Empowering Youth with Safe Places and Second Chances: Tami Wilder’s Mission with Positive Impact International
During this episode of North Georgia Business Radio, host Phil Bonelli sits down with Tami Wilder, Executive Director of Positive Impact International, to spotlight the transformative work her organization is doing across Georgia and beyond. With deep roots in community service and a mission to protect and empower underserved youth, Tami’s journey is a powerful blend of leadership, compassion, and unshakable resolve.
Founded 13 years ago by Tami and her mother, Positive Impact International began with after-school programs and expanded into emergency youth housing. When National Safe Place reached out about Gwinnett County’s lack of an emergency youth shelter, Tami said yes—without hesitation. That leap of faith led to a network of safe homes for youth ages 12–21, serving counties all the way to the South Carolina border.
Unlike traditional shelters, their model offers warmth and stability—a home, not an institution. Through partnerships with businesses like QuikTrip, any youth in crisis can walk into a safe place, say “I need a safe place,” and be connected with Tami’s team in minutes.
Tami, a foster parent herself and a long-time trainer for therapeutic foster families, brings a unique perspective to her work. She’s a certified TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) practitioner, focusing on building deep trust as the foundation for transformation—not just with youth, but also her staff.
Beyond the current impact, Tami is dreaming big: a tiny home village for young adults aged 18–22 aging out of care, and “The Royal-Tea Cup,” a British-style tea house that would double as a workforce training center and social enterprise.
Listeners will be inspired by Tami’s unrelenting focus on gratitude, her musical flair as part of the band Twisted Royalty, and her grounded, no-nonsense approach to making a real difference.
If you’re looking to support an organization making a life-changing impact for our community’s most vulnerable, visit thepositiveimpact.org and consider donating or getting involved.
Connect with Tami and the Positive Impact International Team
https://thepositiveimpact.org/contact
Connect with Phil Bonelli:
https://www.facebook.com/Hopewell-Farms-GA-105614501707618/
https://www.instagram.com/hopewellfarmsga/
https://www.hopewellfarmsga.com/
Connect with Beau Henderson:
https://www.facebook.com/RichLifeAdvisors
https://www.facebook.com/NorthGARadioX
This Segment Is Brought To You By Our Amazing Sponsors
Hopewell Farms GA
Roundtable Advisors
RichLife Advisors
Cadence Bank
Highlights of the Show:
00:30 – 01:24
Host Phil Benelli introduces guest Tami Wilder and her dynamic role as Executive Director of Positive Impact International.
01:33 – 03:22
Tami shares how she and her mother launched the nonprofit and evolved into a certified emergency youth shelter with a unique “home-like” model.
03:59 – 04:19
The importance of Safe Place partnerships with QuikTrip and local businesses to provide immediate refuge for youth in crisis.
05:29 – 06:48
Tami’s 17-year journey training foster parents for the state of Georgia and how that prepared her for running the shelter.
08:11 – 09:47
How Tami uses trust-building (via TBRI certification) to connect with youth and lead effectively—starting with her own team.
13:43 – 15:21
Real-life scenarios of youth in need—from grandparents evicted to teens in unsafe homes—and how Positive Impact responds.
17:11 – 17:43
Balancing care for new arrivals with the safety and success of current residents, especially when youth have violent histories.
21:32 – 23:59
Tami’s vision: a tiny home community for young adults aging out of care and a British tea house for workforce development.
26:23 – 26:56
A call to action: $1.2M could fund housing for 20+ youth—and donors get “free tea for life” at the future Royal-Tea Cup.
27:43 – 28:42
Tami’s secret to staying upbeat and resilient? Daily gratitude and an incredible support team.
31:45 – 32:09
Surprise twist—Tami is also a singer in a funk-soul band, Twisted Royalty, and music plays a big role in her joyful outlook.
