Show Notes: To Be and Do

In this heartfelt episode of the “To Be and Do” podcast, host Phil Amerson reconnects with Calvin Kimbrough and Nelia Kimbrough, two extraordinary artists and community builders whose creative journeys have shaped not only their own lives, but entire neighborhoods and faith communities. Together, they explore the transformative power of art, the resilience of faith communities, and finding joy—even in tough times.

Three Takeaways from the Episode:

1. Creativity as Freedom and Transformation

Nelia Kimbrough shares how her creative life began with humble adult education art classes and evolved into running a studio and gallery in her neighborhood. Her story is a testament to the freedom and possibility that art offers—even when resources are limited. Whether making paper baskets from recycled church bulletins or experimenting with new materials, Nelia highlights how creativity can turn the everyday and even the discarded into something meaningful. For her, working with her hands is not just a pastime—it’s a source of grounding and hope, especially in difficult seasons.

2. Art as Witness and Relationship

Calvin Kimbrough delves into his decades of documenting community life, especially among vulnerable populations. His photography and portraiture at Patchwork and the Open Door Community not only preserve memories but create opportunities for connection and affirmation. Calvin shares a powerful moment when a homeless man asks him, “What are you looking for when you take our picture?” This leads to a discussion about the give-and-take of meaningful human encounters, and how art can help us see each other more fully.

3. Building Community and Resistance in Troubled Times

As the conversation shifts to the future, both Kimbroughs reflect on how faith and creativity are essential tools for building nurturing, inclusive, and resistant communities. Drawing on scriptural themes, Nelia Kimbrough encourages listeners to persist in forming “communities of love and nurture and resistance” even amidst societal exile or upheaval. Calvin Kimbrough voices hope in the rising generation of activists and leaders relentlessly working for justice in areas like housing, LGBTQIA+ rights, and gun control.

The episode wraps with reflections on the small joys—from women’s basketball to crafting—reminding us that the connection between what we see, create, and share with our hands is a powerful source of meaning and resilience.

Tune in for this inspiring conversation about the intersection of art, faith, and action, and discover ways creativity can help us all belong and build a better world.

Because

Host: Phil Amerson

In this short yet heartwarming episode of "To Be snd Do," Phil Amerson invites us into a gathering of retired friends wrestling with the world's problems but choosing, just this once, to focus on joy. Through personal stories and the power of poetry, Phil Amerson reminds listeners to pause and reflect on what truly brings them happiness in life.

Phil Amerson begins by recounting a recent meeting with a group of retired men. Typically, their conversations drift toward the struggles and issues facing the world. However, their most recent gathering took a different turn when someone asked, “What brings you joy?” The answers were as diverse as the men themselves: sports, grandchildren, travel, the simple pleasure of a meal, and gratitude for the ability to help others.

For Phil Amerson, poetry is a source of joy. He shares his ongoing quest to learn new poems even in retirement. This leads him to recite "Our Real Work" by Wendell Berry, a revered poet and novelist from Kentucky. The poem explores themes of uncertainty, work, and the beauty of challenges—summed up in the striking line, “It is the impeded stream that sings.”

1. Joy Can Be Found in Everyday Life
2. The conversation among Phil Amerson and his friends highlights how joy arises from both ordinary and extraordinary moments—whether it's a football game, family, good food, or helping others. It’s a reminder to look for happiness in everyday experiences.
3. Poetry as a Gateway to Reflection
4. For Phil Amerson, poetry offers solace, inspiration, and joy. Sharing and memorizing poems—like Berry’s “Our Real Work”—can be a meaningful way to process life’s uncertainties and celebrate its mysteries. Poetry invites us to pause, listen, and find wisdom in artful words.
5. Embracing Uncertainty Is Part of Our ‘Real Work’
6. Berry’s poem suggests that not knowing exactly what to do or which way to go is not a failing but a beginning. When our minds are “baffled,” we are truly engaged, and life’s obstacles can help us find our unique song—the very challenges that impede us also shape us and inspire growth.

Whether you’re facing uncertainty or searching for joy, this episode encourages you to embrace both with openness and curiosity.

Show Notes: To Be and Do

In this heartfelt episode of To Be and Do, Phil Amerson welcomes longtime friends and collaborators, Calvin Kimbrough and Nelia Kimbrough, for a reflective and inspiring conversation about a lifetime of ministry, community building, and joyful, radical hospitality. With decades of collective experience as educators, artists, activists, and spiritual leaders, the Kimbroughs share vibrant stories from their journeys in places like Nashville, Atlanta, and Evansville.

Listeners are treated to personal narratives that reveal how childhood experiences—like Nelia Kimbrough’s memories of a “hole in the hedge” connecting separate communities, and Calvin Kimbrough’s time with his grandfather in a segregated Nashville—formed a foundation for their lifelong commitment to bridging divides. The couple recounts how formative relationships and transformative experiences led them to co-found Patchwork Central and later join the Open Door Community, always centering their work on proximity to the marginalized.

Phil Amerson, himself a participant in this shared history, draws out reflections on legacy and the evolving work of Patchwork Central. The Kimbroughs express deep joy seeing a new generation, represented by Amy and John Rich, expand and reimagine the mission. The conversation highlights how vital it is to keep ministries open to renewal, always responding dynamically to changing needs.

Takeaways from the Episode:

1. Bridging Divides: Whether through literal holes in hedges or inclusive worship services, true community is built by finding—then widening—connections between different groups. For the Kimbroughs, lasting joy comes from these small but transformative acts of bridging.
2. Legacy and Adaptation: The Kimbroughs’ pride in Patchwork Central’s evolution, particularly the new initiatives after their leadership, underscores the importance of building institutions that outlast individuals and adapt to the times.
3. Power of “Weak Ties” or Bridging Relationships: Communities flourish when they foster not only strong personal bonds but also many “bridging” relationships—expanding circles that renew and diversify participation.
4. Learning from Proximity: Being close to suffering and need, as described in experiences at Open Door, is challenging but essential to authentic service. This proximity not only transforms those who serve but honors the dignity of those served.
5. Supporting Evolving Work: The Kimbroughs encourage listeners to support organizations like Patchwork Central, reminding us all that lasting community work relies on ongoing engagement and generosity.

This episode is a beautiful testament to a life dedicated to weaving relationships and creating spaces of belonging—a must-listen for anyone interested in community, faith, and the art of making connections that endure.

Finding Thin Moments: A Reflection on Everyday Grace

On this heartfelt episode of To Be snd Do, Phil Amerson invites us into a quiet yet profound moment from his everyday life, guiding listeners to become more alert to the subtle intersections of the sacred in the seemingly mundane. This short reflection, rooted in a chance encounter on Walnut Street, is a gentle reminder that what many spiritual traditions call "thin moments" — those rare times when the distance between the ordinary and the divine feels especially slight — can happen when we least expect them.

A Story of Warmth on a Cold Morning

Phil Amerson recounts meeting "Emma," a woman experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges, whom he had seen sleeping beneath layers of blankets on a brisk morning in Bloomington. After his breakfast, he found Emma awake, gathering her things, and speaking with a local shop owner. Bracing for confrontation typically faced by many unhoused neighbors, Phil Amerson was instead moved by compassion in action: the shop owner simply asked Emma if she would prefer coffee or hot chocolate.

This small act of kindness became a “thin moment” — a flash of grace where, as Phil Amerson describes, God's presence and mercies become visible in, and through, ordinary people and actions.

Three Key Takeaways from the Episode

1. Thin Moments Are Everywhere, If We Notice
2. Phil Amerson introduces and demystifies the notion of "thin moments," times when the sacred pierces through the everyday. He reminds us that these are not reserved for the saints or the spiritually elite, but can sneak up on anyone open to seeing grace in action — even over something as simple as a cup of hot chocolate.
3. Small Gestures Hold Profound Meaning
4. The episode challenges listeners not to underestimate small acts of kindness. Drawing from scripture, Phil Amerson parallels the shop owner's offer to Emma with the biblical "cup of cold water" — a symbol of hospitality and care, regardless of its simplicity. He emphasizes that while grand gestures (like building irrigation systems) are valuable, we should not neglect the power of a single meaningful act.
5. Learn (and Remember) to See the People Around Us
6. The story is a gentle challenge to know — at least by name or presence — the people we often pass by. Phil Amerson candidly shares that he, too, can miss God’s grace at work in day-to-day interactions, but calls listeners to open their eyes and hearts to those around them, especially the most vulnerable in our communities.

Final Thoughts

In closing, Phil Amerson leaves listeners with a blessing and an encouragement to look out for thin places — and to be present and generous enough to offer a cup of cold water, hot chocolate, or coffee when the opportunity comes. This episode is a timely, gentle nudge to notice—and become—the grace that sustains and warms our world.

May we all, as Phil Amerson says, find and create those thin moments in our days ahead.

To Be and Do Podcast

Guest: Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross

Dr. Gross’s book

"Not Just Sunday: Reimagine the Reach and Rhythms of Your Church"

The Rev. Dr. Jevon Caldwell-Gross has been a transformational ministry thought leader for 2 decades. Serving in diverse contexts, from urban neighborhoods to multicultural suburban communities. Dr. J is known for his unique ability to connect with a wide range of audiences and make the gospel both accessible and practical for everyday life.

His journey has included serving at one of the largest United Methodist churches in the country, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, IN, where he led as Teaching and Online Community Pastor, helping to redefine and expand the church’s digital footprint to reach people around the world.

Dr. J now serves as the Director of Church Revitalization and New Developments for the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church, where he resources and supports more than 640 congregations across the state. In this role, he partners with pastors, leaders, and communities to help churches navigate a rapidly changing ministry landscape with clarity, courage, and innovation. His work includes developing strategies for revitalization, fostering new church developments, and equipping churches for effective ministry in both physical and digital spaces.

An ordained pastor, author, and professor, he is driven by a clear mission: to equip churches and congregational leaders for relevant, sustainable, and transformative ministry. He holds an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and a D.Min. from Wesley Theological Seminary, where he focused on transformational leadership. 

When he’s not filming a mobile message or developing the next online sermon series, Dr. J is often designing new training materials for clergy and laity, coaching pastors through revitalization challenges, or sitting across from a leader at a local coffee shop with something hot in hand, dreaming, discerning, and imagining what God might be calling the church to do next.

Show Notes:

To Be and Do Podcast

Guest: Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross

Host: Philip Amerson

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the To Be and Do podcast! In this heartfelt conversation, Philip Amerson sits down with Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross (Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross), an insightful leader and author, to explore what church revitalization looks like as we approach 2025 and beyond. As they share wisdom, stories, and practical insights, listeners are invited to reflect on faith, ministry, and what it means to be a church in today’s rapidly changing world.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Revitalization Begins with Identity, Not Activity
2. Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross reframes the conversation around church revitalization, urging churches to start not with “what they do,” but with “who they are called to be.” He emphasizes that the landscapes of ministry have shifted dramatically since 2019, and churches must discover their unique identity before planning activities. Asking foundational questions like “Who is God calling us to be?” creates a compass for navigating new challenges and opportunities, making revitalization about formation and transformation, not merely survival.
3. Faith Requires Rethinking and Equipping for Today’s Challenges
4. Through personal stories from both Philip Amerson and Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross, listeners hear how the essence of ministry remains steady despite dramatic changes in scale, context, and community. Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross underscores the responsibility to develop leaders and equip congregations with the skills needed for modern ministry. Whether pastoring 27 or 3,500, the call to make disciples is constant—and it takes intentional development, adaptability, and a willingness to ask, “How do we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?”
5. Stories and Scripture as Sources of Hope and Guidance
6. One vital takeaway is the role of storytelling and scripture in fueling hope, imagination, and courage for church leaders. Philip Amerson and Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross share powerful anecdotes about unlikely moments of growth and renewal in congregations and communities. Dr. Caldwell Gross encourages listeners to share their stories, reminding us that these narratives are the “currency of the faith.” By engaging scripture—such as Psalm 139 and passages about caring for one’s place—churches find wisdom for navigating a “strange land” and are called to live out the gospel in practical, justice-oriented ways.

Final Thoughts:

This episode offers encouragement for clergy, laity, and anyone passionate about church vitality. The journey begins with honest discernment of identity, the courage to equip and adapt, and the sharing of transformative stories rooted in faith. Be sure to check the links to Dr. Caldwell Gross’s work, and, above all, continue reflecting on who God is calling you to be in this moment.

Dr. Gross’s book

"Not Just Sunday: Reimagine the Reach and Rhythms of Your Church"

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, host Phil Amerson returns to the Indiana University campus to share a candid conversation inspired by the legacy of Dr. Herman B. Wells. Joined by guest IU Dad, the discussion spans reflections on leadership, recent changes at IU, spiritual values, and personal sources of joy. The result is an intimate portrait of campus life and a call for humility and community in higher education.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Listening Matters—True Leadership ConnectsPhil Amerson opens the episode explaining why he visits the statue of Dr. Wells: it’s a symbol of leadership that listens. He shares with his grandsons that, unlike current university officials who seem distant and unresponsive, Dr. Wells represented a kind of leadership committed to genuine engagement and care. This sets up an insightful critique of the current administration, contrasted with memories of a time when relationships and accessibility were priorities on campus.
2. Spiritual Drought and the Value of Faith Reflecting on shifts within the university and wider society, Phil Amerson notes a "spiritual drought," where faith is often misused as ideology rather than practiced as compassion. He remembers Dr. Wells’ United Methodist roots and underscores the need for humility, moral grounding, and shared spiritual awareness—qualities he finds lacking today in many academic leaders. The conversation calls for both faculty and administrators to reflect and reconnect with deeper community values.
3. Asset Stripping and the Changing Face of AcademiaPhil Amerson and IU Dad touch on the transformation sweeping through IU, especially the shift of resources away from arts and sciences toward sports and business interests. Phil Amerson expresses concern over what he terms "asset stripping," comparing it to hostile takeovers in business. He worries about the loss of relationship-building and the diminishing role of social justice and racial inclusion, urging the university to balance its investments and to foster a climate of hope and joy instead of fear.

Episode Highlights:

• Nostalgic stories of Dr. Wells’ leadership and the beauty of the IU campus.
• IU Dad
• shares the joy of time with his daughter, emphasizing the personal side of campus visits.
• Reflections on joy, family, sports, and the need for hope amidst challenging times.

Tune in for a moving conversation that bridges the past and present, and invites listeners to consider what it truly means to belong and lead in a university community.

To Be and Do Podcast

Guest: Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross

Dr. Gross’s book

"Not Just Sunday: Reimagine the Reach and Rhythms of Your Church"

The Rev. Dr. Jevon Caldwell-Gross has been a transformational ministry thought leader for 2 decades. Serving in diverse contexts, from urban neighborhoods to multicultural suburban communities. Dr. J is known for his unique ability to connect with a wide range of audiences and make the gospel both accessible and practical for everyday life.

His journey has included serving at one of the largest United Methodist churches in the country, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, IN, where he led as Teaching and Online Community Pastor, helping to redefine and expand the church’s digital footprint to reach people around the world.

Dr. J now serves as the Director of Church Revitalization and New Developments for the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church, where he resources and supports more than 640 congregations across the state. In this role, he partners with pastors, leaders, and communities to help churches navigate a rapidly changing ministry landscape with clarity, courage, and innovation. His work includes developing strategies for revitalization, fostering new church developments, and equipping churches for effective ministry in both physical and digital spaces.

An ordained pastor, author, and professor, he is driven by a clear mission: to equip churches and congregational leaders for relevant, sustainable, and transformative ministry. He holds an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and a D.Min. from Wesley Theological Seminary, where he focused on transformational leadership. 

When he’s not filming a mobile message or developing the next online sermon series, Dr. J is often designing new training materials for clergy and laity, coaching pastors through revitalization challenges, or sitting across from a leader at a local coffee shop with something hot in hand, dreaming, discerning, and imagining what God might be calling the church to do next.

Host: Phil Amerson

Show Notes

Welcome back to the To Be and Do podcast, where host Phil Amerson explores how authentic connections, interdependence, and transformational leadership shape communities and faith. In this inspiring episode, Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross joins Phil to share his personal journey from pastoral work to academic leadership, and unpack his insights on creating more inclusive, engaged, and evolving communities.

Dr. Gross, currently the Director of Revitalization and Church Development for the Indiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, reflects on his experiences—from his formative years at Kalamazoo College, to innovative ministry roles, and his approach to storytelling through video and writing. Whether you lead in a faith setting or simply care about belonging, growth, and genuine community, this episode is packed with wisdom.

Three Major Takeaways:

1. Transformational Leadership Fosters True Diversity

Dr. Gross shares a powerful story from his time at Kalamazoo College, describing how visionary leadership fundamentally changed the institution. Through the efforts of President Dr. Wilson Oyelaran, the college reinvented itself—transforming recruitment, faculty tenure, and campus culture—not only to look diverse, but to live diversity as an essential part of academic and personal growth. The process didn’t diminish excellence, it elevated it. This model demonstrates that organizations (including churches) thrive by embracing evolution, not fearing change.

2. The Most Meaningful Faith Experiences Happen Beyond Sunday Morning

Drawing from ministry research and personal observation, Dr. Gross explains how transformative and formative spiritual moments often occur outside the traditional Sunday worship setting. Whether connecting at a soccer field or in everyday life, churches—and any caring community—should focus resources on meeting people in the places where life truly unfolds. His new book, It’s Not Just Sunday, encourages leaders and congregations to see discipleship as a daily, relational journey, rather than a single weekly event.

3. Storytelling Bridges Gaps and Sparks Change

Dr. Gross highlights his passion for storytelling—through preaching, video, and writing—as a key method for communicating faith and building bridges. Sharing authentic stories, including difficult ones like his reflection on being a Black leader after the murder of George Floyd, invites broader connection and healing. These stories offer pathways for church and society to become more present, relevant, and responsive to real human experiences.

Join Phil and Dr. Gross in this episode for an authentic conversation on leadership, change, and belonging. Don’t forget to check out Dr. Gross’s book

"Not Just Sunday: Reimagine the Reach and Rhythms of Your Church"

and his video reels for more stories and insights!

To Be and Do Podcast: Featuring Phil Amerson

In this heartfelt "Because" episode of "To Be and Do," we welcome Phil Amerson as he reflects on recent changes at the university, the shifting landscape of academic freedom, and the enduring legacy of Dr. Wells. Through personal storytelling and sharp observations, Phil Amerson highlights the deep connections between faith, the academic community, and the ongoing struggle for racial justice.

Below are three key takeaways from this episode:

1. Shifting University Governance and Its ImpactsPhil Amerson shares concerns over significant changes at the university, particularly regarding governance. He notes the recent legislative decision to transfer the selection of board members from alumni to gubernatorial appointment. This change, coupled with large investments in sports, signals a move away from tradition and increases centralized control. These developments pose potential risks to long-valued academic freedoms and autonomy, echoing broader national trends.

2. The Legacy of Racial Justice and Faith The episode deeply explores Dr. Wells’ commitment to racial justice, illustrating how it was fundamentally rooted not just in academic philosophy but in his faith traditions. Phil Amerson recounts Dr. Wells’ mentorship and his pivotal role in inviting progressive faith leaders, like Merrill McFall, into key positions. The conversation is a tribute to the way personal history and relationships—especially those formed through faith communities—can inspire and reinforce a lifelong dedication to justice and inclusion.

3. Challenges to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion InitiativesPhil Amerson laments the dismantling of programs designed to support minority students, reflecting on how diversity, equity, and inclusion are increasingly framed as negative ideas in the broader societal discourse. He expresses sorrow at the loss of these foundational efforts and the troubling direction in which current attitudes seem to be headed. The plea to "keep trying to share your great legacy" serves as both a call to action and a moment of gratitude for the progress already accomplished.

Summary This episode is a moving blend of personal memory, social critique, and a call for continued vigilance. Phil Amerson’s reflections on leadership, racial justice, and the power of faith will be inspiring for listeners who care deeply about the future of academic communities and equitable opportunity.

Be sure to listen to the full episode for a powerful reminder of why advocacy and remembrance matter more than ever.

Show Notes: To Be and Do Podcast

Host: Philip Amerson

Guest: De'Amon Harges

Welcome back to the To Be and Do podcast, where community, creativity, and connection are at the heart of each conversation. In this episode, Philip Amerson catches up with De'Amon Harges—the “original roving listener”—for a candid discussion about his family history, the creation and impact of the Learning Tree, and the ongoing journey to cultivate communities built on gifts, dignity, and abundance.

Three Takeaways from this Episode:

1. The Power of Story in Community Formation

De'Amon Harges traces his roots back through stories shared by his grandparents, who escaped the South’s brutality but faced fresh challenges in the North. His grandfather’s tradition of planting a tree at each child’s birth became a neighborhood gathering spot—a symbol for honoring everyone’s gifts. For De'Amon Harges, learning and retelling these stories shaped his understanding of how communities are formed: around dignity, shared experience, and the belief that “no gift goes unused here.”

2. Shifting Philanthropy: From Needs to Gifts

The Learning Tree, founded by De'Amon Harges and his neighbors, challenges traditional philanthropy. Instead of focusing on deficits and needs, they deliberately seek out gifts, talents, and passions in the community. Grants aren’t distributed through proposals but by finding people already doing valuable work, with requirements that initiatives are collaborative and that failure is allowed and even welcomed as part of the creative process. This model brings resources directly to those who need them and recognizes community members as “genuine philanthropists.”

3. Becoming Good Neighbors—Inside and Outside Institutions

Philip Amerson and De'Amon Harges reflect on what it means for institutions—especially churches—to be good neighbors. At Broadway Methodist in Indianapolis, De'Amon Harges worked with leadership to flip the narrative from charity to asset-based community development. The Learning Tree now consults with organizations, helping them invest in and amplify the gifts present in their neighborhoods.

Final Thoughts:

This episode is a profound reminder that communities thrive when the gifts of every member are seen, valued, and put to use. Instead of perpetuating cycles where only those at the top receive resources, De'Amon Harges and his collaborators are building systems that spread abundance, honor histories, and encourage imaginative risk-taking.

Tune in for more conversations on how to build communities where everyone is needed—and every gift is sacred.

To Be And Do

BECAUSE

In this thought-provoking episode, host Philip Amerson reflects on the challenges facing church communities today, especially around the concept of “open doors.” Drawing upon personal experiences, urban insights, and the wisdom of Jane Jacobs, Philip Amerson invites listeners to consider the deeper implications behind hospitality, security, and belonging in religious spaces. Here are three key takeaways:

1. Rethinking Security in Sacred Spaces

Philip Amerson opens the conversation with an honest observation about how churches—once proudly defined by “open hearts, open minds, open doors”—have, in response to modern anxieties and the impacts of COVID, increasingly locked their doors and prioritized visible security. He describes the dissonance of being greeted by security personnel at church and wonders if a T-shirt reading “hospitality” or “welcome” might be a better fit. This prompts a crucial reflection on the tension between safety and genuine openness. Listeners are challenged to think about how their own faith communities balance caution with the call to be welcoming.

2. Community Eyes as the Ultimate Safeguard

Referencing Jane Jacobs’ urban theory from “The Life and Death of Great American Cities,” Philip Amerson explores the idea that neighborhoods experience less crime when more people are present and actively watching out for one another. He shares a powerful story from his time working in Harlem, where community members—uncles, grandmothers, neighbors—provided a web of protection simply by being aware and involved. This real-life example illustrates how churches can be safer and more vibrant by encouraging genuine community interaction, rather than relying solely on formal security measures.

3. Small Steps Toward Belonging and Openness

The episode closes with an encouragement to take practical steps toward unlocking the church—literally and figuratively. Philip Amerson suggests that transformation doesn’t have to be drastic; even opening the church on certain days or hosting community events can slowly foster a sense of belonging. He highlights the importance of overcoming fear and behavioral patterns that make churches exclusive, advocating instead for churches to become true centers of community. The concept of the “belonging exchange” underscores the power of joy, laughter, and welcome in shaping a healthier, safer spiritual environment.

Final Reflections

This episode is an invitation to reconsider what it means for a church to have open doors—not just symbolically, but in practice. By weaving together stories, urban theory, and practical advice, Philip Amerson challenges us all to create spaces where people truly feel seen, welcomed, and safe.