backgrounds. The episode explores Film2Future's innovative hybrid model, industry partnerships, and the transformative impact on students' careers and lives.

Key Topics Discussed

Rachel's Background & Inspiration

• Discovered filmmaking by chance at age 16 during a community service event
• Interned for legendary producer Deborah Hill
• Taught public school in Manhattan and witnessed firsthand the economic divide affecting students' opportunities
• Founded Film2Future in 2016 to address systemic barriers to entry in Hollywood

The Problem Film2Future Solves

• Film school costs $80,000+ annually, with additional expenses for equipment, portfolios, and tutoring
• Industry leaders struggle to find "qualified, diverse candidates" ready to work
• The real issue: lack of accessible pathways for underserved youth, not lack of talent
• Solution: Start in high school so students are career-ready by 18

The Film2Future Model

• Completely free program providing computers, Wi-Fi, headphones, backpacks, supplies, food, and transportation
• Hybrid approach: remote learning + in-person days at partner companies (Disney, Sony, etc.)
• 25-30 student cohorts recruited from across LA County's most underserved schools
• No portfolio required for application; focus on creativity and point of view

Four Core Programs

• Animation
• Live Action Filmmaking
• Emerging Technologies (VR, podcasting, gaming)
• Advertising

Life Skills Integration

• Financial literacy
• Resume writing and LinkedIn development
• Professional communication and email etiquette
• Networking and pitching skills
• Interview preparation

Success & Impact

• 140+ paid internships and production assistant roles
• 225+ students served since 2016
• $2+ million in college scholarships earned
• Alumni hiring other alumni, creating sustainable career pipeline
• Notable success: Student with physical disabilities received a full-ride to NYU Tisch after creating the award-winning short

COVID-19 Innovation

• First production up and running during the pandemic
• Created proprietary tech pods and safety protocols
• Shot five shorts with zero infections
• Demonstrated organizational resilience and adaptability

Key Takeaways

• Diversity in entertainment isn't just about goodness—it's better for business and creativity
• Removing barriers at the pipeline level (high school) is more effective than trying to hire diversity later
• Life skills training is as important as technical skills in the entertainment industry
• Building community among students creates sustainable mentorship networks
• Multiple ways to get involved with nonprofits beyond monetary donations

Resources & Contact

Website: Film2Future.org

YouTube: Film2Future Channel (to view student shorts)

Instagram: @Film2Future

Contact: Available through website

Guest Bio

Rachel Miller is the founder of Film2Future and, founding partner of Haven Entertainment, a production and management company. She's also an executive producer on Netflix's "Devil in Ohio" and has sold 28+ manuscripts to publishers. She speaks regularly at UCLA, NYU, AFI, and international film festivals about diversity in entertainment.

For more great Small & Gutsy Episodes: www.smallandgutsy.org/episodes

Join host Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff as she explores the vital role of arts education with Gavin Cho, discussing how the Burbank Arts & Education Foundation is working to ensure every student has access to quality education and enrichment programs.

Key Takeaways:

• The merger of two long-standing educational foundations in Burbank created a stronger, unified approach to supporting students
• Twice-yearly grant programs provide crucial funding for innovative educational projects
• Student advocacy plays a central role in the foundation's success
• The foundation is expanding to offer college essay workshops and summer enrichment programs
• Community partnerships, from major studios to local businesses, help sustain educational initiatives

Notable Quotes: "Everything that we do as a foundation at the end of the day needs to answer the question, what does this do for students?" - Gavin Cho

Impact Highlights:

• Awarded over $1.4 million in grants
• Supporting arts integration across all grade levels
• Creating equitable access to educational enrichment
• Building community partnerships for sustainable support

Vision for the Future: The foundation aims to make Burbank schools synonymous with educational excellence in California, focusing on accessibility, equity, and comprehensive student development.

Get Involved: Visit the Burbank Arts and Education Foundation website (https://burbankartsanded.org/) to learn about volunteer opportunities, donation options, and ways to support their mission of enriching education in Burbank.

About the Guest: Gavin Cho brings his experience in public policy, strategic planning, and development to his role as Director of Development, combining his passion for education with practical solutions for community engagement.

For more podcast episodes, please visit: www.smallandgutsy.org

Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff hosts a compelling discussion on the importance of intuition and personal safety with Barb Jordan, a safety expert and advocate. The episode explores Barb's personal journey, driven by family tragedy, to educate and empower individuals to recognize and prevent predatory behavior.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Barb's Background and Motivation:
   1. Barb's journey from being an elite athlete to a dedicated safety advocate.
   2. The murder of Barb's sister, Beverly, as the pivotal event that inspired the founding of Always Bev.
2. Recognizing Manipulation and Predatory Behavior:
   • Real-life examples of manipulation and the subtle red flags that often precede violent behavior.
   • Importance of trusting one's gut feelings and setting boundaries.
3. The Mission of Always Bev:
   • The organization's mission is to provide life-changing safety skills and awareness to prevent violence.
   • Description of the workshops and the groups they target, including universities and corporations.
4. Safety Skills and Awareness:
   • Techniques for situational awareness and personal safety.
   • Practical tips for recognizing manipulation tactics.
5. Community and Outreach:
   • How Always Bev uses word of mouth and community connections to spread its message.
   • The impact of social media in creating awareness for personal safety education.
6. Educational Programs and Workshops:
   • Description of the kinds of workshops offered, catering to different demographics.
   • The role of storytelling and real-life scenarios in educating participants.
7. Future Aspirations:
   • Barb's goals for expanding the reach of Always Bev.
   • Desire to collaborate with influencers and celebrities to amplify the organization's voice.

Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to trust their intuition, remain vigilant, and consider participating in or supporting Always Bev's programs. They can reach out via Always Bev's website for more information about workshops and to help spread the word about the importance of personal safety.

Conclusion: The episode concludes with a heartfelt message on the power of resilience, leaning on one's intuition, and the transformative journey of turning personal tragedy into a purpose-driven mission. Barb Jordan stands as a beacon of hope and strength, encouraging everyone to take their personal safety seriously.

Listeners are invited to subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring stories and insights on nonprofits and social enterprises.

For more information about Small & Gutsy, check out the website: www.smallandgutsy.org

In this enlightening episode, host Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff talks with Christine Buckley, the Executive Director and Board President of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. The episode delves into the complexities and risks associated with brain aneurysms, highlighting the critical nature of early diagnosis and proper treatment. **Key Discussion Points:** 1. **Understanding Brain Aneurysms:** - The brain's intricate role as an organ and the devastating impacts when an aneurysm occurs. - Statistical insights into the prevalence and rupture rates of brain aneurysms. 2. **Personal Stories and Advocacy:** - Christine shares touching personal stories of individuals affected by brain aneurysms, emphasizing the unpredictability and severity of the condition. - The importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. 3. **Advancements in Treatment:** - How modern advancements have made treatments less invasive and more efficient. - The ongoing challenge of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. 4. **Foundation Initiatives:** - The Brain Aneurysm Foundation's role in research, advocacy, and education. - The "Scan to Save" initiative is designed to improve early detection and healthcare provider education. 5. **Impact of Education and Awareness:** - Strategies to increase awareness and understanding of brain aneurysms among the public and healthcare professionals. - The importance of sharing information through social media and community outreach. 6. **Challenges and Future Goals:** - The need for more widespread awareness and support to prevent rupture-related fatalities and disabilities. - Christine's vision for a world free from the dangers of brain aneurysms and the continuous effort to secure research funding. **Call to Action:** Listeners are encouraged to share the podcast episode, follow the Brain Aneurysm Foundation on social media, and help spread awareness about the signs, symptoms, and importance of early detection of brain aneurysms. **Links and Resources:** - [Brain Aneurysm Foundation Website](www.bafound.org) - Social Media: [Facebook](www.facebook.com/bafound), [X](x.com/BAFOUND), [Instagram](www.instagram.com/bafound), [LinkedIn] (www.linkedin.com/company/the-brain-aneurysm-foundation) [YouTube](www.youtube.com/user/brainaneurysmfound

For more Small & Gutsy episodes: https://smallandgutsy.org/episodes/

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I've spent decades working in, around, and now leading a small nonprofit called Small & Gutsy. And if there's one thing I've consistently seen across the nonprofit sector, it's this: a profound need for resources.

Sure, financial resources are always a challenge — that doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out. But what often surprises people is how limited the resource toolbox is for many organizations — not just the small ones.

In smaller nonprofits, staff are laser-focused on their mission and the direct work of serving clients. They're stretched thin, wearing multiple hats, which leaves little time for long-term sustainability planning. But even larger nonprofits, segmented into departments, can lose sight of the bigger picture — missing opportunities to collaborate, streamline, or grow.

That's why accessible, centralized, and free resources are so critical.

Enter: The Nonprofit Cooperative.

A nonprofit in its own right, The Nonprofit Cooperative operates with a powerful business model — one that gives back to the nonprofit community every single day, completely free of charge.

Their website is a true one-stop shop, offering:

• Human resources guidance

• Fundraising tools

• Insurance insights

• Grant and proposal writing support

• Webinars and workshops

• Networking opportunities

• Business-community vetted partnerships

• And… our very own Small & Gutsy podcast page!

Any nonprofit can sign up and record their own interview, adding their voice to our growing family and sharing their impact stories with the world.

In this way, Small & Gutsy isn't just telling nonprofit stories — we're partnering with The Nonprofit Cooperative to support those very organizations with the tools and visibility they deserve.

And I couldn't be more excited to introduce today's guest: Danette O'Connell, Founder and Executive Director of The Nonprofit Cooperative.

Danette is a seasoned professional whose career has focused on helping nonprofits not just survive, but transform. She brings deep experience from the business world and a passion for equipping mission-driven organizations with practical, scalable solutions.

So, let's get started.

Danette, welcome to Small & Gutsy. You have a significant business background — what inspired you to pivot and pour your energy into the nonprofit sector?

For more information, check out their website: www.thenonprofitcooperative.org

For more podcasts: www.smallandgutsy.org

Episode: AMBITION - Transforming Lives Through Power Not Pity

Guest: Nancy Gale - Founder of AMBITION and JAMAH Luxury Handbags

Episode Description: A powerful conversation about transforming lives through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the unique approach of "power not pity." Nancy Gale shares how she integrated cause and commerce through her luxury handbag brand JAMAH and nonprofit AMBITION, creating opportunities for disadvantaged youth.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The integration of cause and commerce in business
• AMBITION's signature "You Don't Know About Me" program
• The power of storytelling in transformation
• Access and exposure as key game changers for youth
• Breaking down barriers between different socioeconomic groups
• The importance of hard work and passion in achievement
• Teaching marketing and entrepreneurship to youth
• The story behind acquiring the AMBITION.org domain name

Notable Quote: "If you can show how the angst and anger are going to help us solve the problem, I will out-angst and out-anger you any day." - Nancy Gale

Key Highlights:

1. AMBITION's unique approach combining entrepreneurship education with personal development
2. The two-semester program structure: personal narrative development followed by marketing skills
3. Success stories of students' transformations
4. The integration of JAMAH luxury handbags with AMBITION's mission
5. The importance of teaching youth to present challenges with "power not pity"

Resources Mentioned:

• Website: AMBITION.org
• Program: "You Don't Know About Me" initiative

Impact Metrics:

• The program serves primarily juniors and seniors in high school
• 16 years of operation
• Expanding through partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs

Guest Bio: Nancy Gale is the founder of AMBITION, a nonprofit organization providing entrepreneurial education to disadvantaged youth, and JAMAH, a luxury handbag brand. With 25+ years in the fashion industry, she pioneered an innovative business model integrating cause and commerce. Her approach focuses on empowering youth through access, exposure, and real-world business experience.

Contact Information:

• Website: AMBITION.org
• Email: [email protected]

Call to Action:

• Visit AMBITION.org to learn more about the program
• Consider volunteering as a mentor
• Support through donations or purchasing merchandise

For more podcast episodes, please visit: https://smallandgutsy.org/episodes/

The Intrinsic Philosophy of Change

• Change from Within: We believe that the most enduring and meaningful transformations arise from the people most impacted—those who live within the system and carry its deepest insights.

• Embedded Transformation: Change is not an external imposition. It becomes intrinsic—woven into the identity of the individual, group, or organization. It's not just what they do differently; it's who they become.

• Unlocking Capacity: Our role is to help unlock the door to internal wisdom. When systems are open and safe enough to explore their own truths, remarkable growth becomes possible.

• Inside-Outside Strategy: This approach may take more time, but it yields outcomes that are more just, more fair, and more permanent. It's not about quick fixes—it's about cultivating sustainable evolution.

• Collaborative Discovery: We don't bring answers—we help uncover them. Our work is grounded in trust, curiosity, and the belief that every system holds the seeds of its own renewal.

🔄 Reimagining Justice Through Inclusion and Education

1. Centering Lived Experience

• Formerly incarcerated individuals and their families could become educators, facilitators, and policy advocates.

• Their insights would inform alternatives to incarceration—like restorative justice circles, community accountability processes, and trauma-informed care.

2. Ownership and Responsibility

• Programs could focus on personal accountability not as punishment, but as a path to healing and growth.

• Participants might co-create curricula on conflict resolution, emotional literacy, and civic engagement.

3. Advocacy and Policy Innovation

• The organization could train impacted individuals to become policy advocates, speaking directly to lawmakers and the public.

• Campaigns might push for sentencing reform, abolition of cash bail, or investment in community-based safety initiatives.

4. Community Healing and Reconciliation

• Families of incarcerated people could lead healing dialogues between communities and institutions.

• These conversations could address harm, foster empathy, and build bridges between victims, offenders, and society.

5. Economic and Social Empowerment

• • The organization might offer job training, entrepreneurship support, and education tailored to those reentering society.

  • This would shift the narrative from "ex-offender" to "community leader."

For more information: www.initiatejustice.org

For more Small & Gutsy podcasts: www.smallandgutsy.org

This episode is about The Power of Connection: Giving, Learning, and Changing the World

We live in a world where opportunities often come through connections — but not just any connections. The ones that matter most are built on trust, generosity, and shared purpose. Networking isn't just about knowing the right people. It's about being the right kind of person. Let me say that again; It's about being the right kind of person

The world changes one connection at a time — and that connection can start with you & Moving Worlds

MovingWorlds operates a global platform that convenes partners from all sectors to build a more equitable, just, and sustainable economy by empowering social enterprises and the people working with — and within — them.

They believe that social entrepreneurs are the on-the-ground heroes demonstrating that we can build a more just, equitable, and sustainable global economy. For more than a decade, they've been exploring how to best support them to grow revenues, create world-positive jobs, and scale up impact. Through their programs, partnerships, and ongoing research, social enterprises need more than just financial investment to achieve their world-changing potential, and this networked platform is an important component. They have: Over 1,000 professionals from companies, Social entrepreneurs from over 105 countries, and over 35 impact investor and accelerator partners.

For more information, check out: www.movingworlds.org

For more episodes, check out: www.smallandgutsy.org