You Matter Nashville

In this inspiring episode of You Matter Nashville, we sat down with Melissa Spradlin, executive director of Book’em, a nonprofit dedicated to boosting children's literacy in Nashville since 1989. Melissa shared her journey from growing up with educator parents to finding her passion for literacy and community service. She gave us a look inside Book’em’s mission of getting books into kids' hands and fostering a love of rea...

In this episode of You Matter Nashville, we sat down with Jenny Rustioni and Natalie Lemarbre of Eli’s House, a life-changing nonprofit based right here in Franklin. Eli’s House is a faith-based two-year residential program where moms and their children heal together after trauma. Jenny and Natalie shared their heartfelt journey of turning personal pain into purpose, equipping families to not just survive but thrive.

We talked about...

In this heart-filled episode, we sat down with Brian Sweatt, founder of Mechanics on a Mission, to explore how something as practical as a car can become a vehicle for dignity, opportunity, and life transformation. From a post-flood miracle at Lighthouse Christian School to launching a full-blown ministry that gifts vehicles to those in need, Brian’s journey is one of faith, community partnerships, and unshakable hope.

Together, we ...

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Keith and Misti Sammons—two individuals who turned unimaginable grief into a mission of hope. After losing their spouses (Keith to cancer and Misti in a tragic plane crash), their separate journeys of healing eventually brought them together through what can only be described as a divine appointment.

Together, they now minister to others navigating grief, loss, and hardship. From spont...

In this powerful episode of You Matter Nashville, we sat down with Tia May—an Army veteran, mental health advocate, and motorsports enthusiast—who shared her incredible journey of resilience, healing, and purpose.

Tia opened up about her struggles with PTSD, the challenges she faced after her military service, and how she found new purpose through organizations like 22ZERO and Camp Southern Ground. She explained how mental...

In this powerful episode, we sat down with Benjamin Holmes, owner and CEO of Benjamin Holmes Counseling and Switchback Counseling Services, to explore the importance of mental health and the incredible work his team is doing in Middle Tennessee. Benjamin shared his personal journey into counseling, from growing up with a mother struggling with severe mental illness to becoming a Baptist minister and ultimately transitioning into th...

In this episode of You Matter Nashville, we sit down with Kailey Cornett, the CEO of Hope Clinic for Women, a nonprofit that has been serving women, men, and families in Nashville since 1983. Kailey shares her incredible journey—how she felt called at just 16 years old to support women facing unplanned pregnancies and how that led her to study nonprofit management, work in private equity, and ultimately return to her true passion.

W...

Joe Adams, founder of “Relentless Pursuit,” joined us to share the gripping story behind his mission. After surviving a near-fatal motorcycle accident that left him with multiple fractures and internal injuries, Joe discovered that gratitude, determination, and faith could transform even the darkest of circumstances. Despite the pain and uncertainty of his recovery, he focused on seeing each moment—good or bad—as an opportunity for...

We had the privilege of sitting down with nonprofit leader, Marcus Meniz, whose organization, Stronger Than My Father, provides much-needed mentorship to fatherless youth. He explained how his own upbringing, with both parents in a stable home, fueled his passion to help kids who don’t have that same support system. What began with Marcus mentoring a young cousin quickly evolved into a larger mission: guiding students with structur...

In our latest conversation, we had the pleasure of hosting Stephanie Barca, a licensed social worker, therapist, and Vice President of the Children’s Kindness Network. She introduced us to the lovable Moozie the Cow, an engaging mascot that helps children grasp the value of kindness at an early age. Through reading programs, puppet kits, and joyful community events, Moozie encourages kids to explore empathy, compassion, and self-ca...

We were thrilled to sit down with Chris and Elaine Whitney, founders of OneGenAway, to learn about their incredible mission to fight hunger throughout Middle Tennessee. Hearing their story of humble beginnings—starting with a single car trunk full of bread—and watching it grow into a multifaceted operation was truly inspiring. They shared how OneGenAway rescues perfectly good food from local grocery stores, restaurants, and caterer...

In this inspiring episode of You Matter Nashville, we had the pleasure of speaking with Alan Long, the Executive Director of High Hopes Development Center. High Hopes has been serving children and families in Middle Tennessee for over 40 years, providing an inclusive preschool alongside a pediatric therapy clinic. 

Their unique model supports children with and without special needs, fostering a nurturing and inclusive envi...

In this episode of You Matter Nashville, we had the privilege of hosting Kay Kretsch and Jessica Guzman, two extraordinary leaders from Dismas House of Nashville. Their organization is a beacon of hope for formerly incarcerated individuals, providing them with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to reintegrate into society successfully. Kay and Jessica shed light on how their work is making a profound impact not just on...

We had the privilege of welcoming two extraordinary guests from My Friend's House: Executive Director, Tenasa Pillow, and Fundraising and Development Coordinator, Christine Foell. My Friend's House is a Middle Tennessee organization dedicated to providing safety, structure, and a nurturing environment for at-risk boys aged 12 to 17. Through counseling, therapeutic programs, and an abundance of community support, they help...

We had the privilege of speaking with Anna and Elmer Hill, the husband-and-wife team behind the nonprofit Art Helps Cancer. During our conversation, they shared how their personal experiences with cancer motivated them to form this organization, which focuses on alleviating everyday burdens for families undergoing treatment.

We learned about their annual art auction, which brings together local artists, and how this event...

In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Allison Gamble from Needs of Our Kids (NOOK), a nonprofit organization in Franklin, Tennessee, dedicated to providing immediate, essential support to students in our local schools. We learned how NOOK’s all-volunteer team steps in to offer educational resources, clothing, hygiene items, and even assist with fees for school activities. By ensuring every child has what they need—...

In this episode of You Matter Nashville, we are excited to sit down with Erika Gorman, founder of the Three Strands Family Center in Columbia, Tennessee. Erika shares her incredible journey of moving from California to Columbia and her heart for creating a nonprofit that supports new and expectant families. The Three Strands Family Center offers classes, workshops, and resources that help families navigate pregnancy, birth, and ear...

Welcome to another episode of the You Matter Nashville podcast! On this episode, we’re excited to bring you a conversation with Amy Saffell, Executive Director of ABLE Youth.

ABLE Youth is an amazing organization that empowers kids with physical disabilities to gain independence and confidence through adaptive sports. We dive deep into Amy’s personal journey, her passion for making a difference, and how ABLE Youth is chan...

In this episode of "You Matter Nashville," we have a heartfelt conversation with Kara Edwards, the founder of the Starfish Infertility Foundation. Kara opens up about her own challenging journey with infertility, sharing the emotional and financial hurdles she and her husband faced, including the lack of insurance coverage for treatments. These experiences inspired her to create the foundation, which provides financial as...