We're Good

What happens when you mix purpose-driven nonprofits, inspiring students, and generous donors? Magic! In this special We’re Good pop-up podcast with the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, hear how SPARC and Our Minds Matter are changing lives—and meet two remarkable scholarship recipients whose dreams are now within reach. From overcoming obstacles to building legacies, this episode is packed with heart. Find us at www.were...

Military moves, mental health, and mission‑driven community all come together in our newest We’re Good episode. Host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee chats with Blue Star Families Program Manager- Krysti Pereira and a military spouse Lesley Rose about the vital support Blue Star Families provides our military and their families.  Hear how Coffee Connect meet‑ups, 2,000+ free Blue Star Museums, and the Emmy‑winning Combat the Silence camp...

In this uplifting episode of the We’re Good podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee takes you inside Dog Tag Bakery in the heart of Georgetown, D.C. As Hillary Richonne, Communications Director will warn, don’t be fooled by the sweet smells and cupcakes. While the cupcakes are on point, this is not just a bakery. It’s a launchpad for military veterans, spouses, and caregivers to rebuild their futures through entrepreneurship, educ...

In this inspiring episode of the We're Good podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee spotlights Compass Pro Bono, a powerful nonprofit that strengthens communities by empowering other nonprofits. CEO  Bethany Henderson and longtime volunteer—and now board chair—Cathy Bernasek share the compelling story of how Compass was born from a desire to serve after the September 11th attacks, founded by Harvard Business School alumni see...

In this heartening episode of the We’re Good podcast, listeners are invited into the impactful world of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA), a powerhouse of local philanthropy that’s quietly shaping the region for the better. Host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee welcomes CFNOVA CEO Renée Yancey and donor-turned-volunteer Benton Fisher to unpack the vital role community foundations play in times of crisis and calm ali...

Talent for Tomorrow: Transforming Youth Futures Through Nonprofit Collaboration in the DMV

In this episode of the We’re Good podcast, the spotlight is on Talent for Tomorrow, a powerful nonprofit alliance transforming the futures of young adults across the Washington, D.C. metro area. This coalition—comprising Genesis Works, Year Up United, New Futures, Spark the Journey, and PerScholas—works collaboratively to provide Opportunity Y...

In this episode of the We're Good podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee highlights the inspiring work of the Operation Renewed Hope Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless veterans find stable housing. Despite the sacrifices made by our armed forces, over 32,000 veterans face homelessness, a number that may be even higher according to experts.

The foundation was founded by retired Army Lt. Colonel Deborah Snyde...

In this episode of We're Good, we spotlight a partnership reshaping what’s possible in affordable housing. True Ground Housing Partners, a nonprofit on the frontlines of the DMV's housing crisis, joins forces with Arlington Presbyterian Church in a powerful collaboration rooted in community.

You'll hear facts: over half of American renters are housing cost-burdened. Even those making $60K struggle to afford living nea...

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, we speak with Diana Ortiz, CEO of Doorways, and Joy Meyer, Chief Development and Strategy Officer, about the critical, life-saving work their nonprofit does in Arlington, Virginia.

Doorways provides holistic support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and their families—serving over 2,000 households each year, including many children under 18.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: ...

In this episode we’re diving into the world of child advocacy with a focus on one of the most impactful volunteer programs you might not have heard of: Fairfax CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates.

We’re joined by two incredible guests: Darcy Hubbard, Executive Director of Fairfax CASA, and Paula Salguero, a longtime volunteer who has dedicated years to supporting vulnerable children in the court system. Together, they walk us...

In this heartwarming episode of the "We're Good" podcast, we dive into the incredible work of Best Buddies, a nonprofit that’s changing lives by creating lasting friendships, offering job opportunities, and empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live independently. Hosted by Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee, the episode features an inspiring conversation with Molly Whalen, the State Dir...

In this episode, Joel Dillion, CEO of Jill’s House, and Kelly Speck, author of Hope in the Heartache, and a Jill’s House mom, discuss the organization’s mission and impact. Jill’s House was inspired by the experience of Brenda and Lon Solomon, whose daughter Jill developed significant disabilities due to a genetic condition. After receiving respite care from a church member, the Solomons were motivated to create a similar service f...

In this inspiring episode, we dive into the transformative impact of the Year Up United program, which is closing the opportunity divide by ensuring that all young adults gain the experiences and support that will empower them to reach their potential through careers and higher education. The tuition free job training program combines technical and professional training with access to internships and job placement support.  Lisa Wi...

In this episode, Erica Ahdoot, CEO of Horton’s Kids, and Rahaman “Kil” Kilpatrick, Senior Manager of Community and Family Engagement, discuss the incredible work of supporting children and families in Washington, D.C.’s Anacostia neighborhood. From pre-K through high school graduation and beyond, Horton’s Kids is committed to building trust, fostering mentorship, and creating safe spaces for kids to thrive.

Erica and Kil talk about ...