In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, Robert Santana, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to leading a nonprofit organization. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, innovative approaches to community challenges, and the evolution of leadership roles in nonprofits

Robert discusses the significance of building trust, creating pathways for education and employment, and the future initiatives aimed at empowering youth. His insights reflect a commitment to collaboration and community engagement, highlighting the transformative impact of nonprofits.

About Charity Charge:

Charity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

In this episode of the Charity Charge Non-Profit Spotlight Series, Matt Bradshaw interviews Dr. Trey McMullen, who shares his journey from military service to founding the SYOTOS Foundation. Dr. McMullen discusses his experiences in various nonprofit sectors, including human trafficking and sexual assault, and emphasizes the importance of community support and mentorship for vulnerable populations.

He also explores the balance between commercial innovation and philanthropic impact, highlighting the need for facilities and resources to support survivors and those in need.

About Charity Charge:

Charity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, we sit down with Jeff Eysaman, CEO of Christopher Community (CCI), to talk nonprofit leadership, collaboration, and the future of affordable housing in Central and Western New York.

From early lessons at Boys & Girls Clubs and the YMCA to guiding an organization that manages 3,000+ units across 68 properties, Jeff shares how “housing is our vehicle, people are our business.”

Key Takeaways

• Lead as a listener. Early leadership roles taught Jeff to be an authentic, “listen-first” leader who values collaboration and invests in people.
• Operate to amplify impact. Mission-first requires strong operations—budgets, partnerships, and efficiencies that make programs sustainable.
• Housing is community infrastructure. CCI’s work extends beyond buildings to convening partners, advocating for residents, and bringing wraparound services on-site.
• Hope is in the momentum. With housing elevated in local, state, and federal conversations—and strong community partners—solutions are within reach.
• Better together. Scarcity mindsets hold nonprofits back; ecosystems of partners help families thrive and attract the next generation of talent.

About Charity Charge:

Charity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

In this nonprofit spotlight, host Matt Bradshaw speaks with Justin Pasquariello, the CEO of East Boston Social Centers. They discuss Justin's journey into the nonprofit sector, the mission and impact of East Boston Social Centers, and the importance of understanding community needs.

Justin shares insights on balancing mission and administration, engaging the board, and diversifying funding sources. The conversation also touches on the role of storytelling in fundraising, collaboration with other nonprofits, and the impact of technology and AI in the sector. Justin emphasizes the need for nonprofits to adapt to changing landscapes and the importance of community involvement in achieving their missions.

About Charity Charge:

Charity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

In this nonprofit spotlight, we speak with Stacey Charpentier, the Executive Director of the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR). We discuss Stacey's journey in the nonprofit sector, the mission of CCAR, and the challenges faced in nonprofit leadership, particularly regarding funding. Stacey shares insights on the importance of community support, transparency in leadership, and innovative solutions like the new Coachally platform for recovery coaching. The conversation emphasizes the need for ongoing advocacy and the positive impact of recovery support services.

About Charity Charge:

Charity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

In this conversation, Amanda Paktinat, the interim CEO of the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming, discusses the organization's local impact, misconceptions about its services, and the importance of community support. She highlights the role of volunteers, the evolution of fundraising, and the significance of building strong donor relationships.

Amanda also shares insights on emergency preparedness, team engagement, and her transition into leadership, emphasizing the need for kindness and staying true to the mission in uncertain times.

About Charity Charge:

Charity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.