Talent for Tomorrow: Transforming Youth Futures Through Nonprofit Collaboration in the DMV

In this episode of the We’re Good podcast, the spotlight is on Talent for Tomorrow, a powerful nonprofit alliance transforming the futures of young adults across the Washington, D.C. metro area. This coalition—comprising Genesis Works, Year Up United, New Futures, Spark the Journey, and PerScholas—works collaboratively to provide Opportunity Youth with career training, internships, mentorship, scholarships, and wraparound support, from high school through college, certifications and into careers.

The episode features firsthand insights from Axel Orellana, a program alumnus and now current UDC student, whose success story embodies the initiative's impact. Axel recounts how he discovered Genesis Works in high school and how each organization in the alliance played a pivotal role in guiding him to college and into a computer engineering major. His journey highlights how Talent for Tomorrow turns goals into actionable game plans, especially for students facing barriers to higher education and career access.

Selvon Waldron of Genesys Works and Lia Jones of Capital One, the alliance's founding funder, discuss the complexity and value of the collaboration. They emphasize the important and intentional steps TFT took to align on leadership, funding, and program strategy to meet their stated goal of bridging gaps in racial and economic mobility. Capital One’s involvement since 2018 has provided not just financial backing, but also pro bono branding, volunteerism, and long-term strategic support.

Now serving over 600 students in the DMV area, Talent for Tomorrow is proof that nonprofit collaboration is stronger together providing greater impact and stronger outcomes for the people they serve. This episode is a must-listen for educators, funders, and families looking to empower youth through coordinated, community-driven workforce development programs.

In this episode of the We're Good podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee highlights the inspiring work of the Operation Renewed Hope Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless veterans find stable housing. Despite the sacrifices made by our armed forces, over 32,000 veterans face homelessness, a number that may be even higher according to experts.

The foundation was founded by retired Air Force Lt. Colonel Deborah Snyder, who was motivated to help by the sight of the unthinkable, homeless veterans in Washington, D.C. After 22 years of military service, she recognized the need and began the nonprofit to provide housing and essential services to veterans in distress. Maria Grinstead, the program director, shared why she completely changed her career path in order to join the mission and became integral in case management.

This episode discusses the barriers some veterans face, including mental health issues, low income, and the high cost of living in the D.C. area, which complicates their ability to secure housing. Deborah and Maria emphasize the importance of the “Housing First” approach, which prioritizes getting veterans into homes quickly while offering supportive services to address challenges.

Listen in to learn how the Operation Renewed Hope Foundation remains a beacon of hope, demonstrating that by working together, we can create a more positive world for those who have served.

Know a veteran in crisis? Call the Department of Veterans Affairs homeless hotline at 1-877-424-3838.

In this episode of We're Good, we spotlight a partnership reshaping what’s possible in affordable housing. True Ground Housing Partners, a nonprofit on the frontlines of the DMV's housing crisis, joins forces with Arlington Presbyterian Church in a powerful collaboration rooted in community.

You'll hear facts: over half of American renters are housing cost-burdened. Even those making $60K struggle to afford living near their jobs. With a 7-million-home shortfall nationally, this story proves change is possible.

Led by visionary CEO Carmen Romero, True Ground isn’t just building homes—they’re building ecosystems. From workforce development to food pantries, their model blends housing with wraparound services and policy advocacy. When Arlington Presbyterian made the decision to sell their land and shrink their footprint in 2016, they partnered with True Ground and together, they created Gilliam Place, a 173-unit affordable housing community that also houses the church’s reimagined worship space.

This episode dives into the why and how behind that decision, and the incredible journey it took to bring it to life. Pastor Ashley Goff shares how proximity—literally sharing a building with residents—has deepened the church’s ministry. Think free music lessons, a 24/7 food pantry, and on-site daycare. A true example of neighbors becoming collaborators.

One unforgettable moment: during the pandemic, when rent was overdue and futures uncertain, the church donated $200K in a single day—erasing debt for 80 families!

This episode shows what is possible when communities unite.