Authentic Conversations with Give Impact

About Authentic Conversations with Give Impact

Authentic Conversations is a safe space created to highlight the vibrant and diverse stories of Charlotte, focusing on the people and communities driving change, overcoming challenges, and celebrating triumphs.

Publisher

Liz Ward & Maya Davis

Category

health & fitness · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Feb 2025

Latest episode

30 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Oct 2026

   Episode 19: Homeownership: Signed, Sealed, Delivered

   Full Episode Show Notes are Available on our website at https://www.giveimpact.org/podcast- (https://www.giveimpact.org/podcast-) 00:35 Welcome to Episode 19! 2:54 Laura shares her nearly 40-year connection to Charlotte and how 17 years of volunteering with Habitat ultimately led to more than 12 years serving as CEO. 4:51 Liz asks Laura to share how her career led to housing 7:59 Laura explains Habitat’s mission to build homes, communities, and hope and why collaboration with homeowners, volunteers, developers, funders, financial institutions, and government partners is critical. 8:22 Laura drops a gem “It’s both a blessing and a challenge to know that in my mission statement that I am charged with trying to build hope, during a housing crisis.” 9:13 Laura explains Habitat’s faith-based origin story in Americus, Georgia, to the Charlotte region, an idea that came from Millard and Linda Fuller who had done missionary work in Africa and seen the need for housing and communal housing. 10:55 Laura shares, “I have thought and treated my role in my occupation as more of a calling” and Buechner definition of vocation “When the world’s great hunger and your contributions can intersect” 14:07 Liz touches on the aspects of land, entitlement, design, permitting, financing, construction and unexpected challenges all play a role in getting a home from concept to completion. 15:20 Laura shares a poignant homeowner story that illustrates how something as simple as children having their own bedrooms can represent stability, dignity and new possibilities. 17:28 Home at What Cost? The conversation explores the difficult tradeoffs families make when housing costs consume too much of their income, from spending less on groceries to delaying medical care or taking on additional work. 21:53 Laura gives an overview of Habitat’s three-part eligibility model: demonstrating a housing need, having the ability to repay a mortgage, and being willing to partner with Habitat. 23:30 Laura explains how income, debt, rental history and overall financial readiness factor in becoming a homeowner while keeping housing costs affordable; and look at Habitat’s below-market mortgage approach and how lower interest costs can increase a family’s buying power and help homeowners build equity. 26:21 The conversation examines the income ranges served by Habitat and the growing challenge of matching household incomes with Charlotte-area housing costs. 29:43 Laura breaks down the mix of public funding, down-payment assistance, philanthropy, land, materials, labor and financial partnerships that can make a Habitat home possible. 31:36 Maya asks Laura what changes she sees in families after they become homeowners and what the biggest challenges aspiring homeowners are facing today 37:43 Laura shares one authentic thing about herself “I am authentically a stereotypical oldest child of three girls” 38:38 Laura picks an affirmation card “The Universe has big plans for me and it’s time to claim them” 39:46 The conversation turns to learning about Bryant Owens, Laura’s successor and the next chapter for Habitat Charlotte Region 40:52 Maya asks Laura the final question, “Looking back on your career, what are you most proud of?”

2. 

   1 Oct 2026

   Episode 18: Rental Housing: More Than a Unit

   Full Episode Show Notes are Available on our website at https://www.giveimpact.org/podcast- (https://www.giveimpact.org/podcast-) 00:29 Welcome Back, Liz and Maya celebrate 18 episodes of Authentic Conversations. 03:15 Meet Mark Etheridge 6:00 Mark reflects on financing apartment acquisitions during the mid-2010s and the growing concern about displacement and loss of naturally affordable housing 08:25 The table discusses Charlotte's housing cycles and how many "luxury apartments" of the 1970s became today's affordable housing stock. 10:19 Mark drops a gem “82% of the housing in the country is Market rate, unrestricted, unincumbered” 11:03 Liz shares a powerful analogy comparing affordable housing preservation to used cars. “you can’t build a used car” 13:40 The table discusses replacement costs, inflation, and why older apartments are irreplaceable community assets 15:02 Mark drops a gem, “We have to stop bleeding of what we’re losing. Preservation has to be a part of the story.” 15:07 Mark shares, we lose 3,000 units of market rental housing a year to price appreciation in rents and/or demolition 16:11 Mark discusses meeting Erskine Bowles and Nelson Schwab in 2020, their shared commitment to addressing Charlotte's housing challenges, and the launch of the first Housing Impact Fund 18:40 Mark gives Liz and Maya an overview of Ascent Housing's three preservation funds: Fund I: $58 million Fund II: $67 million Fund III: $102 million 23:27 Maya asks Mark to explain what ‘NOAH’ means Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing and how market-rate housing often serves lower-income households 24:24 Mark shares the story of Shamrock Gardens · Preservation of a 265-unit apartment community built in the 1960s. · Average rents were approximately $500 per month at acquisition. · How partnerships helped protect affordability and prevent displacement. · Current residents’ rents remain remarkably affordable, including Liz’s family-friend Miss Kim 28:15 Mark gives an Overview of Innovative Supportive Housing programs. Including housing opportunities for: Seniors on fixed incomes Young adults aging out of foster care Refugees Individuals with disabilities Undocumented residents 31:57 Maya gives Mark his flowers and Liz recognize Mark's impact on Charlotte's housing ecosystem 35:20 Mark recognizes his wife, her influence and the leadership and vision of Erskine Bowles and Nelson Schwab 38:29 Mark shares a recent story of a family experiencing housing instability while caring for a hospitalized child. 41:28 Liz explains Area Median Income and why it matters 43:15 Maya asks Mark to share one authentic thing about himself. He shares a personal story about his vintage 1984 blue Dodge truck. A reflection on seeing value in older things, whether a truck or an apartment community 47:25 Mark ends by pulling a card, "I slow down and listen to the guidance that's available to me."

3. 

   24 Aug 2026

   Episode 17: Housing Navigation: Finding the Right Door

   Full Episode Show Notes are Available on our website at https://www.giveimpact.org/podcast- (https://www.giveimpact.org/podcast-) 0:35 Welcome to Episode 17! 0:55 Liz does a short recap on the housing spectrum series 2:02 Introduction to Tara Peele 06:50 Tara reflects on her relationship with Natalie Britt, who was her first boss and helped guide her into the housing field. 8:55 Tara shares one authentic thing about herself, “I’m pretty Introverted” 10:27 Liz drops a gem, “There’s something so powerful in knowing yourself” 16:47 Tara explains the organization's history, beginning as Social Serve, its evolution into Housing Collaborative, and its mission of making affordable housing easier to navigate. 23:32 Maya, Liz, and Tara unpack the meaning of housing navigation and why having a person guide someone through the process matters. 26:13 The group discusses application and administrative fees and how they can become significant barriers for people with extremely low incomes. 29:00 The table discusses the "landlord consortium" model. Housing Collaborative acts as a centralized relationship manager, connecting supportive-service organizations with a wide range of housing providers. 31:08 Liz connects Housing Collaborative's work to the broader housing spectrum; from homelessness and supportive housing to affordable and market-rate housing. · Tara explains that they serve approximately 98% of referred households are below 60% AMI, with most below 30% AMI. 34:16 The conversation turns to discuss trends making housing harder to access: application fees, administrative fees, holding fees, risk mitigation fees, and other financial barriers. 37:48 The table dives into why people fall behind on rent. The group explores utility debt, rising costs, fixed incomes, unexpected expenses, and the lack of financial margin many households face. 41:02 Tara explains how people are referred to Housing Collaborative and what ongoing support can look like and the organization’s partnerships with more than 20 supportive-service providers in Mecklenburg County. 46:54 A Home for All: Tara shares Charlotte-Mecklenburg's plan to end and prevent homelessness and explains Housing Collaboratives' role. · Housing Collaborative housed approximately 280 households during the first year of the pilot and 486 during the second year. · 600 units became 1,800+: Housing Collaborative's goal was to recruit 600 previously unengaged housing units. They ultimately recruited more than 1,800. · Tara discusses the importance of sustainable funding for housing navigation, incentives, and risk mitigation. · The A Home for All is welcoming private funds to support its program 52:10 Tara shares the story of a man who transitioned from an encampment into stable housing through multiple housing-support programs. 58:58 Tara shares what's next for Housing Collaborative 1:00:55 Tara shares ways listeners can contribute and support Housing Collaborative through donations, welcome-home baskets, operating support, and housing-provider partnerships.

4. 

   22 Jul 2026

   Episode 16: Permanent Supportive Housing: A Place to Call Home

   Full Episode Show Notes are Available on our website at https://www.giveimpact.org/podcast- (https://www.giveimpact.org/podcast-) 0:34 Welcome to Episode 16! 0:51 Liz does a short recap on the housing spectrum series 2:34 Introduction to Laura Caldwell 4:09 Laura shares one authentic thing about herself, “I’m such a curious person” 5:20 Laura opens up about her past and what led her to the leadership role of serving the homeless population at Supportive Housing Communities 7:49 Laura drops a gem, “Trust me, the hurdles are going to come but when you look backwards, you’ll know why” 8:32 Laura shares, “I want to leave a legacy. I want something that matters to be part of what I got to contribute to the world” 8:42 The table discusses McCreesh Place and why it’s so special · The only sober living housing option in charlotte that offers affordable housing 9:58 Liz leads us into distinguishing the difference between Permanent Supportive Housing and other housing options · Affordable Housing paired with Support Services · Subsidy that helps the neighbor with their utilities, rent, or both · A case manager and life skills team that helps the neighbor with wrap around services · Longer than transitional housing · It does not have an end date 11:59 Laura describes the continuum of care and the by-name list that the service leaders use in Charlotte 13:04 For entry into the program, please call Coordinated Entry: 704-284-9665 if you or someone you know is homeless or at imminent risk in Mecklenburg County 14:42 Courtney shares her experience working at McCreesh Place and her story with Robert 16:40 Liz asks Laura to describe how they quantify how many people SHC serves: · By Household/ 300 Households (Approx 500 individuals and families, 190 which are children) · McCreesh Place (Co-ed individuals only) serves 90, other neighbors (families) are in a scattered site model 22:25 Bingo & Coffee Talk are some of the individuals’ favorite things to do at SHC 24:25 Maya asks Laura how they ensure services remain person-centered and tailored to individual needs 26:06 Laura shares information on her new Life Skills team at Supportive Housing Communities 31:28 Liz invites Laura to pull an affirmation card, “When I lean towards love, I am led” it resonated “everything goes back to how you love people” 35:07 Courtney asks Laura if she’s been able to reflect on how far she’s come and the impact she’s made on people's lives 35:23 Laura drops a gem, “You get more than you give no matter how much you feel like you’re giving, you get so much more back” “Providing that hope that life doesn’t have to be how it is today, that there are people who care about you that are going to lean in for you” 36:19 Liz invites Laura to share one of her favorite stories of impact 39:26 Laura shares how people can help their organization and get involved 40:19 Liz asks Laura to share what the future looks like for SHC in the next 5-10 years

5. 

   17 Jun 2026

   Episode 15: Transitional Housing: Where Change Takes Root

   Episode Outline Full Episode Show Notes are Available on our website at https://www.giveimpact.org/podcast- (https://www.giveimpact.org/podcast-) 0:30 It’s June! 2:58 Introduction to Elizabeth Kurtz & Charlotte Family Housing 5:53 Elizabeth shares the changes with the economic instability amongst her clients 7:04 Elizabeth dives deeper into Charlotte Family Housing and who it is that she calls ‘the hidden homeless’ 8:30 How you find Charlotte Family Housing 9:54 Elizabeth shares statistics on the men and women they serve · 96% are single mom headed households · They are one of the only programs for single dads · They are one of the transitional shelters that can provide services to moms with teenage boys 11:24 Liz inquiries about the intake process and qualifications with their program 16:16 Elizabeth shares the 6 things that highly impact long term housing stability 1. A stable steady income 2. Financial literacy and savings habits 3. Stable childcare 4. Reliable transportation 5. Access to mental and physical healthcare 6. A Village- stable supportive network 18:35 Elizabeth sheds light on why homelessness is isolating 19:31 Elizabeth and Courtney drop a gem “Celebration actually counteracts the trauma, builds self-esteem, and creates joy” 20:35 Liz inquires about what happens after those first 90 days as folks move into scattered site transitional housing program 24:31 Liz explains what LIHTC means (Low Income Housing Tax Credits) 25:40 Elizabeth breaks down their funding avenues and partnerships 27:34 Elizabeth shares some of their challenges at Charlotte Family Housing and the need to expand 33:09 Elizabeth shares a powerful story about a resident at a DreamKey Property and how they provide holistic wraparound services to clients 34:47 Courtney dives into property owners wanting Trauma Informed Care for their property managers 38:10 Learn more and connect with Charlotte Family Housing via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website, & Blogs 39:00 Elizabeth shares a story about a woman named Cheryl 42:49 Liz describes The Butterfly Effect 43:00 Elizabeth drops a gem, “for every woman you pull out of poverty, she brings six along with her” 43:48 Liz asks for what resources are available for families who may not be ready for the program 45:41 Discussion of the scale of homelessness 50:25 Courtney asks Elizabeth to share one authentic thing about herself, she’s always had a fascination with poverty 55:00 Elizabeth leaves us with a quote, “peace does not mean to be where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work; but it’s to be in the middle of those things and still be calm in your heart”

6. 

   25 Mar 2026

   Episode 14: Behind the Doors: A Day in Housing

   Episode 14 with our friend Liz Clasen-Kelly, CEO of Roof Above, whose mission is to unite the community to end homelessness. Each day, Roof Above serves 1,400 people - half through homeless services, half through housing programs -providing safety, stability, and dignity in people’s lives. It’s not just about what they do, but how they do it. Their approach is personal, with relationships at the center of healing and change. Liz shared experiences and insights on affordable housing, community collaboration, and bridging the missing middle, reminding us that compassion and connection are at the heart of real impact.

7. 

   16 Feb 2026

   Episode 13: Hello 2026! New Year, New Energy

   Episode Outline Full Episode Show Notes are Available on our website at https://www.giveimpact.org/podcast- (https://www.giveimpact.org/podcast-) 0:32 Welcome to 2026! 0:55 Maya is in the final countdown! 3:03 Maya has the table pull their first affirmation cards of the year Maya: “I am the dreamer of my dreams” The Inner Peace Police Instagram: @endangerhood Courtney: “In any moment I can surrender to the powerful presence of love through prayer, contemplation, and stillness” 7:55 Courtney drops a gem, “It’s a choice to be still” Liz: “My capacity to tune in to the energy of love gives me the words I need when I’m ready to speak up, the compassion I need when it’s time to forgive, and the power I need when I’m lost” 10:09 Liz drops a gem “When it’s time to forgive also indicates that someone has to be ready to receive” 12:08 Maya asks the ladies to share a word or phrase are they using to describe their energy in 2026 12:38 Liz shares information about the upcoming Chinese year of the Fire Horse 16:41 Liz shares her experience at her Women’s Retreat and dives into the concepts of Wholeness vs Perfection 20:20 The table reflects on what the holiday break taught them about what they needed more or less of 20:58 Maya drops a gem, “Flow has been a friend to me” 25:46 Maya pours into Courtney, “Whatever’s meant for you, has its coordinates in place. It’s just divine timing my dear” Book drop: Never Enough by Jennifer Wallace 29:24 The table explores what living with intention looks like in their everyday life 29:37 Courtney drops a gem “Living with intention is truly allowing myself to be seen by others and truly seeing myself for who I am” 32:45 Maya shares a moment of vulnerability about speaking her truth 37:41 Courtney drops a gem, “It’s almost like the people that love us unconditionally are sometimes one step ahead of us because they know our patterns and places where we may struggle” 38:09 Liz adds, “To be known and accepted is such a gift” 41:46 Liz talks about gratitude and how it’s food for the soul 43:12 Courtney, Liz, and Maya discuss the habits they’re ready to build or let go of in 2026 46:04 Liz reflects on the notion of what if we really did have enough time for everything, we’re just actually shoving too much time into the days and the hours that we have 51:01 The table shares questions that they want the listeners to ask themselves as they step further into this year 55:01 The ladies reflect on The Super Bowl Halftime Show 59:30 Liz shares information about our upcoming podcast series for this year Series 1: The Housing Ecosystem Series 2: Innovation Talks!

8. 

   22 Dec 2025

   Episode 12: End of Year Reflection

   The Give Impact team, including Maya, Liz, Megan Gude, and Courtney, reflects on authentic moments, self-care practices, and favorite projects from 2025, revealing insights on personal growth and the importance of connection.

9. 

   13 Nov 2025

   Episode 11: Neighborhood Stewardship through Mixed Income Development

   James Scruggs, Kingdom Development Partners Founder and CEO, discusses neighborhood stewardship through mixed-income development and his unique model for ensuring affordability and inclusion persist over time in an interview with Give Impact.

10. 

    3 Nov 2025

    Episode 10: Impact through Philanthropy

    Andy Mermans, President of The Merancas Foundation, discusses the power of philanthropy as a tool for creating positive change and empowering communities in an interview with Give Impact.

11. 

    25 Sept 2025

    Episode 9: Give Impact's 5-Year Anniversary

    Give Impact team members Courtney, Liz, and Maya reflect on the organization's five-year anniversary, discussing favorite moments, hopes for Charlotte's future, and upcoming projects in this interview episode.

12. 

    25 Aug 2025

    Episode 8: Changing the Landscape of Housing in Concord

    Host Liz and Maya interview Patrick Graham, Ph.D., Chief Executive Director of WeBuild Concord, about innovative strategies for affordable housing and combating gentrification.

13. 

    30 Jun 2025

    Episode 7: Strengthening the local food system for the community

    Zack Wyatt of Carolina Farm Trust discusses empowering communities and strengthening local food systems, sharing insights on regional food economies and the organization's mission in this interview with Liz and Maya.

14. 

    19 Jun 2025

    Episode 6: Igniting Hope & Sparking Change

    Adrienne Threatt and Emmanuel Threatt of Hope Vibes share their journey of providing dignity and resources to the homeless, discussing the innovative Hope Tank project and emphasizing community involvement in solutions; this is an interview with Liz and Maya.

15. 

    25 Apr 2025

    Episode 5: Real Estate from the Lens of a Realtor

    0:33 Welcome Back! 0:44 Intro to Tanesha Thompson 3:45 Tanesha shares one Authentic thing about herself, “I tend to gravitate towards opportunities to elevate, uplift, and empower women; I am for and about women always” 4:34 Liz shares a quote from MLKJ that she saw during her spring break trip. · Actual quote: “women if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul’ 7:10 Maya invites Tanesha to pull an Affirmation Card. “My greatest experience of freedom comes when I let go of what others think of me” 7:55 Tanesha shares a story from the moment of her life where she gained her freedom from others “I was now going to set the tone for who I am, what I do, how I do, and how I exist in the world” 10:37 Tanesha expresses her gratitude for a woman who changed her life during her real estate journey, she reads her favorite quote by Marianne Williamson, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us... 13:48 Liz reflects on the time when she decided to start Give Impact and leave her job around this time 5 years ago 15:05 Maya expresses her personal gratitude for Tanesha and invites her to share more about her journey in the real estate industry 18:23 Tanesha drops a gem “I’ve got God, I’ve got Gumption, I’ve got Grit; I can do Real Estate” 20:05 The table discusses Tanesha’s First Time Homebuyer program and how the special story behind how that started 27:37 Tanesha drops another gem “Someone has to have ownership in order to make an impact for generations” 29:11 Tanesha talks about the things that she’s doing to help people get ready for homeownership and all the ins and outs of the process 32:12 Liz and Tanesha talk about the importance of having a broker during the homebuying process 34:20 Maya reflects and shares her experience of working with Tanesha as a first-time homebuyer 42:08 Liz and Tanesha talk about Condos, Townhomes, and Duplexes 47:10 Liz shouts out her Real Estate Agent: Kelly Blandford with Helen Adams Realty 49:00 Courtney shares some of the challenges that she’s seeing buyers face in the Charlotte market (Credit History, Fear, & Trust) 52:40 Liz shares an group/app she’s recently learned about that some affordable housing organizations are partnering with called Flex that helps tenants by their landlord paying their rent on the first and then the tenant paying them back in flex during the month · https://getflex.com/ (https://getflex.com/) 55:13 Tanesha ends by giving a piece of advice to buyers as they navigate a changing market “Talk to someone you can trust & seek education. Empowering through education and relationships” 55:59 The table shouts out a few organizations that are impacting the community through homebuying · Synergy Realty Group The Applesauce Group · DreamKey Partners Habitat for Humanity · WeBuild Concord True Homes CMS

16. 

    11 Apr 2025

    Episode 4: Meet your Neighbor

    From Surviving to Thriving: Overcoming Addiction and the experience of homelessness. A story of resilience, transformation, and reflection on life 10-13 years later. Give Impact sits down with Ron Henderson Jr. as he tells his story about losing his joy, finding his integrity once again, and how his relationship with Courtney and the Saber Treatment Program saved his life. Episode Outline 0:37 Welcome Back! 1:20 Intro to Ron Henderson 3:30 Ron shares his love for music 4:08 Ron shares one Authentic thing about himself - "I am totally emphatic; I care too much. When I care for other people, it makes my pain more manageable" 5:21 Liz shares one of the things she wrestles with, “Feeling responsible for things that I really shouldn’t be responsible for” 5:55 Ron expresses that one thing he will be doing for the rest of his life is defining his boundaries 8:26 Maya invites Ron to pull an Affirmation Card – “Compassion is my compass; I am willing to hold space for the experience of others” -It affirmed 10:47 Ron explains that the hardest part about overcoming his addiction was believing that he was worthy 12:31 Liz drops a gem “Your superpower is compassion for other people, but it takes strength and training to feel that for ourselves & to hold that for ourselves.” 12:49 Courtney and Ron recall the first day that they met at Saber Treatment Program and the journey that led him there 20:41 Courtney drops a gem “Sometimes we just need someone to hold that hope for us until we can have it for ourselves” 23:19 Ron reflects, “My story was valuable to help other people, and that’s what we learn. Give back freely what was given to us.” 25:35 Ron drops a gem “Guilt is a feeling; shame is an action” 25:53 What is CBT? The iceberg and why it was Ron’s favorite The Stages of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 1. We Hear 2. We Think 3. We Feel 4. We Pause 31:00 Maya asks Ron to share more about his life after he left DC, his first years in Charlotte, and his journey as a musician 39:37 Ron discusses his arrival at Saber Treatment Program and how they made him feel free 42:03 Courtney offers a takeaway for our listeners, “it’s not about us as humans giving people something, when we give people something, we steal the opportunity for them to see what they’re capable of” 43:00 Maya asks Ron, “what did it feel like the day he forgave yourself?” 46:39 Liz reflects back to Ron, “you recognized what you needed, and you made a change” 49:45 Ron shares his gratitude for Courtney 51:13 Ron expresses “what brings me joy today, is my integrity. I have integrity” 51:37 Ron drops a gem “Hate me for the truth, but don’t like me for the lie” Our Meet Your Neighbor series a 4-part sequel created with the intention of highlighting people who have previously experienced homelessness. As we hold safe spaces for those around us, it is important to highlight the stories of those we serve. There’s nothing more special than hearing real life experiences of those who have made it through some of life’s toughest challenges. As we release these episodes, it is important to remember that we are all imperfect humans that need one another. We encourage you to listen with a lens of love and equity. Thank you, Maya & Liz

17. 

    27 Mar 2025

    Episode 3: Faith & Housing

    In Episode 3, we sat down with Pastor Matt Conner of Newell Presbyterian Church to discuss Faith & Housing, his journey of life both individually and as a leader of faith, Newell’s ground breaking partnership with DreamKey Partners for affordable housing and more!If you know Matt Conner then you know he is one of the most authentic humans around. His genuine spirit and true nature to always be himself in any room is truly inspiring. Episode Outline 0:39 Welcome Back! 0:55 Intro to Matt Conner 3:35 Matt shares his love for Newell Presbyterian Church and its impact on his life 7:32 Matt shares his Authentic Confession - "I am endlessly curious" 8:37 Matt pulls an Affirmation Card – “Let me be still today and listen to the truth in silence” -It resonated 11:07 What Discernment means to Matt “A prayerful paying attention”, how he decided to become a pastor, and his process of “Authentic Wrestling”. 16:43 Maya asks Matt about housing and how it came to be at Newell 19:55 Matt discusses his aligned partnership with Dream Key while Liz sheds light on the depth of their work 22:43 Liz digs into the meaning of Stewardship and shares the definition. She drops a gem of “All that we have is not our own” 30:22 Maya asks Matt about the challenges he’s faced during his Faith & Housing journey 31:54 Matt shares known criticisms about Affordable Housing and why he intentionally chooses to use that language. 33:59 Liz talks about Area Median Income “AMI” and what that looks like · AMI: is defined as the midpoint of a specific area's income distribution and is calculated on an annual basis by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD refers to the figure as MFI, or median family income, based on a four-person household · Link: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/home-datasets/files/HOME_IncomeLmts_State_NC_2024.pdf (https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/home-datasets/files/HOME_IncomeLmts_State_NC_2024.pdf) 36:13 Matt offers great advice to other Faith Based Organizations who are pursuing this work 38:38 Matt reflects on the question, what can you bring to the table to work well with others in collaboration? Every Church has at least one. · Dollars, People, Land, & Buildings 40:33 Liz gives information about the City of Charlotte Toolkit for Churches · Link: https://www.charlottenc.gov/Streets-and-Neighborhoods/Housing/Affordable-Housing/Faith-in-Housing (https://www.charlottenc.gov/Streets-and-Neighborhoods/Housing/Affordable-Housing/Faith-in-Housing) · Rooted Good booklet. Available for pick-up at the Give Impact office. Email: podcast@giveimpact.org (mailto:podcast@giveimpact.org) to schedule a time to get one 44:37 Matt shares what’s next for the Newell Presbyterian Church campus and what he’s most excited about! 50:31 Liz and Matt ends by sharing information about the Newell Campus Housing Development · Partner: Dream Key Partners · Development: on 5 Acres of land · Unit Count: 50 Homes · For Sale (Homeownership) · Link to Project Page: https://www.newellpresby.org/future (https://www.newellpresby.org/future)

18. 

    17 Mar 2025

    Episode 2: Managing Mental Health in a Changing World

    Episode 2 was so special! We talked with Justin Perry about his story, rooted here in Charlotte - that has blossomed into a beautiful and important service to our community. The pursuit of Mental Health. It affects all of us, individually and collectively. Our deepest thanks to Justin for embracing this with us.Justin is a licensed therapist, owner of a local multi-practitioner therapy firm, advocate for affordable housing & community healing. We’ve been big fans for a long time Episode Outline 0:42 Welcome Back! 1:53 Intro to Justin Perry 7:14 Who encouraged Justin to go to Therapy 15:22 Justin drops a gem - "I never believed in the idea that someone is too old to change" 16:00 Liz shares the first time she got into therapy 19:47 Courtney shares her background working in Counseling and her personal journey in therapy 25:22 Maya gives kudos to Justin and Courtney, then shares what led her to choose the path of therapy for her personal healing 29:05 Justin shares resources to where listeners can find a therapist if they are feeling a nudge Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us) Perry Counseling, Recovery and Healing. https://justinperrycounseling.com/ (https://justinperrycounseling.com/) 30:38 Justin drops a gem "I think if we are going to destigmatize mental health, then we actually have to normalize it in our conversations" 34:37 What it means to 'Man Up" and how Justin is helping to challenge the narrative, change the language, and highlight men in the mental health space Men leads in death by suicide Men leads in death by homicide Men leads in death heart attack Men commits the most mass shootings Men leads in widespread substance abuse challenges Women on average live seven years longer than men 40:17 Justin gives us his 3 versions of the Serenity Prayer Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage the change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference Grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the person I can, and the wisdom to know that it's me Grant me the serenity to accept the past that I cannot change, the courage to change the future that I can, and the wisdom to know that it starts today 43:48 Justin shares his self-care practices 49:21 Liz drops gems, "Creating healthier humans, really creates healthier communities"/"Healing is at our fingertips" 51:25 Justin pulls an affirmation card…"My happiness is a direct reflection of my level of faith in the universe". It resonated!

19. 

    17 Feb 2025

    Episode 1: Meet The Hosts

    The inaugural episode of Authentic Conversations... after a year of hemming and hawing, we decided to face our fears, shift our priorities and jump in knowing we would just need to figure things out as we go. In our line of work of seeking to make Charlotte a better and more accessible place for all to live, we meet the most interesting people. Consistently, we find ourselves in AWE of the humans we share company with. From CEOs and entrepreneurs, to public officials and non-profit leaders, to those in our community who have faced various struggles. We all have a story. This podcast is to create a safe space to highlight the stories of people in our Charlotte community and explore topics that impact all of us (whether you realize it or not). If you sometimes feel a little disconnected from our community, or just need a little more light in your life - we hope this podcast will add value to your days. Today's Episode: "Meet the Hosts!" Introducing Liz Ward, Maya Bullock and Courtney Fowlkes - all from the Give Impact team right here in Charlotte. Three very different people, who are in different stages of life - but who all care deeply about making our city a better place to live. 0:33 Intro to the Podcast 3:58 Meet the Hosts / Three Authentic Things about Each of Us 21:18 Moving from our sacred office to the podcast… Tools we use to create a safe space. Being Intentional About Your Space (for yourself and others) Tibetan Signing Bowl Affirmation Cards 24:15 Maya Pulls a Card - "I Find a Deeper Meaning in Personal Growth Amid the Discomfort"… spot on! 26:12 Courtney Pulls a Card - "I Choose Love No Matter What" … and then a discussion about seasons, waiting, and reminding ourselves (and you) that we are each worthy. We are all in this together. 32:25 Upcoming Topics 33:35 Who the heck is the Give Impact team?? - https://www.giveimpact.org/ (https://www.giveimpact.org/) 34:34 This isn't about us… Intentions of the Podcast & "Rules of the Road" A discussion on listening, imperfections, and authenticity. Those on this podcast will strive to hold conversations within the below framework: Speak from our own perspective This is a judgement free zone Respect one another People are not defined by their actions. We will be intentional with our words and framing, especially when talking about difficult topics or experiences. We desire to live in a place of truth, even when its difficult. We will make mistakes. Each of us are committed to and will strive to show up authentically. 40:42 A Discussion on Fear 41:25 Courtney reminds Liz to pull an affirmation card…! "My Energy Creates My Reality: What I Focus on is What I Will Manifest" 42: 00 Announcing Episode 2…. "Managing Mental Health in a Changing World" with our friend, Justin Perry of Perry Counseling, Recovery and Healing. https://justinperrycounseling.com/ (https://justinperrycounseling.com/)

Who has been a guest on Authentic Conversations with Give Impact

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• James Scruggs
• Andy Mermans
• Patrick Graham PhD
• Zack Wyatt
• Adrienne Threatt

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 8 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

3

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32