30. From Addiction to Advocacy: Hamilton Barton's Journey of Recovery and Impact

30. From Addiction to Advocacy: Hamilton Barton's Journey of Recovery and Impact

What happens when someone who once lived on the streets becomes a nonprofit leader transforming lives every day? In this powerful episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit, Mercedes and Scott sit down with Hamilton Barton, CEO of Pay It Forward SA, to discuss his remarkable journey from addiction, homelessness, and recovery to leading an organization that helps hundreds of people find stability through sober living scholarships and recovery support. Hamilton shares how his personal experiences shaped his passion for helping others, the life-changing impact of community and accountability, and Pay It Forward SA's innovative work supporting individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. Plus, hear about their exciting vision to help parents stay connected with their children while seeking treatment. 🎙️ A conversation about second chances, resilience, recovery, and the power of paying it forward. #TNCTalksNonprofit #NonprofitLeadership #RecoveryJourney #PayItForwardSA #SubstanceUseRecovery #CommunityImpact #NonprofitPodcast #LeadershipWithPurpose #SanAntonioNonprofits #HopeAndHealing

28. From the West Side to Lasting Impact: Simon Salas on Leadership, Education & Community

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="90a3fdfb-49db-41b3-b57d-3889f3cd5346" data-turn-id-container="90a3fdfb-49db-41b3-b57d-3889f3cd5346" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> What does it take to lead an organization that has been transforming lives for 75 years? In this inspiring episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit, Mercedes and Scott sit down with Simon Salas, CEO of Good Samaritan Community Services, to explore his remarkable journey from growing up in the very neighborhood Good Sam serves to leading one of San Antonio's most impactful community organizations. Simon shares how dedicated teachers, a set of World Book encyclopedias, and a passion for education shaped his path from the West Side of San Antonio to Columbia University, law school, public policy, and ultimately nonprofit leadership. Along the way, he reflects on the power of mentorship, the importance of community, and why investing in people—especially young people—can change the trajectory of entire neighborhoods. Join us for a powerful conversation about service, opportunity, and what it means to give back to the community that helped shape who you are. #NonProfitLeadership #TNCTalks #GoodSamaritanCommunityServices #CommunityImpact #EducationMatters #NonProfitPodcast #LeadershipJourney #SanAntonioNonprofits #Mentorship #CommunityDevelopment #TNCNetwork #PurposeDrivenLeadership

27. Building Bridges After Crisis: How ConnectAbility Transforms Lives

What happens after a life-changing injury—and who helps pick up the pieces? In this episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit, Mercedes and Scott sit down with Dawn Dixon of ConnectAbility to explore how communities can step in when individuals and families need it most. From navigating the aftermath of traumatic injuries to creating spaces for connection and long-term support, Dawn shares how ConnectAbility is redefining care coordination and building true community for people with disabilities. Along the way, the conversation blends real-world challenges, nonprofit leadership insights, and a few laughs that remind us why this work matters. 💡 If you're passionate about impact, collaboration, and meeting people where they are—this episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Listen now and be inspired to build stronger, more inclusive communities. #Nonprofit #CommunityImpact #DisabilitySupport #TNCTalks

26. Advocating for Children, Leading with Truth: Dr. Angie White on Nonprofit Leadership

What does it take to turn a childhood marked by foster care into a life of purpose and leadership? In this powerful episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit, Mercedes and Scott sit down with Dr. Angie White, President & CEO of Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA). From her deeply personal journey through the foster system to leading one of the most impactful child advocacy organizations in the country, Dr. Angie shares how resilience, truth, and connection shaped her path. 💡 Hear how CASA gives a voice to children in the courtroom 💬 Why nonprofit leadership must be both personal and strategic ❤️ And how understanding your story can transform the way you serve others This is a conversation about courage, identity, and the belief that where you start isn't where you finish. 🎧 Listen now and be inspired to lead with purpose. #NonprofitLeadership #CASA #FosterCareAwareness #PurposeDriven #LeadershipJourney

25. From Classroom Spark to Global Impact: How Students of Service is Shaping the Next Generation of Leaders

What happens when one moment in a classroom turns into a global movement? 🌍 On this episode of TNC Talks Nonprofit, Mercedes and Scott sit down with Amir Samandi, founder of Students of Service (SOS), to explore how a simple question—"Can we go there?"—sparked a life-changing nonprofit. From empowering students through leadership, service, and international travel to awarding scholarships and creating future changemakers, SOS is transforming lives one experience at a time. Hear powerful stories of resilience, growth, and the impact of believing in young people—and what's next as SOS looks to expand nationwide. 🎧 Tune in now and get inspired by the next generation of leaders! #TNCtalks #NonprofitPodcast #YouthLeadership #StudentsOfService #CommunityImpact