The Nonprofit Spotlight

In this inspiring episode of Nonprofit Spotlight , we sit down with Anees Merzi, Founder of 703 Warriors, an incredible Arlington-based nonprofit that is completely rewriting the playbook for youth sports. For too many families, the traditional "pay-to-play" model puts competitive youth sports completely out of financial reach, sidelining talented and passionate young athletes. Anees sha...

High atop the Catoctin Mountains in Jefferson, Maryland, lies a place dedicated to the transformative power of the outdoors. In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Diana Edelblute, Executive Director of Mar-Lu-Ridge Summer Camp & Retreat Center to explore their mission of providing sanctuary, service, and community.  As a year-round outdoor ministry of the Evangelical Luthera...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Spotlight , we sit down with Margot Greenlee , Executive Director, and Paula Manion , Founding Chair, of Our Stomping Ground (OSG) . For many adults with developmental disabilities (DD), the transition into adulthood can feel like "falling off a cliff," often leading to social isolation and a lack of affordable housing options. Our Stomping Ground is chan...

In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight , Pastor Mike sits down with Cameron and Ellen Graham, the visionary family behind Every1 Can Work and its flagship enterprise, Cameron’s Coffee and Chocolates, and Cameron, the inspiration for Cameron's Coffee. Driven by the mission to provide meaningful employment for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Grahams share the inspiring story of...

In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight , we sit down with Holly Seibold, the Founder and Mission Ambassador of BRAWS (Bringing Resources to Aid Women’s Shelters). Imagine a young girl missing a week of school every month or sitting out on the sidelines during sports tryouts—not because of a lack of talent or interest, but because she lacks access to basic menstrual supplies. This is the reality of...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Spotlight , we sit down with Scott Seaton, the visionary leader behind Arlington Bridge Builders. Discover how this interdenominational network is transforming Arlington County by fostering deep collaboration between local churches, businesses, and civic agencies. Scott shares the organization's unique approach to "seeking the shalom" of the communit...

What if nature wasn’t just a peaceful backdrop—but an active partner in healing? In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight , we sit down with Suzanne Cervarich and Laura Lang, co-directors of Imagine Well Being, to explore how nature-based therapy is transforming mental health and personal growth. Through innovative programs that integrate the natural world into the healing process, Imagine Well Bein...

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Charles Meng from Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC), a dedicated nonprofit committed to fighting hunger in Arlington County. Despite being one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, Arlington faces a stark reality: nearly 24,000 residents—almost 10% of the population—are registered for food assistance. Charles shares insights into AFAC’s impactfu...

In this episode, we sit down with Neal Lawson from the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving prenatal care and support for underprivileged mothers in our community. Inspired by Jennifer Bush-Lawson’s own challenging pregnancies and her fortunate access to high-quality medical care, the foundation is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent others from rece...

Join us on the Nonprofit Spotlight as we sit down with Bobbie Sue Tunstall, a dedicated donor and volunteer at the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation. In this inspiring episode, Bobbie Sue sheds light on the vital work of the CKG Foundation in promoting youth mental health awareness and support. We delve into how the foundation empowers young people to speak openly about mental health challenges and...

In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight , we sit down with Andrew Steele, Chief Development Officer at Global Refuge , an organization dedicated to ensuring that refugees and immigrants are protected, embraced, and empowered within welcoming communities.  Andrew reflects on the monumental challenges of resettling refugees during moments of global crisis—including the historic 2021 evacuation of 80,...

In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight , we sit down with Kristyn Peck, CEO of Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), for a candid conversation about the shifting landscape of refugee resettlement in 2025. Following a change in federal administration and a sudden stop work order issued in January, LSSNCA was forced to pause critical services and reevaluate how to continue...

In this inspiring episode of Nonprofit Spotlight , we sit down with Dr. Amber Burton, veterinarian, CEO, and founder of Wolf Trap Animal Rescue (WTAR). What began in her home with 30 puppies has grown into a life-saving operation that has rescued and rehomed over 12,000 animals in just ten years. WTAR specializes in transporting at-risk puppies and kittens—primarily from Mississippi—out of overcro...

In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Maralee Gutierrez, Founder and Executive Director of Comunidad, a grassroots organization grounded in the values of human dignity and thriving community. Maralee shares how these core beliefs shape every aspect of their work—from food distribution and education programs to computer literacy, mentoring, elementary reading support, and family...

In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight , we sit down with Kamilah McAfee, President and CEO of Wesley Housing , one of the nation’s top 50 affordable housing developers. With a powerful mission to provide safe, quality, and affordable housing across Virginia and Washington, D.C., Wesley Housing is celebrating 50 years of impact. Kamilah shares the inspiring history behind the organization’s growth...

In this inspiring episode of Nonprofit Spotlight , we sit down with Michelle Connors, the passionate Founder and Executive Director of Rustic Love , a grassroots nonprofit making a powerful impact in Northern Virginia. Michelle shares the heartwarming story of how a simple idea—selling charming, handmade heart signs—blossomed into a vibrant community movement helping fight food insecurity. With ov...

In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight , we sit down with Monica Springman, Director of Programs, and Tom Powell, Executive Director of Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp and Retreat Center. Discover what sets this unique summer camp apart—from its deep roots in Lutheran faith to the lasting impact it has on young hearts and minds. We explore how Caroline Furnace blends spiritual growth with a strong...

This week on Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Lu Cousins, the dynamic Director of the Vienna Arts Society. Prepare to be inspired as Lu shares the incredible impact of art in our local community, extending far beyond the gallery walls. She'll delve into the Vienna Arts Society's innovative approach to partnering with businesses and facilities across the region, transforming unexpect...

In this episode of NonProfit Spotlight , we sit down with Noel Durman , Executive Director of the Falls Church Community Service Council (FCS) . Noel shares the vital work FCS is doing to support individuals and families in crisis—from emergency food and rent assistance to transportation and utility support. We discuss the growing challenges nonprofit organizations face amid rising needs and the w...

In this powerful episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Maryn Olson, the Director of Lutheran Disaster Response. Join us as Maryn provides an insightful look into the critical work of LDR, addressing the devastating impacts of disasters in the United States and across the globe. Maryn shares the immense challenges her organization faces in navigating today's complex political and ec...

Join us as we sit down with Lynette Sappe-Watkins, Executive Director of the Culmore Clinic . This remarkable non-profit healthcare clinic has been a beacon of hope for low-income adults in the Bailey's Crossroads community. Discover how Culmore Clinic, powered by a dedicated team of volunteers and healthcare providers, offers compassionate medical care, counseling services, and essential ref...

In this episode of Non-Profit Spotlight, we delve into the critical work of FACETS, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing homelessness and poverty in Fairfax County. We sit down with Rena Alexander Lewis, a leader at FACETS, to discuss the impact they're making on the community. Learn how FACETS is providing direct assistance to those in need, engaging the community, and advocatin...

Join us as we shine a light on Global Refuge , a beacon of hope for those seeking safety and a new beginning. For over eight decades, this remarkable nonprofit has been a lifeline for refugees, asylum seekers, and unaccompanied children. In this episode, we talk with Tala Al-Raheb and Sarah Kretschmann, leaders at Global Refuge, as they share their organization's profound impact on countless...

Join us as we shine the spotlight on Lutheran World Relief! In this episode, we sit down with Emma Wagner, a senior advisor at Lutheran World Relief , to discuss LWR's incredible work tackling global poverty. Learn how this organization is empowering communities around the world to overcome challenges and build sustainable futures. Discover the innovative ways LWR is addressing poverty, hunge...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Linda Aufderhaar as we spotlight the incredible work of Gracing Spaces , a volunteer-led organization dedicated to transforming houses into homes. Discover how their unwavering commitment to the community has made a profound impact on the lives of those in need. Learn about the challenges faced by individuals re-entering housing and how Gracing Spaces ste...