Location-Specific

  For Heidi Siefkas, volunteering isn’t an add-on to life—it’s a way of staying grounded, connected, and present in it. A four-time nonfiction author, TEDx speaker, and self-described adventurer, Heidi moved to Nashville in 2023 to care for her father and reconnect with a strong support system. That sense of community quickly became central to her life in a new city—and to how she chose to give back. Since arriving in Nashville, Heidi has volunteered...

On this episode of the Doing Good podcast, host Megan McInnis welcomes Dr. Rolanda Lister, a maternal–fetal medicine specialist, and Shawna Clay, fund administrator for the 37208 Fund. Together, they share how two very different paths—clinical care and community investment—intersect to support justice, healing, and hope in Nashville’s 37208 zip code. Dr. Lister cares for women experiencing high-risk pregnancies, often navigating complications like diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune conditions. Over the years, she learned that...

“Hospitality isn’t just a table setting—it’s a way of life.” This week on the Doing Good Podcast, host Megan McInnis sat down with Corisa “Pine” Lewis, a Nashville native whose warmth and service have touched nearly every corner of her community. A mother of five, grandmother of seventeen, and great-grandmother of one, Pine has built her life around feeding others—both literally and figuratively. A Family Tradition of Giving Pine’s journey began at home. When her...

Bill Crump has worked hard, and now he’s playing hard. This career pilot flew for the United States Navy. While stationed in San Diego, he volunteered with the Wounded Warrior Project at the local hospital where he was moved by the resilience of children in recovery, seeing “these kids push themselves out of their comfort zone and overcome these challenges in life.” He also talked with a friend who happened to work with Make-A-Wish Foundation...

By Callie Carlucci Bernice has a catchy mantra to describe her work with animal rescue: “I don’t rescue dogs, dogs rescue me.” I think most dog people know exactly what she means. Dogs give our lives meaning in a way that isn’t necessarily describable. Maybe it’s the unconditional love that they exude; however, many canines are in shelters and have suffered from neglect, abuse, and instability. Bernice’s mission is to help these dogs find their...

Shavonya Washington has always had a big heart, and even before she started volunteering, she shared it with her community. From being her parents’ full-time caregiver to serving as a healthcare professional, she has a knack for taking care of others. In 2009 Shavonya was looking for a life change and a community that shared her values. When she realized she could share her heart and skills with others in her Nashville community who felt...

Written By: Emma de la Pena Many can look back on memories in their lifetime and think about their first strike of inspiration. For Sassy Neuman, this moment happened in the 4th grade when she was watching a documentary on foster care children and the foster care system. Immediately after watching this documentary, she felt a calling to take initiative and find ways to support these children in her community. Additionally, Sassy’s former elementary school...

Growing up with a sister with Down Syndrome, Elizabeth Graham Pistole has a strong passion for helping individuals with special needs grow and develop. Her first experience volunteering was at her local church on “Special Saturdays” to serve church-goers living with disabilities broaden emotionally and spiritually. “The first time volunteering . . .  was way more fulfilling than I could have ever expected,” says Pistole, “and I left feeling joy, gratitude and purpose.” Pistole has...

Written by: Terri Seydel In many ways, Phillip Hyams is a typical American teenager, balancing his time between school, sports, and friends. He attends Brentwood High school and participates in the school’s sports program with the track, cross country, and basketball teams. Where he stands apart from other teenagers, is in what he chooses to do with his spare time.  Phillip has grown up in the close-knit community of Brentwood, TN. In fact, he lives...

Life experiences are often the best teachers and influencers of how we form our values and priorities. This has become powerfully evident in the mindful way that Fatema Chaklasi and her family volunteer within their own community of middle Tennessee. Inspired by their own modest origins in Mumbai and their move to the United States to continue their education, Fatema and her husband, Murtuza, are keenly aware that many people have unmet needs, and they...