The Borgen Project (0:00:00)

Fighting global poverty can seem like quite the daunting task. With 736 million people living in extreme poverty and about 2.5 billion that lack access to improved sanitation, we have a long way to go before we solve this issue. But fighting world poverty is a much more serious issue than just a simple policy change. That’s what the Borgen Project, a nonprofit organization located in Seattle, is doing an incredible part in not only raising money and materials to fight poverty, but also pass legislation that create long term solutions. Today, we’re joined today by Kim Thelwell, the Vice President of Policy and Communications for the Borgen Project. She’s here to talk about the impact of poverty and what the Borgen Project is doing to stop it.

Drive-By Musicians (0:14:58)

Most assisted-living facilities across the country are closed to visitors right now. It can be lonely for senior citizens to live away from their families, but lately it’s been made worse because they can’t be visited by family and friends. Well, an assisted-living home in Billings, Montana came up with a perfect way to help seniors feel loved during this time of isolation and chaos. Members of the community are welcome to share their talents with the assisted-living residents as they become drive-by musicians. Here to tell us all about it is JustServe specialist Lynnadele Nielsen!

The Benefits of a Medical Clown (0:32:37)

The atmosphere in hospitals across the country these days has been gloomier than usual. There’s little room for laughter amidst the hordes of COVID patients in New York and some rising numbers in other cities. But what if laughter had healing capacities? We've all heard that laughter is the best medicine, but I think many of us would also prefer taking morphine over watching Seinfeld to manage our pain. But what would you say to a visit from a professional medical clown? Around the world these clowns are dedicating their careers to bringing humor and fun to hospital patients. Joining us today to share his past experience is Matthew A. Wilson, a former medical clown and Emmy-award winning performer, who spent years at the bed sides of terminally ill children giving them, their families, and the hospital staff something to laugh about.

Quarantine Dreams (0:52:48)

Something’s going on with our dreams. Maybe you’ve seen the #covidnightmares or #pandemicdreamstrending on Twitter and wondered what it was. Or perhaps you’ve been experiencing it yourself. Either way, since quarantine has started, people having been more intense, more vivid dreams, and, are remembering them. Here to discuss this phenomenon and her research into it is Harvard dream researcher and author of “The Committee of Sleep,” Dr. Deirdre Barrett.

Golfing to Help Kids (1:09:12)

If you’re looking for a fun service opportunity this week, it’s time to “tee up”! Just like any sport, golf provides an opportunity for kids to learn about and arm themselves with the tools they need to handle the ups and downs of life. And one organization is taking full advantage of this teaching opportunity. The First Tee is an organization that holds golf clinics to not only teach golf skills but life skills. Beth Harman grew up participating in The First Tee and now works for the organization. We wanted to hear more about her experiences and how we can get involved, so we’ve invited her onto the show to tell us more about this unique service opportunity.

Charitable Giving During COVID-19 (1:26:50)

You know that feeling you get when you have an extra granola bar in your car that you’re able to give to someone on the side of the road who is asking for food? Or that feeling when you give a struggling friend a big hug? There is something really special and uniting about giving our time, talents, resources or money to others in need. And now, more than ever, people need our assistance. Today, to tell us a little bit about how charities have been affected by the pandemic, and more importantly, and how we can get involved especially now, is philanthropist and board member of over 10 major charities, Jean Shafiroff.