True Stories of Good People

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Dream Center of Englewood: Dion Dawson Jan 28, 2021

Show notes

Dion Dawson is a fighter in more ways than one. As a veteran, he served in the Navy as an award-winning member of his department's communications division. As a civilian, Dion is the founder and leader of Dion's Chicago Dream, a nonprofit that provides material resources, community connection, and thousands of pounds of fresh food and counting to residents in his lifelong neighborhood of Englewood.

Saving Mila: Julia Vitarello Jan 22, 2021

Show notes

When Julia Vitarello's precious daughter Mila was diagnosed with Batten disease at the age of seven, she was terrified and heartbroken. Determined to save Mila by any means possible, Julia set out to raise enough money to fund an experimental clinical trial, and what happened next made medical history.

Let's Make Masks & Cards: Nanette & Krystal Amihere Jan 14, 2021

Show notes

When high school students and sisters Nanette and Krystal Amihere noticed that there were not many youth advocacy programs in their town, they decided to start their own in an effort to strengthen the community. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the sisters harnessed their program's foundations and launched an initiative to make masks and cards for frontline workers and nursing home residents. What started out as a small, local project eventually saw young people from all over the world getting involved.

Teen Child Abuse Activist: Elijah Lee Jan 08, 2021

Show notes

When Elijah Lee was in the first grade, he learned that one of his classmates was experiencing child abuse. He assisted her in getting help, but the experience left him with a heavy heart. Today, Elijah is 13-years-old and is a passionate teen activist who believes that all children have the right to grow up in safe, loving environments.

The Pandemic Pup Relief Tour: Brian Taylor Dec 17, 2020

Show notes

When the coronavirus swept through New York City this past spring, Brian Taylor had no choice but to close his dog grooming business to the public. But while in lockdown, his heart hurt for his community members and their pets. Under financial strain, many of them could no longer afford the essential grooming services that kept their dogs clean and healthy. So as soon as it was safe to do so, Brian began grooming pups at no cost while raising money for others. Since then, he's expanded his mission across state lines through a mobile grooming service and has helped hundreds of people and pets stay happy and healthy through the pandemic.

Heroic Flags for Frontline Workers: Lorenzo Liberti Dec 10, 2020

Show notes

Last year, 14-year-old Lorenzo Liberti discovered a passion to honor and help veterans in his community who were in need. Using his artistic talents, he carved beautiful, 3-foot long American flags by hand to benefit a local charity. When the COVID-19 crisis hit the country, he realized his flags could also help honor and support frontline healthcare workers across the US. Today, his heroic flags hang in hospitals around the country as an emblem of hope and thanks to the people working there—and he's raising money for veterans in the process.

The Power of Vulnerability: Ra Ra Rollins Dec 04, 2020

Show notes

Ra Ra Rollins is a full-time student at New York University and is going for his master's degree in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness, with a focus on LGBTQ+ communities. However, Ra Ra's journey to this path was not linear and he's had to overcome a myriad of obstacles to make it a reality. One thing he's learned throughout this journey is that, although it can be terrifying to put yourself out there, vulnerability can lead to beautiful things.

Frontline Workers Counseling Project: Dr. Ania Wertz & Dr. Elizabeth Rawson Nov 27, 2020

Show notes

Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, frontline workers have been risking their lives every day to keep vital services going for those who need it. Many of them need support themselves but don't have the time or energy to seek it out. In response, a group of mental health professionals created a solution that allows frontline workers to easily access therapy—free of charge.

So Much More Than a Shower: Mark Lytal Nov 19, 2020

Show notes

Mark Lytal isn't one to take a hot shower for granted. He never forgot his 20 years in the US Air Force, when deployment would often mean long stretches of time without running water and nothing but baby wipes to keep himself clean. His experience eventually motivated him to create a volunteer-led organization that provides hot showers and hygiene products to folks experiencing homelessness. To date, he's helped thousands of people stay safe, clean, and hopeful.

Madi & Vashti Wilson: Joy in a Crayon Box Nov 12, 2020

Show notes

When 8-year-old Madi Wilson noticed that there weren't any crayons at school that matched her skin color, she told her mom she felt sad. Motivated to help all kids feel seen and represented, she launched a project to help deliver multicultural books & art supplies to classrooms in her school—and it grew bigger than she ever imagined.

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