In this uplifting episode of We’re Good, listeners are taken inside the powerful story of College Track at the Durant Center in Suitland, Maryland—an initiative sparked by NBA superstar Kevin Durant’s $10 million commitment to his hometown.

With heartfelt reflections from Wanda Durant and Executive Site Director James Williams, this episode explores how the program transforms the lives of first-generation college students by focusing not just on academics, but on emotional support, mentorship, and community.

The highlight? Mamadi Diallo’s inspiring journey from self-doubt to college success—and a surprise reveal you won’t want to miss.

podcast duration - 30 min listen

What happens when you mix purpose-driven nonprofits, inspiring students, and generous donors? Magic! In this special We’re Good pop-up podcast with the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, hear how SPARC and Our Minds Matter are changing lives—and meet two remarkable scholarship recipients whose dreams are now within reach. From overcoming obstacles to building legacies, this episode is packed with heart. Bob Kipps, Managing Director at KippsDeSanto & Co., and now Immediate Past Chair of the CFNOVA Board, shared his experiences of witnessing the impact of CFNOVA in the region first-hand. 

podcast duration - 24 min listen

Military moves, mental health, and mission‑driven community all come together in our newest We’re Good episode. Host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee chats with Blue Star Families Program Manager- Krysti Pereira and a military spouse Lesley Rose about the vital support Blue Star Families provides our military and their families.  Hear how Coffee Connect meet‑ups, 2,000+ free Blue Star Museums, and the Emmy‑winning Combat the Silence campaign turn isolation into empowerment for service members, veterans, and loved ones. Discover how simple acts to welcome our military families into “the neighborhood” help us all thrive. 

Tune in to learn how civilians, neighbors, and businesses can make a difference—and why supporting military families isn’t just appreciated, it’s essential.

podcast duration - 22 min listen

Dog Tag Bakery in Georgetown, may serve up treats, but these treats change lives. Host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee meets Air Force spouse Nerissa Alford, who calls her time at Dog Tag her “year of me”—a transformative fellowship that helped her gain business skills, confidence, and purpose.

With a Georgetown University business certificate, lifelong community, and stories of resilience, Dog Tag proves that a good program and cookie can fund something even sweeter: a future rebuilt. Press play to hear how this bakery has purpose baked in.

podcast duration - 27 min listen

After 9/11, a group of Harvard Business School alumni asked themselves a question: How can we use our skills to serve?That question led to the founding of Compass Pro Bono, a nonprofit that empowers other nonprofits through strategic consulting, board matching, and training—all free of charge.

In this episode, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee sits down with Compass Pro Bono CEO Bethany Henderson and longtime volunteer-turned-board chair Cathy Bernasek to explore the organization’s origin and its ever-growing impact. From helping nonprofits like Horton’s Kids double their reach to introducing AI-driven tools for strategic planning, Compass Pro Bono is addressing the sector’s toughest challenge: too little time and too few resources to think big.

Through personal stories, practical insights, and powerful examples, Bethany and Cathy show how one act of service can spark a lifetime of change—for nonprofits, communities, and volunteers alike.

podcast duration - 28 min listen

In this episode of We’re Good, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee sits down with CFNOVA CEO Renée Yancey and donor-turned-volunteer Benton Fisher to explore how the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia strengthens the region through philanthropy. From rapid disaster relief—like the $1M+ raised after the DCA airport tragedy—to long-term support for food access, education, and the arts, CFNOVA proves anyone can make a difference. Learn how this trusted nonprofit connects donors to causes and why community foundations matter now more than ever.

podcast duration - 24 min listen

In this inspiring episode of the We're Good Podcast, three impactful voices—including student success story Axel Orellana, Genesys Works former Executive Director Selvon Waldron, and Capital One’s Lia Jones, —discuss the Talent for Tomorrow Alliance, a powerful collaboration between five DMV-based nonprofits: Genesys Works, Year Up United, PerScholas, New Futures, and Spark the Journey. Supported by Capital One, the alliance offers high school to college-age students career mentorship, workforce training, internships and scholarships, focusing on closing racial and economic opportunity gaps. Axel shares his journey from discovering Genesys Works in high school to studying computer engineering at UDC, crediting the alliance for his growth, confidence, and career readiness. With over 600 students currently served, this episode showcases how strategic partnerships and wraparound support can create game-changing pathways for young talent.

podcast duration - 23 min listen

In this episode of the We're Good podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee spotlights Operation Renewed Hope Foundation, a nonprofit tackling veteran homelessness. Founded by retired Army Lt. Colonel Deborah Snyder, the organization uses a “Housing First” model to get veterans off the streets and into stable homes. Program Director Maria Grinstead shares her own powerful journey into the work. Together, they discuss the systemic challenges veterans face and how compassion and action can restore hope.

Know a veteran in crisis? Call the US Department of Veterans Affairs Hotline at 1-877-424-3838.

podcast duration - 24 min listen

In this episode of We're Good, we spotlight a powerful partnership reshaping affordable housing in the DMV. True Ground Housing Partners and Arlington Presbyterian Church came together to create Gilliam Place—a 173-unit community that blends housing with wraparound services, policy advocacy, and a reimagined church space. CEO Carmen Romero and Pastor Ashley Goff share how collaboration, proximity, and bold decisions are building more than homes—they’re building hope. From on-site food pantries to erasing $200K in rent debt during the pandemic, this story shows what’s possible when neighbors unite.

podcast duration - 33 min listen

In this powerful episode, we speak with Diana Ortiz and Joy Myers of Doorways about the life-saving work they do for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Arlington, VA. From emergency shelter to trauma-informed counseling, Doorways serves over 2,000 households each year—many with children. Learn how you can make a difference.

24/7 Hotline: 703-237-0881
Because everyone deserves to be safe.

podcast duration - 32 min listen

In this episode, we dive into the world of child advocacy through the lens of Fairfax CASA—Court Appointed Special Advocates. Joining us are Darcy Hubbard, Executive Director of Fairfax CASA, and longtime volunteer Paula Salguero, who share powerful insights into this impactful volunteer program.

CASA volunteers are trained community members who advocate in court for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. They’re not legal professionals, but they are the steady, compassionate presence guiding children through a complicated system. Darcy shares the national scope of CASA—now with over 900 programs—and its deep roots in Fairfax County, where over 9,000 children have been supported in the past 35 years.

Paula offers a personal glimpse into what it’s like to be a CASA, from intensive training to the emotional, rewarding moments that come with helping a child find safety and stability. The episode also explores real success stories, CASA’s impressive 94% court report adoption rate, and the urgent need for more volunteers.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a real difference in a child’s life, this conversation is a must-listen.

podcast duration - 32 min listen

In this heartwarming episode of the "We're Good" podcast, we dive into the incredible work of Best Buddies, a nonprofit that’s changing lives by creating lasting friendships, offering job opportunities, and empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live independently. Hosted by Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee, the episode features an inspiring conversation with Molly Whalen, the State Director of Best Buddies Virginia and D.C., who shares the powerful story of how the organization started back in 1989 at Georgetown University and has grown into a transformative force in the community.

What started as a innovative friendship program has blossomed into a robust network of job training, placement, and independent living programs, helping people with IDD break through social barriers and find their place in the world. Molly opens up about her personal journey with Best Buddies, sharing how her children with autism sparked her deep commitment to this cause.

You’ll also hear amazing success stories, like that of Peter, who’s now thriving in the bakery department at Wegmans, baking delicious cookies and living independently, thanks to the support of Best Buddies' job coaching program. Peter’s journey shows just how life-changing this program can be.

The episode also highlights some of the fun and inclusive events Best Buddies hosts, including the Friendship Walk and the Homecoming Gala, which bring people together to celebrate diversity and inclusion. Peter, a devoted ambassador for the program, shares why giving back is so important to him.

Tune in for an uplifting conversation that will inspire you to support Best Buddies, whether through volunteering, donating, or just spreading the word about the amazing work being done. It’s a must-listen for anyone who believes in the power of community and social change!

podcast duration - 24 min listen

In this episode, Joel Dillion, CEO of Jill’s House, and Kelly Speck, author of Hope in the Heartache, and a Jill’s House mom, discuss the organization’s mission and impact. Jill’s House was inspired by the experience of Brenda and Lon Solomon, whose daughter Jill developed significant disabilities due to a genetic condition. After receiving respite care from a church member, the Solomons were motivated to create a similar service for other families. This led to the establishment of Jill’s House in 2010.

Jill’s House provides short-term respite care for children with intellectual disabilities, offering 24-48 hour stays to give parents a break. The facility features fun, safe activities like a pool and climbing wall, while ensuring personalized care from professional nurses and highly-trained staff. This respite not only provides physical relief for parents but also emotional support, knowing their children are in a tailored, caring environment.

In this episode, Kelly Speck shares how Jill’s House has been a lifeline for her family, offering relief from isolation and burnout. She reads an excerpt from her book, reflecting on her emotional experience of leaving her son Bennett at Jill’s House for the first time and how their family now compares Jill’s House to a Disneyworld experience. 

Jill’s House is also focused on research, collaborating with Baylor University to assess the impact of their services on family well-being. Jill’s House operates largely through volunteer efforts and private donations, with over 80% of its budget coming from this support. Its inclusivity-based approach fosters a community that values families of children with disabilities, offering both care and connection.

podcast duration - 32 min listen

In this episode, we explore how Year Up United is changing lives by providing young adults with the skills, support, and job opportunities they need to succeed. Lisa Wiley, site director for Year Up United in the National Capital Region, and Emerson Ramos, a program graduate now VP at The Carlyle Group, share their inspiring journeys.

Emerson’s path—from a chance encounter at a gas station to a leadership role in a major corporation—demonstrates the life-changing impact of this tuition-free program. Combining technical training, professional development, and real-world experience through internships, Year Up United bridges the gap between talent and opportunity.

Tune in to hear how corporate partnerships and hands-on training are creating a more inclusive workforce and helping young professionals thrive. A must-listen for those passionate about workforce inclusion and economic empowerment!

podcast duration - 34 min listen

In this episode, Erica Ahdoot, CEO of Horton’s Kids, and Rahaman “Kil” Kilpatrick, Senior Manager of Community and Family Engagement, discuss the incredible work of supporting children and families in Washington, D.C.’s Anacostia neighborhood. From pre-K through high school graduation and beyond, Horton’s Kids is committed to building trust, fostering mentorship, and creating safe spaces for kids to thrive.

podcast duration - 23 min listen

Listen to the We're Good podcast to discover and plug into all the good that is going on around you! Host and former television news anchor Lee Ann Necessary interviews the people and organizations in our region already working to make a positive difference in our world. If you want good news and inspiration, join us for We're Good! Please, visit our website for more information: weregood.net.

podcast duration - 10 min listen