"We strive to create a sacred space for people's grief, allowing them to feel supported and understood." Evelyn Moon

In this episode, we explore the profound impact of grief and resilience through the lens of Good Grief, a bereavement organization dedicated to supporting children and families. Join host Adriane Berg as she engages with Chris Heiss, the Executive Director, and Evelyn Moon, the Director of Learning and Contact Strategies, delving into their unique approaches to volunteer engagement, community outreach, and fundraising. Discover how they empower individuals to navigate their grief journeys while fostering a supportive environment that transforms loss into strength.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Evelyn highlight the importance of understanding the constituents they serve. By actively seeking feedback and maintaining open lines of communication, Good Grief adapts its programs to meet the ever-changing needs of families. This responsiveness is key to their success and exemplifies the organization's commitment to serving the community effectively.

Good Grief
https://goodgrief.org

Ronald McDonald House
https://www.rmhc.org

Article for Children to Understand Grief

https://www.snappywords.com/knowledge/helping-young-hearts-heal-a-guide-to-grief-support-for-children

Good Grief Donations

https://good-grief.org/donate/

In our latest podcast episode of On The Ground, I sit down with Danielle Pollack, Policy Manager at the National Family Violence Law Center at George Washington University and Co-Founder of the National Safe Parents Organization, for a powerful and necessary conversation about child safety and family court reform.

You will discover how to give your stakeholders the tools for advocacy, how to use academia and press to get your mission across, when and where to use victim stories, and how to engage a grassroots community

Family violence too often remains hidden — and when custody decisions are made without fully understanding the risks, children can be left vulnerable. Danielle shares how advocates across the country are working to reshape child custody laws to ensure child safety and well-being remain the top priority.

You'll hear moving real-world stories that highlight both the challenges families face and the progress being made toward a safer future.

Danielle reminds us that meaningful change begins when people speak up, share their experiences, and work together to ensure children are protected.

RESOURCES

Voices for Reform--Documentary

https://www.daniellepollack.com/voices-for-reform-film

National Family Violence Law Center https://www.law.gwu.edu/national-family-violence-law-center

National Safe Parents Organization https://www.nationalsafeparents.org Violence Against Women Act https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1620

Caden's Law https://www.nationalsafeparents.org/cadens-law

Joan Meyer https://www.law.gwu.edu/faculty/joan-meyer

"Injustice was a terrible thing, and you were obligated to do something about it when you saw it." Meg Groff, author, attorney, advocate, activist

What makes an activist? In this episode of On The Ground, you will hear from attorney and activist Meg Groff, author of Not If I Can Help It: A Family Lawyer's Battles for Justice for Victims of Domestic Violence and the Poor. Meg shares her inspiring journey to becoming a leading advocate for change in family law. She emphasizes the importance of individual action and collaboration in addressing systemic injustices faced by victims.

Tune in as we delve into her experiences, insights on the legal system, and the ongoing efforts to implement Caden's Law, which prioritizes child safety in custody cases.

During our conversation, Meg discusses the systemic issues she has encountered in family courts, where judges often lack the necessary understanding of domestic violence dynamics. She emphasizes the need for laws that prioritize children's safety over outdated notions of shared custody. Her advocacy for Caden's Law, which aims to ensure that child safety is the primary consideration in custody cases, is a focal point of her efforts.

Meg Groff
https://www.meggroff.com

Caden's Law
https://www.cadenslaw.org

Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
https://www.pcadv.org

Positive Deviance
https://www.positivedeviance.org

Not If I Can Help It
https://www.notificanhelpit.com

"This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in caregiving, community development, or social change. Reverend Gregory Johnson's passion for making a difference is palpable. "

Reverend Gregory Johnson, a pioneer in caregiving and founder of the Sahaja Foundation Bali, reveals innovative approaches to caregiving in Indonesia, the importance of cultural competency, and the transformative power of intergenerational connections. He shares his journey, insights, and the success of the Sahaja model, filled with hope, collaboration, and the spirit of caregiving!

Discover how the Sahaja Foundation Bali cultivates community engagement and intergenerational connections. Reverend Johnson shares his experiences of rallying support from local villagers, demonstrating that when people see familiar faces leading initiatives, they are more likely to engage. Tune in to this enlightening discussion and discover how you can be part of the change in your own community.

Resources:

SAHAJABALI.COM

GJP-INTERNATIONAL.COM (PARTNERS AND OUTREACH)

CARECFA.ORG (INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE)

https://www.gjp-international.com

* YouTube Channel: Family Caregiving with the REV

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTcZxQs6zYYceViMLFERGcQ

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-l-johnson-a8672322a/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bd1yT9or2/

SAHAJA invites your partnership to unite professional and family caregivers, empower vulnerable populations, and build resilient communities. Your donation of any amount will seed a movement that transforms caregiving worldwide.

Contact egibbons@carecfa.org or gjohnson@carecfa.org.

Or

Donations can also be made by mailing a check to: Caregiver Coalition Fund of America, 445
Broadhollow Road, Suite 25, Melville, New York 11747.

In this episode of On The Ground, we explore the inspiring work of Lucy Faanunu, CEO of the E Botanic Garden in Tonga. Discover how this remote paradise is making a significant impact on conservation and the local culture through tours and outreach programs. We discuss the unique conservation efforts taking place in this beautiful garden, which boasts over 550 plant species. Lucy shares her journey of overcoming challenges, including securing government support and funding, while emphasizing the importance of community engagement and education. .One of the most compelling aspects of the episode is Lucy's candid discussion about the challenges faced by small NGOs like the need for ongoing, creative fundraising strategies.

In a world where technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and aging is an increasingly relevant topic.
Discover how artificial intelligence intersects with the human rights of older persons

Host Adriane Berg reports from the International Federation on Aging conference in Cape Town, South Africa, where she engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Caroline Green, Director of Research at the Institute of Ethics and AI at Oxford University.

They explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and the human rights of older persons, discussing the potential benefits and risks of AI in long-term care, digital equity, and lifelong learning. Join us as we uncover the ethical considerations and the future of AI in enhancing the lives of older adults.

· Data privacy

· Digital equity

· Scams and Risks

· Long Term Care Solutions

· Systemic Ageism in AI

· SDGs of Poverty Eradication and Social Inclusion

We are reminded of the importance of collaboration between generations. By bridging the digital divide and fostering intergenerational support, we can create a future where technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.

Resources:

International Federation On Aging

https://www.IFA.org

Dr. Caroline Green

https://www.ox.ac.uk/

Institute for Ethics in AI
https://www.ox.ac.uk/

In this episode, join Julie Byles from the International Longevity Center's Global Alliance as she shares insights on aging, gender equality, and the importance of the United Nations treaty on the human rights of older persons.

With an upcoming IFA conference in Cape Town, she highlights workshops on age-friendly cities, long-term care, and the significance of older adults as valuable contributors to society. Discover how the longevity dividend can shape our understanding of aging and the social fabric of communities.

In this enlightening episode, listeners are encouraged to rethink their perceptions of aging and recognize the significant contributions of older adults to intergenerational endeavors, like the GNEC Hackaton.

How Legal Advocacy and Coalition Built The World Stem Cell Conference

Join us as Bernard Siegel, co-founder of the Health Span Action Coalition, shares insights on making healthy longevity a universal right. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on stem cell research and advocacy!

The Health Span Action Coalition, comprising over 275 organizations, aims to democratize access to health technologies and promote healthy longevity as a fundamental human right. Bernard Siegel shares his insights on how the coalition is working tirelessly to unite diverse stakeholders, from scientists to patient advocates, in a united effort to advance regenerative medicine and stem cell research.