Maria Walden Archives - Business RadioX ®

How Hemophilia of Georgia Transforms Lives Through Innovation, Care, and Community, with Vic McCarty

May 22, 2025 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

How Hemophilia of Georgia Transforms Lives Through Innovation, Care, and Community, with Vic McCarty

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How Hemophilia of Georgia Transforms Lives Through Innovation, Care, and Community, with Vic McCarty (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 16)

In this episode of the Good2Give podcast, hosts Maria Walden and DePriest Waddy sit down with Vic McCarty, Chief Community Engagement Officer at Hemophilia of Georgia (HoG), to explore how this remarkable nonprofit is redefining comprehensive care for individuals with inherited bleeding disorders. From groundbreaking research and global outreach to scholarships and summer camps for youth, Vic shares the powerful ways HoG supports more than 2,200 patients across Georgia.

Hear how HoG’s partnership with the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia amplifies their impact and why Georgia is one of the best places in the country to live with hemophilia. Vic’s passion, humor, and wealth of insight make the episode an inspiring conversation about mission-driven innovation, strategic fundraising, and holistic care, from birth to adulthood.

The Good2Give Podcast is presented by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Key Takeaways from this Episode

Wraparound Care from Birth to Adulthood: Hemophilia of Georgia provides comprehensive support—including medical, social, and emotional services—for patients throughout their entire lives.
More Than Medical: Through youth leadership camps, educational scholarships, and a focus on mental health, HoG addresses the full spectrum of living with a bleeding disorder.
Strategic Partnerships Matter: Vic highlights why HoG chose to partner with the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia and how this collaboration is expanding their donor reach and mission capacity.
Global and Local Impact: HoG’s “twinning” initiative helps develop care infrastructure in underserved countries, while maintaining Georgia as a national model of care.
Education is Power: Most people don’t understand bleeding disorders or the difference between HoG and more visible organizations like the Red Cross. Raising awareness is essential—and personal stories help.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the Good2Give Podcast
00:19 Meet the Hosts and Vic McCarty
00:46 Vic McCarthy’s Role and Impact
01:41 Partnership with the Community Foundation
04:12 Hemophilia of Georgia’s Mission and Programs
06:01 Research, Scholarships, and Global Aid
13:58 Understanding Hemophilia and Von Willebrand Disease
16:04 Summer Camp and Volunteer Opportunities
20:14 Navigating Life with Hemophilia
21:08 Introduction to Hemophilia Care
21:53 Comprehensive Support Services
22:34 Insurance and Financial Assistance
24:37 Personal Stories and Experiences
27:28 Detection and Diagnosis
31:05 Lifestyle and Holistic Approaches
33:39 Mental Health and Emotional Support
35:54 Scholarships and Career Support
37:53 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Hemophilia of Georgia

Hemophilia of Georgia (HoG) is a nationally and internationally recognized nonprofit organization that provides programs and support services for people with hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease, and other bleeding disorders. HoG is the only agency of its kind in the state and is dedicated to enhancing the health and wellness of the bleeding disorder community by providing excellence in comprehensive health care, education, advocacy, and the support of research to transform lives.

Since 1973, Hemophilia of Georgia has been providing blood-clotting medications, home infusion training, educational programs, and clinical services. The Georgia General Assembly has honored Hemophilia of Georgia (HoG) every year for the exceptional work that the organization and its staff have done in serving the community of people with bleeding disorders over the past ten years. Dedicated to their mission, the people at Hemophilia of Georgia know it takes more than medicine to support the bleeding disorder community.

HoG works to enhance health care and quality of life while actively pursuing a cure through research funding. Hemophilia of Georgia looks forward to the day when we live in a world where people live free from bleeding disorders.

HoG is a trusted resource for medical providers and offers rewarding opportunities for volunteers and donors.
HoG’s nonprofit pharmacy provides convenient home delivery of clotting factor and other medications at competitive prices.
HoG is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors that includes individuals who have a bleeding disorder.
For 50 years, Hemophilia of Georgia has provided a wide range of programs and services, including blood clotting products, home infusion training, education, and activities for people who have hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.

Hemophilia of Georgia exists so that people affected by bleeding disorders live as normally and productively as possible.

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Vic McCarty, Hemophilia of Georgia

Vic McCarty currently serves as Chief Community Engagement Officer at Hemophilia of Georgia.

Since 2000, Vic has been involved in nonprofit organizations and fundraising, where he has been creating and improving signature events, managing budgets and timelines, and working closely with planning committees and volunteers. Vic is responsible for creating the Trot to Clot Walk event for Hemophilia of Georgia.

Vic also has a strong background in strategic and visionary planning, engaging community stakeholders, securing charitable support from corporations, and providing training for event committees and volunteers. He has worked with business executives, community leaders, college students, and internal staff on creating and implementing signature events as well as developing vision plans and timelines for signature events. Vic has worked with several nonprofit youth organizations, serving as both a volunteer and staff member.

Vic resides in Marietta with his wife, Shanie, and two kids. He enjoys traveling, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and volunteering with the Georgia 4-H Foundation.

The Good2Give Podcast celebrates the work of donors, nonprofits, and the causes they care about. DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden are the show’s hosts, and the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia is the presenting sponsor.

The Good2Give Podcast is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. You can also find the show on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many others.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

On a fundamental level, they do that through managing funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses. Most funds are donor-advised funds, similar to savings accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes, and their income is used to make grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes.

But the Foundation’s goals extend far beyond managing funds. They desire to strengthen the communities they serve in Gwinnett, Northeast Georgia, and beyond by providing leadership, addressing community needs, and assisting individuals and organizations with their charitable giving.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Healthcare with Heart, with Shameka Allen, Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett

March 20, 2025 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Healthcare with Heart, with Shameka Allen, Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett

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Healthcare with Heart, with Shameka Allen, Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 15)

In this episode of the Good2Give Podcast, hosts Maria Walden and DePriest Waddy from the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia interview Shameka Allen, the CEO of Good Samaritan Health Centers in Gwinnett. They discuss the history and operations of the clinics, which provide affordable healthcare services to uninsured and low-income individuals. The conversation explores the diverse demographics served, the unique cost model, and the various services offered, including medical, dental, and prescription assistance. They also highlight the clinic’s commitment to holistic, compassionate care, supported by their faith-based values, and their innovative workforce development initiative, Access Academy. Additionally, the episode covers the clinics’ adaptation to treat long COVID, the impact of immigration policies on patient care, and the upcoming spring fundraising campaign.

To learn more and to donate to Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett, follow this link.

Shameka Allen, Executive Director, Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett

Shameka Allen is the Chief Executive Officer of Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett, a role she assumed in January 2024. With a strong background in healthcare management and non-profit organizations, Shameka brings extensive experience to her position.

Prior to becoming CEO, Shameka served as the Associate Director of Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett from September 2021 to December 2023. In this role, she collaborated with the Executive Director to manage staff and volunteers, maintain industry standards, and evaluate opportunities to improve operations.

Shameka’s career history includes positions such as Manager of Practice Management at Beltone and Regional Operations Director at DaVita Kidney Care, where she was responsible for multiple dialysis facilities and home dialysis units.

Shameka holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, a Master of Arts in International Relations and Affairs from the University of Indianapolis, and a Bachelor of Arts in French Studies from Emory University. Her diverse educational background complements her professional experience in healthcare management and non-profit leadership.

Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett

Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett is a non-profit medical clinic located in Norcross, Georgia, dedicated to providing low-cost healthcare services to uninsured and underinsured residents of Gwinnett County and surrounding areas. Founded in 2004, the organization offers a comprehensive range of services, including primary care, general dentistry, pediatric care, counseling, health education classes, and pharmacy assistance. This broad spectrum of services is designed to address the diverse health needs of the community, ensuring that individuals have access to quality care regardless of their financial situation.

The mission of Good Samaritan Health Center is rooted in demonstrating the love of Christ by providing quality, affordable, and accessible health and dental services to the poor and uninsured. The organization aims to reduce health disparities by offering consistent and reliable healthcare options. Additionally, it seeks to decrease the non-emergent use of emergency rooms by the uninsured, which can be both costly and inefficient. By providing a stable source of primary care, Good Samaritan Health Center helps to manage chronic conditions effectively and prevent unnecessary hospital visits.

Good Samaritan Health Center operates with a staff of about 30 and relies heavily on over 400 annual volunteers, including medical professionals and students. The organization sees approximately 2,500 patients per month, with appointment fees ranging from $25 to $75. In recent years, the center has provided an estimated $5.2 million worth of healthcare services through thousands of patient encounters. It has received several accolades, including GuideStar’s Platinum status and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce’s Healthcare Excellence Award, recognizing its commitment to quality care and community service.

Website | LinkedIn |Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
00:38 Meet Shameka Allen, CEO of Good Samaritan Health
01:52 History and Mission of Good Samaritan Health Centers
03:55 Demographics and Services Offered
07:27 Innovative Healthcare Models and Payment Structures
12:36 Dental Services and Community Impact
16:51 Funding and Community Partnerships
18:14 Workforce Development and Access Academy
26:04 Faith-Based Approach and Patient Care
27:07 Challenges and Innovations in Healthcare
31:34 Conclusion and Call to Action

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Empowering Nonprofit Leaders for Transformative Work, with Linnea Miller, Long Table Consulting

December 4, 2024 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Empowering Nonprofit Leaders for Transformative Work, with Linnea Miller, Long Table Consulting

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Empowering Nonprofit Leaders for Transformative Work, with Linnea Miller, Long Table Consulting (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 13)

Linnea Miller, Long Table Consulting, is the guest in this episode of the Good2Give podcast, hosted by Maria Walden and DePriest Waddy from the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. The conversation delves into Linnea’s work in empowering leaders, her podcast Human Together, and the transformational collaboration between Long Table and the Community Foundation. They discuss the Leadership Impact for Transformation (LIFT) program, designed to equip nonprofit leaders with tools and strategies to enhance their organizations’ effectiveness. The conversation highlights the importance of investing in personal leadership, collaboration, and innovative approaches to nonprofit management. Listeners gain insights into the benefits of agency funds, the importance of transparent leadership, and upcoming opportunities for nonprofit leaders to get involved in the LIFT program.

The Good2Give Podcast is presented by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Linnea Miller, Long Table Consulting

Linnea Miller serves as the President and CEO of Long Table, LLC, dedicated to growing leaders for thriving relationships, better performance, and greater impact.

As an accomplished leadership development coach and consultant, Linnea delivers transformative outcomes for clients across diverse industries, including government, nonprofit, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies. Certified in Myers-Brigg Type Indicator (MBTI), GiANT Worldwide 5Voices, Coaching, 100x Leader, and the 6 Types of Working Geniuses, Linnea leverages her background as a former educator and nonprofit leader to create engaging and impactful experiences for her clients.

Currently in her third term as a council member and holding the position of Mayor Pro Tempore for the City of Suwanee, Linnea is passionate about connecting people to people and people to their place. Actively involved in numerous nonprofit committees and boards, she brings her commitment to community service to the forefront.

In addition to her professional commitments, Linnea finds joy in art and nature. Whether exploring her local farmer’s market, engaging in a DIY project, or spending quality time with her husband, four children, and grandbabies, Linnea values the richness of deep relationships.

Long Table Consulting

Long Table is an award-winning consultancy that specializes in building healthy, high-performing leaders and teams across various industries, including government, nonprofit, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies. Founded in 2019 by Linnea Miller, the company aims to unlock the potential of individuals in their workplaces, communities, and personal lives.

The Long Table team holds certifications in several leadership development tools, including GiANT Worldwide’s 5 Voices, 100X Leader, and Coaching Intensive, as well as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the 6 Types of Working Genius. These certifications enable them to offer personalized coaching, small group sessions, workshops, and programs like the Leadership Impact for Transformation (LIFT) and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Leader Academy.

Long Table’s mission is to elevate the potential in people so that they thrive together, focusing on enhancing communication, fostering healthy relationships, ensuring organizational alignment, improving performance and execution, and building capacity and growth.

Their clients include organizations such as the City of Suwanee, The Home Depot, Creature Comforts Brewing, and Creative Ladder.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the Good2Give Podcast
00:38 Meet Our Guest: Linnea Miller
02:01 Empowering Nonprofits: Linnea’s Mission
03:07 The Birth of Long Table Consulting
05:59 The Importance of Investing in Nonprofit Leadership
16:25 Introducing the LIFT Program
20:18 The Impact of Collaboration and Community Support
33:45 How to Get Involved and Upcoming Events
36:22 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

The Good2Give Podcast is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. You can also find the show on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many others.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Empowering Youth Through Service, with Jennifer Guynn, Pebble Tossers

September 23, 2024 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Empowering Youth Through Service, with Jennifer Guynn, Pebble Tossers

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Empowering Youth Through Service, with Jennifer Guynn, Pebble Tossers (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 12)

In this episode of the Good2Give Podcast, hosts Maria Walden and DePriest Waddy from the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia interview Jennifer Guynn, the founder and executive director of Pebble Tossers. Jen shares the origins and mission of Pebble Tossers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through community service and leadership development. The discussion covers the impact of involving children in service projects, the organization’s structure, and the diverse range of cause areas they focus on, including the environment, homelessness, and social justice. They also explore potential partnerships, fundraising strategies, and upcoming events. The episode emphasizes the importance of instilling a sense of responsibility and civic engagement from a young age, as well as how community involvement can shape future leaders.

Jennifer Guynn, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Pebble Tossers

As Co-founder and Executive Director of Pebble Tossers, Jen lives a life of service. She serves as a State Commissioner for Georgia Serves, the State Commission for Service and Volunteerism, and is Chair of the Service and Development Committee.

She is a 21/64 Certified Philanthropic Advisor, a mentor at Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School, and has been named a Titan CEO as one of the 2023 Georgia Titan 100 award winners.

She is an Atlanta native, serves on various boards and committees throughout Atlanta, and is married with three adult kids and three rescue dogs (and two rescue granddogs).

Pebble Tossers

Pebble Tossers is an organization dedicated to empowering youth through volunteerism and community service, creating meaningful pathways for young individuals to engage in impactful projects. The organization focuses on various key areas, including citizenship and social justice, where it educates youth about their role in driving change. It also addresses the needs of vulnerable communities, supports those experiencing homelessness, and promotes environmental stewardship by encouraging sustainable practices among families. Additionally, Pebble Tossers emphasizes the importance of arts and culture, global awareness, education and literacy, as well as support for the elderly and animal welfare.

Through its initiatives, Pebble Tossers provides resources for service-learning, including workshops and toolkits, while encouraging family involvement through membership options. By participating in these programs, youth not only contribute to their communities but also develop valuable leadership skills that shape them into future leaders. The organization fosters a sense of responsibility and compassion in young individuals, empowering them to make a positive difference in the world around them.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the Good2Give Podcast
00:21 Meet Jen Guynn, Pebble Tossers
01:02 The Mission of Pebble Tossers
03:03 The Importance of Youth Service
04:59 Diverse Cause Areas and Projects
06:57 Engaging Families in Service
12:24 Operational Insights and Partnerships
22:54 Upcoming Events and Fundraising
29:51 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

The Good2Give Podcast celebrates the work of donors, nonprofits, and the causes they care about. DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan are the show’s hosts, and the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia is the presenting sponsor.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Jonathan Holmes, Mighty 8th Media

July 22, 2024 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Jonathan Holmes, Mighty 8th Media

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Jonathan Holmes, Mighty 8th Media, (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 11)

In this episode of the Good2Give Podcast, hosted by Maria Walden and DePriest Waddy from the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, the focus is on the intersection of philanthropy, the creative economy, and community development. Special guest Jonathan Holmes from Mighty 8th Media, a creative marketing agency, shares insights about his company’s role in driving economic growth through creative industries such as marketing, video production, and branding. The episode highlights the upcoming Good2Give gala on August 16, 2024, which will showcase various nonprofit organizations in the arts, emphasizing the importance of the arts in community and economic development. Additionally, the conversation delves into initiatives like food insecurity and the role of the arts in fostering community engagement and human worth.

The Good2Give Podcast is presented by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Jonathan Holmes, Managing Partner, Mighty 8th Media LLC

Jonathan Holmes is co-founder and Managing Partner and CFO of Mighty 8th Media, a full-service marketing and creative agency. The agency was founded in 2005 and has grown to be an Inc 5000 -ranked top 50 Marketing Agencies in Atlanta, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle 2017 & 2018. His agency has been awarded Best Places to Work in Atlanta, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2019 and Best Places to Work in Georgia in 2010 and 2016.

Jonathan is a highly trained professional in accounting, non-profit operations, marketing, web and strategic planning with over 35 years of hands-on experience in revenue growth, organizational development, brand repositioning and entrepreneurial start-ups.

He is a native South Carolinian and graduate from the University of South Carolina. A 2018 Graduate of Leadership Gwinnett and 2022 LG Alumni Chair, having lived in Gwinnett for 21 years, Gwinnett is his “hometown.” He is an avid supporter, helping to make Gwinnett Great as a growing county to lead the Atlanta Metro Region supporting a diverse population. He currently serves as Board Chair of Artworks Gwinnett. Most recently, through his leadership efforts, Artworks has undertaken a Master Plan for Gwinnett’s Creative Economy – growing the Arts, Entertainment and Technology sector as an economic engine for Gwinnett.

He is a board member of the Gwinnett Chamber, a board member of the Gwinnett Parks Foundation, an advisor and investor in Partnership Gwinnett, and a Chairman’s Club member of the Gwinnett Chamber. He also serves on the Board of Visitors of Georgia Gwinnett College and the Georgia Gwinnett College Foundation Development Committee. Most recently, he was appointed as a board member of Pinnacle Bank, based in Elberton, GA.

Mighty 8th Media LLC

Headquartered in the heart of historic Buford, GA, Mighty 8th is an award-winning, nationally recognized marketing and creative agency. Founded in 2005 by industry veterans Jonathan Holmes and Bradley Sherwood, Mighty 8th has become synonymous with producing powerful campaigns that drive business and make a lasting impact. The agency provides everything from strategy and creative development to website design and broadcast production for local, national and international clients across a variety of industries, including Alta Refrigeration, ClearStar, Consolidated Banking Services, Emory University, Gwinnett County Public Schools, Hyster Company, MegaSlab, Pinnacle Bank, Porter Steel, Primus Builders and Reeves Young, and State Road Tollway Authority (Peach Pass).

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

00:00 Introduction to the Good2Give Podcast
00:38 Meet Jonathan Holmes from Mighty 8th Media
02:12 The Creative Economy and Community Initiatives
02:56 Upcoming Good2Give Event Details
05:05 Exploring the Creative Economy
10:32 The Role of Arts in Economic Development
13:37 The Impact of Arts on Community and Youth
17:56 The Art of Giving and Food Insecurity
27:20 Mighty 8th Media’s Marketing Expertise
33:18 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Chuck Milton, William’s House, and Chris Foley, Edward Jones

May 28, 2024 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Chuck Milton, William's House, and Chris Foley, Edward Jones

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Chuck Milton, William’s House, and Chris Foley, Edward Jones (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 10)

On this episode of the Good2Give Podcast, host Maria Walden welcomes guests Chuck Milton, Executive Director of William’s House in Roswell, Georgia, and Chris Foley, a financial advisor with Edward Jones. Chuck discusses the mission of William’s House, which is to empower fathers in recovery to achieve self-sufficiency and housing sustainability. Chris elaborates on his philanthropic journey and how he assists his clients with charitable giving and financial planning. Topics include the innovative housing solutions William’s House provides for single fathers, their long-term support programs, and their efforts in fundraising and grant writing. The discussion also touches upon the benefits of donor-advised funds and strategies for financial literacy.

The article “Can you make charitable giving less ‘taxing’?” mentioned by Chris Foley during the show can be found online, free of charge, by following this link.

Chuck Milton, William’s House

Chuck Milton serves as the Executive Director and CEO of William’s House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering fathers in recovery to achieve self-sufficiency and sustainable housing.

Before co-founding William’s House in 2020, Chuck accumulated over 20 years of corporate experience as Vice President at prominent boutique retained executive search firms. He excelled in business development and worked with a diverse clientele, including manufacturers, SMBs, and Fortune companies such as Southern Company and Walt Disney, across both Orlando and Burbank.

His inspiration for this mission stems from his personal journey with alcoholism and prescription drug abuse, which led him to enter a rehabilitation program in 2009. Following his rehabilitation, Chuck found himself in a challenging situation without a stable living environment or the necessary tools to rebuild his life. This experience sparked his curiosity about the support available to men with children facing similar struggles.

Shortly thereafter, Chuck coincidentally joined Mary Hall Freedom House, a facility that assists women and women with children. During his time there, he recognized the need for similar resources tailored to men with children, which inspired the creation of William’s House.

Chuck is a proud alumnus of Florida State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences with a focus on Political Science. He was actively involved in the Greek system and student government during his time at FSU. Despite being a Florida native, Chuck now considers Atlanta his home after residing there for over three decades.

William’s House

William’s House empowers fathers in recovery to achieve self-sufficiency and attain housing sustainability.

At its essence, William’s House is dedicated to motivating men in recovery, guiding them through a transformative journey to reclaim their lives, and facilitating their reintegration with families as valued contributors to their communities. The programming at William’s House places emphasis on personal transformation, moral inventory, and reliance on a Higher Power. The strategy is centered around the transformative power of relationships, including the spiritual dimension, to foster lasting positive change.

Recent research highlights the importance of homeless men having the opportunity to share and process their feelings of judgment, guilt, shame, remorse, and separation from their families, as well as their fears about parenting and re-entering family and home life.

William’s House is dedicated to creating an enriching and supportive environment. The strategic approach is grounded in the belief that enabling individuals at William’s House has a positive ripple effect on the broader community. This approach is encapsulated in the Six Pillars: Housing, Financial Literacy-Wealth Building, Family Counseling, Physical and Mental Well-being, Sobriety Maintenance, and Career Heights. William’s House is committed to delivering comprehensive support through a combination of community-based initiatives and on-site services.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Chris Foley, Edward Jones, CFP®

Chris Foley guides individuals, families, and small business owners in an increasingly complex and volatile investment environment by offering clear, straightforward financial advice and helping them make sense of their investments.

Chris Foley, Edward Jones, on the Good2Give Podcast — **Chris Foley, Edward Jones**

Since joining Edward Jones, Chris has assisted many families in the community to fund their investment goals and plan for their financial futures. Prior to his career at Edward Jones, he worked in the financial services industry for nearly 13 years. He earned his B.A. from Dartmouth College.

Chris’s finance journey began in his junior year of college at the age of 20. He worked as an intern on the trading desk of a global investment bank and developed an enthusiasm for researching stocks. He saved $1,000 by the end of the summer and picked a blue-chip stock in which to invest. His father opened a brokerage account for them to invest in together. His father purchased the stock Chris had chosen, and Chris was to reimburse him. Instead, Chris used the money to buy an electric guitar (since purchasing that guitar, he has learned to play a whopping nine chords and only one scale). Fortunately, his father held onto the investment, and that initial $1,000 grew and eventually helped to fund his retirement. That experience taught Chris the power of compounding and investing for the long term. While his ability to play the guitar has not grown, his passion for investing, educating his clients, and helping them to create the life they dream of has grown exponentially.

Chris is a relationship builder and cares deeply about his community. He and his wife, Courtney, live in the Crabapple area of Alpharetta, Georgia, with their two curious and very active young boys. Courtney is a classical pianist who still encourages him to play his guitar and master the E minor pentatonic scale. In his spare time, Chris enjoys spending time with his family, watching sports, and traveling.

Website | LinkedIn

Edward Jones

Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 firm, provides financial services in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. The firm’s nearly 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 8 million clients, with a total of $1.7 trillion in client assets under care. Edward Jones’ purpose is to partner for positive impact to improve the lives of its clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society.

Through the dedication of the firm’s 50,000 associates and our branch presence in 68 percent of U.S. counties, the firm is committed to helping more people achieve financially what is most important to them.

Website

Topics Discussed in This Interview

00:00 Welcome to the Good2Give Podcast
00:41 Introducing the Guests and Their Missions
01:13 Deep Dive into William’s House: Empowering Fathers
05:33 Financial Literacy and Philanthropy with Chris Foley
10:05 Exploring Donor Advised Funds and Charitable Giving
14:13 The Importance of Community and Fundraising Efforts
21:30 Future Plans and How to Get Involved
32:04 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Nesha Mason, The Drake House

March 25, 2024 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Nesha Mason, The Drake House

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Nesha Mason, The Drake House (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 9)

Nesha Mason, President of The Drake House, joined this episode of the Good2Give Podcast. The Drake House is a nonprofit operating in North Fulton, focusing on assisting single mothers and their families who face homelessness. Hosts Maria Walden and DePriest Waddy interviewed Nesha on the history of the Drake House, its programs, and the impact it has had on the community. Founded following a realization of the homelessness crisis affecting single mothers in North Fulton, the Drake House provides emergency and transitional housing, financial literacy, and community support to empower single mothers towards independence. The organization has evolved to offer comprehensive support, including a fresh market and a professional women’s career network. The conversation covered volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, and how the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia supports the Drake House through partnerships, funding, and resources, emphasizing the importance of community support in addressing homelessness and financial vulnerability among single mothers and their children.

Nesha Mason, President, The Drake House

Nesha Mason is a dedicated leader with a rich and diverse background in education, operations management, and community engagement. With experience in both the public and nonprofit sectors, Nesha has consistently demonstrated her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Her passion for community service and helping others has led her to roles in public service, education and nonprofit leadership. Mason served as the first female African American Mayor of Abilene, Kansas. In this role, she focused her efforts on planned growth and government transparency for residents. Mason chose not to seek reelection, opting to pursue alternative certification to be a K–12 educator. After serving as a teacher at Haynes Bridge Middle School in Alpharetta, Mason served as Executive Director of a state-wide educational foundation connecting high school students to the hospitality industry.

In her current role as President of The Drake House, Nesha Mason combines her leadership skills, educational expertise, and commitment to community welfare to lead and support initiatives that empower families and create lasting positive change.

Under Nesha’s direction, The Drake House has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its programming. Her strategic insight and commitment to holistic support have propelled the organization from providing shelter to a two-generational approach to overcoming homelessness and financial vulnerability. This shift has been pivotal in ensuring that families not only find housing but also receive comprehensive resources to transition towards independence and stability.

In her personal life, Nesha has been married for 23 years and is the proud parent of five adult sons. Nesha and her husband currently reside in Roswell, Georgia, where they continue to be actively involved in their community.

The Drake House

The Drake House is a 501(c)3 organization that works to respond to the growing number of women and children experiencing homelessness in North Fulton. They involve members of our community in the effort to keep single mothers and their children united under one roof as they work toward self-sufficiency.

The Drake House helps women with children overcome the circumstances of homelessness with dignity while keeping their families intact. In response to the changes in our post-COVID world, The Drake House has adapted its programming to help the families we serve acquire housing and achieve financial self-sufficiency.

Graduates of their program work, pay taxes, rent apartments, purchase groceries, attend faith-based organizations, and hopefully, one day, become homeowners. They are equipped to be good employees, tenants, and neighbors. When given the opportunity, some even use their story to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and take advantage of all the services The Drake House has to offer them. As they continue their work to improve their program and campus, The Drake House does so with the expectation that the results will lead to more graduates, more resilient children and teens, and ultimately, a stronger community.

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Topics Discussed in This Interview

00:00 Welcome to the Good2Give Podcast
00:36 Introducing Nisha Mason from The Drake House
01:57 The Drake House: A Beacon of Hope for Single Mothers
03:21 Expanding Support: From Emergency Housing to Financial Literacy
10:39 The Importance of Community and Sponsorship
22:12 Volunteering, Funding, and How to Get Involved
30:08 Upcoming Events and How to Support The Drake House
33:23 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

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