We're Good

The season-one finale of the We’re Good Podcast is filled with gratitude and full of reveals! The We’re Good team peels back the curtain to share what we learned, loved, and heard from you—like “wait, what?” moments: a public–private fix for affordable housing, a neighbor’s call that saved a woman’s future, and a young man’s independence (and cookies) through a program we thought we knew. Behind t...

In this episode of the We’re Good Podcast , Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee interviews a local geriatrician– Dr. Christina Prather MD –  to reveal ways to age well and lower dementia risk. Learn why some memory slips are normal, the 10 p.m. ritual that helps your brain “take out the trash,” and the two-word mantra—“motion is lotion.” She decodes study hype, previews biomarkers and therapies, reframes d...

In this heartfelt episode of the We’re Good Podcast , host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee is joined by co-founder Tanya Ruiz La Force as they spotlight Insight Memory Care and open up about how Alzheimer’s and dementia have touched their own families. This honest episode includes testimony from Mary Jo Ammon , whose husband Steve was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. Through humor and grace, Mary Jo...

In this episode of We’re Good , DC SCORES takes center stage—a transformative after-school program fusing soccer, poetry, and service to empower youth across Washington, D.C. Meet 13-year-old poet-athlete Kayla Nelson , whose words now live in the Library of Congress, and Tony Francavilla , a passionate leader of the movement. When teachers are also after-school coaches, trust deepens, lives chang...

In this uplifting episode of the We're Good Podcast , host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee speaks with two outstanding Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington “Youth of the Year” participants. Discover how Nola transformed personal trauma into strength through her powerful brand, "Strong as a R.O.C.K.," and how Vera stepped boldly out of her sisters' shadows. Hear how these nei...

In this inspiring We're Good episode, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee speaks with Dr. Minnie Annan from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington . Dr. Annan shares success stories, from BGCGW alumni thriving in careers on Capitol Hill and at Amazon, to young people overcoming adversity and discovering new pathways through club opportunities. Dr. Annan shares her personal journey, and...

In Part II of We’re Good at the Durant Center , Wanda Durant —mother of NBA star Kevin Durant and President of the Durant Family Foundation —gets deeply personal. She opens up about overcoming self-doubt, the power of faith, and a young girl’s words that reignited her purpose. Hear how the Durant Center builds lasting impact through trust, mentorship, and love. This episode is a powerful reminder...

What happens when a $10 million dream meets unstoppable determination? In this inspiring episode of We're Good , hear how NBA superstar Kevin Durant’s gift launched College Track in Suitland, Maryland—transforming the futures of first-generation college students. President of the Durant Family Foundation , Wanda Durant , shares her powerful reflections, Executive Director James Williams break...

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 pa...

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 E...

In this uplifting episode of the We’re Good podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee takes you inside Dog Tag Bakery in the heart of Georgetown, D.C. As Hillary Richonne , Communications Director will warn, don’t be fooled by the sweet smells and cupcakes. While the cupcakes are on point, this is not just a bakery. It’s a launchpad for military veterans, spouses, and caregivers to rebuild their fu...

In this inspiring episode of the We're Good podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee spotlights Compass Pro Bono , a powerful nonprofit that strengthens communities by empowering other nonprofits. CEO  Bethany Henderson and longtime volunteer—and now board chair— Cathy Bernasek share the compelling story of how Compass was born from a desire to serve after the September 11th attacks, founded...

In this heartening episode of the We’re Good podcast, listeners are invited into the impactful world of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA), a powerhouse of local philanthropy that’s quietly shaping the region for the better. Host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee welcomes CFNOVA CEO Renée Yancey and donor-turned-volunteer Benton Fisher to unpack the vital role community foundations p...

Talent for Tomorrow: Transforming Youth Futures Through Nonprofit Collaboration in the DMV In this episode of the We’re Good podcast, the spotlight is on Talent for Tomorrow , a powerful nonprofit alliance transforming the futures of young adults across the Washington, D.C. metro area. This coalition—comprising Genesis Works , Year Up United , New Futures , Spark the Journey , and PerScholas —work...

In this episode of the We're Good podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee highlights the inspiring work of the Operation Renewed Hope Foundation , a nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless veterans find stable housing. Despite the sacrifices made by our armed forces, over 32,000 veterans face homelessness, a number that may be even higher according to experts. The foundation was founded by r...

In this episode of We're Good , we spotlight a partnership reshaping what’s possible in affordable housing. True Ground Housing Partners , a nonprofit on the frontlines of the DMV's housing crisis, joins forces with Arlington Presbyterian Church in a powerful collaboration rooted in community. You'll hear facts: over half of American renters are housing cost-burdened. Even those mak...

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, we speak with Diana Ortiz , CEO of Doorways , and Joy Meyer , Chief Development and Strategy Officer, about the critical, life-saving work their nonprofit does in Arlington, Virginia . Doorways provides holistic support to survivors of domestic violence , sexual assault , and their families—serving over 2,000 households each year , including many childre...

In this episode we’re diving into the world of child advocacy with a focus on one of the most impactful volunteer programs you might not have heard of: Fairfax CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates. We’re joined by two incredible guests: Darcy Hubbard, Executive Director of Fairfax CASA, and Paula Salguero, a longtime volunteer who has dedicated years to supporting vulnerable children in the...

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 conversati...

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 moti...

In this inspiring episode, we dive into the transformative impact of the Year Up United program, which is closing the opportunity divide by ensuring that all young adults gain the experiences and support that will empower them to reach their potential through careers and higher education. The tuition free job training program combines technical and professional training with access to internships...

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...

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: werego...