Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin

Some of you might remember the popular 1993 movie, "Sleepless in Seattle," starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

Well, the stark reality is that too many people are sleepless in Seattle, without a roof over their heads. In fact, Seattle has the 3rd largest homeless population in the U.S., behind the much larger cities of New York and Los Angeles. In our inaugural podcast series, we are proud to salute our first Non-Profit North Star, Barb Oliver, who is making a huge difference, one home at a time.

She is one of seven Founders -- and Director of Operations -- of Sound Foundations NW. She has literally taken hammers, nails, wood and much else in her hands to help build more than 400 transitional tiny homes since 2018 as part of her commitment to end homelessness. More importantly, she has provided leadership to inspire and motivate thousands of men and women to join her in this noble cause to make sure that every homeless man, woman, and child in the greater Seattle area has a roof over their head and a lock on their door, all to keep them warm, safe, and dry. Listen to her uplifting story as one of many professional and volunteer non-profit leaders who improve the world.

Sound Foundations NW

https://www.soundfoundationsnw.org

On this episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we recognize our special guest, Barbara Williams.

At 85 years young, Barbara's energy and unwavering commitment to helping others is truly awe-inspiring. With a background in education and a career as a teacher and principal, Barbara has dedicated her life to making a difference in the lives of those who are struggling. Alongside her husband, George, they have supported a wide range of nonprofits and good causes through their generous contributions of time, talent, and resources. Guided by her belief that life is a precious gift, Barbara is passionate about creating inclusive and empowering environments for individuals with special needs. Through her own personal experiences as a caregiver and guardian for family members with special needs, Barbara has gained invaluable insights into the unique challenges and needs of this community. Her infectious enthusiasm, love for people, and commitment to making the world a better place make Barbara a true North Star in the nonprofit sector. Join us as we delve into her journey and learn from her wisdom and expertise in advocating for individuals with special needs.

We all have gifts and talents. Every human being has something to offer. No matter our level of functioning, we all have basically similar needs, including loving and being loved, and having a purpose. - Barbara Williams

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover actionable insights from the Nonprofit North Stars podcast that can transform your nonprofit's impact.
• Learn how Reaching Maximum Independence (RMI) is empowering individuals with special needs to achieve their full potential.
• Gain valuable support and resources tailored specifically for special needs nonprofits.
• Understand the common challenges nonprofits face with funding and discover strategies to overcome them.
• Explore the importance of creating inclusive communities and how it can positively impact individuals with special needs.

Empowering individuals with special needs This key value centers around the need for complete inclusion and support for individuals with special needs. Barbara Williams' commitment to empowering such individuals is manifest in her endeavors with RMI, where she fosters an atmosphere of acceptance and independence. Her efforts underline the importance of creating opportunities for self-growth and development, which can profoundly transform lives for special needs individuals.

Reaching Maximum Independence website

To nominate a Non-Profit North Star in your community, go to: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/gih2pAO

Non-Profit North Stars website

Host Jim Eskin celebrates the selfless individuals who dedicate their lives to helping others by highlighting their passion and guiding non-profits in a positive direction.

In this episode, the spotlight is on Leia Hunt.

Leia Hunt is a 2 time childhood cancer survivor, founder of the nonprofit known as Leia’s Kids, podcast host, inspirational speaker, and author of My Battle Plan Journal. Leia was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer when she was two years old. Leia’s battle with childhood cancer resulted in her undergoing 26 surgical procedures, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and ultimately the insertion of a radioactive plaque in her left eye. The radiation ultimately defeated her cancer but left her blind in the left eye. These circumstances defined Leia’s life. Leia says her cancer battle truly began as she grew up with side effects from treatment, being half-blind and navigating her youth knowing she was different.

Leia has turned the devastation of her childhood cancer into a testimony of hope and faith. Leia is passionate about sharing her story and has embraced the opportunity to speak at various events. Leia’s unique perspective on surviving and thriving is a story that she is willing to share with others.

Leia founded Leia’s Kids, a 501(c)3 non-profit at 18 years old, while a senior in high school. Leia grew up hosting lemonade stands, school fundraisers, and more for childhood cancer awareness! However, as she got older she knew she survived cancer for a reason and wanted to do more for God’s kingdom! She wanted to meet these families and look them in the eyes to tell them they can turn this negative situation into something positive. This led to the beginning of her calling and purpose on this earth. To help those suffering to find hope and bring glory to God through our trials on earth. Leia’s Kids gives financial donations to families but also hosts dream parties for fighters and siblings.

Currently, at the age of 22, Leia runs Leia’s Kids full time along with working towards a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education at Texas A&M Commerce University.

Leia's Kids Official Website

We are proud to salute Sue St. Cyr, Operations Director, Helotes Humane Society in Helotes, Texas. Sue was nominated by Janice MacRossin, former, Executive Director of Helotes Humane Society. A 55-year-old retire Air Force veteran, Sue has cared for more than 6,500 dogs and cats over her amazing career as a team member. She humbly estimates she has works more than 70 hours per week.

www.hhsanimals.org

Dr. Alice Christie, Founder and CEO of Tynkertopia has been an educator for the last 56 years. She taught in the K-12 arena for 20 years, was a professor of education at Arizona State University for 20+ years and spent 9 years traveling to 37 states to provide STEM education workshops to over 5000 PK-12 teachers. In 2017, she founded and self-funded Tynkertopia, Inc. (a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in Flagstaff, AZ.

Dr. Christie received her Ph.D. in Language and Literacy and Educational Technology in 1995. She served first as assistant professor, then as associate professor at Arizona State University. She retired in 2008 as ASU President’s Professor Emerita. This designation is one of Arizona State University’s most prestigious faculty honors. It is designed to reward enthusiasm and innovation in teaching, the ability to inspire original and creative work by students, mastery of subject matter and scholarly contributions. Only 36 professors at ASU hold this title.

Tynkertopia, Inc. is a non-profit community center in Flagstaff, AZ. We focus on creativity, inquiry, and STEAM knowledge and skills. Flagstaff is America’s First STEM Community, and Tynkertopia is Flagstaff’s STEAM Community Center. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) + A for the Arts = STEAM.

Tynkertopia is a place filled with opportunities to play, invent and launch imaginations into overdrive! Designed for kids, parents, teachers, and community members, Tynkertopia builds STEAM skills and encourages independent thinking, questioning, inquiring, designing, building, exploring and tinkering!