"Voices of Generosity" - A GCC Pod

From NBA Tryouts to NE Portland: Reclaiming the Brilliance of Our Youth, Eric Knox, Executive Director - HOLLA Mentors

What happens when your lifelong dream falls apart, but a single newspaper headline rewires your entire destiny? In this powerful episode of Voices of Generosity, we sit down with Eric Knox, the Executive Director of HOLLA Mentors and HOLLA school. Long before he was transforming the landscape of youth mentorship in Portland, Eric was on the fast track to the NBA. But after getting cut by the Portland Trailblazers, he found himself at a sudden crossroads. While working a regular job and reading The Oregonian every day, Eric came across a devastating story about a 16 year old Black youth in Northeast Portland. That tragedy sparked a deep calling. Eric packed up, moved to NE Portland, and founded HOLLA Mentors to radically change the academic and life trajectories of Black, Brown, and Indigenous youth. Now over three decades later, HOLLA has helped countless children recognize and claim their true potential, operating under a profound core philosophy: that there is inherent abundance, brilliance, and creativity in every single child. In this episode, we dive deep into: * From the Hardwood to the Hood: Eric's journey from the brink of the NBA to finding his true calling in NE Portland * The HOLLA School K-5 Program: How they expanded from a mentoring program into an innovative academic space designed to let kids of color thrive. * Shared-Power Mentorship: Moving away from the "savior complex" to create spaces where mentors and mentees actively learn from one another as equals. * The Architecture of Generosity: Why radical generosity is the very fuel that allowed HOLLA to become the beacon of hope it is today. At Generous-City Corp, we believe that stewardship isn't just about providing aid; it's about amplifying the voices of the change-makers who show up where they are needed most. We are incredibly proud to love, support, and highlight HOLLA Mentors as they continue to prove that our city's youth are not problems to be solved, but brilliant minds to be nurtured. Hit play, get inspired, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a story of radical generosity! Learn more about HOLLA Mentors, see their upcoming events including their Juneteenth celebration, and support their work: HollaMentors.org [https://www.hollamentors.org/] Connect with Generous-City Corp [https://generouscitycorp.org/] to learn more about our mission or become a GC Heart Member [https://generouscitycorp.org/gc-heart] (Thank you to our first members Gwen, Abby, and Marci!) - We are still looking for 22 more in our run for 25 in order to help us move our initiatives forward. Follow HOLLA on social media @hollamentors & @hollaschool Give us a follow on social media @generouscitycorp And always remember, #GenerosityStartsWithMe

Surviving Assault to Redefining Self - Defense - Sara K Johnson, Program Director, Rose City Self-Defense

Welcome back to Voices of Generosity — where everyday acts of generosity get a microphone. In this episode, I sit down with Sara, program director of Rose City Self Defense, a free, city-supported self-defense program she has dedicated the last 20 years of her life to! But Sara’s journey into this work began long before she ever stepped into a leadership role. After surviving assault in her youth, Sara sought healing through a self-defense class — only to leave feeling blamed, silenced, and even more disconnected from herself. The experience was anything but trauma-informed, and its impact stayed with her for years. Everything changed when a friend invited her to another class. This time, the space felt different: supportive, empowering, and centered on healing as much as protection. That experience reshaped Sara’s understanding of safety, self-defense, and community care — and ultimately led her to the work she still passionately does today. In this conversation, we explore: * The difference trauma-informed care can make * How language and teaching styles impact survivors * Why self-defense is about more than physical protection * The power of creating spaces rooted in dignity, empowerment, and compassion Sara’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and what can happen when people choose to support instead of shame.  Listen now, subscribe, and share. To learn more about Rose City Self-Defense and their free classes throughout the community, visit Rose City Self Defense [https://www.portland.gov/community-safety/ovp/rose-city-self-defense?utm_source=chatgpt.com]. And if you have a story of generosity, healing, or community impact — we’d love to hear from you. Or if you would like to support Generous-City Corp and the work we are doing throughout the community via a donation, sponsorship, volunteer opportunity, or the purchase of our merch, you can do so by contacting us below: Let's keep spreading generosity in as many ways as we can, one city, one person, one moment at a time. #GenerosityStartsWithMe

More Than a Meal - The Heart of Blanchet House - Steve Cook, Director of Strategic Initiatives

A Meal. A Home. A Future. Is it possible to serve over 380,000 meals a year while treating every single person with the dignity of a guest? On this episode of Voice of Generosity, we are joined by Steve Cook of Blanchet House & Farm to explore the heart of Old Town Portland's most vital lifeline. In this deeply moving conversation, Steve reflects on the overwhelming spirit of giving modeled by his father and how that legacy guides him today. Steve opens up about his own profound journey through homelessness - an experience that didn't just change his life, but shaped the very way he connects with and honors the dignity of every person walking through Blanchet's doors. From the expansion of their sober living programs to the beautiful sanctuary of the newly opened Bethanie's Room woman's shelter, Steve and the rest of the open-hearted individuals working/volunteering for the programs know that while a meal is a necessity, compassion can be a cure. Tune in for a story about heritage, the power of perspective, and the heartbeat of a community that refuses to look away. To support Blanchet House & Farm's mission or to contribute to the ongoing needs of Bethanie's Room, please visit their website @ blanchethouse.org [https://blanchethouse.org/] or follow them @ blanchethouse on socials. If you would like to support the work of Generous-City Corp, you can do so here: Become a sponsor [https://www.generouscitycorp.org/become-a-sponsor] Donate [https://www.generouscitycorp.org/donate] Purchase merch [https://www.generouscitycorp.org/category/all-products] Share your generosity story [https://www.generouscitycorp.org/unsung-generous-nominations] You can also follow us on socials @ generouscitycorp Let's continue supporting our local nonprofit organizations and spreading generosity one city, one person, one moment at a time. #generositystartswithme

What if the path to equitable and measurable impact began with asking the right questions? - Amani Austin, Founder of AAdvocatesWith LLC

Welcome to Voices of Generosity - where everyday acts of generosity get a microphone.  In our debut episode, I sit down with my friend Amani Austin - a culturally responsive and equitable evaluator and founder of AAdvocatesWith, a Black woman-owned consulting firm helping organisations move equity from intention to measurable impact.  Amani doesn't just evaluate programs - she helps nonprofits and businesses ask deeper questions about who they're serving, how they're serving, and whether their impact truly reflects their values.  In this episode we explore: * What it actually means to be a culturally responsive and equitable evaluator * Why equity-centred evaluation is essential - not optional - in nonprofit and professional spaces * How Amani's personal journey and legacy of generosity shaped her calling * What generosity means to her - and how she integrates it into her work every day Amani brings both heart and expertise to every organizations she partners with. If you are a nonprofit leader, business owner, or change-maker looking to measure and amplify your impact through an equity lens, Amani is someone you need to know.  Learn more about her work at aadvocateswith.com [https://www.aadvocateswith.com/] and subscribe to her newsletter to stay connected.  Listen. Subscribe. Share.  If this episode resonates, consider supporting Generous-City Corp through a donation, sponsorship, or by sharing this podcast with someone who believes generosity deserves a platform.  And if you have a story of generosity - send it to us! We want to hear it.  generouscitycorp.org [https://www.generouscitycorp.org/] Music by the talented TuiDaShark.

Voices of Generosity - Launch Teaser Trailer

What if the people serving with joy were the voices we amplified the loudest? In our debut episode of Voices of Generosity, I sit down with my friend Amani Austin- someone who shows up to work within her community with relentless energy, deep compassion, and a joy that refused to burn out. Come get the spoiler! March 4th, we launch. This isn't just a podcast. It's a movement to give generosity a microphone. Follow. Subscribe. Share. And if you have a story - we're ready to hear it! Follow our nonprofit organization Generous-City Corp [https://www.generouscitycorp.org/]and be part of the work we are doing to spread generosity one city, one person, one moment at at time.