In our latest conversation, we had the pleasure of hosting Stephanie Barca, a licensed social worker, therapist, and Vice President of the Children’s Kindness Network. She introduced us to the lovable Moozie the Cow, an engaging mascot that helps children grasp the value of kindness at an early age. Through reading programs, puppet kits, and joyful community events, Moozie encourages kids to explore empathy, compassion, and self-care in a fun, memorable way. We were captivated by Stephanie’s personal stories of how even the smallest act of kindness can bring light to a child’s world. She reminded us that when kids learn to be kind—both to themselves and others—they gain a powerful foundation for building strong relationships and healthier communities.

We also learned that the Children’s Kindness Network focuses on four pillars of kindness—to self, others, animals, and the earth—ensuring a well-rounded approach to caring and empathy. Stephanie shared details about volunteer opportunities, Moozie kits for families in need, and the annual essay and art contest that sparks children’s creativity and sense of purpose. Hearing about the joy kids experience when they see Moozie in person—or receive a Moozie kit during challenging times—reinforced how meaningful this work truly is. We left our time with Stephanie feeling inspired, convinced that nurturing kindness in young hearts has a ripple effect that can brighten our entire community and beyond.

Key Takeaways:

Early Kindness Matters: Teaching children about empathy and compassion in their formative years fosters healthy social and emotional development.

Moozie the Cow Magic: Whether it’s the robotic version, the mascot suit, or a plush puppet, Moozie captivates kids’ attention, making lessons about kindness stick.

Four Pillars of Kindness: The Children’s Kindness Network highlights being kind to self, others, animals, and the earth, offering a comprehensive approach to empathy.

Open to All: Schools, families, teens, community groups, and even homeschool co-ops can volunteer or request curriculum binders to enhance kindness education.

Creative Participation: Children can write essays or create art for the annual contest, become youth ambassadors, or lend a hand at events—every form of kindness matters.

Operation Moozie: Through generous sponsorships and donations, the organization ships Moozie care kits to kids in tough situations (like deployed parents or natural disasters), reminding them they’re never alone.

Children's Kindness Network
https://www.moozie.org/

You Matter Nashville YouTube Channel
www.youtube.com/@YouMatterNashville

The Hoover Team
www.thehooverteam.com

We were thrilled to sit down with Chris and Elaine Whitney, founders of OneGenAway, to learn about their incredible mission to fight hunger throughout Middle Tennessee. Hearing their story of humble beginnings—starting with a single car trunk full of bread—and watching it grow into a multifaceted operation was truly inspiring. They shared how OneGenAway rescues perfectly good food from local grocery stores, restaurants, and caterers, then distributes it freely through mobile food pantries and direct partnerships. Chris and Elaine’s focus on preserving dignity and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for anyone in need is just as vital as the groceries themselves. Their story also highlighted how volunteering plays a major role in their success: families, students, churches, and businesses have all stepped up to help sort, bag, and give away thousands of pounds of food each week.

We were especially moved by the compassion they weave into everything they do—like their plan to open a nonprofit center offering free dental and medical care, counseling, and a pay-as-you-can café. No matter where they serve, Chris and Elaine make it a point to foster collaboration, believing that uniting with other organizations amplifies everyone’s impact. Their tale is a vivid reminder that we’re never too small to dream big and that real change happens when we pair practical solutions with genuine care for others. Simply put, if OneGenAway can help feed countless individuals, then each of us has the power to use our own gifts and resources to make a meaningful difference in our own corners of the world.

Key Takeaways

Starting Small, Dreaming Big
They began by picking up surplus bread in a Hyundai Santa Fe—now they’re operating multiple refrigerated trucks, a warehouse, and are expanding beyond Tennessee. No dream is too big if we’re willing to take the first step.

No Barriers, Only Dignity
OneGenAway doesn’t require applications or proof of income. They believe in offering a shame-free experience where people can come, select groceries, and be treated with dignity.

Volunteers are the Heartbeat
Whether it’s high school students earning service hours or community members looking to make a difference, volunteers keep everything running smoothly. Their distributions are kid-friendly and always welcoming to new faces.

Collaboration Over Competition
By partnering with schools, nonprofits, grocers, and caterers, OneGenAway is able to rescue thousands of pounds of food each day. Working together magnifies impact.

Hope is Contagious
Chris and Elaine’s personal experiences of struggle and faith led them to serve others in similar situations. Their story proves that when we help one person, we set off a chain reaction of hope.

Future Vision
They’re developing a nonprofit center with free medical and dental services, counseling, childcare, and a community grocery store—all under one roof, ensuring more resources are easily accessible.

We were inspired by Chris and Elaine’s passion and heart for service. They reminded us that all of us can do our part by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word. This episode stands as proof that every act of kindness—no matter how small—helps build a stronger, more compassionate community.

One Generation Away
https://onegenaway.com/

You Matter Nashville YouTube Channel
www.youtube.com/@YouMatterNashville

The Hoover Team
www.thehooverteam.com

In this inspiring episode of You Matter Nashville, we had the pleasure of speaking with Alan Long, the Executive Director of High Hopes Development Center. High Hopes has been serving children and families in Middle Tennessee for over 40 years, providing an inclusive preschool alongside a pediatric therapy clinic.

Their unique model supports children with and without special needs, fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where all children can thrive. Through their integrated approach, High Hopes not only meets the educational and developmental needs of children but also provides critical support and resources to families navigating the complexities of raising children with special needs.

Alan shared his personal journey from a successful corporate career to fulfilling his calling in education and nonprofit leadership. He spoke candidly about the pivotal moment when he realized his passion for working with children and the encouragement he received from his wife to follow his heart. His passion for making a difference in the lives of children and families is evident as he discusses the impact High Hopes has on the community.

From the dedicated teachers and therapists to the families who find solace and hope within its walls, High Hopes embodies a mission-driven organization focused on positive outcomes and lasting change.

We explored the various therapy services offered, the importance of early intervention, and the challenges families face when seeking support for their children. Alan emphasized the critical role of early diagnosis and intervention in setting children up for success and how High Hopes partners with families to provide individualized care plans that address their unique needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Inclusive Learning Environment: High Hopes integrates typically developing children with those who have special needs, fostering empathy, friendship, and advocacy from an early age.
• Therapy Services: Offering speech, occupational, physical, feeding, and behavioral therapies, High Hopes provides a comprehensive approach to pediatric care.
• Impactful Success Stories: Alan shared uplifting stories of alumni like Connor Bossie, who overcame early challenges and went on to graduate from Vanderbilt University.
• Community Need: With families coming from 17 counties, the demand for inclusive education and therapy services far exceeds current capacity.
• Volunteer and Giving Opportunities: The organization welcomes donations, volunteers, and community support to help meet the growing needs of the children they serve.
• Upcoming Events: High Hopes hosts events such as the Strings and Stories singer-songwriter night, the Runway of Hope fashion show, and the Giving on the Green golf tournament to support their mission.

High Hopes
https://www.highhopesforkids.org

You Matter Nashville YouTube Channel
www.youtube.com/@YouMatterNashville

The Hoover Team
www.thehooverteam.com

In this episode of You Matter Nashville, we had the privilege of hosting Kay Kretsch and Jessica Guzman, two extraordinary leaders from Dismas House of Nashville. Their organization is a beacon of hope for formerly incarcerated individuals, providing them with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to reintegrate into society successfully. Kay and Jessica shed light on how their work is making a profound impact not just on the individuals they serve, but also on their families and the Nashville community as a whole.

Dismas House, celebrating its 50th year, has grown from humble beginnings in an 8-bed house on Music Row to a state-of-the-art, 72-bed facility. The organization offers comprehensive reentry programs focusing on healing, personal development, and life skills training. Their trauma-informed approach ensures residents receive individualized care, addressing their unique needs and challenges. From helping them heal from past trauma to preparing them for life outside incarceration, Dismas House is redefining what it means to truly provide second chances.

Kay and Jessica shared how the first 30 days of their program are dedicated to healing—slowing things down for residents to adjust to their new environment, regain control over their lives, and begin addressing the root causes of their struggles. The organization also provides life skills training, financial literacy classes, job readiness workshops, and access to mental health services, all tailored to set residents up for long-term success. Their efforts are supported by a wide network of community partners who contribute everything from financial education to healthcare and even haircuts for job interviews.

The results are inspiring. While the national recidivism rate hovers around 30%, Dismas House boasts an astounding 2.5% recidivism rate for their recent program graduates. Beyond helping individuals, their work creates generational change, benefiting families and communities for years to come. For those who need additional time and support after the program, Dismas House offers independent living options on-site, providing affordable housing and continued access to wraparound services.

Kay and Jessica also shared how the community can get involved, whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or simply attending events like their annual “Whiskey, Wine, and Whiskers” fundraiser in May. Dismas House emphasizes the importance of community acceptance, urging society to embrace those reentering from incarceration as capable, valuable members of the community. Their programs not only transform lives but also save taxpayer money and create healthier, more stable communities.

The conversation was a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit, the value of second chances, and the incredible change that can happen when we work together to uplift those who need it most. Kay and Jessica left us inspired and determined to do our part in building a more compassionate, inclusive community.

Takeaways:

• Focus on Healing: Residents start with a 30-day healing phase to adjust, stabilize, and regain control of basic aspects of life.
• Personalized Reentry Plans: Each individual’s journey is tailored, from financial literacy to job readiness and emotional health support.
• Impressive Impact: The recidivism rate for program graduates is down to an incredible 2.5%.
• Independent Living: Graduates can transition to subsidized housing on-site, further easing their path to independence.

Dismas House
https://dismas.org/

You Matter Nashville YouTube Channel
www.youtube.com/@YouMatterNashville

The Hoover Team
www.thehooverteam.com

We had the privilege of welcoming two extraordinary guests from My Friend's House: Executive Director, Tenasa Pillow, and Fundraising and Development Coordinator, Christine Foell. My Friend's House is a Middle Tennessee organization dedicated to providing safety, structure, and a nurturing environment for at-risk boys aged 12 to 17. Through counseling, therapeutic programs, and an abundance of community support, they help these young men believe in themselves, transform negative behaviors, and set paths toward brighter, more hopeful futures.

Our conversation delved into the heart of My Friend's House’s mission: to offer these boys a safe place to heal and grow, whether that ultimately means reuniting them with family, connecting them with a foster family, or guiding them toward independence. We heard emotional success stories—like a teenager discovering his love for cooking at a local steakhouse, or a young man finally finding a forever family. Their testimonies show us the profound impact of consistency, compassion, and community engagement.

We also learned about the annual Mardi Gras Ball, a major fundraiser that contributes essential funding to the organization, as well as year-round volunteer opportunities—from teaching life skills to donating toiletries. My Friend's House relies on the kindness of local churches, businesses, and individuals who wish to pour into these young lives. Listening to Tenasa and Christine, we felt reminded that truly every gift, large or small, can spark hope in a child’s life.

Key Takeaways

• Mission & Programs: My Friend's House serves boys 12 to 17 who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other challenges. Their structured environment focuses on life skills, therapy, and relationship-building so these teens can eventually reunify with family or transition to foster care or independent living.
• Daily Routine: From structured chores and homework time to weekly group therapy and community activities, the team ensures the boys have consistency, accountability, and plenty of fun.
• Success Stories: We loved hearing about the boy who found employment at a local steakhouse, the budding rapper showcasing his talents at a school pep rally, and the teenager who finally connected with a forever family. Every success reaffirms that care and guidance can alter the course of a child’s future.
• Volunteering: There are countless ways to get involved, whether that’s “Chef of the Night” (teaching the boys how to cook), mentoring, or helping with transportation to extracurriculars. Skilled trades like welding or carpentry are also highly valued, and volunteers go through a background check for the kids’ safety.
• Support & Donations: My Friend's House accepts toiletry items, clothing, and monetary donations. Their “Friend of a Friend” monthly giving program is an easy way to contribute consistently. They also maintain an Amazon wishlist for specific needs.
• Mardi Gras Ball: Held each February, this vibrant fundraiser combines good food, lively music, and a festive Mardi Gras theme. Every dollar supports My Friend's House’s programs, services, and the important day-to-day needs of the boys.
• Community Collaboration: Partnerships with local nonprofits, churches, businesses, and caring individuals make My Friend's House possible. Everyone’s collective efforts remind these teenagers that hope and kindness are within reach.

My Friend's House
https://myfriendshousetn.org/

You Matter Nashville YouTube Channel
www.youtube.com/@YouMatterNashville

The Hoover Team
www.thehooverteam.com

We had the privilege of speaking with Anna and Elmer Hill, the husband-and-wife team behind the nonprofit Art Helps Cancer. During our conversation, they shared how their personal experiences with cancer motivated them to form this organization, which focuses on alleviating everyday burdens for families undergoing treatment.

We learned about their annual art auction, which brings together local artists, and how this event helps fund their thoughtful approach to support—like delivering care caddies, sending hand-written cards, and even arranging lawn care and house cleaning. Anna and Elmer also collaborate with other nonprofits in Middle Tennessee, further expanding the network of love and help for cancer patients and their families.

If you’re looking for inspiration, practical ways to support those battling cancer, or a story that highlights the kindness in our community, this episode is for you.

Takeaways

• Art Helps Cancer was born from personal experiences with cancer.
• Small gestures can have a big impact on those suffering.
• Care caddies provide comfort and essentials to cancer patients.
• Handwritten cards bring joy and connection to recipients.
• The organization has grown significantly in just five years.
• Partnerships with local businesses enhance their mission.
• Creating a family-like support system is essential for healing.
• We treat the whole family.

Art Helps Cancer
https://www.arthelpscancer.org/

You Matter Nashville YouTube Channel
www.youtube.com/@YouMatterNashville

The Hoover Team
www.thehooverteam.com

In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Allison Gamble from Needs of Our Kids (NOOK), a nonprofit organization in Franklin, Tennessee, dedicated to providing immediate, essential support to students in our local schools. We learned how NOOK’s all-volunteer team steps in to offer educational resources, clothing, hygiene items, and even assist with fees for school activities. By ensuring every child has what they need—whether it’s the right pair of shoes or access to nutritious snacks—NOOK helps maintain a sense of dignity, focus, and confidence for students in Middle Tennessee.

As we listened to Allison’s inspiring stories, we realized that small contributions truly make a big impact. From supplying simple necessities like deodorant to bridging gaps in after-school care, NOOK’s community support and donation opportunities enable every child to participate fully in school life. We also appreciated learning about how they partner with other local nonprofit organizations and encourage volunteer opportunities that help strengthen the fabric of our Nashville podcast community.

Our conversation with Allison reflects the heart of You Matter Nashville—promoting kindness, inclusivity, and generosity. Through our work as real estate professionals, we’re committed to making a difference and connecting others with causes like NOOK that uplift our neighbors. We hope this episode encourages you to consider how you might contribute, either through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about this powerful mission.

Takeaways

• Nook addresses the immediate needs of children in schools.
• 40% of kids in Franklin rely on free or reduced lunch.
• Volunteers play a crucial role in fulfilling requests.
• Community support is essential for Nook's operations.
• Small donations can have a significant impact.
• Nook collaborates with other organizations for broader support.
• Immediate solutions help children stay focused in school.
• Feedback from families highlights the importance of dignity.
• Nook is a 501c3 organization, allowing for tax-deductible donations.
• The podcast aims to connect listeners with local heroes and initiatives.

NOOK
https://needsofourkids.com/

You Matter Nashville YouTube Channel
www.youtube.com/@YouMatterNashville

The Hoover Team
www.thehooverteam.com

In this episode of You Matter Nashville, we are excited to sit down with Erika Gorman, founder of the Three Strands Family Center in Columbia, Tennessee. Erika shares her incredible journey of moving from California to Columbia and her heart for creating a nonprofit that supports new and expectant families. The Three Strands Family Center offers classes, workshops, and resources that help families navigate pregnancy, birth, and early childhood while fostering a strong sense of community.

We talk with Erika about the challenges she faced as a new mom, her passion for building a supportive environment for families in Middle Tennessee, and how Three Strands is bridging gaps in local maternal and family care. Erika shares how her organization aims to make these services accessible to all families, regardless of income, through scholarships and partnerships with local businesses.

Join us as we dive into the importance of community, how Three Strands is already making an impact in Columbia, and what Erika envisions for its future. Plus, she offers a special discount code for our You Matter Nashville listeners to try a class for free!

If you’re looking for ways to support this amazing cause or want to learn more, visit threestandsfamily.org. And as always, remember, You Matter, Nashville!

Takeaways

• Three Strands Family Center aims to support new and expectant families.
• Community support is crucial during pregnancy and postpartum.
• Accessible resources for families are lacking in Columbia, TN.
• Erika's journey to Tennessee was driven by family values.
• The nonprofit model focuses on collaboration with local businesses.
• Classes offered include prenatal yoga, postpartum support, and parenting workshops.
• The importance of a supportive community for new parents cannot be overstated.
• Erika's personal experiences shaped her vision for the nonprofit.
• The launch party was a way to engage the community and raise awareness.
• Future plans include expanding services and creating a physical space for the nonprofit.

Three Strands Family
https://www.threestrandsfamily.org/

You Matter Nashville YouTube Channel
www.youtube.com/@YouMatterNashville

The Hoover Team
www.thehooverteam.com