The Heart of Giving Podcast

The Power of Local: World Neighbors' Sustainable Development Model

This Week on The Heart of Giving Podcast, Kate Schecter shares World Neighbors' remarkable 73-year journey helping rural communities across 14 countries achieve lasting self-sufficiency. Three standout moments:
 
"Our founder understood in 1951 how important it is not to give things to people, but to help them to help themselves. He understood the importance of the dignity of every human being, even the poorest of the poor."
 
"We help the communities to form small groups... and they each pitch in a little bit of money either every week or every month and they save their money together and then they loan to each other at very low interest. They're skipping around the whole banking system."
 
"I've been up in the mountains in East Timor, where it's all rocks, and you can't imagine how these people survive... and they say to me, 'Yeah, this year we saved $36,000.' And I'm like, 'My gosh, $36,000!'"
 
Last week, Mark Falzone of Scenic America discussed how his organization works to preserve America's visual character - from reducing billboard clutter to promoting context-sensitive development. His insights on making communities more beautiful and livable reveal how thoughtful design impacts our wellbeing and quality of life. If you missed it, tune in to hear about their bipartisan approach to creating spaces where everyone can "live, work and play in a beautiful place."
 
New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org.
 
#HeartOfGiving #GlobalDevelopment #Sustainability #SelfHelp

Creating Beautiful Communities: The Work of Scenic America

This Week on The Heart of Giving Podcast: Mark Falzone, President and CEO of Scenic America, discusses how his organization is working to preserve and enhance the visual character of our nation. Three illuminating moments:
 
"Our mission is to preserve and enhance the visual character and scenic beauty of our country... We're advocating that every American should have the opportunity to live, work and play in a beautiful place."
 
"When everybody has this opportunity, we can get this done. And we do tend to have a very bipartisan organization because honestly, at the end of the day, who wouldn't be in favor of a beautiful America to live, work and play?" - On finding common ground across political divides.
 
"We want to make sure that every solution we come up with is context sensitive... It makes sense to have billboards in Times Square, just like it makes sense to have none of those things in a national park." - On their nuanced approach to development.
 
Last week's conversation featured Teresa Tyson of The Health Wagon, who shared how her organization brings vital healthcare to Central Appalachia through mobile medical units. From starting with a single Volkswagen Beetle to now offering comprehensive medical, dental, and pharmacy services, The Health Wagon demonstrates how innovative solutions can transform healthcare access in rural America. Don't miss this inspiring story of dedication to serving those most in need.
 
New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org.
 
#HeartOfGiving #ScenicAmerica #CommunityDevelopment #Nonprofits
 

The Health Wagon: Healthcare on Wheels in Appalachia

🎙️ This Week on The Heart of Giving:Teresa Tyson shares the remarkable story of The Health Wagon, America's oldest mobile free clinic serving Central Appalachia. Three powerful moments:
"We were founded by Sister Bernie Kenny... She actually started the clinic first of all in the back of a Volkswagen Beetle, just going up and down these mountain roads. That was over 40 some years ago."
"Virginia is an incredibly wealthy state... but there's no other state in the nation that has such extremes in healthcare or disparities between the have and have nots in the state of Virginia."
"You can't do this work and really not be changed... My dad was a coal miner... I remember when I was a little girl he would tie a belt around his leg so that he did not feel that pain... I just do it from that aspect of helping another."
Last week, Rick Lofgren of COTA shared how his organization helps families manage the overwhelming costs of organ transplants - from $2 million surgeries to lifetime medication expenses. His discussion revealed how community support can make life-saving care possible for families in crisis. If you missed it, it's a must-listen conversation about making healthcare accessible to those who need it most.
New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org.
#HeartOfGiving #Healthcare #RuralHealth #Nonprofits

The Gift of Life: How COTA Helps Transplant Families

This Week on The Heart of Giving Podcast, Rick Lofgren, CEO of COTA (Children's Organ Transplant Association), reveals how his organization helps families navigate the overwhelming financial challenges of organ transplants. Three compelling moments:
"Every day in the United States, about 18 people pass away waiting for that life-saving transplant that never comes. And so our goal is to make sure that money is not the issue that keeps that from happening."
"This past year we helped 244 new families and our goal is to reach 300 new families in every year within the next five years. When I started 26 years ago, we helped 31 families that first year."
"Their daughter had a liver transplant in Pittsburgh eight years ago... that first year they had billions of over $2 million for her liver transplant." - On the staggering costs families face.
Last week's episode featured Lindsay Torrico of the American Bankers Association Foundation, who shared her vision for transforming how banks can drive community development and economic mobility. She discussed innovative approaches to housing affordability and wealth building in underserved communities. If you haven't listened yet, it's an insightful look at making finance work for everyone.
New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org.
#HeartOfGiving #OrganDonation #Healthcare #Nonprofits

Banking on Community: A Conversation with Lindsay Torrico

This Week on The Heart of Giving: Join Art Taylor in conversation with Lindsay Torrico, Senior VP of Bank Community Engagement at the American Bankers Association and Executive Director of the ABA Foundation. Lindsay shares her vision for transforming how banks engage with communities and drive economic mobility. Three standout moments:
"If you're not at the table, you're on the menu" - Lindsay on why nonprofits must engage in policy discussions to create large-scale impact.
"When our communities are strong, our banks are strong... it's reframing how we think about this work that's not just about giving to a few, but how are we investing in our communities in a way that we all can be effective businesses as well."
"We want to make sure that they're sustainable in home ownership... it's going to take a multifaceted approach" - On addressing the housing crisis through innovative solutions and partnerships.
Did you catch last week's inspiring conversation with Ana Federica Convit? She shared her remarkable journey from banking to leading cancer research initiatives in Venezuela, continuing her grandfather's century-long legacy of providing accessible healthcare to vulnerable populations. If you haven't listened yet, it's a must-hear story of purpose and impact.
New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org.

Cancer Research in Venezuela: A Family's Mission

This Week on The Heart of Giving Podcast Ana Federica Convit shares how she left her career in banking to continue her grandfather's pioneering medical research in Venezuela. She offers candid insights about balancing motherhood with leading groundbreaking cancer research initiatives, while carrying forward her grandfather's 100-year legacy of serving those most in need. Three noteworthy moments:
 
"Our mission is to provide access to modern diagnostics and innovative treatments, mainly in cancer, to benefit the most vulnerable population starting in Venezuela, which is a developing, a poor developing country."
 
"Dr. Convict always said that collective efforts are much more important and will go further than individual efforts... We believe in collective efforts, in bringing people together, wonderful people together for a mission, for an objective."
 
"I had an inner voice that told me constantly and every day it was stronger and stronger... You have to go back and you have to help him and you have to give back and you have to work for the Venezuelan people." - On her decision to return to Venezuela
 
Have you listened to last week's conversation with Scott Santarella of the Alpha-1 Foundation? Scott shared fascinating insights about addressing rare genetic conditions and how patient-centered leadership shapes their approach to research and support services. Don't miss either of these engaging stories about organizations making real differences in healthcare.
 
New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org.

Battling Alpha-1: A Community's Quest for Answers

Dear Friends of The Heart of Giving,
 
This week's conversation features Scott Santarella, CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation, revealing how a rare genetic condition affecting 100,000 Americans is being addressed through innovative research, community support, and unwavering hope.
 
Key moments:
"If you feel like you did something good in the world or helped somebody, it makes you feel good." - Discover how 25+ years in the nonprofit sector led Scott to champion rare disease advocacy.
 
"We think inherently people want to help one another...Sometimes it takes charities to actually be developed to focus on particular areas." - Learn how nonprofits fill crucial gaps in healthcare that the marketplace hasn't addressed.
 
"75% of our board has to be patients or patient family members...If it's good for patients, we're going to figure out how to do it. If it's not good for patients, we don't do it." - Explore how patient-centered leadership drives meaningful impact.
 
In Case You Missed It: From Wall Street to Global Impact with Ozzy Samad
Last week's conversation featured Brothers Brother Foundation President Ozzy Samad sharing:
- How they distribute 200 million doses of medicine annually
- Their expansion from international aid to domestic mobile health clinics
- The importance of transparent valuations in building donor trust
- Why meaningful change often starts in our own backyard
 
Support These Important Conversations
The Heart of Giving brings you stories of organizations addressing critical needs in innovative ways. Your support helps us:
- Share more stories of impact
- Maintain quality production
- Create resources for nonprofits
- Build a stronger giving community
 
Have a Great Week!

Title - From Wall Street to Global Impact: Ozzy Samad and Brothers Brother Foundation's Evolution

Dear Friends of The Heart of Giving,
 
This week's conversation features Ozzy Samad, President of Brothers Brother Foundation, sharing how a chance meeting at a World Affairs Council event led him from investment banking to leading an organization that distributes 200 million doses of medicine annually to those in need.
 
Key moments:
"Having the opportunity to give back in this kind of way was just absolutely unbelievable." - Hear how personal experience growing up in Pakistan shaped Ozzy's transition to humanitarian work.
 
"We see so much need in our own backyard" - Learn how Brothers Brother expanded from international aid to launching mobile health clinics across America, proving that meaningful change often starts at home.
 
"We will make sure that whatever you donate really is impactful. Not superficially, but for real." - Discover how transparent valuations and ethical practices build lasting trust.
 
In Case You Missed It: Arts as a Lifeline with Aidan Davis
 
Last week's episode featured Statement Arts co-director Aidan Davis revealing how their small NYC nonprofit is creating big impact:
 
- Providing arts education where 300+ schools lack any programs
- Achieving 100% college acceptance rates for participants
- Using the arts to build confidence, community and future opportunities
- Creating pathways from elementary school through career development
 
Support These Important Conversations
The Heart of Giving brings you stories of innovative solutions to society's pressing challenges. Your support helps us:
- Share more stories of impact
- Maintain quality production
- Create resources for nonprofits
- Build a stronger giving community
 
Make your tax-deductible donation today at Give.org.
 
Listen now on BBBGive.org or your favorite podcast platform.
 
#HeartOfGiving #Philanthropy #GlobalImpact #NonprofitLeadership
 
 
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Arts as a Lifeline: Aidan Davis and Statement Arts' Mission to Transform Young Lives

Discover how a small NYC nonprofit is creating big impact through the arts! Join us as Aidan Davis, co-director of Statement Arts, reveals how their innovative programs are providing crucial arts education in a city where over 300 schools lack any arts programming.
 
Key moments:
"Community is a tremendous portion of what I was able to gain through the performing arts... celebrating the individual exactly as they are." Experience how Statement Arts creates safe spaces for young people to discover themselves and their talents.
 
"We're really proud to boast about a 100% acceptance rate of our students into their colleges of choice." Learn how this small but mighty organization transforms lives through their continuum of services - from elementary school through college and beyond.
 
Through partnerships with Broadway professionals, Morgan Stanley executives, and dedicated volunteers, Statement Arts proves that size doesn't limit impact when passion meets purpose.
 
In Case You Missed It: Healthcare Heroes with Amanda Missey
Don't miss our uplifting conversation with Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative CEO Amanda Missey, exploring:
- How 160+ volunteers provide comprehensive healthcare to the uninsured
- The inspiring story of a 95-year-old diabetes specialist still serving patients
- Delivering $2,600 worth of care per patient annually
- Creating a medical environment where doctors can practice medicine without insurance constraints
 

Healthcare Without Barriers: Amanda Missey & BVMI's Life-Changing Mission

Step into the remarkable world of volunteer-powered healthcare with Amanda Missey, CEO of Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative (BVMI). Discover how this innovative organization provides comprehensive medical care to the uninsured through an extraordinary network of 160+ volunteers, including a 95-year-old diabetes specialist who still serves patients via telehealth!
 
Key highlights:
"Powered by volunteers - that's how we're able to achieve what we achieve on a relatively modest budget. We're saving the system thousands, maybe millions of dollars." Learn how BVMI delivers $2,600 worth of comprehensive healthcare per patient annually.
 
"They can be the kind of doctor they imagined they would be when they went to medical school." Hear how BVMI creates a unique environment where medical professionals can practice medicine without insurance constraints while making a profound impact on their community.
 
"Bergen County is a really expensive place to live. If they have to make the choice between putting food on their table, paying rent, buying school supplies for their children, and going to the doctor, they very often put their healthcare at the very bottom of the list." Understand the critical gaps BVMI fills in our healthcare system.
 
Don't Miss: Building Hope in Mississippi with John Damon
Our previous episode features Canopy Children's Solutions CEO John Damon sharing:
- How personal tragedy shaped his mission to help 8,000 children annually
- The innovative approaches to delivering mental health care across 82 Mississippi counties
- Why trust and vulnerability are essential to creating lasting impact
- The power of combining high-tech solutions with high-touch care
 
Listen now on Give.org or your favorite podcast platform.
 
#HeartOfGiving #HealthcareAccess #CommunityImpact #MentalHealth