We're Good

At this year’s Community Foundation for Northern Virginia's Impact Celebration, We're Good Podcast host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee uncovers extraordinary stories hidden in plain sight. Meet donor Jackie Plein and scholarship awardee Norah McCormick, whose passion for environmental science is protecting wildlife and investing in future researchers. Hear how Dr. Luis Ortiz and the Virginia Climate Center help communities prepare for climate challenges, and how Dr. Stan Jones and Action in Community Through Service (ACTS) work to alleviate hunger, homelessness, and stop domestic violence proving that everyday heroes are transforming Northern Virginia with the help of generous funding. Learn more www.weregood.net. 

What if a second chance could change everything?

In this powerful episode of the We’re Good Podcast, sponsored by Clark Construction host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee is on-location inside Cornerstone Craftsman, where founder Roberto Gomez is transforming the lives of at-promise youth through paid trade apprenticeships. From a gripping courtroom moment that saves a teen from prison to hands-on training that leads to real careers, this story reveals how opportunity and mentors with hard earned experience, can rewrite futures. But with a growing waitlist, the question remains: how many more lives can be changed? Listen in and find out today. Follow the We’re Good Podcast. www.weregood.net. 

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In this powerful episode of the We’re Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee speaks with AALEAD leaders Siu Cheung Rossmark and Arti Bhatt about the hidden mental health crisis facing Asian American and Pacific Islander youth. From immigrant family struggles and the “model minority myth” to mentorship, education, and suicide prevention, this emotional conversation reveals how AALEAD is transforming lives across the DMV. A must-listen story about resilience, identity, youth empowerment, and the life-changing power of community support. Listen now and learn more at weregood.net.

In the We’re Good Podcast’s second episode at the Inova Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee goes deeper with Dr. Rebecca Kaltman and Liz Stark to explore how their mobile screening bus delivers life-saving care to underserved communities—improving outcomes through early detection and expanding access to clinical trials. From firefighter screening programs to personalized prevention strategies, this episode highlights innovative, equitable cancer care—and why this conversation could save your life or the life of someone you love. Knowledge is power – learn more about the free Inova Saville Cancer Screening & Health Fair Saturday, May 16, 2026.  Registration is recommended via Inova's event page. Find us at www.weregood.net

In this episode of the We’re Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee explores the innovative work at the Inova Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center. Featuring Executive Director, Dr. Rebecca Kaltman and Director of Community Health, Liz Stark, the episode highlights a gem in our region, one of only four in the country: personalized cancer risk assessments, prevention strategies, and emerging early-detection blood tests. With up to 40% of cancers preventable, this center empowers proactive health decisions based on your individual factors. Register here and don't miss the free Inova Saville Cancer Screening & Health Fair on May 16, 2026, in Fairfax, VA. Tune in to learn more. Find us at www.weregood.net

What if you couldn’t tell a doctor what hurts or understand a teacher’s note your child brought home? In this episode of the We’re Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee explores how Executive Director of the English Empowerment Center, Roopal Mehta Saran and Volunteer Teacher, Kathleen McCleary are helping immigrants across Northern Virginia build confidence, connection, and opportunity through language. Through powerful stories—a wife unable to communicate in an emergency room to a trained surgeon working in construction learning English to rebuild his life—this conversation reveals how learning English opens doors and changes lives. Listen to learn more and find us at weregood.net.

What if the biggest threat to the environment is already growing in your own backyard? In this powerful outdoor episode, We’re Good Podcast host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee visits Earth Sangha to uncover how native plants, invasive species, and local conservation efforts are shaping the future of our parks, wildlife, and neighborhoods. With moving stories of mentorship, community, and purpose across generations, this episode will change how you see the land around you—and show how ordinary people can help restore it. Learn more at weregood.net.

In this newest episode of the We’re Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee visits A Farm Less Ordinary in Loudoun County, Virginia—where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities find more than work; they find purpose and belonging. Born from one family’s response to their son’s autism, the farm is transforming lives through work and community. From fields and greenhouses to dreams of nationwide jam sales, this powerful story reveals what’s possible when an inclusive workplace builds confidence, sparks joy, and creates a community where everyone feels they belong.

In this on-location episode of the We’re Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee steps inside Horton’s Kids’ podcast studio in Washington DC– as We’re Good returns to its very first guests—and discovers just how far the story has traveled. Executive Director Erica Ahdoot and Chief of Staff Rahaman “Kil” Kilpatrick reflect on the seeds planted during that first podcast —seeds that inspired the powerful documentary Kil and the Kids. Kil shares the emotional reality behind the film, the loss, and the “third option” kids need and HK provides to help stop the cycle of violence.

You’ll also hear how this organization is responding to today’s challenges with a Financial Resilience Fund providing direct emergency cash support and the growing Community Caregiver Collective strengthening parents through connection and the Nurturing Parenting Program. It’s honest, urgent, and deeply hopeful—listen and watch what long-term commitment really sounds and looks like.

In this powerful episode of the We’re Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee sits down with foster, adoptive, and kinship parents from Formed Families Forward for a raw, hope-filled conversation about love, struggle, and community. Presented with the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, the episode explores isolation, resilience, and a groundbreaking new FASD resource hub. If you’ve ever cared for a child—or someone who has—this story will move you to listen, reflect, and share.