Heart on Your Sleeve: Focus on Philanthropy

Kingdom Charitable Trust

Welcome to 'Heart on Your Sleeve: Focus on Philanthropy', the podcast dedicated to exploring the heart of giving back and making a difference in our communities. Join us as we delve into the multifaceted world of philanthropy, shedding light on important topics, initiatives, and individuals shaping positive change. In each episode, we will dive deep into the pressing issues facing our communities and through insightful conversations with thought leaders and philanthropists, we'll uncover innovative solutions and highlight the impactful work being done to create a better world for all.

Episodes

  1. Apr 7

    Seeing Beyond Borders: The Power of Global Medical Outreach

    Global eye care is more than restoring vision — it is restoring independence, dignity, and access to opportunity. In this episode of Heart on Your Sleeve: Focus on Philanthropy, Grace McCafferty and Kingdom Charitable Trust Executive Director Clara Acero sit down with Herman Bae, U.S. Clinical Training Manager at Alcon and Director of Global Medical Outreach on KCT’s Advisory Board, to discuss the critical role of global medical outreach in expanding access to quality eye care. Herman shares his journey in ophthalmology and his experience working with the Armenian EyeCare Project, offering insight into the realities of delivering care in underprivileged regions. From high-volume satellite clinics to meaningful patient interactions, this conversation highlights both the challenges and the profound impact of this work. The discussion also explores the importance of sustainable, community-based solutions and how partnerships between nonprofits, medical professionals, and local communities are essential to long-term success. Together, they examine why vision care is a vital yet often overlooked component of global health—and how collaborative philanthropy can help bring life-changing care to those who need it most. Learn more about the Armenian EyeCare Project: https://eyecareproject.com/ Kingdom Charitable Trust Blog: https://www.kingdomct.org/global-medical-outreach Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World--and Why Things Are Better Than You Think: https://www.amazon.com/Factfulness-Reasons-World-Things-Better/dp/1250123828/ref=sr_[…]ds=factfulness&qid=1775573682&sprefix=fact%2Caps%2C227&sr=8-1

    Seeing Beyond Borders: The Power of Global Medical Outreach
  2. Mar 9

    AI, Literacy, and the Future of Reading: How BuddyBooks Is Empowering Young Learners

    Literacy is more than learning to read — it is gaining confidence, opportunity, and a voice. In this episode of Heart on Your Sleeve: Focus on Philanthropy, Grace McCafferty and Kingdom Charitable Trust Executive Director Clara Acero sit down with Marty Schultz, Co-Founder and President of ObjectiveEd, and Ken Horner, Board Member and Chief Revenue Officer of ObjectiveEd, to discuss how technology is transforming literacy education for struggling readers. ObjectiveEd is an education technology company dedicated to turning the latest research and emerging technologies into practical learning tools for students and educators. Their innovative AI-powered reading platform, BuddyBooks, is helping young learners strengthen reading fluency, build comprehension skills, and rediscover confidence in their ability to read. The conversation also explores the powerful partnership between ObjectiveEd, Roots & Wings, and Project UpLift, where these tools are being implemented to support students and produce measurable improvements in literacy outcomes. Together, they discuss the future of AI in education, the importance of early literacy support, and how collaboration between nonprofits, educators, and technology innovators can create life-changing opportunities for students. Learn more: ObjectiveEd: https://www.objectiveed.com/ The Coming AI Storm in Education: https://www.amazon.com/Coming-AI-Storm-Education/dp/B0FG1NNBQR Roots & Wings: https://rootsandwingsinc.org/#

    AI, Literacy, and the Future of Reading: How BuddyBooks Is Empowering Young Learners
  3. 06/10/2025

    Fostering Futures: Because No One Ages Out of Support

    In this powerful episode of Heart on Your Sleeve: Focus on Philanthropy, we sat down with LilCrystal Dernier, Family Visitation Program Supervisor for Children’s Home Society to discuss the challenges, progress, and possibilities within Florida’s foster care system. LilCrystal brings firsthand experience and heartfelt advocacy to the table, shedding light on the challenges faced by foster youth, the misconceptions surrounding the system, and the urgent need for community-driven support. From policy shifts and prevention strategies to reunification and youth aging out of care, this episode covers the full scope of what it takes to create a lasting impact. Whether you are a seasoned advocate, a potential foster parent, or someone eager to make a difference, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and actionable ways to help. 🔹 Learn about the role of Children’s Home Society 🔹 Explore new Florida legislation affecting foster youth 🔹 Hear what foster youth wish people understood 🔹 Discover how nonprofits, foundations, and individuals can support this vulnerable population Join us as we center the voices of those working to transform the foster care system—and illuminate what it truly means to give with purpose. Resources to Help Foster Youth Thrive: These programs and services are designed to support a successful transition into adulthood and beyond: Connect with Your Local System of Care: ChildNet – Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties Citrus Family Care Network – Serving Miami-Dade County Extended Foster Care (EFC): Continued support until age 21—or 22 for youth with disabilities Aftercare Services: Ongoing assistance with housing, employment, education, and well-being Postsecondary Education Support Services (PESS): Monthly financial stipend for eligible youth enrolled in college or vocational programs Tuition Waivers: Free tuition at Florida’s public colleges, universities, and vocational schools Medicaid Coverage: Available until age 26 Foster Youth to Independence Vouchers: Housing assistance for youth transitioning out of care Keys to Independence: Helps youth obtain a driver’s license, insurance, and driving lessons Visit “UrFuture” to learn more about additional resources available to foster youth: ⁠https://urfuture.org/⁠ ⁠https://urfuture.org/community-resources/⁠

    Fostering Futures: Because No One Ages Out of Support
  4. 04/21/2025

    Empowering Latino Voices: Civic Engagement, Workforce Access, & Economic Equity in Florida

    Joining us this episode as a special guest speaker is Jared Nordlund, Senior Strategist for the UnidosUS Civic Engagement team. In Florida, Jared’s responsibility is to raise the visibility of UnidosUS’s position on immigration, healthcare, housing, and education, as well as educate and activate Latinos to vote on Election Day. We will delve into how policy, workforce development, and civic engagement intersect to create lasting impact. From addressing income inequality and immigration reform to spotlighting the proposed Working Floridians Tax Rebate, this conversation offers insight into how collaborative efforts are shaping a more equitable future for all. The Working Floridians Tax Rebate is a state-level Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program for workers and families, who qualify for the federal EITC, to help them afford the basics, purchase or repair a vehicle, or pay off bills and debt. Below are trusted resources designed to empower action and expand awareness: Toolkit for understanding the Working Floridian Tax Rebate: https://workingfloridiansrebate.org/ Take action and write to your legislator: https://workingfloridiansrebate.org/take-action/ Printable know your rights card in multiple languages from The National Immigration Law Center: https://www.nilc.org/resources/know-your-rights-card/ Toolkit for responding to mass worksite immigration raids: https://www.nilc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Raids-Toolkit-web-2019-05.pdf

    Empowering Latino Voices: Civic Engagement, Workforce Access, & Economic Equity in Florida

About

Welcome to 'Heart on Your Sleeve: Focus on Philanthropy', the podcast dedicated to exploring the heart of giving back and making a difference in our communities. Join us as we delve into the multifaceted world of philanthropy, shedding light on important topics, initiatives, and individuals shaping positive change. In each episode, we will dive deep into the pressing issues facing our communities and through insightful conversations with thought leaders and philanthropists, we'll uncover innovative solutions and highlight the impactful work being done to create a better world for all.