Emotional Health: Chris Helfrich on Empowering Oakland's Youth & The Impact of Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation

08/16/23 • 47 min

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Unleashing the Power of Eating, Learning, and Playing: Join CEO Chris Helfrich as he champions the impactful mission of Eat.Learn.Play Foundation to transform underserved communities through its three pillars, challenging the stigmas of charity and inspiring lasting change.

My special guest is Chris Helfrich

Meet Chris Helfrich, the force behind the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation. Not a stranger to charitable work, Chris has broadened his experience, starting from his endeavors with the UN Foundation Against Malaria to leading the Starlight Children's Foundation. Now, partnering with Ayesha and Steph Curry, Chris is transforming thousands of lives in Oakland through the power of Eat Learn Play. Using this powerful trifecta, Chris and his team advocate for children's access to nutritious food, quality education, and sports activities. His work goes beyond charity; it's about offering dignity, a proud sense of community, and a bright future for those in need.

This bus totally flips receiving charity on its head, where normally there can be real stigma attached to receiving food from a food bank, right? And instead, what we have with the Eat and Play bus is like, kids just flocking to the bus to receive these resources. - Chris Helfrich

Chris Helfrich, CEO of the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, was interviewed on the A World of Difference podcast by host Lori Adams-Brown. The conversation centered around the foundation's mission and impact in Oakland, California. Helfrich discussed the three pillars of the foundation: eating, learning, and playing, and emphasized their importance in creating a happy and successful childhood. He shared how the foundation focuses on childhood literacy, with a specific emphasis on third-grade reading levels. Helfrich also highlighted the foundation's commitment to impact over legacy, as well as their partnership with the Curry family. Overall, the episode serves as an inspiring discussion on the work being done by the Eat Learn Play Foundation and the importance of community involvement in making a difference.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Dive into the transformative ethos of the Eat Learn Play Foundation and its initiatives in Oakland.
Learn about the concentrated focus the foundation has on the intellectual growth of children.
Appreciate the role of unstructured play and physical health in the holistic development of children.
Unravel opportunities to participate and make a difference with the foundation's community initiatives.
Grasp how local participation is a major asset in addressing and resolving social challenges.

Pivotal Role of Eat Learn Play Foundation

Eat Learn Play Foundation, co-founded by Chris Helfrich, Stephen Curry and his wife author and celebrity chef Ayesha, plays a significant role in uplifting the community in Oakland, California. With a stellar record of delivering 25 million meals, investing in literacy programs, and serving numerous young individuals, they create an impactful difference. Their strategy involves forming robust relationships with influential partners, and operating innovative programs like the mobile bookstore and market bus, fulfilling their mission to nourish, educate, and entertain.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

Visit the Eat Learn Play Foundation website to learn more about their mission and the work they do in Oakland.
Support the Eat Learn Play Foundation by making a donation to help provide meals, books, and resources to youth in need.
Follow Eat Learn Play on social media to stay updated on their latest initiatives and events.
Volunteer your time with Eat Learn Play to make a hands-on impact in the Oakland community.
Purchase merchandise from the Eat Learn Play Foundation to support their programs and show your support.
Explore partnership opportunities with Eat Learn Play if you or your organization align with their mission and want to make a difference in Oakland.
Share the story of Eat Learn Play with your friends, family, and network to help raise awareness about their work and inspire others to get involved.
Stay tuned for the big exciting announcement from Eat Learn Play by following their social media channels and subscribing to their newsletter.

The opportunity to create something with two of the all-time great people in the Curries and leverage their networks, their voices, their platforms, and their passions to do good, it was a dream come true. - Chris Helfrich

Timestamped summary of this episode:

00:00:02 - Introduction,

Lori Adams Brown introduces the podcast and the guest, Christopher Helfrich, CEO of Eat Learn Play ...

My special guest is Chris Helfrich

In this episode, you will be able to:

Dive into the transformative ethos of the Eat Learn Play Foundation and its initiatives in Oakland.
Learn about the concentrated focus the foundation has on the intellectual growth of children.
Appreciate the role of unstructured play and physical health in the holistic development of children.
Unravel opportunities to participate and make a difference with the foundation's community initiatives.
Grasp how local participation is a major asset in addressing and resolving social challenges.

Pivotal Role of Eat Learn Play Foundation

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

Visit the Eat Learn Play Foundation website to learn more about their mission and the work they do in Oakland.
Support the Eat Learn Play Foundation by making a donation to help provide meals, books, and resources to youth in need.
Follow Eat Learn Play on social media to stay updated on their latest initiatives and events.
Volunteer your time with Eat Learn Play to make a hands-on impact in the Oakland community.
Purchase merchandise from the Eat Learn Play Foundation to support their programs and show your support.
Explore partnership opportunities with Eat Learn Play if you or your organization align with their mission and want to make a difference in Oakland.
Share the story of Eat Learn Play with your friends, family, and network to help raise awareness about their work and inspire others to get involved.
Stay tuned for the big exciting announcement from Eat Learn Play by following their social media channels and subscribing to their newsletter.

Timestamped summary of this episode:

00:00:02 - Introduction,

Lori Adams Brown introduces the podcast and the guest, Christopher Helfrich, CEO of Eat Learn Play ...

Previous Episode

undefined - Emotional Health: Sarah Stankorb on Disobedient Women, Silent Suffering & Uncovering the Unique Harm of Abuse within Religious Contexts

Emotional Health: Sarah Stankorb on Disobedient Women, Silent Suffering & Uncovering the Unique Harm of Abuse within Religious Contexts

Do you want to see a positive shift within religious communities, addressing the damaging effects of abuse? Are you eager to create change and raise awareness within faith communities? Join us as we welcome guest Sarah Stankorb, who will share the solution to achieving increased awareness and action in addressing abuse within religious contexts. Together, let's work towards a transformative outcome, where the harmful effects of abuse within faith communities are recognized and addressed.

My special guest is Sarah Stankorb

Sarah Stankorb is not just a journalist; she's an advocate for the unseen and unheard. Her remarkable talent transcends reporting, establishing her as a genuine voice of change within society. Her work resonates with empathy - sketching heart-touching narratives in renowned publications such as The Washington Post and New York Times. In her latest book, 'Disobedient Women', Sarah unveils the deeply haunting experiences of abuse suffered within faith communities. This isn't the limit of her prowess - with qualifications from the University of Chicago's Divinity School and Westminster College, Sarah brings an enriched, well-rounded perspective to her work. Her compassion and zeal

The online reckoning has brought together a community of wounded survivors, revealing the commonality of their experiences and the need for healing and reform within faith communities. - Sarah Stankorb

In this episode, you will be able to:

Peel back the taboos surrounding exploitation hidden in the folds of religion.
Contemplate the societal constructs that endorse gender limitations within evangelical communities.
Recognize the long-term impact of abuse masked in the garb of spiritual beliefs.
Appreciate the role of online platforms in forging a solidarity among survivors of abuse.
Galvanize the need to uplift silenced voices of women, a vital step for inclusive religious spaces.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

Pre-order Sarah Stankorb's new book, Disobedient Women: How a Small Group of Faithful Women Exposed Abuse, Brought Down Powerful Pastors, and Started an Evangelical Reckoning on her website or through major online book retailers.
Follow Sarah Stankorb on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Threads) for updates on her book release and other writings.
Read Sarah Stankorb's articles and essays on women's issues, faith, and culture in publications like the Washington Post, New York Times, Vogue, Marie Claire, Glamour, and O Magazine.
Explore Sarah Stankorb's previous works, including her award-winning article Rape Culture Lives Here.
Support the Society of Professional Journalists and the Religion News Association, of which Sarah Stankorb is a member.
Consider studying ethics, religion, history, or philosophy at the University of Chicago's Divinity School or Westminster College, where Sarah Stankorb graduated with honors.
Reflect on the impact of silencing and the importance of using your voice, inspired by Sarah Stankorb's personal experience with a vocal disorder.
Challenge toxic theology and harmful narratives

It's long overdue to recognize women in this way that have been trailblazing reform in these faith-based environments. - Sarah Stankorb

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introduction,

00:01:22 - Sarah Stankorb's Background,

00:03:00 - Unique Perspective on Religion,

00:06:04 - Personal Experience of Silencing,

00:10:09 - Birth of a Counter Movement,

00:13:58 - Damage to Women in Evangelical Worlds,

00:18:51 - The Intensity of Abuse Paired with Faith,

00:22:31 - The Impact of Spiritual Abuse,

00:26:13 - The Online Reckoning and #MeToo,

00:30:20 - The Revelation of Widespread Abuse,

00:37:36 - The Impact of Silencing Women,

00:38:44 - Lack of Attention to Women Leaving the Church,

00:41:10 - Reasons for the Lack of Attention,

00:42:12 - Ignoring the Issue in Megachurches,

00:53:44 - DBT Therapy and Moving Forward,

00:54:10 - Being a Part of Change,

00:54:45 - Gratitude and Appreciation,

00:55:30 - Crucial Time in the History of the Church,

00:56:10 - Strength in Community,

Unmasking spiritual maltreatment within faith communities. The podcast accentuates the worsening impact of abuse once it becomes intertwined with faith. Victims don't face just physical or emotional trauma, but also spiritu...

Next Episode

Emotional Health: Dr. Barry Krakow on Advocating for Better Sleep and Tips for Finding Quality Care

Renowned sleep doctor, Dr. Barry Krakow, battles dismissive doctors, empowers patients, and transforms lives through the power of proper diagnosis and treatment for sleep disorders, unlocking the key to improved mental well-being.

My special guest is Barry Krakow

Barry Krakow is a seasoned medical professional and a celebrated figure in the world of sleep science. With over three decades of dedicated service, Barry has helped countless individuals navigate through sleep disorders, from chronic nightmares and insomnia to Restless Leg Syndrome. As a board-certified internist, his work has shed light on the intricate relationship between sleep quality and mental health. Barry is currently a professor at Mercer University School of Medicine, where he oversees the training of future psychiatrists in the field of sleep medicine. His life's work and distinct insights make him an invaluable guide for those struggling with sleep disorders and mental health issues.

By having these problems with your sleep, it's not just all psychological. You end up with cardiovascular diseases, neurologic problems. Sleep is a huge deal. - Barry Krakow

In this episode, you will be able to:

Gain insights into how sleep disorders intertwine with mental health, illuminating a side of psychological resilience few have considered.
Learn about the successful methods used in dealing with long-term nightmares and sleeplessness, and the prospect of finally getting that elusive good night's rest.
Appreciate why taking stock of sleep quality is paramount and the significant benefits it brings to your day-to-day activities.
Understand the challenges in securing good care for sleep disorders and strategies to navigate them.
Delve into the sleep needs of teenagers, and the profound effects sleep has on their overall development and well-being.

Emphasize the importance of addressing sleep quality

Maintaining quality sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. It's an area that often gets overlooked, but poor sleep quality can result in deteriorating mental health conditions and reduced alertness during the day. Therefore, prioritizing sleep quality by seeking professional help when needed and implementing beneficial habits can dramatically improve overall well-being.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

Purchase Dr. Barry Krakow's book Life Saving Sleep: New Horizons in Mental Health Treatment to learn more about the relationship between sleep and mental health.
Visit Dr. Krakow's website to find resources and information about sleep disorders and treatment options.
If you or someone you know is struggling with sleep and mental health, consider seeking help from a sleep doctor or specialist in your area.
Explore the various treatment options available for sleep disorders, including medication, therapy, and alternative therapies.
Take steps to improve the quality of your sleep by establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a sleep-friendly environment, and practicing relaxation techniques before bed.
Consider using sleep tracking devices or apps to monitor your sleep patterns and identify any potential issues.
Prioritize self-care and stress management techniques to reduce the impact of mental health on your sleep.
Educate yourself about the connection between sleep disorders and mental health, and advocate for better understanding and treatment within the mental health community.
If you suspect that your sleep problems may be related to an underlying mental health condition, consult with a mental health professional for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.
Reach out to support groups or online communities
Join his SUBSTACK URL FOR FREE SLEEP NEWSLETTER: https://fastasleep.substack.com/