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Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart

Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart

Auteur(s): Laura S. Wittcoff
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À propos de cet audio

 Small & Gutsy offers our listeners the opportunity to learn about the smaller, less known nonprofits and social impact organizations with revenues under $10 M. Our aim is to bring their stories to life, celebrate them, and further build their client, potential employee, volunteer, and funding networks. The goal of the Small & Gutsy podcast is to raise the visibility of this Big little social impact sector. Tune in as we interview a different organization so you can learn about them, maybe find a job, volunteer, or donate.© 2025 Développement commercial et entrepreneuriat Entrepreneurship Gestion et leadership Économie
Épisodes
  • Small & Gutsy Features Home Again, LA - Supportive Home Search and Much More

    Small & Gutsy Features Home Again, LA - Supportive Home Search and Much More
    Dec 16 2025
    One of the biggest travesties in our country is the number of unhoused individuals and families. Home Again LA is changing the narrative around homelessness by recognizing it as a situational crisis, not a personal failure. Through innovative partnerships with faith-based organizations, corporations, and community agencies, HALA has helped over 600 families transition from homelessness to permanent, stable housing while building resilience and hope. Albert Hernandez, CEO of Home Again LA, shares his personal journey from a family on the brink of homelessness to leading one of the most impactful nonprofits serving unhoused families in Los Angeles County. Albert's Personal Story One of 11 siblings raised in Koreatown, Los AngelesFather passed away when Albert was 14; mother worked two jobs to support the familyStarted working at Boys and Girls Club at age 14 with a 4.0 GPAEvery paycheck went to help his mother with rent, food, and family necessitiesWorked in the nonprofit sector for 20+ years before joining Home Again LA as CEO in July 2015 The Homelessness Crisis Most Angelenos are one paycheck away from homelessnessPost-pandemic cost of living increases: Food costs have doubled1-bedroom rent: $1,800 → $2,400–$2,500/month Families have deep roots in Los Angeles County and often cannot simply "move elsewhere"The unhoused community is vastly misunderstood Home Again LA's Core Programs 1. Emergency Shelter (Core Program) 90-day program for families with children experiencing homelessnessOperates like a "boot camp"—fast-paced, goal-orientedAverage turnaround: 54 days to permanent housingCongregations provide overnight housing (6 PM–7 AM)Day center offers showers, laundry, job training, case management, Wi-FiKey requirement: Children must be enrolled in school and attending regularlyServes families fleeing domestic violence and those experiencing job loss/income disruption 2. Rapid Rehousing Program 6-month program (launched 2017)Our organization pays a portion of the security deposit and rent Month 1: 90% of rentMonth 2: 80% of rentGradually decreases so family takes over 100% by end of program Results: 471 families served; all but 2 successfully took over their leases12-month follow-up support to ensure housing stability 3. Eviction Prevention Program Started during the pandemicProvides financial assistance for families with rental arrearsIncludes employment support and financial stability planningImpact (2020–2021): Leveraged over $2 million in federal, state, and county fundingContinues today as cost-of-living crisis persists 4. Financial Education/Outreach Program Classes on credit vs. debit, building emergency savings, understanding interest ratesPartnership with Operation Hope for homeownership certification classesSuccess story: 3 families who were living in their cars are now homeowners 5. After-School Care Partnership Partnership with local Boys and Girls ClubScholarships for all families' childrenAllows parents to work full 8-hour shifts (pickup as late as 5–7 PM)Critical for parental employment stability THE FAITH-BASED PARTNERSHIP MODEL Origins: Founded in 2008 by faith-based community members who recognized the fastest-growing unhoused population was families with childrenNo dedicated shelter facility — congregations provide evening beds (6 PM–7 AM)Parishioner involvement: Provide meals, homework tutoring, mock interviews, emotional supportCorporate partnerships: Walt Disney Company, Logix Federal Credit Union, National Charity League (mothers & daughters volunteer group)Not a faith-based organization — rather, a secular nonprofit that works alongside faith communitiesImpact: 90% of graduating families report that "being treated like any other community member" was the most impactful part of the program AHA MOMENTS The Estrada Family Story Single mother and teenage son fleeing domestic violenceMother had zero credit history — no credit card, apartment, or vehicle in her nameShe was "invisible" to the housing systemRequired 116 days in shelter (vs. typical 90 days)Successfully housed; son is now in college and volunteers for program participantsLesson: No credit history is worse than bad credit; flexibility and advocacy are essential BEST PRACTICES HIGHLIGHTED Quality over Quantity: Focus on compassionate, individualized care rather than serving maximum numbersTreat the nonprofit like a business: Sustainable fundraising, financial reserves, and operational planning are non-negotiableCollaboration is essential: Leverage partnerships with Boys and Girls Club, financial institutions, corporations, and faith organizationsIt takes a village: No single entity can solve homelessness; success requires community infrastructureFlexibility within structure: Accountability (school attendance, job seeking) balanced with compassion for unique circumstances12-month follow-up: Maintain relationships post-housing to ensure long-term stabilityTreat people with dignity: ...
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    48 min
  • Small & Gutsy Features The Farm Dog Rescue: Open Your Heart, Rescue A Dog!

    Small & Gutsy Features The Farm Dog Rescue: Open Your Heart, Rescue A Dog!
    Dec 8 2025
    In this episode of Small & Gutsy, Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff sits down with Keri Burgess, founder of The Farm Dog Rescue, and Nancy Zare, a dedicated volunteer foster parent, to discuss the critical work of dog rescue, rehabilitation, and responsible adoption in Martin County, Florida. The Farm Dog Rescue is a no-kill dog rescue organization that has made it a mission to rescue and adopt dogs, educate the community, and help animals in need. Beyond individual rescues, the organization is focused on addressing the larger issue of pet overpopulation through spay and neuter programs and policy advocacy. Throughout the conversation, Keri and Nancy share powerful stories of transformation—from chained and malnourished dogs finding forever homes, to the importance of careful vetting and placement, to the unique "Seniors Helping Seniors" program that pairs older dogs with older adopters. They discuss the realities of rescue work, the emotional rewards of fostering, and why focusing on the present rather than a dog's traumatic past is so important. Key topics include: Owner surrenders, and why 95% of Farm Dog Rescue's dogs come from families who can no longer care for themThe critical role of foster families in rehabilitation and placementHow legislation and spay/neuter policy are needed to reduce pet overpopulation, particularly in the southern statesThe importance of pet trusts for senior pet ownersNancy's journey from volunteer to experienced foster parent and the confidence it buildsWhy quality placement matters more than quantity of rescuesThe "Seniors Helping Seniors" program: pairing senior dogs with senior adoptersHow to focus on a dog's potential future rather than its traumatic pastThe systemic issue: "You cannot kill your way out of pet over-population" Guest Bios Keri Burgess – Founder, The Farm Dog Rescue Keri Burgess is a passionate animal advocate and rescuer with over 20 years of experience in animal welfare. As the founder and president of The Farm Dog Rescue, she has devoted her life to saving and rehabilitating dogs in need. Her journey in rescue began as a foster, and over the years, she has volunteered for numerous shelters and organizations, gaining invaluable experience. In addition to her rescue work, Keri is a full-time realtor and owner of a real estate coaching company, where she helps professionals grow and succeed in their businesses. Her business acumen lends itself to both running The Farm Dog Rescue as a sustainable nonprofit and selling real estate—balancing compassion with strategy to ensure success in both fields. Nancy Zare – Volunteer Foster Parent, The Farm Dog Rescue Nancy Zare is known as the "LinkedIn Whisperer" and is the creator of the Likability Sales System. She is a renowned business consultant who shows professional business owners how to generate warm, organic leads on LinkedIn and turn them into clients. She has authored seven books, including an Amazon International Best Seller. As a volunteer foster parent for The Farm Dog Rescue, Nancy has fostered 38 dogs in just a few years. Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff – Host, Small & Gutsy Dr. Laura is the host and founder of Small & Gutsy, a podcast and 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to spotlighting smaller nonprofits and social enterprises under $10 million. Her mission is to raise visibility for these organizations and connect them with volunteers, donors, investors, and job seekers. Key Takeaways Owner Surrenders Are the Primary Need: The Farm Dog Rescue receives 10-15 owner surrender calls per day, with 95% of their dogs coming from families who can no longer care for them—not from shelters.Quality Over Quantity: Farm Dog Rescue prioritizes careful vetting, behavioral assessment, and thoughtful placement over rescuing the most dogs possible. Their average hold time is 12 days, with some dogs placed in as little as one hour and others taking up to a year.Fostering Is Transformational: Foster families like Nancy don't just help dogs—they help themselves. Fostering builds confidence, teaches new skills, and provides deep personal rewards.Policy Change Is Essential: The real solution to pet overpopulation is not no-kill shelters—it's spay/neuter legislation and responsible breeding policies, which have already reduced overpopulation in northern states.Pet Trusts Matter: Many seniors assume their family will care for their pets if something happens, but this often doesn't happen. Pet trusts ensure dogs go to appropriate rescues and forever homes.Seniors Helping Seniors Works: Pairing senior dogs with senior adopters creates perfect matches—older dogs need laps and love, and older people want exactly that.Focus on the Present: Dogs live in the moment. While their past trauma matters for understanding behavior, the focus should be on creating a joyful, safe present and future.Rescue Is a Business: Even nonprofits must operate like businesses with financial stability, clear processes, and strategic...
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    51 min
  • Small & Gutsy Features Film2Future, the Next Gen Filmakers

    Small & Gutsy Features Film2Future, the Next Gen Filmakers
    Nov 18 2025

    Rachel Miller, founder of Film2Future, joins Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff to discuss how her nonprofit is revolutionizing access to the entertainment industry for underserved LA youth. Rachel shares her personal journey, from discovering filmmaking at 16, to creating a comprehensive, completely free program that removes barriers to entry for talented teenagers from low-income backgrounds. The episode explores Film2Future's innovative hybrid model, industry partnerships, and the transformative impact on students' careers and lives.

    Key Topics Discussed

    Rachel's Background & Inspiration

    • Discovered filmmaking by chance at age 16 during a community service event
    • Interned for legendary producer Deborah Hill
    • Taught public school in Manhattan and witnessed firsthand the economic divide affecting students' opportunities
    • Founded Film2Future in 2016 to address systemic barriers to entry in Hollywood

    The Problem Film2Future Solves

    • Film school costs $80,000+ annually, with additional expenses for equipment, portfolios, and tutoring
    • Industry leaders struggle to find "qualified, diverse candidates" ready to work
    • The real issue: lack of accessible pathways for underserved youth, not lack of talent
    • Solution: Start in high school so students are career-ready by 18

    The Film2Future Model

    • Completely free program providing computers, Wi-Fi, headphones, backpacks, supplies, food, and transportation
    • Hybrid approach: remote learning + in-person days at partner companies (Disney, Sony, etc.)
    • 25-30 student cohorts recruited from across LA County's most underserved schools
    • No portfolio required for application; focus on creativity and point of view

    Four Core Programs

    • Animation
    • Live Action Filmmaking
    • Emerging Technologies (VR, podcasting, gaming)
    • Advertising

    Life Skills Integration

    • Financial literacy
    • Resume writing and LinkedIn development
    • Professional communication and email etiquette
    • Networking and pitching skills
    • Interview preparation

    Success & Impact

    • 140+ paid internships and production assistant roles
    • 225+ students served since 2016
    • $2+ million in college scholarships earned
    • Alumni hiring other alumni, creating sustainable career pipeline
    • Notable success: Student with physical disabilities received a full-ride to NYU Tisch after creating the award-winning short

    COVID-19 Innovation

    • First production up and running during the pandemic
    • Created proprietary tech pods and safety protocols
    • Shot five shorts with zero infections
    • Demonstrated organizational resilience and adaptability
    Key Takeaways
    • Diversity in entertainment isn't just about goodness—it's better for business and creativity
    • Removing barriers at the pipeline level (high school) is more effective than trying to hire diversity later
    • Life skills training is as important as technical skills in the entertainment industry
    • Building community among students creates sustainable mentorship networks
    • Multiple ways to get involved with nonprofits beyond monetary donations
    Resources & Contact

    Website: Film2Future.org

    YouTube: Film2Future Channel (to view student shorts)

    Instagram: @Film2Future

    Contact: Available through website

    Guest Bio

    Rachel Miller is the founder of Film2Future and, founding partner of Haven Entertainment, a production and management company. She's also an executive producer on Netflix's "Devil in Ohio" and has sold 28+ manuscripts to publishers. She speaks regularly at UCLA, NYU, AFI, and international film festivals about diversity in entertainment.

    For more great Small & Gutsy Episodes: www.smallandgutsy.org/episodes
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    50 min
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