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What happens when five retirees decide over a cup of coffee to tackle poverty in Mexico? The answer is Vamos!, a remarkable grassroots organization that has transformed thousands of lives over nearly four decades through a radical approach: actually listening to what people need.

Sean Dougherty, Executive Director of Vamos, takes us on a journey that began with his parents and friends being moved by the poverty they witnessed in Mexico back in 1986. Their first effort failed spectacularly when money sent for a sewing cooperative disappeared. But rather than giving up, they doubled down. Two founders moved to Cuernavaca, Mexico to "walk with the poor" and understand their actual needs.

The results are extraordinary. What started with providing portable toilets for street vendors has evolved into ten community centers serving 150,000 meals annually, providing free medical, dental, and psychological care, education from preschool through college scholarships, and interest-free loans that empower women to start businesses. Most remarkably, Vamos maintains a commitment that 100% of donations go directly to programs, with board members covering all administrative costs.

This conversation goes beyond charity to explore dignity - not as something given, but as something reflected back to people society often overlooks. As one Mexican woman told Dougherty, "When your heart is full of gratitude, there's no room for blame."

At a time when many feel overwhelmed by global challenges, this episode offers a powerful reminder that individual actions matter. As Dougherty says, "Don't hunker down when things get tough. Do your bit, do your little piece, and the more people that do their little bits, it turns into something really great and beautiful." Listen now to be inspired by what genuine kindness can accomplish.

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network. If you have an idea for a podcast and need some production assistance or have a podcast and are looking for a supportive network to join, check out maydaymedianetwork.com.

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It's one thing to highlight the kindness that we see in the world, but it's another to, as I put in many of my social media posts, #bethechange. I am donating all of my royalties from the sale of my book, Change A World; In Order to Change The World to local and national non-profits. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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"What does it mean to truly feel called to serve?" Rob Bergfalk, founder of Compassion Church and Compassion Coffee in Anoka, Minnesota, answers this question through powerful action rather than mere words.

When news reports in 2018 showed hundreds of people living in tent cities along Hiawatha Avenue in Minneapolis, something stirred deeply within Rob. As a youth pastor with 12 years of restaurant industry experience, he found himself uniquely positioned to respond. The result? A visionary model combining faith community and social enterprise to address homelessness through dignity-giving employment and skills training.

Rob takes us through his three-year journey from initial calling to opening Compassion Church in 2021 near Stepping Stone Emergency Housing, a 66-bed homeless shelter. Understanding that sustainable impact requires sustainable funding, Rob and his wife Kelsey developed an innovative plan: create a coffee shop that would both employ people experiencing homelessness and generate revenue for their mission.

The path wasn't immediate. They started small with a coffee cart at local events like Anoka's famous Halloween celebrations before securing their permanent location in late 2023. Today, Compassion Coffee not only serves premium beverages from award-winning Silverbird Roasting but provides comprehensive training in barista skills, customer service, budgeting, conflict resolution, and other essential life skills.

What makes their approach particularly effective is the collaborative community network they've built with organizations like Hope for Youth, Family Promise, and Stepping Stone. Together, they create pathways of support for people of all ages experiencing housing insecurity.

"I learned that when I thought I was coming to be the hero, that's not the case," Rob shares. "If you enter with humility, you actually grow." This perspective flips the traditional charity model on its head, revealing how serving others transforms both the helper and the helped.

Looking for inspiration about using business as a force for good? Want to discover how your skills might address community needs? This episode offers practical insights on creating sustainable models for social change through relationship and dignity.

#homeless #hope #coffee

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network. If you have an idea for a podcast and need some production assistance or have a podcast and are looking for a supportive network to join, check out maydaymedianetwork.com.

Like what you hear on the podcast? Follow our social media for more uplifting, inspirational and feel-good content.

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Support the show

It's one thing to highlight the kindness that we see in the world, but it's another to, as I put in many of my social media posts, #bethechange. I am donating all of my royalties from the sale of my book, Change A World; In Order to Change The World to local and national non-profits. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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What happens when a homeschooling mother of six from Portland finds herself driving Amish families across America? Haley Straw takes us behind the curtain of a culture often misunderstood yet deeply rooted in kindness and community.

After relocating to rural Missouri for a fresh start, Haley stumbled into a role as an Amish driver that spanned nine years and countless miles across the country. Her journeys revealed a community far different from the romanticized versions in novels or the simplistic portrayals in media. "They're human," Haley shares, explaining how this revelation transformed her understanding of Amish life.

Our conversation explores fascinating aspects of Amish culture, from their remarkable healthcare support system built entirely on community contributions to their "frolics" (work parties) where families gather to accomplish major tasks together. Haley shares heartwarming stories of Amish generosity during crises, explaining how publications connect communities nationwide to help those facing medical bills or other hardships.

The episode is peppered with profound Amish proverbs that offer timeless wisdom about kindness and forgiveness. "Forgive and forget instead of resent and remember" and "Kindness when given away keeps coming back" reveal an approach to life centered on moving forward rather than harboring grudges. Haley's most touching story involves driving Amish children who experienced mountains for the first time - a moment of pure wonder that captures the beautiful simplicity of finding joy in new experiences.

Haley has documented her unique cultural immersion in her "Tales of an Amish Taxi Driver" series, with a third book in progress. Share this episode with someone who appreciates stories of cultural discovery and the universal language of kindness.

#different #culture #kindness #children

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network. If you have an idea for a podcast and need some production assistance or have a podcast and are looking for a supportive network to join, check out maydaymedianetwork.com.

Like what you hear on the podcast? Follow our social media for more uplifting, inspirational and feel-good content.

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Support the show

It's one thing to highlight the kindness that we see in the world, but it's another to, as I put in many of my social media posts, #bethechange. I am donating all of my royalties from the sale of my book, Change A World; In Order to Change The World to local and national non-profits. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!