The Nonprofit Spotlight

The 703 Warriors Story | Breaking the Pay-to-Play Barrier in Youth Sports

In this inspiring episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Anees Merzi, Founder of 703 Warriors, an incredible Arlington-based nonprofit that is completely rewriting the playbook for youth sports. For too many families, the traditional "pay-to-play" model puts competitive youth sports completely out of financial reach, sidelining talented and passionate young athletes. Anees shares how 703 Warriors is breaking down these barriers by providing elite travel soccer coaching, top-tier tournament opportunities, and high-quality uniforms for players at absolutely zero cost to their families. But it’s about so much more than just what happens on the pitch. Anees dives into "The Warrior Way"—their holistic approach to building resilient leaders of character. From neighborhood street soccer to community fitness, 703 Warriors combines rigorous training with mentorship, life skills, and accountability to set kids up to win both on the field and in life. Tune in to hear how this dedicated organization has already served over 1000 children, powered by thousands of volunteer hours and a deeply supportive community. It’s an uplifting conversation about passion, purpose, and the game’s power to change lives and build lasting confidence. For more information, to register a player, or to support their mission, visit: https://www.703warriors.com/ [https://www.703warriors.com/]  Lifting Up * Reaching Out. Learn more about Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. [https://www.holytrinityfallschurch.org/]

E. 29 Inside Mar-Lu-Ridge: A Summer Camp’s Inclusive Vision

High atop the Catoctin Mountains in Jefferson, Maryland, lies a place dedicated to the transformative power of the outdoors. In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Diana Edelblute, Executive Director of Mar-Lu-Ridge Summer Camp & Retreat Center to explore their mission of providing sanctuary, service, and community.  As a year-round outdoor ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Mar-Lu-Ridge serves as more than just a summer camp. We dive into the heart of their "With Open Arms" capital campaign, a major initiative focused on radical hospitality and accessibility, ensuring that their 500+ acres of sacred space are truly welcoming to all people, regardless of religion or physical ability. Whether you’re a former camper looking for a bit of nostalgia or a nonprofit leader interested in how a mission-driven organization maintains its values across decades, this conversation captures the spirit of "going in peace" and serving others.   Learn more about Mar-Lu-Ridge, its programs, and how you can offer support on their website: https://www.mar-lu-ridge.org/ [https://www.mar-lu-ridge.org/] Lifting Up * Reaching Out. Learn more about Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. [https://www.holytrinityfallschurch.org/]

E.28 Ending Isolation: Building Inclusive Communities with Our Stomping Ground

In this episode of the Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Margot Greenlee, Executive Director, and Paula Manion, Founding Chair, of Our Stomping Ground (OSG). For many adults with developmental disabilities (DD), the transition into adulthood can feel like "falling off a cliff," often leading to social isolation and a lack of affordable housing options. Our Stomping Ground is changing that narrative in Northern Virginia. By partnering with affordable housing developers, OSG creates inclusive, "interdependent" communities where people of all abilities live, work, and play together. Margot and Paula share the inspiring story behind OSG’s "Housing First" model and how they provide over 100 hours of free monthly programming—ranging from supper clubs and fitness classes to advocacy training—to ensure that no one has to live a life of isolation. Learn more about their mission, view their event calendar, or make a donation at: https://osgcommunities.org/ [https://osgcommunities.org/] Lifting Up * Reaching Out. Learn more about Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. [https://www.holytrinityfallschurch.org/]

E.27 More Than a Coffee Shop | Inclusive Employment at Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolates

In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, Pastor Mike sits down with Cameron and Ellen Graham, the visionary family behind Every1 Can Work and its flagship enterprise, Cameron’s Coffee and Chocolates, and Cameron, the inspiration for Cameron's Coffee. Driven by the mission to provide meaningful employment for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Grahams share the inspiring story of how their family-run foundation turned a personal passion into a thriving community staple. We take a look behind the scenes at a "day in the life" of the dedicated workers—affectionately known as the "Chocolatiers"—and explore how the organization fosters independence, dignity, and skill-building through the art of fine chocolate and coffee. From their early beginnings in Fairfax, Virginia, to their ambitious goals for the future, Ellen and Cameron discuss the transformative power of inclusive employment and what’s next for the foundation. Tune in to discover how a simple cup of coffee and a handmade truffle are changing lives, one shift at a time. Learn more about their mission: www.every1canwork.com [https://www.every1canwork.com/] Lifting Up * Reaching Out. Learn more about Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. [https://www.holytrinityfallschurch.org/]

E.26 Period Poverty in America | How BRAWS Is Empowering Women

In this episode of Nonprofit Spotlight, we sit down with Holly Seibold, the Founder and Mission Ambassador of BRAWS (Bringing Resources to Aid Women’s Shelters). Imagine a young girl missing a week of school every month or sitting out on the sidelines during sports tryouts—not because of a lack of talent or interest, but because she lacks access to basic menstrual supplies. This is the reality of period poverty, and BRAWS is on a mission to end it. Holly joins us to discuss how BRAWS provides new undergarments and menstrual products to thousands of women and children in shelters and underserved communities. We dive into the profound impact that these "basic necessities" have on a student’s confidence, education, and health. From their grassroots beginnings to their large-scale distribution efforts and the annual "Mardi Bras" event, learn how this organization is ensuring that no person is held back by a lack of access to essential hygiene products. Visit the BRAWS website to find drop-off locations, view their Amazon Wishlist, or make a donation: https://supportbraws.org/ [https://supportbraws.org/] Lifting Up * Reaching Out. Learn more about Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. [https://www.holytrinityfallschurch.org/]