Food, Family, & Philanthropy

Ep. 50 - Protecting Children and Strengthening Families with HomeSafe CEO Matthew Ladika and COO Amanda Stone

When thousands of children and families in Palm Beach County hit a crisis, HomeSafe is often the first call. On this milestone 50th episode, host Michael Nathanson welcomes Matthew Ladika, CEO of HomeSafe, and Amanda Stone, LMHC, the organization's Chief Operations Officer, for a candid conversation about what it truly takes to protect children and rebuild lives in South Florida. Matthew walks through HomeSafe's full range of services: four specialized therapeutic group homes for youth with significant trauma histories across Boca Raton, Lake Worth, and West Palm Beach; their domestic violence program Safety Net; and Pond Place, an independent living facility near Palm Beach State College for young adults aging out of the foster care system. In one small but telling moment from the episode, Matthew describes a young man from their program who stopped by the office on the way to his own high school graduation, needing someone to help him tie his tie. Amanda brings the clinical lens, talking about her background as a licensed mental health counselor and how a trauma-informed, strength-based philosophy shapes every program HomeSafe runs. The conversation also covers their Healthy Beginnings birth-to-five program, which reaches nearly every new family born in Palm Beach County, and a new initiative to help childcare directors and teachers better support children with challenging behaviors before they face expulsion. The episode also explores a shared connection to the Y: Matthew spent six years at YMCA of the USA in Chicago before coming to Palm Beach County, while host Michael Nathanson currently serves as board chair of the YMCA of Boca Raton and hosts Shoot for a Change, his annual two-day basketball fundraiser benefiting the Y's financial assistance program. HomeSafe's signature Classic Rock and Roll Party returns January 30, 2027 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, featuring Billy Joel guitarist Mike DelGuidice. Volunteers are welcome for Safety Net groups on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. To learn more or connect with HomeSafe, visit helphomesafe.org [http://helphomesafe.org/] or call 561-383-9800. Contact Michael Nathanson: Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com Website: https://soldbythebros.com/ [https://soldbythebros.com/]

Ep. 49 - Why Laura Reiss Believes Kindness Starts With the Little Ones

What happens when a barefoot hippie mom moves to a community that feels cold and decides to do something about it? That's exactly how Laura Reiss, founder of Kindness Matters 365, got started — not with a grand plan, but with a simple afterschool program and a deep belief that if you reach kids early, you change everything. Michael and Laura cover a lot of ground in this one. They talk about the humble beginnings of Kindness Matters 365 at a Boca Raton elementary school, how the program has grown to reach schools across the United States and into Cameroon, Africa, and why Laura remains laser-focused on children over adults. She shares how the curriculum has evolved to include nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and monthly themes — and why she's watched the school bully walk out of a program as a leader. Laura also opens up about being nearly a year and a half sober, navigating menopause, and what it took to rebuild her own capacity for kindness from the inside out. The conversation winds through food, music (she's a hardcore Deadhead), marriage, parenting three grown daughters, and Michael's upcoming milestone of sending his son off to the University of Florida. Underneath all of it is a shared belief that kindness is a choice, community is everything, and small acts really do ripple outward. If you want to get involved with Kindness Matters 365 — as a volunteer, ambassador, or donor — visit km365.org [https://kindnessmatters365.org/]. Their next fundraising event is June 20th at Crazy Uncle Mike's in Boca Raton, 12 to 3 PM. Contact Michael Nathanson: Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com Website: https://soldbythebros.com/ [https://soldbythebros.com/]

Ep. 48 - Fighting Hunger in Palm Beach County: Feeding South Florida’s Impact, Food Insecurity & How You Can Help

In this powerful episode of Food, Family, and Philanthropy, we dive into the reality of food insecurity right here in Palm Beach County. Many assume South Florida is thriving—but behind the scenes, families are making impossible choices between rent and food. Host sits down with Tony Hopper of Feeding South Florida and advisory council member Kye Akavia to uncover how this organization is providing millions of meals, supporting over 250 nonprofit partners, and creating real solutions through programs like culinary job training. From eye-opening stories about hunger in our own neighborhoods to actionable ways you can make a difference, this episode highlights the true impact of community, compassion, and giving back. If you’ve ever wondered how to help—or why it matters more than ever—this conversation will inspire you to take action. Contact Michael Nathanson: Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com Website: https://soldbythebros.com/ [https://soldbythebros.com/]

Ep. 47 - Sherri Divband On Rethinking Education For Kids With Autism And Anxiety

What if the way we’ve always done school just isn’t working for a lot of kids? Michael sits down with Sherri Divband, founder of Aramis Creative Learning Center, to talk about a different path for children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other developmental differences. Her approach centers on helping kids feel safe, confident, and empowered through animal connection, project based learning, and health and wellness. They explore how traditional education can leave kids behind, especially those who don’t fit the standard mold, and why anxiety in children has become such a growing concern. Sherri shares how her own daughter’s experience led her to question everything and ultimately build a new model that gives kids more choice, creativity, and real world connection in how they learn. The conversation also touches on parenting unique children, the impact of COVID on kids’ social development, biofeedback and holistic healing, and why helping children understand themselves emotionally can change their entire future. Sherri also shares details about launching the first Aramis center in Palm Beach and how the community can support the mission through events and donations. Contact Michael Nathanson: Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com Website: https://soldbythebros.com/ [https://soldbythebros.com/]

Ep. 46 - Dennis Miles And Vincent D'Aria On Supporting Families Before Crisis

What if the biggest impact happens before a family ever reaches a breaking point? In this conversation, Michael Nathanson sits down with Dennis Miles, Executive Director, and Vincent D'Aria Palm Beach Advisory Board Chair of Children’s Home Society of Florida, to talk about the real work happening behind the scenes to support children and families across Palm Beach, Broward, and the Treasure Coast. They break down what the organization actually does beyond what most people assume from the name. From preventing child abuse before it starts, to creating community hubs and family resource centers, to building a cradle to career model through community partnership schools, this conversation highlights how early support can change the entire trajectory of a child’s life. Along the way, they share how programs like Safe Harbor, mentoring initiatives, and family visitation centers provide structure, stability, and connection for kids and families navigating real challenges. They also talk about the role of community collaboration, why prevention matters more than reaction, and how volunteers, donors, and local leaders can all play a part in creating lasting change. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a meaningful difference in your community, this conversation makes it clear there’s a place for you in the work. To learn more, support, or get involved with Children’s Home Society of Florida, visit their website or join their upcoming community events like the annual Generations Walk. Contact Michael Nathanson: Email: Michael@soldbythebros.com Website: https://soldbythebros.com/ [https://soldbythebros.com/]