Ep 7. As part of our new series, The Nonprofit Changemakers, we sit down with Lisa Mathews, CEO of 70x7 Life Recovery, an organization walking alongside men and women returning to society after incarceration. Lisa shares the unique challenges returning citizens face, like barriers to housing and employment, decision fatigue, shame, and re-entering a world that has moved on without them.

Lisa also reflects on her journey from a “rescue mentality” in nonprofit work to an empowerment-based approach that honors the strengths and gifts each person already carries. Instead of approaching returning citizens as problems to fix, Lisa emphasizes meeting them as equals—people with inherent value, gifts, and stories that matter. She shares how 70x7 fosters spaces where accountability and compassion exist side-by-side, giving individuals the opportunity to rebuild their lives without being defined by their past. This shift from a rescue mindset to one of empowerment and dignity has transformed not only the lives of participants but also the hearts of volunteers, mentors, and community partners.

Through moving stories of resilience, friendship, and restored hope, this conversation reminds us of the power of forgiveness, the beauty of walking alongside others, and the importance of seeing people not through the lens of their mistakes, but as human beings full of potential and worth--with the dignity that everyone deserves.

Ep 6. In this deeply moving episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of Paws With a Cause, a nonprofit that trains assistance dogs to transform lives. What starts as a story of financial hardship becomes a testimony to the power of passion and storytelling. Jeff shares how Scott Allen Creative unexpectedly landed a pitch with Paws at a time when the organization was in crisis. Competing against top-tier firms, he doubted their chances, but Rachel, Project Manager with Scott Allen Creative for over 15 years, went above and beyond. She delivered a two-year marketing plan as an added gift to their pitch. That bold move, paired with their refusal to sacrifice the research needed to tell the right story, marked the start of a purpose-driven partnership. What followed was more than just a branding project. Through interviews with clients, trainers, and the founder, they uncovered something powerful: these dogs weren’t just helpers, they were healers, companions, and bridges back to life. One student in a wheelchair said his Paws dog helped him meet and talk with people at school, which gave him more confidence. A woman who suffered seizures said her Paws dog gave her moments of life back. Another child with autism found comfort and emotional peace through his dog’s calming presence. The rebrand focused on these stories. Instead of spotlighting pristine photos of the dogs alone, the team shifted the lens to the relationship. Messaging like “You calm me,” “You open doors,” and “You saved my life” captured the emotional core of each human/dog bond. And then came the "You Needed Me" video. With narration from the perspective of a service dog, this heartwarming and educational short film touched both corporate funders and schoolchildren alike. This episode is a testament to how storytelling can rescue a mission and elevate it to new heights. It’s about the kind of connection that opens doors—literally and figuratively—for people who thought theirs had closed, and a heartwarming love story between each human and their service dog.

Ep 5. In this heartfelt episode, Jeff reflects on his journey of discovering and partnering with Senior Neighbors, a Grand Rapids nonprofit committed to serving older adults. What began as a casual hallway conversation with then-Executive Director, Bob Barnes, evolved into a transformative collaboration centered around one powerful insight: as people age, they often lose key relationships and face increasing isolation. From that truth, the brand statement “No Longer Alone” was born, which now anchors the organization’s mission and messaging.

Jeff shares stories of seniors like Elmer, a widower who found renewed joy and friendship through a local senior center. The episode also highlights the creative marketing campaigns that brought visibility and emotional resonance to Senior Neighbors’ work, from humorous video spots to moving storytelling that secured funding and changed perceptions.

More than a look into their marketing, this episode is also a tribute to the vital role Senior Neighbors plays in combating senior isolation and honoring every stage of the aging journey. It’s a thank-you to Bob Barnes for his decades of service, and a call to see, support, and stand with the seniors in our lives so that they are no longer alone.

Ep 4. In this uplifting podcast episode, Jeff celebrates the powerful creative partnership his team at Scott Allen Creative had with Mary Buikema, former Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Kent County. From the deeply moving “I See a Castle” Annual Report, inspired by the words of a young girl seeing her Habitat home for the first time, to the transformative “Building Blocks” Campaign, this episode highlights the impact these various projects had throughout their beautiful partnership. Other projects shared in this episode include branding for the ReStore retail outlets, radio ads, volunteer campaigns like “Brush with Kindness,” and creative, story-driven marketing materials that empowered Habitat for Humanity to connect with donors and the community on a deeper level. Mary’s vision and willingness to speak from the heart, combined with Scott Allen Creative’s thoughtful, value-driven creativity, sparked a multi-year partnership that helped Habitat for Humanity gain the recognition it needed and deserved to help expand its mission of transforming lives and neighborhoods.

#MissionDrivenMarketing #HabitatForHumanity #CreativePartnership #InspiredMarketing #RealImpactStories #PassionInspires #ScottAllenCreative

Ep 3. In this episode, Jeff shares the powerful story of Rev. Dr. Judy, who answered God’s calling to leave a life of wealth and comfort to serve the vulnerable in the Kibera slums. What began as a small act of compassion for four women in need, has now blossomed into Home Care Spiritual Fellowship, a ministry serving thousands through education, job training, and Bible Clubs.

Jeff also shares the story of Samuel, a young man born with a disability and raised in poverty, who became the first in his family to graduate from high school through child sponsorship.

Through stories of women learning dressmaking skills and children being fed and taught through Bible Clubs, Jeff reflects on how God is using these ministries to bring hope and healing.

Additionally, Jeff shares the awe-inspiring moments of his safari, which helped him reconnect with the wonder and joy of God's magnificent creation.

✨ Highlights:

• The power of child sponsorship
• Dr. Judy’s faith-filled leadership and resilience
• The ripple effect of Bible Clubs and job training ministries
• The reminder of God’s beauty in both creation and people

"A single tree, no matter how large, cannot make a forest... but together, we thrive."

Ep 2. In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jeff Johnson, President of International Needs USA, to explore the humble beginnings of this global nonprofit.

From what started as a single $5 gift, to a recent vision to raise $1 million to reach 1 million, Jeff shares how small gifts can create lasting impact when led by faith.

Learn more about the history of International Needs, how it operates as an Indigenous-led ministry, and why building long-term relationships with donors matters.

“Our job is to plant trees, in whose shade we will never sit. But shade will come."

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about missions, purpose-driven marketing, or simply wondering how their small gift can make a big difference.

Hosted by Jeff Terpstra through Scott Allen Creative, a marketing agency in Grand Rapids, MI. Your passion is our inspiration. Watch this episode on YouTube or find our more at scottallencreative.com.

Ep. 1 I always wondered why cups of cold water were important to the One who taught us so much about sacrificial love. He said, “If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones he will be rewarded.”

My father exemplified that to me. Every day he would show small acts of thoughtfulness to those around him. I remember him helping my blind mother with the dishes, bringing meals to a family in need, and offering up his two apartments so missionary families had a place to stay and visit. For him, every day was a day to look around and ask, “What can I do today to remind the people around me that they are loved?”

In this episode, I share defining moments that shaped my journey, including:

🎨 A trip to an art store that unlocked my creative calling 🖌️ Drawing an African chief and discovering that bringing joy to others is my purpose in art 📚 A librarian’s encouragement that led me to Kendall College of Art & Design 📖 A gifted book that inspired the marketing agency we are today

These moments may have seemed small at the time, but they left a lasting impact. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode "How It All Started" and that it might inspire you to see the beauty in simple, thoughtful gestures. Hosted by Jeff Terpstra through Scott Allen Creative, a marketing agency in Grand Rapids, MI. Your passion is our inspiration. Watch this episode on YouTube or find our more at scottallencreative.com.

Why do great designs stand out? While it may be challenging to pinpoint the exact reason, most people can recognize them instantly. In this episode, we explore the fundamental principles that guide designers in their creative process. Our goal is to provide you with a deeper understanding and practical insights into crafting exceptional designs.

Hosted by Jeff Terpstra and Jayson Brewer through Scott Allen Creative, a marketing agency in Grand Rapids, MI. Your passion is our inspiration. Watch this episode on YouTube or find our more at scottallencreative.com.