A holiday Redux of our first interview - Redemption from homelessness and addiction

Milton Brown is a longtime DC resident who battled a heroin addiction for 37 years.  In the same year he overcame his addiction, he became homeless and remained so for four years.  Milton never knew his father, and his mother abandoned him and his brother when he was 9 years old.  He’s the father of two sons – one of whom was murdered over 20 years ago on the streets of Washington DC.  Since emerging from homelessness in 2012, Milton has committed himself to raising awareness of the plight of the homeless and addicted, and to sharing the source of power that helped him emerge from a life of anguish.

Honor and unity at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Millions of people visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery each year to pay their respects to those who have given their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy in this country.  It’s a place where the full diversity and fabric of America is on display, and where division and hostility seem to naturally fade away as people come together to honor the fallen.  We’re privileged to be joined by Richard Azzaro, a guard at the Tomb from 1963 to 1965, and a member of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Richard talks about the critical need for healing and unity in America, and how the Society hopes to use the centennial of the Tomb as a focal point that fosters unity across our country that transcends political, regional, and religious differences.

A worship album for people who don't listen to worship music

"Worship music should not be written for only the Christian mind.  It should draw those who are far from God.  All who are called to proclaim [the gospel] through music have a responsibility to exhort people – to remind people that we have a reason to sing."  These are the words of Christian Nuckels, Worship Pastor at Grace Community Church in Arlington, VA, and the creative influence behind the formation of the Grace Rising band, a music ministry within the church.  Christian joins us to talk about his journey of faith and higher purpose, and how it led him to the extremely satisfying roles he is serving in now. 

Working to reverse the trend towards illiteracy and its negative impact on society

There is a great deal of research showing that children who are exposed to books at a young age go on to live better lives in a wide variety of ways.  The data suggest a strong connection between reading skills/activity and academic, work, economic, relationship, and other successes in life.  A recent study by the National Endowment for the Arts concluded that, “[the] decline in reading among teenage and adult Americans… [has had] demonstrable social, economic, cultural, and civic implications.”  Simply put, we need to develop a love for reading in our children and adults, and today’s guests are working to do just that.  Judy Hijikata is the Communications Director at The Reading Connection, and Kim Oates in one of their Read-Aloud volunteers.  Honored by a number of organizations as one of the best small charities in Washington, DC, The Reading Connection helps at-risk children improve their odds of success by helping them develop a love of reading. 

Over 400 days of continual worship on the National Mall

Several years ago, Jason Hershey felt called to establish a place of continual, 24-by-7 worship and praise in Washington, DC.  He was inspired by King David, who 3,000 years ago pitched a tent near his palace and hired more than 4,000 worshipers to offer praise to the Lord continually throughout his 33 year reign, making worship central to his nation and bringing blessings to it as a result.  David’s Tent, as it’s known, has been operating continually for over one year now in the heart of Washington DC.  Jason joins us to talk about the purpose behind it, and to issue a call for our nation to turn to the only true source of strength and help in these difficult times.

Redemption and forgiveness through 20 years of prison and beyond

Jeff Lisanick was like many of us who grew up in Northern Virginian.  After a good, middle-class upbringing, he went off to college and started partying and experimenting with alcohol and drugs.  His story becomes remarkable, though, in what happened next.  On November 29, 1989, while high on laughing gas, he ran a red light and rear-ended another car, killing its two occupants.  He was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 37 years in prison.  Jeff joins us to tell about his life journey since then, and the power he discovered that radically transformed a terrible event into an amazing story of forgiveness, overcoming, and redemption.   

A volunteer program for retired people looking to develop a deeper faith while serving

Are you retired and looking for something to do that taps into your wealth of experience?  Are you searching for things that provide deeper meaning and fulfillment?  Maybe you're just bored and tired of the golf course or swimming pool.  If so, come listen to Joanie Coolidge, Regional Director for Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC), a faith-based organization that provides retired men and women with the opportunity to serve the poor, work for justice, and grow deeper in their Christian faith.  IVC provides a valuable service to non-profits by making people with lifetimes of expertise available to serve in a variety of areas.  Founded in 1995, IVC has grown to serve 17 regions in the US – including Washington, DC; Northern, VA; and Baltimore, MD.  In 2015, over 500 of their volunteers worked in more than 300 partner agencies serving over 90,000 people across the country.  

Providing free medical care to cancer patients who can't afford it

A cancer diagnosis is a daunting thing to face.  Aside from the obvious physical and emotional tolls of the disease, there is a heavy and rising financial cost.  Today's guests are working to alleviate these costs for some of our Arlington neighbors.  Doctors Patricia Rodriguez and Neelima Denduluri work with Virginia Cancer Specialists, the recipient of the Governor's 2016 Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Small Business for their work with cancer patients at the Arlington Free Clinic.  The practice was honored in recognition of the care it has provided for 160 low-income, uninsured patients who most likely would not have received treatment without the compassion of its doctors.

Providing affordable housing in Arlington and beyond along with life enriching services

The lack of affordable housing in Northern Virginia is a significant problem, particularly in affluent areas like Ballston and Alexandria.  Today's guests work with AHC (formerly known as the Arlington Housing Corporation), a 40-year-old organization that has developed 50 properties in Virginia and Maryland that provide more than 6,500 affordable homes.  AHC is the oldest and largest developer of affordable housing in Arlington, where 24 of their properties are located.  Realizing that it takes more than bricks and mortar to build successful communities, they also run a Resident Services program that provides a host of life-enriching services to residents of seven of their communities in Virginia, and six in Maryland.  We are joined by Jennifer Endo, the Director of Resident Services at AHC, and Chris Banks, a tutor at one of their community centers in the Arlington area. 

Empowering kids to change the world

Our children have tremendous potential to change the world if we would only empower them.  Today's guests work with Team Kids, a nonprofit organization founded 15 years ago to do just that by unleashing our kid's horsepower.  We are joined by Jacqueline Schaubach, a junior at Washington & Lee High School who has been serving with Team Kids since operating a lemonade stand over ten years ago to raise money for Haiti earthquake victims; and Julie Hudash, the Team Kids Founder and CEO, who has crafted a number of programs that engage and serve numerous stakeholders in Arlington, VA, Southern California, across our country, and around the world. 

A mother of 11 fulfills a dream at Harvard University

Allyson Reneau started college at the University of Oklahoma back in 1979, but left school after her sophomore year to start a family. Eleven children and over 30 years later, she enrolled in Harvard University and commuted 2,000 miles each way for several years on route to receiving a Master's Degree in International Studies. Aly talks about never giving up on her dream and shares stories of the rewards of pursuing the illogical when you feel called to do so.

Providing a wealth of services to those in need across 21 Virginia counties

Catholic Charities is one of the largest charities in the US with a mission to serve those in need, promote social justice, and call the church and other people of good will to do the same.  There are more than 160 local Catholic Charities agencies nationwide that serve millions of people each year with a broad array of services - without regard to their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.  We are joined by Sally O'Dwyer, Director of Volunteers for the Arlington Diocese, and 20+ year veteran of work as a full-time servant.  Sally talks about what prompted her to begin doing this work; some of the many programs Catholic Charities offers; and some stories about the impact her organization has had.

Resolving conflict through shared origins, shared values, and healing historical memory

There is a good deal of ignorance about the world's dominant monotheistic religions, i.e., Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.  There are also some who seek to take advantage of this ignorance to stir up conflict and strife for selfish gain.  Today's guest believes that educating people on the shared origins and values of their religions leads them to work more effectively together towards peace.  He has seen the ease and enthusiasm with which Muslims, Christians, and Jews can work together when ignorance is removed, and he's working to apply these concepts to conflicts throughout our country and world.  Joseph Montville is a Director at the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University.  He has had a long and distinguished career including serving 23 years as a diplomat with posts in the Middle East and North Africa; faculty appointments at the Harvard and University of Virginia Medical Schools; and serving as Chief of the State Department's Near East Division, and the Director of its Office of Global Issues. 

A soccer, poetry and community service program makes a big impact on DC schools

DC Scores is a non-profit organization serving over 2,000 low-income children in DC through an opt-in program that combines soccer, poetry, and community service.  Their model focuses on reaching children at an early age; changing the relationship between school kids, parents, teachers, schools, and the community; and making a long-lasting impact on all of these groups.  We are joined by Bethany Rubin Henderson, the Executive Director of DC Scores, who describes the program and its impact, her journey to her current role, and some advice that served her well as she made decisions about her career. 

Serving the amazing kids in underserved neighborhoods

Little Lights is a DC-based non-profit serving underserved youth and their families in Southeast Washington, DC.  Over the past 20 years, it has grown from one man tutoring children at his parent’s store to an organization with 13 full-time and 40 part-time staff; 120 weekly volunteers; and 45 adults who meet with and mentor kids, one-on-one, on weekends.  We are joined by Founder and Executive Director Steve Park, who talks about the kids they work with and the importance of compassion.

A small congregation works to provide meals and affordable housing in Ballston

The Ballston Metro is a place where the homeless, working class, and affluent mix.  Just across the street, the 70-person Central United Methodist Church has been providing a breakfast, bagged lunch, and shelter to the homeless every Friday morning; and has launched a new non-profit organization (the Ballston Station Housing Corporation) in order to transform its property into a mixed-use facility that will provide affordable housing options in the heart of Ballston.  Pastor Sarah Harrison-McQueen joins us to discuss her church's efforts to engage its surrounding community and make a difference. 

A church for people who don't go to church

Many people don't see the relevance of the Christian church to today's world, so they don't attend church services.  Others have been hurt by the church and wound up abandoning their Christian faith as a result.  What's needed for them is a new kind of church - one that extends grace and gives people the space and time they need to build a relationship with Jesus.  We are joined tonight by John Slye, Senior Pastor at Grace Community Church - a church for people who don't go to church. 

A university president becomes homeless for a night

On a cold night this past February, our guest shed his business suit, put on the most beat-up clothes he could find, and hit the streets for a night of homelessness.  Dr. Matthew Shank is the President of Marymount University, and the idea of doing this occurred to him after receiving an invitation to speak at an A-SPAN fundraiser.  A-SPAN is a local nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness in Arlington, and after accepting the invitation Dr. Shank realized he didn't know a thing about being homeless.  He also felt compelled to heed Pope Francis' call to stay close to the marginalized and to be shepherds living with the smell of the sheep.

A call to wage peace

Tim Sample is an Arlington resident and the CEO and Co-Founder of 72 Africa, a non-profit committed to conflict resolution and promoting peace in Africa.  We asked Tim to join us and talk about some of the sustainable peacemaking lessons he’s learned over a 40 year career working mostly in the intelligence and policy communities, and how those lessons can help us work through the current challenges we’re facing as a nation.  Tim talks about the danger and promise of an increasingly young African population, the threat of influence by violent extremists, and how this threat could affect our country.  

Unimaginable forgiveness in the face of murder

“This man’s grandson killed this man’s son.”  This is how our guest, Azim Khamisa, is often introduced when he appears before groups gathered to hear him speak.  His story begins back in 1995 when his only son, Tariq – a 20-year-old student – was shot and killed while delivering pizzas in San Diego. His killer, Tony Hicks, became the first 14-year-old to stand trial as an adult in the state of California.  Tony received a 25-year-to-life prison sentence.  Not long after his son’s death, Azim founded the Tariq Khamisa Foundation – an organization committed to stopping children from killing children.  He also invited Tony’s grandfather and guardian, Ples Felix, to join him in this cause, and the two of them have since been sitting side-by-side on stages across the country sharing the power of forgiveness.