On this edition of Let’s Give Local, Danny & Kait sit down with Erick Voss from Victory Family Services and Dakotah Massie from McWilliams & Walden to talk about a special room makeover designed to make a meaningful difference for the children and families Victory serves.

Victory Family Services works with children and families navigating foster care, providing support and a welcoming environment where families can stay connected and build stronger relationships. This time, it was Victory getting a little support of its own.

Hear how McWilliams & Walden stepped in to fund a complete room makeover at Victory Family Services, transforming the space into something more comfortable, inviting, and special for the families who use it.

This episode of Let's Give Local is proudly presented by⁠⁠⁠⁠ Valley Strong Credit Union⁠⁠⁠⁠. Together, we're shining a light on the people and organizations making a difference throughout Kern County.

On this edition of Let’s Give Local, Danny and Kait sit down with the teams from THRIVE and Kid's Empire to talk about THRIVE’s Day Out, a family-friendly event supporting a very special day in our community.

Proceeds from the event help benefit Special Friends Day at the Kern County Fair, which gives local individuals with special needs an opportunity to enjoy the fair in a welcoming and supportive environment. THRIVE is helping carry this special tradition forward and make sure it continues for years to come.

Hear how THRIVE and Kids Empire are teaming up to turn a fun day for local families into something that makes an even bigger difference.

This episode of Let's Give Local is proudly presented by⁠⁠⁠ Valley Strong Credit Union⁠⁠⁠. Together, we're shining a light on the people and organizations making a difference throughout Kern County.

For 75 years, Houchin Community Blood Bank has been helping save lives right here in Kern County. On this edition of Let's Give Local, Danny and Kait sit down with the team from Houchin Community Blood Bank to talk about that incredible milestone and their inaugural Gala to Give.

Taking place September 10, 2026, Gala to Give is a black-tie evening celebrating Houchin’s 75-year legacy of connecting local blood donors with local patients. Guests will enjoy an evening of inspiring stories, music, and dining, while helping support the future of lifesaving blood services in our community.

Hear what inspired this new annual tradition, what guests can expect, and how you can be part of celebrating 75 years of Houchin Community Blood Bank.

This episode of Let's Give Local is proudly presented by⁠⁠ Valley Strong Credit Union⁠⁠. Together, we're shining a light on the people and organizations making a difference throughout Kern County.

Every survivor deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered to build a brighter future. On this edition of Let's Give Local, Danny and Kait sit down with Dess Perkins, founder and CEO of emPOWERment, to learn how she's turning her own experience as a human trafficking survivor into hope and action for others.

Through survivor support, education, advocacy, and programs for at-risk youth and families, emPOWERment is working to prevent exploitation while helping survivors find healing and independence. Dess also shares how her advocacy has helped shape legislation protecting vulnerable children and holding traffickers accountable.

Hear her powerful story and learn how emPOWERment is taking a stand against human trafficking right here in Kern County.

This episode of Let's Give Local is proudly presented by⁠ Valley Strong Credit Union⁠. Together, we're shining a light on the people and organizations making a difference throughout Kern County.

Every young person deserves the opportunity to build confidence, discover their potential, and feel like they belong. On this edition of Let's Give Local, Danny and Kait sit down with the team from Lions Elite to learn how they're empowering underrepresented youth through competitive cheer, mentorship, and opportunity.

What began as a small cheer team in 2015 has grown into a championship-winning organization offering elite-level training at no cost to local families. Beyond the mat, Lions Elite provides mentorship, academic and career support, leadership development, and community engagement to help young athletes succeed in every area of life. Hear how this incredible organization is breaking down barriers and building the next generation of Kern County leaders.

This episode of Let's Give Local is proudly presented by Valley Strong Credit Union. Together, we're shining a light on the people and organizations making a difference throughout Kern County.

No family should have to navigate a special needs journey alone. On this edition of Let's Give Local, Danny and Kait sit down with the team from H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection to learn how this incredible Kern County organization is supporting families of children with special medical, physical, behavioral, and learning needs.

Through peer-to-peer mentoring, educational advocacy, parent workshops, support groups, and valuable community resources, H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection helps families find guidance, encouragement, and a network of people who truly understand their journey. Discover how this organization is empowering parents, connecting communities, and helping children and families thrive throughout Kern County.

This episode of Let's Give Local is proudly presented by Valley Strong Credit Union. Together, we're shining a light on the people and organizations making a difference throughout Kern County.

When a child is receiving specialized medical care, keeping families together can make all the difference. On this edition of Let's Give Local, Danny and Kait sit down with Scarlett Sabin, House Director of the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House, to learn how this incredible organization has been providing a home away from home for local families since opening its doors in 2009.

Serving families of pediatric, NICU, and burn patients, the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House offers more than just a place to stay. From comfortable lodging and warm meals to a caring support system, the House allows families to remain close to their children during some of life's most challenging moments. Scarlett shares how her team, dedicated volunteers, and generous community supporters help ensure families can focus on what matters most—being together.

This episode of Let's Give Local is proudly presented by Valley Strong Credit Union. Together, we're shining a light on the people and organizations making a difference throughout Kern County.

Every young person deserves the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. On this edition of Let's Give Local, Danny and Kait sit down with Que'Mesha Banner, whose love for her son, Prince Michael, inspired her family to create the Prince Michael Forever 15 Foundation.

What began as a way to honor Prince Michael's life has grown into a mission dedicated to supporting underserved youth throughout Kern County. Through mentorship, scholarships, leadership development, and safe spaces, the foundation is helping young people build confidence, discover their potential, and create brighter futures. Hear how one family's commitment to turning love into action is making a lasting difference for countless young people in our community.

This episode of Let's Give Local is proudly presented by Valley Strong Credit Union. Together, we're shining a light on the people and organizations making a difference throughout Kern County.

Creating lasting change starts with investing in people. On this edition of Let's Give Local, Danny and Kait sit down with Jaubrae Dixon CEO of C.H.A.N.G.E.S., a Bakersfield nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and families through mentorship, education, and life-changing opportunities.

From workforce development and leadership training to mentorship programs, school outreach, and support for families in need, C.H.A.N.G.E.S. is helping young people build confidence, develop life skills, and discover new possibilities for their future. Learn how this organization is creating safe spaces, restoring hope, and opening doors for the next generation—one life, one family, and one opportunity at a time.

This episode of Let's Give Local is proudly presented by Valley Strong Credit Union. Together, we're shining a light on the people and organizations making a difference throughout Kern County.

Every child deserves a safe place to learn, grow, and discover their potential. On this edition of Let's Give Local, Danny and Kait sit down with the team from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County to learn how they're changing lives by providing local youth with a safe, supportive environment after school and throughout the summer.

From academic support and mentorship to sports, leadership programs, and life skills, the Boys & Girls Clubs help thousands of children build confidence, make positive choices, and prepare for bright futures. Hear how this incredible organization is investing in the next generation of Kern County and discover how you can help make a difference in the life of a child.

This episode of Let's Give Local is proudly presented by Valley Strong Credit Union. Together, we're shining a light on the people and organizations making a difference throughout Kern County.