Content Warning: This episode discusses topics related to suicide, self-harm, mental health, gun violence, and death, which may be distressing for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. 

In honor of Mental Health Month, Philanthropy Speaks presents a powerful conversation featuring CFGF President & CEO Dan Kildee, community advocate and nurse Tarnesa Martin ("Nurse T"), and host Moses Bingham, CFGF Director of Strategic Initiatives. Together, they open up about mental health struggles and the far-reaching impact of gun violence in our community. 

Dan Kildee shares his personal journey with mental health and how the effects of gun violence have shaped his life, offering insight into the resources and strategies that have supported his healing. Nurse T draws on her experience at Hurley Medical Center, highlighting community mental health trends and professional resources available.  

Learn more about the Community Foundation of Greater Flint at cfgf.org and Hurley Medical Center at hurleymc.com. 

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.

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In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, this episode of Philanthropy Speaks features a conversation with Lucine Jarrah, Executive Director of the Arab American Heritage Council (AAHC). Host Sue Peters, Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, dives into the rich culture, stories, and leadership of the Arab American community in Flint and Genesee County. 

Lucine shares how her Lebanese heritage shapes her identity and fuels her passion for advocacy, civic engagement, and cultural empowerment. Together, they explore AAHC’s ongoing programs—from immigration and language services to educational workshops and the powerful Wujud storytelling podcast. They also highlight the significance of the new Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) category in the U.S. Census and what it means for community resources, equity, and visibility. 

Learn more about the Community Foundation of Greater Flint at cfgf.org and find out more about the Arab American Heritage Council at aahcflint.org.  

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In this special episode of Philanthropy Speaks, we're celebrating National Reading Month by exploring the role reading plays in strengthening our communities. Host Chakara Wheeler, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, is joined by Susana Quintanilla, the founder and director of El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil (EBFE). 

Tune in to hear how EBFE is preserving Mexican culture and empowering children through dance, music, and education, all while promoting literacy initiatives. Susana shares the importance of first-language literacy enrichment through cultural arts, highlights EBFE’s Bilingual Book Parade series, and offers her top bilingual book recommendations for Reading Month. 

Discover how reading, culture, and the arts come together to shape brighter futures for our youth. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Greater Flint at cfgf.org and find out more about El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil at ebfedance.org. 

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In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, we shine a light on the powerful story of the St. John Street neighborhood, a once-thriving Black community in Flint, Michigan through the lens of the documentary St. John Street: Story of a Neighborhood. This film celebrates the vibrant history and enduring spirit of the St. John Street neighborhood, a once-thriving Black community in Flint. The documentary highlights the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its residents in the face of urban renewal and the construction of a highway that led to their displacement. 

Host Dan Kildee, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, is joined by director and editor Justin Brown, producer Rodney Brown, and St. John Street Historical Committee President James Wardlow. Together, they explore the documentary, the remarkable history of the St. John Street neighborhood, and the importance of preserving and sharing these stories.

Tune in to learn more about this community, the impact of urban renewal, and how the St. John Street Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint is working to honor its legacy.

Watch the documentary on WKAR-TV, Michigan State University’s PBS station, airing Tuesday, February 4, at 6 p.m., and Thursday, February 6, at 10 p.m. Distributions will expand to PBS stations nationwide and will be available on the PBS streaming application. 

Learn more:

• Community Foundation of Greater Flint’s TRHT work: cfgf.org/trht
• St. John Street Historical Committee: stjohnstreethistoricalcommittee.com
• iMichigan Productions: imichiganproductions.org

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In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, we're observing the National Day of Racial Healing through a discussion with local racial healing practitioners. Host Sue Peters, Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, is joined by Elizabeth Jordan, Patrick McNeal, and Regina Laurie. 

Tune in to discover how these community members conduct racial healing circles and visioning sessions throughout Flint and Genesee County—and the insights, lessons, and perspectives they’ve gathered along the way.  

Learn more about the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation work, at cfgf.org/trht.  To learn about the National Day of Racial Healing, visit dayofracialhealing.org.  

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In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, we're highlighting the Sacred Heart Veteran Village—a transitional housing program designed specifically for local veterans. Host Damon Ross, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, is joined by Katie Baxter and Tom Haeussler from Catholic Charities of Shiawassee & Genesee Counties.

Tune in to discover how this innovative project will create a community of 24 to 26 small homes, complemented by a Community Veteran Resource Center in Flint, along with other programs provided by Catholic Charities.

Learn more about Catholic Charities at catholiccharitiesflint.org, and visit cfgf.org to see how the Community Foundation of Greater Flint is influencing and connecting generosity to Genesee County needs. For good. For ever. For everyone.

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In this special episode of Philanthropy Speaks, we’re highlighting Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month. Host Chakara Wheeler, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, is joined by Asa Ascencio Zuccaro. Asa is the Executive Director of Latinx Technology & Community Center, a non-profit organization focused on enhancing the dignity and quality of life for the Flint & Genesee County Latinx community and other cultures.  

Tune in to discover how this community-driven organization strengthens cultural pride, provides resources, and offers volunteer and engagement opportunities. Join us as we learn about the importance of supporting Hispanic and Latinx heritage in our community, and how we can all play a part in celebrating these vibrant cultures. 

Learn more about Latinx Technology & Community Center at latinxflint.org, and visit cfgf.org to see how the Community Foundation of Greater Flint is influencing and connecting generosity to Genesee County needs. For good. For ever. For everyone.

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In this special episode of Philanthropy Speaks, we’re highlighting National Literacy Month with an in-depth conversation on the transformative power of literacy in Flint and Genesee County. Host Sue Peters, Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, is joined by Vincent Slocum, Executive Director of the Flint & Genesee Literacy Network. Together, they explore how raising literacy levels strengthens families, drives community development, and fosters lasting change.

Tune in to learn about the Flint & Genesee Literacy Network’s innovative two-generational approach to literacy, the challenges they are addressing, and inspiring success stories from the field. Discover how literacy is a key to unlocking economic stability, health, and equity in our region.

Learn more about the Flint & Genesee Literacy Network at flintliteracynetwork.org, and visit cfgf.org to see how the Community Foundation of Greater Flint is influencing and connecting generosity to Genesee County needs. For good. For ever. For everyone.

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In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, Lynn Williams, Director of Equity & Community Engagement of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, sits down with Flint neighborhood advocate Carma Lewis to celebrate Black Philanthropy Month. Carma is a CFGF Board Member, Office Manager for US Representative Dan Kildee, and President of Flint Neighborhoods United. Tune in to discover Lynn and Carma's philanthropic journeys, passion towards Flint and Genesee County, and what inspires them to give back. 

Learn more about the work of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint at cfgf.org.  Learn more about Flint Neighborhoods United at flintneighborhoodsunited.org. 

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In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, Lydia Starrs, Senior Program Officer of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, sits down with Jennifer Silverton and Teresa White, the founders of Xceptional Heroes. These dedicated mothers of young adults with cognitive and intellectual disabilities share their journey of establishing an organization that creates meaningful opportunities throughout Genesee County. Tune in to discover the impactful mission of Xceptional Heroes, the vital resources they provide, and their vision for expanding support and inclusivity in the community.

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In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks—Championing Fatherhood, Host Moses Bingham, Director of Strategic Initiatives of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, is joined by Shon Hart and Alan Jordan of InvolvedDad. Explore how Shon Hart founded InvolvedDad, an organization that empowers men to be engaged fathers by providing training, coaching, and peer support in a safe environment. Learn more about the Dialogue Initiative from Alan Jordan, teaching youth about healthy dialogues with their peers, educators, and parents. Listen in to explore fatherhood from the eyes of these Flint fathers and learn more about how InvolvedDad is fostering healthy relationships throughout the community and beyond.   

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Join us in this episode of Philanthropy Speaks as we dive into entrepreneurship, social enterprise, and the evolving food scene in Flint, Michigan. Host Damon Ross, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, engages in a captivating dialogue with Tony Vu, the pioneering force behind Flint Social Club. Explore Tony's remarkable journey, from the legacy of his Vietnamese heritage to his pivotal role in nurturing culinary innovation and community empowerment in Flint.

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Description: In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, join us as we delve into the inspiring stories and impactful initiatives of the women from the Flint Area Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. This episode's host Lottie Ferguson, Vice President of Development and Donor Services has a meaningful conversation with her Links sisters Lennetta Coney and Wanda Harden. Discover their motivations, challenges, and successes in giving back to the community through their partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. From the establishment of the Flint Kids Matter Fund to empowering the next generation of female philanthropists, their journey exemplifies the transformative power of philanthropy in Flint and Genesee County, Michigan. 

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As August marks National Breastfeeding Month, we dive into an important topic that is often overlooked but deeply impactful – breastfeeding and its connection to racial and ethnic disparities within Flint and Genesee County. Join Lydia Starrs, Senior Program Officer, and Chakara Wheeler, Program Officer, as they have a conversation with Shonte Terhune Smith, the driving force behind YOLO Breastfeeding, a transformative organization dedicated to empowering birth and breastfeeding families. Find more information about YOLO Breastfeeding and the great work that Shonte is leading at https://yolobreastfeeding.org/. 

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Empowering Youth: Exploring the Work of Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH) 

On this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, we have the privilege of shining a spotlight on the Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH). Vice President, Sue Peters has a conversation with Natasha Thomas, Program Coordinator at MOASH about the work of the organization and how they support LGBTQ+ youth. MOASH’s mission is to mobilize youth voices, engage community partners, and inform decision-makers to advance sexual health, identities, and rights. To learn more about the work of MOASH, visit www.moash.org. 

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We are joined in this episode by Bill Piper and Kathi Horton to discuss the importance of philanthropy to drive change in the community. We also talk about the rewarding feeling of seeing the meaningful change that support nurtures over time.

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In this episode Sue Peters sits down with the following guests to discuss the work that's being done in Flint, Genesee County, and the State of Michigan to address equity issues in the LGBTQAI+ community. 

• Dale Weighill, Associate Vice President, Institutional Advancement, Mott Community College and Co-Founder, CFGF Pride Fund 
• Mikaylah Heffernan, Legislative Director, State Rep. John Cherry and executive board member for SALUS CENTER, Lansing’s only LGBTQAI+ community center 
• Samara L. Hough, LMSW, Director, University of Michigan Flint Center for Gender and Sexuality 

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In this episode, we discuss 10 months of accomplishments made by the CFGF Racial Inequities Task Force. We are joined by the following members of the task force:

• City of Flint – Mayor Sheldon Neeley who presents the proclamation for National Day of Racial Healing
• George Wilkinson and Tim Herman (Business and Banking)
• Chris Burtley (Philanthropy)
• Pastor Monica Villareal, Pastor Daniel Moore (Faith)
• Adrian Walker (Government)
• Kirk Smith and Clarence Pierce (Health)

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We are joined by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, founder of the Flint Kids Fund,  to celebrate 5 years of helping Flint's youth population. We discuss the great work the Flint Kids Fund has done and continues to do in the Flint community. Visit flintkids.org to make your lasting impact.

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We celebrated Black Philanthropy Month in August with a new episode featuring local philanthropists Wanda Harden, George Wilkinson, Adrian Walker, DeAndra Larkin and Shannon Polk.Tune in and listen to a great conversation with former Isaiah Oliver, President and CEO.

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In this episode, we speak with Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha on her recent book and programs focused on the children of Flint affected by the Flint Water Crisis.

Dr. Hanna-Attisha shares about programs such as the Flint Registry which is in place to identify individuals exposed to the Flint Water Crisis. This program is designed to help keep Flint residents healthy by connecting them to different resources in the community. She also explains the biggest concern she has for Flint kids is the ability to sustain being able to continue providing the great programs and resources for the kids long term.

"Communities all over are learning from us, not just the pipe replacement, but also from the innovative, preventative and proactive work we are doing to help children and families", Dr. Hanna-Attisha said. "What we are doing in Flint is being adopted by other communities and these best practices are all based on science."

Dr. Hanna-Attisha also talks about the book she recently published, What the Eyes Don’t See: A story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City. In this book, she explains how to be awake and fight for social justice.

For more information on her book, please visit https://monahannaattisha.com/.

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In this episode, we speak with Brandon Carr of the Baltimore Ravens and Troy Forte, Executive Director of the Carr Cares Foundation. 

A graduate of Carman-Ainsworth High School and a product of Flint, MI, Brandon Carr always knew he wanted to give back. Together with Troy, they share their passion and commitment for Flint and how they use their platform to support education, entrepreneurship and cancer care.  

If you want to learn more about the Carr Cares Foundation and support the great work they are doing, visit www.CarrCares.org.  

For more information about the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and support the work happening in Flint & Genesee County visit www.cfgf.org.

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