Community Cares

Community Cares Podcast Episode 148 features co-hosts Executive Director Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn in a focused conversation with guest Cheree Boteler, Executive Director of the Reno Rodeo Foundation. Cheree shares how the Foundation serves children and families across 14 Northern Nevada counties through programs that provide essential items, meaningful experiences, and opportuni...

In Episode 147 of the Community Cares Podcast, we sit down with Lead Pastor Mark South from Living Stones Church Spanish Springs to talk about the exciting new church building project in the Spanish Springs community of Northern Nevada. This conversation dives into the vision for the new campus, how it will serve families in Spanish Springs and Reno-Sparks, and why creating more space for worship,...

Jessica Solis, Access to Healthcare Network - CCP 146 In this episode of the Community Cares Podcast, we sit down with Jessica Solis from Access to Healthcare Network for a meaningful conversation about expanding healthcare access, supporting underserved communities, and the vital role nonprofit organizations play in strengthening Nevada’s health system. We discuss the challenges individuals face...

Nicku Bruce (Real Choices) – CCP 145 In this episode of the Community Cares Podcast, we sit down with Nicku Bruce from Real Choices for an engaging conversation about the work they’re doing in our community and the impact of providing support and resources to individuals and families facing unexpected challenges. Nicku shares insights into the mission of Real Choices, the importance of accessible...

Community Cares Podcast Ep. 143 features Tammy Cabtree of Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada in a thoughtful conversation about the organization’s mission and the many ways it serves individuals and families across Reno, Sparks, and Northern Nevada. In this episode, we discuss the impact of food assistance, case management, family support, residential services, and community-based care that hel...

Socorro Keenan, Candidate for Secretary of State - CCP 144 In this episode of the Community Cares Podcast, we sit down with Socorro Keenan, a candidate for Secretary of State of Nevada, for a thoughtful conversation about her background, her priorities, and her vision for Nevada’s future. We talk about the issues that matter most to voters, the challenges facing the state, and what inspired her to...

Community Cares Podcast Episode 142: Meghan Ochs, Skiing Is Believing In this episode of Community Cares, we’re joined by Meghan Ochs, founder of Skiing Is Believing, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting, supporting, and easing access to snow and other sports for kids and families. Meghan shares the story behind the organization, how it empowers participants through movement and community, and the i...

Community Cares Podcast – Episode 141: Kendall Holcomb, Washoe County District Attorney’s Office In this episode of  Community Cares , co-hosts Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz welcome Kendall Holcomb from the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office for an important conversation about public safety, community resources, and the work being done to support families across Washoe County. Kendall sh...

Community Cares Podcast – Episode 140: Autumn Blattman, Aging & Disability Services, State of Nevada In this episode of Community Cares, co-hosts Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz sit down with Autumn Blattman from Aging & Disability Services with the State of Nevada to talk about the resources, support, and services available to older adults, adults with disabilities, and the families who...

In Episode 139 of the  Community Cares podcast , a podcast inside of Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet, we interview Cameron Gaylor, Reno Office Manager at Doctoroo. In this conversation, Cameron shares insights about Doctoroo's mission to deliver convenient house call healthcare directly to Reno residents. To learn more, visit getclothes.org for Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet. To visit and learn...

In Episode 138 of the  Community Cares podcast , a podcast inside of Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet, we interview Rob Pierce, candidate for Washoe County Commissioner District 5. In this conversation, Rob shares his background as a long-time Reno resident and Navy veteran, his priorities for Washoe County, and his vision for serving the community with integrity. To learn more, visit getclothes.org...

In this episode of Community Cares, we sit down with longtime Reno chief meteorologist and local weather legend Mike Alger to talk about the faith and family foundations that shaped his decades on air serving Northern Nevada. He reflects on what it meant to become a trusted voice through blizzards, floods, droughts, and wildfires, and how those experiences deepened his sense of calling to serve an...

In this episode of Community Care’s Podcast, we sit down with Steven Laden from the Reno Host Lions Club, Nevada’s oldest and one of its most active Lions clubs, long known for its leadership in sight conservation and support for people with visual impairments. Steven shares how the club’s vision-focused nonprofit work helps provide essential eye care and glasses to children and adults in need thr...

Join Ryan from MF International—a Sparks restaurant—in this special episode of CCP 135, where they spotlight their upcoming fundraiser for Good Shepherd's Clothes Closet. Ryan shares insights on the event, key community topics, and how MF International is giving back through this partnership. Tune in to learn how you can support, get involved, and make a difference locally. Visit mf-int.com fo...

Community Cares Podcast – Episode 134: In‑House with Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet’s New Mobile Micro Closet Manager In this episode of Community Cares, co-hosts Chaplain Chaz Blackburn and Dave McLaughlin welcome special guest Jaidra Branson from Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet to share an exciting update about their new Mobile Micro Closet Manager. They discuss how this role will help bring free...

In this episode of Community Cares, we sit down with Brian Wadsworth, a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and longtime Northern Nevada community leader, to talk about public service, Native leadership, and what it means to give back right where you grew up. Brian reflects on growing up on the Pyramid Lake Reservation, serving his Tribe in multiple roles, and why he’s now stepping forward as...

In Episode 132 of the Community Cares Podcast, Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn sit down with KOLO 8 Morning Break host Katey Roshetko to talk about the power of local storytelling and spotlighting community change-makers. Katey shares her journey into broadcast journalism, what she’s learned from interviewing nonprofits and neighbors across Northern Nevada, and how local media can help...

Community Cares Podcast – Episode 131: Circle of Life Hospice Foundation’s New Project In Episode 131 of the Community Cares Podcast, Dave McLaughlin talks with Chaplain Chaz, who shares the work of the Circle of Life Hospice Foundation and the developing Circle of Life Grief and Trauma Resource Center. The episode highlights the vision for expanded grief and trauma support in the Reno-Sparks comm...

Community Cares Podcast – Episode 130: Lisa Moore, Founder & CEO of Life Changes In Episode 130 of the Community Cares Podcast, co-hosts Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn sit down with Lisa Moore, Founder and CEO of Life Changes. Lisa shares her heart for walking alongside people in transition and how Life Changes provides safety, shelter, and support for those affected by substance...

Community Cares Podcast – Episode 129: Brittney Thaler, Great Basin BNI & The Dees Group Real Estate In Episode 129 of the Community Cares Podcast, host Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn sit down with real estate professional and connector Brittney Thaler to talk about what it really looks like to build community through relationships, not just transactions. Brittney shares how her w...

Episode 128: A New Perspective on Service In this episode of  The Community Cares Podcast , Chaplain Chaz Blackburn and Dave McLaughlin sit down with our newest board member,  Jon Cole . A civil engineer and dedicated volunteer, Jon shares why serving with Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet matters to him and reflects on the power of quiet, consistent community care in the Reno/Sparks area. Tune in fo...

Episode 127 – Walking With Youth: Emilio Vaca & Reno/Sparks Young Life This week on the Community Cares Podcast, Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz sit down with community leader and Young Life advocate Emilio Vaca to talk about what teens in Reno/Sparks are really facing—and how caring adults can make a life-changing difference. From showing up at games and club nights to creating safe spaces...

Join Community Cares Podcast as Ciara Ressel, Public Information Officer for the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) in Reno, reveals the NV Craft Beverage Passport 2026! Sip, stamp, and win prizes like NDA pint glasses, stickers, regional swag, and grand gift baskets from Nevada's craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries—launching Jan. 30 at Reno spots like Bristlecone Beer Co. and vali...

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - CCP 125

Community Cares Podcast – Episode 124: A Conversation with Jeff Howard, Board Secretary of GSCC In episode 124 of  Community Cares , host  Dave McLaughlin  welcomes  Jeff Howard , Board Secretary of  Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet (GSCC) . With  Chaplain Chaz  away this week, Jeff steps in to share his insights on the mission, impact, and inner workings of GSCC in the Reno–Sparks community.​ Jeff...