I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

Genelle Smith, Executive Director of Wellspring Women's Center joins me to share the inspiring journey of an organization that started with a simple act of kindness and blossomed into a vital community sanctuary. Founded over 38 years ago by two sisters with a passion for service, Wellspring began in the 1980s with just donuts and coffee. Today, it stands as as an icon of love for mothers, children, and seniors in Sacramento. Genelle sheds light on how this community haven operates from a historic firehouse, serving over 200 people daily with unwavering hospitality, dignity, and love.

Discover how Wellspring Women's Center builds community through proactive care and support. We explore their unique approach in providing an environment of ongoing support, emphasizing preventive care rather than crisis intervention. The center's dedicated team and army of volunteers ensure that every visitor finds a sense of belonging, as they focus on nurturing emotional connections and creating a safe refuge. The compassionate spirit of Sacramento shines through, as the community rallies together to support the center's mission, often through word-of-mouth referrals and generous contributions.

We also talk about Wellspring's strategic stewardship, which prioritizes financial and in-kind donations while avoiding large government grants. Operating efficiently on a budget of about $550,000, Wellspring focuses on fostering health equity through nutrition education, promoting better eating habits among women and children. Genelle shares insights on the importance of preventing burnout in social service work and envisions expanding the center's healing work to address community trauma. Join me in celebrating the unwavering dedication of those who make a difference every day, and be inspired by their commitment to creating a healthier, more supportive community for all.

You can find more information on their website HERE

or follow them on FB or Instagram at this address. @Wellspringwomenscenter

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Exploring Wellspring Women's Center Programs
(10:14) Building Community Through Preventative Care
(24:14) Embracing Efficient Stewardship and Healing
(34:32) Nutrition Education Impact in Community

Thank you so much for listening! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

What if you found yourself on the brink of losing everything, only to rise stronger than ever before? Join me in conversation with Scott Richards, CEO of Saint John's Program for Real Change and Monica, a resilient alum of the organization, who shares her remarkable journey from homelessness to a fulfilling career at UC Davis Medical Center. In a candid conversation, Monica she reveals how the program helped her break the cycle of addiction, rebuild her life, and achieve stability. Through her story, we explore the holistic approach of the program that offers not just shelter, but an array of in-house resources like therapy, education, and vocational training designed to empower women and children to rewrite their narratives.

As we continue the discussion, we uncover the power of structured programs and community support. Monica's journey highlights the shifting landscape of accessibility in the program, moving from a once intimidating entry process to a more welcoming embrace for those in need. We discuss the critical role of nonprofit collaboration in amplifying impact, particularly through partnerships that create pipelines for employment opportunities. With insights into systemic challenges and innovative solutions, our dialogue sheds light on the ongoing battle against homelessness and the quest for sustainable, affordable housing.

We conclude with Monica's inspiring transition from culinary training to a successful career, underscoring the importance of community engagement and personal growth. Her story is a testament to the program's impact. This episode not only celebrates Monica's achievements but also demonstrates the full wraparound service that yields incredible results for those mothers and children and familes in need. It also calls attention to the broader societal issues and the relentless pursuit of solutions to build a brighter future with engagement from a variety of community partnerships.

To learn more about Saint John's Program for Real Change, visit their website HERE

You can call at any hour... 916-453-1482

Chapter Time Stamps

(00:00) St. John's Program
(11:55) Finding Hope at St. John's
(14:56) Rebuilding and Thriving at St. John's
(25:49) Nonprofit Collaboration and Funding Discussion
(34:01) Creating Sustainable Solutions for Homelessness
(40:39) Navigating Affordable Housing Challenges and Solutions
(50:07) Community Engagement at St. John's
(54:44) St. John's Program Evolution and Impact

Thank you so much for listening! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

Could the spirit of giving truly transform a community? Join me as I discuss the record-breaking success of the Big Day of Giving, a dazzling testament to the generosity of the Sacramento region. With Kerry Wood, Executive Director of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, we explore how the event beat expectations by raising an incredible $13.8 million. Listen to insights on how 30,500 donors made 62,000 heartfelt contributions to 855 nonprofit organizations, all while defying economic uncertainties. Discover how funds are making a significant impact on food insecurity, public media, homelessness, and even the arts, showcasing the diverse causes that pull at the heartstrings of our community.

Behind the scenes, the unwavering dedication of Kerry and her team shines through, as they orchestrated this 13th annual event with passion and perseverance. From a spirited late-night kickoff to the final tally, their commitment to uplifting local nonprofits is nothing short of inspiring. Reflecting on the challenges these organizations face with funding cuts and economic changes, we celebrate the community's enthusiasm and collective effort. This episode is a tribute to the community spirit that fuels the Big Day of Giving and a reminder of the crucial role nonprofits play in enhancing our community's well-being.

To learn more about this year's BDOG, visit the website HERE

As promised in the episode, you can find "The Bark" newsletter HERE

Thank you so much for listening! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.