Episode #30: Michael Hardat

Episode #30: Michael Hardat

In the 3rd of 3 episodes featuring Children & Family Urban Movement (CFUM): Hear how one after-school program transformed the life of Michael Hardat — and why community-centered youth programs matter now more than ever. The conversation explores the importance of representation and access in education, and the urgent need for investment in Des Moines youth. Michael shares personal stories about growing up in the River Bend neighborhood, attending CFUM programming, earning a degree from Iowa State University, and now rebuilding the middle school program that once helped him dream bigger. Website | https://www.cfum.org/ [https://www.cfum.org/] Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/cfum_dsm/ [https://www.instagram.com/cfum_dsm/] Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/cfumdsm [https://www.facebook.com/cfumdsm] LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/children-&-family-urban-movement/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/children-&-family-urban-movement/] Give & Grow DSM: Website | https://giveandgrowdsm.com/ [https://giveandgrowdsm.com/] Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139] LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsm [https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsm] Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/ [https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/] YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm [https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm]

Episode #29: Nicola Schissel, Children & Family Urban Movement Donor and Board Member

The 2nd of 3 episodes dedicated to Children & Family Urban Movement (CFUM): Host Siobhan Spain speaks with longtime community leader and philanthropist Nicky Schissel. As Board Chair, Reading Buddy and passionate advocate at CFUM, listeners will discover how donor engagement, volunteerism, and community partnerships fuel the mission of Children & Family Urban Movement. Nickey shares her insights on philanthropy, mentorship, and building stronger communities in Des Moines.Website | https://www.cfum.org/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/cfum_dsm/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/cfumdsmLinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/children-&-family-urban-movement/Website | https://giveandgrowdsm.com/Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsmInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm

Episode #28: Andy Bales, Children and Family Urban Movement Executive Director

The 1st of 3 episodes featuring Children and Family Urban Movement: Give & Grow DSM host Siobhan Spain sits down with Andy Bales, Executive Director of Children and Family Urban Movement(CFUM). With decades of experience serving people facing homelessness—including 20 years leading the Union Rescue Mission on Skid Row—Andy shares why he returned to Des Moines and what he’s learned about dignity, empathy, and community care. From after-school programs and summer camps to daily meals through CFUM’s Breakfast Club and Supper Club, Andy explains how small acts of welcome—like a high five or a hug—can transform a child’s life. He also offers powerful insights into homelessness, public policy, and why Des Moines has a unique opportunity to lead with compassion. This is a conversation about showing up, standing alongside your neighbors, and choosing empathy in a divided world.Website | https://www.cfum.org/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/cfum_dsm/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/cfumdsmLinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/children-&-family-urban-movement/Website | https://giveandgrowdsm.com/Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsmInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm

Episode #27: Osnel Vilmael, Six Degrees of Separation Beneficiary

In the 3rd of 3 episodes featuring Six Degrees of Separation Give & Grow DSM host Siobhan Spain sits down with Osnel Vilmael—board member, donor, and beneficiary. Osnel shares his journey from growing up in rural Haiti without electricity or water to building a life and career in Des Moines. Learn how this experience fuels his commitment to expanding education access in his hometown of La Biche. You’ll hear how Six Degrees evolved from sponsoring six students into operating a thriving school serving 160 children. Website | https://www.sixdegreeshaiti.org/ [https://www.sixdegreeshaiti.org/] Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sixdegrees_haiti/ [https://www.instagram.com/sixdegrees_haiti/] Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/sixdegreeshaiti [https://www.facebook.com/sixdegreeshaiti] Give & Grow DSM: Website | https://giveandgrowdsm.com/ [https://giveandgrowdsm.com/] Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139] LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsm [https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsm] Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/ [https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/] YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm [https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm]

Episode #26: Andrea Joseph, Six Degrees of Separation Donor

When people choose to support a nonprofit, what truly motivates them to give? For Six Degrees of Separation donor Andrea Joseph, the answer is trust, dignity, and meaningful impact. Give & Grow DSM host Siobhan Spain sits down with Joseph to discuss what drew her family to the organization and why its mission resonates so deeply. For more than a decade, Six Degrees of Separation has been working to build a sustainable school system in Labiche, Haiti. The organization was founded in the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake by six women from Des Moines who wanted to create long-term change rather than short-term relief. Today, the nonprofit continues to expand its vision with plans for new classrooms, solar power, internet connectivity, and even campus-based food production. Website | https://www.sixdegreeshaiti.org/ [https://www.sixdegreeshaiti.org/] Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sixdegrees_haiti/ [https://www.instagram.com/sixdegrees_haiti/] Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/sixdegreeshaiti [https://www.facebook.com/sixdegreeshaiti] Give & Grow DSM: Website | https://giveandgrowdsm.com/ [https://giveandgrowdsm.com/] Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139] LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsm [https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsm] Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/ [https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/] YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm [https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm]