Ami McConnell: Lifelong Love of Books and Service

For Ami McConnell, reading has always been more than a pastime—it’s a lifelong passion that shaped her career and inspired her volunteer journey. With an extensive background in publishing, Ami could have easily filled her time with professional responsibilities. Yet from the very beginning, she sought ways to use her talents for good. Her first...
Read More

A Bridge to a Better Life

Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry (TPOM) is a 501c3 which supports individuals incarcerated and released, as well as their families, with resources and services that empower them to build healthy, fulfilling lives. The ministry began in 1963 “when a couple known as Mama and Papa Cox went into the local jail in Nashville.” Now after decades...
Read More

Kyle Lee: Finding Purpose Through Volunteerism

Krazy Kyle! Many know him as a pro MMA fighter, yet few know his softer side. This young man has already lived a full life – born and raised in Tennessee, introduced to God by his mom, experienced the loss of a baby brother, became a professional martial arts athlete, married and became a father...
Read More

Karen Chambers: A Life of Service and the Heart Behind Bearing Others Burdens

Karen Chambers has spent her life giving back. From her early years volunteering at church—rocking babies in the nursery, serving teens, packing food for shelters, and handing out groceries at a local pantry—Karen always sought out ways to meet people’s needs. “Volunteering stretches you,” she shared in a recent Doing Good podcast interview. “It pulls...
Read More

John Witherspoon: A Life of Service

After retiring from the military in August, John Witherspoon could have stepped back and enjoyed a quieter pace of life. Instead, he leaned even further into service—this time as a volunteer. As president of the board for Beacon Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Clarksville, Tennessee, John brings his deep background in crisis response to...
Read More

Healing Hearts: The Life-Changing Mission of Roberta’s House

Grief is a journey no one should walk alone—and thanks to Roberta’s House, many don’t have to. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Roberta’s House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, compassionate support to children, families, and communities coping with loss, trauma, and homicide. Their mission is simple yet profound: to restore hope and...
Read More

Cylinda Smith: Joy Despite Loss

Most of us experience loss. Some experience it more often than others. Sometimes the reason for each loss is explained, such as cancer, while other times the loss is surprising, mysterious, or simply not understood. Regardless, we must process the loss to live our new normal. For those of us who are lucky enough to...
Read More

Philip Hyams: The Joy of Giving Back

In this episode of the Doing Good podcast, host Emily sits down with Philip Hyams, a college student and passionate volunteer, to discuss his inspiring journey in community service. From his early experiences as a young volunteer to co-founding a high school service organization, Philip shares how giving back has shaped his life. Philip’s passion...
Read More

John Henry Soto: Finding Purpose through Art and Volunteerism

John Henry Soto’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and selfless service. Growing up in New York City during the 70s and 80s, he experienced a chaotic upbringing, raised primarily by his grandparents. Volunteer work was ingrained in his childhood, but his perspective shifted dramatically when he experienced homelessness as a teenager. Now based in...
Read More