Mended Futures - S2E6 | The Sacred Art of Becoming

Leading with Purpose and Persistence

Presented by FIVE18, the tenth and final episode of Season Two of the Mended Futures Podcast features entrepreneur and educator LaShonda Brown. What started as a YouTube channel has grown into a thriving online community, where entrepreneurs encourage one another and learn together. LaShonda is passionate about helping people of all ages and backgrounds confidently embrace technology and new opportunities. In this encouraging conversation, LaShonda shares insights on setting micro-goals, embracing imperfection, and finding balance through intentional living. She reminds listeners that everything you learn is part of the process, and while you may not know how your story will end, God does. Through practical wisdom and personal experience, LaShonda encourages us to keep taking faithful steps forward, knowing that growth happens one step at a time and that what we do truly matters.

Cultivating a Flourishing Workspace

Presented by FIVE18, episode nine of season two features Doug Waldo of Best Christian Workplaces as he shares his journey into Kingdom-focused leadership and the profound difference meaningful work can make. Doug discusses how Christian organizations can create healthier, more engaging workplaces where employees feel valued, inspired, and connected to a greater mission. Drawing from 23 years of research and a proven framework built around eight key drivers of organizational health, he explores topics such as inspirational leadership, healthy communication, mission alignment, employee growth, and sustainable strategy. Through data-driven insights and practical tools, Doug explains how organizations can identify strengths, address growth areas, and cultivate workplaces marked by energy, enthusiasm, commitment, and compassion to help teams flourish while advancing the work God has called them to do. For more information about FIVE18, visit us at https://five18.org [https://five18.org/give/] At Five18 Family Services, our mission is to build communities of faithful relationships to ensure children are safe and families are restored. Our vision positions every child in a thriving family that’s supported by a faithful community. Together, we can make it possible — one child, one family at a time. Join us in our mission to keep children and families safe. Consider a donation to FIVE18 Family Services at https://five18.org/give/ [https://five18.org/give/]

A Life, Rewritten

Presented by FIVE18, the eighth episode of season two features Mollie Cash, a Case Worker for Virginia Cares, who gives listeners a glimpse into the beautiful work they’re doing in and around our community. Mollie leverages her own lived experiences of mercy and reconciliation to empower individuals who are reintegrating into society following incarceration. This episode focuses on Mollie’s encouraging testimony and the ways in which she’s meeting the often unrecognized needs of those exiting the prison system. The conversation also confronts many of the realities of incarceration and what it means for those moving forward. Mollie’s story is a beautiful reminder of God’s mercy, which rewrites the stories of those He loves and leads them into the broken places to share about his love. For more information about FIVE18, visit us here [https://five18.org/]. At Five18 Family Services, our mission is to build communities of faithful relationships to ensure children are safe and families are restored. Our vision positions every child in a thriving family that’s supported by a faithful community. Together, we can make it possible — one child, one family at a time. Join us in our mission to keep children and families safe. Consider a donation to Five18 Family Services [https://five18.org/givemended].

Walking in Compassion | Mended Futures S2:E7

Presented by FIVE18, the seventh episode of season two features Luke Eberle, Associate Development Officer for Samaritan’s feet, who gives listeners a glimpse into the beautiful work they’re doing around the globe. The non-profit organization serves children in need worldwide through providing shoes as a foundation for hope and a better life. Luke shares about how the mission runs so much deeper than meeting just a physical need, and how a simple act of service can lead to a life transformed through grace and love. The conversation also confronts many of the often overlooked barriers and challenges associated with serving communities in need. Luke’s story is a delightful reminder of God’s compassion, which compels ministries such as Samaritan’s Feet to reach and serve those whom he loves. For more information about FIVE18, visit us here [https://five18.org/]. At Five18 Family Services, our mission is to build communities of faithful relationships to ensure children are safe and families are restored. Our vision positions every child in a thriving family that’s supported by a faithful community. Together, we can make it possible — one child, one family at a time. Join us in our mission to keep children and families safe. Consider a donation to Five18 Family Services [https://five18.org/givemended].

Mended Futures - S2E6 | The Sacred Art of Becoming

In the sixth episode of season two of Mended Futures Podcast, Amy Keenan-Amago, founder of the Arc Studio, invites listeners into the heart of her journey — one that led to the creation of a studio devoted to artists with developmental disabilities. In this episode she offers a tender glimpse into daily life at the Arc Studio, sharing the beauty of the artwork and the richness of the lives behind each piece. This conversation is a gentle reminder of the power of art, the dignity of every creator, and the meaningful ways creativity can expand lives — both for those who make the art and those who are changed by it. For more information about FIVE18, visit us here [https://five18.org/]. At Five18 Family Services, our mission is to build communities of faithful relationships to ensure children are safe and families are restored. Our vision positions every child in a thriving family that’s supported by a faithful community. Together, we can make it possible — one child, one family at a time. Join us in our mission to keep children and families safe. Consider a donation toFive18 Family Services [https://five18.org/givemended].