What does it look like when someone turns a painful past into a global mission? Chason Forehand grew up navigating abuse and addiction, and instead of staying stuck in those cycles, he built something that helps others break free from theirs. Chason is the founder of HR-4U, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Hudson Valley, New York, with three programs: Advocacy for living wages and workforce dignity, Mentor for Good to help young nonprofits survive their first five years, and Transformation Kitchen, a culinary training program that goes far beyond teaching people how to cook. Participants become part of a family, with support, wellness checks, and community that extends well past the 12-week program. HR-4U is not planted in one city. They go wherever the doors open. They built their first Transformation Kitchen in Matagalpa, Nicaragua, and are now setting their sights on Australia, Canada, India, Costa Rica, Detroit, and the Hudson Valley, with a goal of 20 kitchens this year. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to run a nonprofit under a restrictive government, how Chason partners with existing organizations to stretch every dollar toward the people, why paying living wages is not just the right thing but a smart business strategy, and how you can get involved no matter where you are in the world. As Chason says, "We don't just flip eggs. We flip lives." 00:00 Introduction and welcome 01:00 Chason's background: growing up through abuse and addiction 03:00 The 12-week Transformation Kitchen program and the family it builds 04:30 Why HR-4U travels the world instead of staying in one city 05:30 How a chance connection led to the first kitchen in Matagalpa, Nicaragua 09:00 What it takes to operate a nonprofit under a restrictive government 11:30 Dali's personal connection to Nicaragua 14:00 Transparency, donations, and where the money goes 15:30 How to volunteer in Nicaragua and what it costs 19:00 The biggest challenge when setting up kitchens globally 21:00 2025 goals: Australia, Canada, India, Costa Rica, Detroit, and more 24:00 The three programs inside HR-4U 28:00 Annual fundraising event and how to get involved 30:00 Why one person can make a massive difference 31:30 How to join the advisory board remotely 35:00 How to connect with Chason and HR-4U Support the mission: http://zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/522b4d43-d5ca-461e-beb9-ccde6e75532c Connect with Chason: https://linktr.ee/chasonforehand Connect with Dali and learn about DaliTalks: https://www.DaliTalks.com/LinkTree Follow DaliTalks on IG and LinkedIn @DaliTalks
