The Nonprofit Spotlight

High atop the Catoctin Mountains in Jefferson, Maryland, lies a place dedicated to the transformative power of the outdoors. In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Diana Edelblute, Executive Director of Mar-Lu-Ridge Summer Camp & Retreat Center to explore their mission of providing sanctuary, service, and community. 

As a year-round outdoor ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Mar-Lu-R...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Margot Greenlee, Executive Director, and Paula Manion, Founding Chair, of Our Stomping Ground (OSG).

For many adults with developmental disabilities (DD), the transition into adulthood can feel like "falling off a cliff," often leading to social isolation and a lack of affordable housing options. Our Stomping Ground is changing that narrative in Northern Virginia...

In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, Pastor Mike sits down with Cameron and Ellen Graham, the visionary family behind Every1 Can Work and its flagship enterprise, Cameron’s Coffee and Chocolates, and Cameron, the inspiration for Cameron's Coffee.

Driven by the mission to provide meaningful employment for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Grahams share the inspiring story of how their family-run foundation turne...

In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Holly Seibold, the Founder and Mission Ambassador of BRAWS (Bringing Resources to Aid Women’s Shelters).

Imagine a young girl missing a week of school every month or sitting out on the sidelines during sports tryouts—not because of a lack of talent or interest, but because she lacks access to basic menstrual supplies. This is the reality of period poverty, and BRAWS is on a mi...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Scott Seaton, the visionary leader behind Arlington Bridge Builders.

Discover how this interdenominational network is transforming Arlington County by fostering deep collaboration between local churches, businesses, and civic agencies. Scott shares the organization's unique approach to "seeking the shalom" of the community—focusing on the holistic flourishin...

What if nature wasn’t just a peaceful backdrop—but an active partner in healing? In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Suzanne Cervarich and Laura Lang, co-directors of Imagine Well Being, to explore how nature-based therapy is transforming mental health and personal growth.

Through innovative programs that integrate the natural world into the healing process, Imagine Well Being helps individuals reconnect with th...

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Charles Meng from Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC), a dedicated nonprofit committed to fighting hunger in Arlington County. Despite being one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, Arlington faces a stark reality: nearly 24,000 residents—almost 10% of the population—are registered for food assistance. Charles shares insights into AFAC’s impactful work providing healthy, nutritiou...

In this episode, we sit down with Neal Lawson from the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving prenatal care and support for underprivileged mothers in our community. Inspired by Jennifer Bush-Lawson’s own challenging pregnancies and her fortunate access to high-quality medical care, the foundation is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent others from receiving the same vital support. Neal ...

Join us on the Nonprofit Spotlight as we sit down with Bobbie Sue Tunstall, a dedicated donor and volunteer at the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation. In this inspiring episode, Bobbie Sue sheds light on the vital work of the CKG Foundation in promoting youth mental health awareness and support.

We delve into how the foundation empowers young people to speak openly about mental health challenges and fosters a community of understanding...

In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Andrew Steele, Chief Development Officer at Global Refuge, an organization dedicated to ensuring that refugees and immigrants are protected, embraced, and empowered within welcoming communities. 

Andrew reflects on the monumental challenges of resettling refugees during moments of global crisis—including the historic 2021 evacuation of 80,000 Afghans, when Global Refuge resett...

In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Kristyn Peck, CEO of Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), for a candid conversation about the shifting landscape of refugee resettlement in 2025. Following a change in federal administration and a sudden stop work order issued in January, LSSNCA was forced to pause critical services and reevaluate how to continue its mission under extraordinary pres...

In this inspiring episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Dr. Amber Burton, veterinarian, CEO, and founder of Wolf Trap Animal Rescue (WTAR). What began in her home with 30 puppies has grown into a life-saving operation that has rescued and rehomed over 12,000 animals in just ten years. WTAR specializes in transporting at-risk puppies and kittens—primarily from Mississippi—out of overcrowded, under-resourced shelters where...

In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Maralee Gutierrez, Founder and Executive Director of Comunidad, a grassroots organization grounded in the values of human dignity and thriving community. Maralee shares how these core beliefs shape every aspect of their work—from food distribution and education programs to computer literacy, mentoring, elementary reading support, and family dinners.

We dive into what...

In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Kamilah McAfee, President and CEO of Wesley Housing, one of the nation’s top 50 affordable housing developers. With a powerful mission to provide safe, quality, and affordable housing across Virginia and Washington, D.C., Wesley Housing is celebrating 50 years of impact.

Kamilah shares the inspiring history behind the organization’s growth and success, the variety of dedicated...

In this inspiring episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Michelle Connors, the passionate Founder and Executive Director of Rustic Love, a grassroots nonprofit making a powerful impact in Northern Virginia. Michelle shares the heartwarming story of how a simple idea—selling charming, handmade heart signs—blossomed into a vibrant community movement helping fight food insecurity.

With over 100,000 people in the Vienna commun...

In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Monica Springman, Director of Programs, and Tom Powell, Executive Director of Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp and Retreat Center. Discover what sets this unique summer camp apart—from its deep roots in Lutheran faith to the lasting impact it has on young hearts and minds. We explore how Caroline Furnace blends spiritual growth with a strong commitment to environmental sustaina...

This week on Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Lu Cousins, the dynamic Director of the Vienna Arts Society. Prepare to be inspired as Lu shares the incredible impact of art in our local community, extending far beyond the gallery walls. She'll delve into the Vienna Arts Society's innovative approach to partnering with businesses and facilities across the region, transforming unexpected spaces into vibrant showcases fo...

In this episode of NonProfit Spotlight, we sit down with Noel Durman, Executive Director of the Falls Church Community Service Council (FCS). Noel shares the vital work FCS is doing to support individuals and families in crisis—from emergency food and rent assistance to transportation and utility support.

We discuss the growing challenges nonprofit organizations face amid rising needs and the widening gap between the cost of living ...

In this powerful episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Maryn Olson, the Director of Lutheran Disaster Response. Join us as Maryn provides an insightful look into the critical work of LDR, addressing the devastating impacts of disasters in the United States and across the globe.

Maryn shares the immense challenges her organization faces in navigating today's complex political and economic landscape to deliver essentia...