The Good Around Us Stephanie Keally

It's the smallest acts of kindness among strangers that can sometimes mean the most. Have you witnessed the joy it brings to help someone out, even in the most ordinary way?



Connect with The Good Around Us and Stephanie Keally: thegoodaround.us



On instagram: @good.aroundus @stephkeally


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Growing up poor on a farmette homestead in Braxton County, West Virginia, Dr. Nikki Byrne-Hoffman, comes from a long line of Appalachian farmers.  She spent most of her childhood in the family’s orchards, vegetable gardens, and rabbit hutches, and her family’s food security depended on their garden’s harvest. After moving to Morgantown to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and a doctorate in Pharmacology, Nikki began teaching Biology at West Virginia University. 

In 2020, she and colleague, Katrina Steward, created and now Co-Direct the WVU Campus Food Garden, which serves multiple purposes: to educate the next generation of gardeners and small farmers, and to advocate for food security in the community. 

The Campus Food Garden has donated over 7,000 pounds to local food pantries to date.




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Therese Wright has an energy that is warm and a spirit larger than life. Originally from Belize, she lives in Lexington, Kentucky, where she has devoted her life to the service of those around her. She founded Sisters Road to Freedom, a non-profit organization designed to meet the needs of vulnerable individuals and families through workshops, personal connection and assistance, as well as a food and clothing bank, which serves over 100 families each year and is run completely by volunteers.



Episode 1.1 Called to Serve was originally published on May 7, 2021.



I caught up with Therese this winter to get an update on Sisters Road to Freedom, the volunteer-run non-profit she founded for meeting the needs of vulnerable families in Lexington, KY. You will be thrilled to know that the thing Therese waved her magic wand about, getting a storefront to distribute resources to those in need, well it happened! She gets pantry and fresh food donations from Whole Foods, Panera, Glean KY, Elkwood Farms, and she provides a distribution resource to government organizations serving the community. 



To help Therese serve the community and pay rent on her storefront, go to her website sistersroadtofreedom.org.


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Walking side by side with a loved one who has been given the diagnosis of an incurable disease. This is a journey many families have experienced before or face today. Amidst the darkness of this reality, our guest today shares about the light that always finds a way to come through the cracks.

Blake Benton founded Coming Together for a Cure, a non-profit organization that works relentlessly to raise awareness, fund research, and help families around the world access stem cell therapy and resources to support their fight against rare diseases. 

This work is personal for Blake as his brother, Ryan, has Dechenne’s Muscular Dystrophy. Together, they are helping others experience cutting edge treatment and resources to maintain a hopeful quality of life.

Links:


Website: https://ctfac.org
CTFAC Facebook
CTFAC Instagram
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Ngozi Okaro is the Founder and Executive Director of Custom Collaborative. Ngozi founded Custom Collaborative to help women launch sustainable fashion businesses and careers, and to advocate for a fashion industry that honors the planet and serves fashion-industry workers (the majority of whom are immigrant and low-income women) and thoughtful consumers who want quality, sustainable clothes that fit the body well.

Over the course of a career in social-sector leadership, Ngozi has led education, social justice, and community-based organizations to identify and meet their missions.

Among many distinctions, Ngozi is a 2022 Goldman Sachs Black Woman Impact Leader and AARP Purpose Prize Fellow.

Links:


Custom Collaborative website
CC Twitter
CC Instagram


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Faith in a higher power plays a prominent role in individuals and communities around the world. And though science, particularly the social sciences, has begun acknowledging the intersection with faith, these are still two topics that can feel miles apart. Our guest today is sharing a message about how psychology and spirituality can work together for a kinder, gentler view of ourselves and the world.

Lauren Gilbert is a PhD in psychology. After serving as a full-time assistant professor at a liberal arts college, Lauren sought to expand the reach of her message to make it accessible outside of the walls of the college classroom. She is passionate about integrating science and faith in a way that is easily understandable and one that meets people right where they are. In her spare time, Lauren spends time outdoors, trying to keep up with 2 young kids, and little-by-little, she is learning to practice what she preaches in her own heart, home, and family.

Links:


Lauren's Instagram


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