Volunteerism

When Adeline “Addie” first connected with Tucker’s House, she and her mom were simply trying to survive. Addie, who uses a wheelchair and feeding tube, was living in a converted basement garage—long, narrow, and never designed for mobility or medical equipment. The upstairs of her home was completely inaccessible, and the only way she could… From Basement to Belonging: How Tucker’s House Transforms Homes and Lives...

When you meet Hugh Nelson, owner of Kingdom Builders in Nashville, his passion for serving others becomes immediately clear. Though he has spent the past two decades in residential construction, Hugh’s volunteer story began long before his life on job sites. In the mid-90s, while serving on the midnight shift with the Metro Nashville Police… Building Community, One Project at a Time: The Volunteer Journey of Hugh Nelson...

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… Blooming Justice in Nashville’s 37208: How Housing, Health, and Community Grow Together...

“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… Feeding Nashville with Heart: The Story of Corisa “Pine” Lewis...

When Molly Lyon graduated college in 2021, she entered Nashville’s music industry. But over time, her focus shifted from playlists to page turns. She began writing a book, started a book club, and soon searched for a community that reflected her growing passion for literature. A quick Google search led her to the Women’s National… Molly Lyon’s First Year of Bookish Service: from Googling “WNBA” to Leading Change: ...

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

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… John Witherspoon: A Life of Service...

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

In the latest episode of the Doing Good podcast, host Megan McInnis sits down with Steve Bauer, a retired Braille instructor and dedicated volunteer at the Braille Institute. With a background in radio and a 15-year career as a staff member teaching Braille and assistive technology, Steve has dedicated his life to literacy and accessibility… The Power of Braille – A Conversation with Steve Bauer...

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… John Henry Soto: Finding Purpose through Art and Volunteerism...