Stories of Hope AZ

The Magic Behind the Boys Choir - Herbert Washington

Herbert Washington’s childhood wasn’t ideal from a child’s eyes. He never met his father or older brother. His mother had schizophrenia. At 7, he was taken out of South Phoenix by child welfare services and sent to live in foster care for several months before living with his aunt, uncle, and cousin in Tempe. 

It wasn’t ideal yet again and his life rapidly changed yet again when he was kicked out at 14 and taken into the home of a friend's family and found his security and felt safe to be different in chasing a dream and talent with his gift of singing and performing. 

 

Contact: Herbert.Washington@BoysChoir.org 

 

Studio sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group, a global creative agency based in downtown Chandler, Az.

RAD. (Recreation and Athletics for Individuals with Disabilities) non-profit - Karey & Kelly

Kelly and her Mom, Karey Rodeffer (President-elect), and Joie Kelley’s service dog talk about autism, epilepsy, seizures, and “different abilities” and the non-profit organization RAD. (Recreation and Athletics for Individuals with Disabilities).  

 

RAD raises funds to pay the cost of registration, equipment, and transportation associated with the City of Chandler’s therapeutic sports, and social events for citizens with disabilities. 

 

www.SupportRAD.org

Email: Contact@SupportRAD.org

Original release date: Mar 12, 2023

Fighting human trafficking - Jesus & Lea, founders of CeCe’s Hope Center

Jesus Rene Lopez Jr. and Lea Benson, co-founders of CeCe’s Hope Center. 

Rene’s community presence as a Chandler City Councilman and twice served as Vice Mayor has had him connected with a need to help a community need and a topic difficult to talk about. Lea Benson served in the anti-trafficking sector for over 16 yrs. Together they founded CeCe’s Hope Center in 2017.

 

The mission of CeCe’s Hope Center is to improve the lives and future of 18-24-year-old female victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation by bridging the gap in available service and support. 

Cece's Hope Center: https://www.cecescenter.org/

Studio Sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group, /your global creative agency based in downtown Chandler, Az 

https://themotivatedmindgroup.com/

Fighting suicide through the arts - Dalea & Martina talk about their film “Hashtag Blessed”

Meet Dalea Faulkner and Martina Beate Webster, both producers of Hashtag Blessed the movie, and Dalea being the writer. Hashtag Blessed was based on Dalea’s personal transformation from a time when she was feeling lost, depressed, and having suicidal thoughts. 

Hashtag Blessed the movie is only one of many comforting, loving, and inspirational ways this amazing mother/daughter duo helps bring joy to others no matter the struggles anyone has. 

For more details on where to get your copy of The Christmas Witch & Hashtag Blessed or learn more about upcoming movies, blogs, and more, please reach out to these ladies. 

Business Sponsor: Gleason Roofing 

A family-owned and operated business with more than 15 years of experience.  Brian Gleason

Studio Sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group  A global creative agency based in downtown, Chandler Az

Original release date: Feb 11, 2023

Taking action after losing a husband - Sherry Herzing talks creating a 911 task force

After learning that the shortcomings of the 911 system may have cost her husband Bob his life on the day he collapsed and died of a heart attack, Sherry Herzing vowed to make a difference.

 Dedicating herself to protecting others in rural communities from the risks that contributed to her husband's death. Sherry founded the Lake Faston 911 Community Task Force in January 2019, rallied a strong force of volunteers, and quickly spread potentially lifesaving information throughout the community. 

Thank you RENCO Roofing Brandi Reynolds for your business sponsorship of this episode.   

Contact: brandir@rencoroofing.com   602-867-9386 office

Thank you to my studio sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group, A global creative agency based in downtown Chandler, AZ. 

https://themotivatedmindgroup.com/

Original release date: Feb 7, 2023

Helping families in need - Kerry Schulman, CEO Ronald McDonald House Charities AZ

Kerry Schumann, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona. 

Kerry talks about the programs and families who have a home away from home while their child(ren) gets the medical assistance they need.

She says they don’t say no, but rather “Let’s figure this out”. 

Mission Statement: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona is a welcoming “home away from home “ for families with children facing medical challenges, providing an atmosphere of comfort, Hope, and courage.

Studio Sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group (downtown Chandler, AZ)

Show Sponsor:  Ronald McDonald House Charities

Email: Stories@ChristineHotchkiss.com 

Original release date:Feb 2, 2023

Homeless to successful entrepreneur - Bernice Berry talks overcoming DV and life on the street

Bernice Berry left a very bad domestic violence marriage with her two small children. Forced to live in her car.

Her headstrong mindset and strong faith in God took her on a journey with many detours. She would volunteer to help hand out food to the homeless, and attend networking opportunities in hopes to get her footing and find her path. She met many people and then there were the ones that changed her life without them knowing just how much.

Studio Sponsor, The Motivated Mind Group, a global creative agency located in downtown Chandler, AZ

https://themotivatedmindgroup.com/

Business sponsor: Bernice Berry, Pure Luxury Tint & Detailing

https://www.pureluxuryaz.com/

Original release date: Jan 20, 2023

Stage 4 cancer changed how she talks - Lauren Stivison talks gratitude in her “new normal”

Meet Lauren Stivison, Lauren was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer and 2021 tongue cancer in. Lauren has undergone several surgeries to close the hole in her throat to allow her a "normal" way of eating, drinking, speaking, and breathing, but unfortunately, they have not been successful.

Lauren brings an entirely new understanding and appreciation of being able to breathe. Her story will inspire you and remind us how grateful to be for being able to breathe.

Thank you to my studio sponsor: 

The Motivated Mind Group,  located in downtown Chandler, AZ

       "Your local global creative agency"

https://themotivatedmindgroup.com/

Original release date: Jan 17, 2023