Join Ryan from MF International—a Sparks restaurant—in this special episode of CCP 135, where they spotlight their upcoming fundraiser for Good Shepherd's Clothes Closet. Ryan shares insights on the event, key community topics, and how MF International is giving back through this partnership. Tune in to learn how you can support, get involved, and make a difference locally. Visit mf-int.com for restaurant details and getclothes.org to donate today.

Community Cares Podcast – Episode 134: In‑House with Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet’s New Mobile Micro Closet Manager

In this episode of Community Cares, co-hosts Chaplain Chaz Blackburn and Dave McLaughlin welcome special guest Jaidra Branson from Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet to share an exciting update about their new Mobile Micro Closet Manager. They discuss how this role will help bring free, dignified clothing and essential items directly to families, seniors, and unsheltered neighbors across Northern Nevada, and explore the growing partnerships that make this outreach possible.

Listeners will hear real stories from the closet, learn how the Mobile Micro Closet Project is expanding services, and discover ways to volunteer, donate, or support the mission. For more information about Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet and how to get involved, visit www.gsccreno.org

In this episode of Community Cares, we sit down with Brian Wadsworth, a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and longtime Northern Nevada community leader, to talk about public service, Native leadership, and what it means to give back right where you grew up. Brian reflects on growing up on the Pyramid Lake Reservation, serving his Tribe in multiple roles, and why he’s now stepping forward as a candidate for Washoe County Commissioner, District 5. We dig into his work with the Nevada Indian Commission and regional tourism and cultural preservation efforts, and explore how representation, fiscal responsibility, and collaboration can move our communities forward.

In Episode 132 of the Community Cares Podcast, Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn sit down with KOLO 8 Morning Break host Katey Roshetko to talk about the power of local storytelling and spotlighting community change-makers. Katey shares her journey into broadcast journalism, what she’s learned from interviewing nonprofits and neighbors across Northern Nevada, and how local media can help elevate the voices of those serving our most vulnerable. If you care about building stronger connections between nonprofits, media, and the community, this conversation will give you practical ideas, encouragement, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep our region informed and inspired.

Community Cares Podcast – Episode 131: Circle of Life Hospice Foundation’s New Project
In Episode 131 of the Community Cares Podcast, Dave McLaughlin talks with Chaplain Chaz, who shares the work of the Circle of Life Hospice Foundation and the developing Circle of Life Grief and Trauma Resource Center. The episode highlights the vision for expanded grief and trauma support in the Reno-Sparks community, building on Circle of Life’s existing grief support and bereavement care.
Listeners will hear:
The heart and vision driving the Circle of Life Hospice Foundation’s new project, and how it is intended to support compassionate care and resources for local families now and in the future.
How the planned Circle of Life Grief and Trauma Resource Center is being shaped, with a focus on creating a dedicated space for ongoing grief and trauma support once it opens.
Simple, practical ways that volunteers, donors, and community partners can come alongside the Foundation during this development phase and as the project grows.
Throughout the conversation, Chaplain Chaz speaks as part of the team, consistently pointing back to the mission and future plans of the Circle of Life Hospice Foundation and the Circle of Life Grief and Trauma Resource Center rather than to himself. The episode invites listeners to stay connected, spread the word, and consider how they might support or participate in this care for Northern Nevada neighbors.
Learn more:
Circle of Life Hospice Foundation: colhospice.com/foundation
Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet: gsccreno.org
#CommunityCaresPodcast #GoodShepherdsClothesCloset #CircleOfLifeHospiceFoundation #CircleOfLifeGriefAndTraumaResourceCenter #ChaplainChaz #NorthernNevada #NewProjects #CommunityImpact #FaithInAction #RenoSparks

Community Cares Podcast – Episode 130: Lisa Moore, Founder & CEO of Life Changes

In Episode 130 of the Community Cares Podcast, co-hosts Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn sit down with Lisa Moore, Founder and CEO of Life Changes. Lisa shares her heart for walking alongside people in transition and how Life Changes provides safety, shelter, and support for those affected by substance abuse, incarceration, mental illness, homelessness, sex trafficking, and domestic violence.

You'll hear stories of transformation, faith, and perseverance, along with honest insight into what it takes to serve individuals and families who are rebuilding from tough circumstances. Whether you're passionate about outreach, going through a season of change yourself, or looking for ways to support others, this conversation will encourage you and point you toward next steps.

Learn more about Life Changes at lifechangesinc.solutions and Good Shepherd's Clothes Closet at gsccreno.org

#CommunityCaresPodcast #GoodShepherdsClothesCloset #LifeChanges #LisaMoore #NorthernNevada #CommunityImpact #HopeInAction #FaithAndCommunity #SupportLocal #Recovery #Reentry

Community Cares Podcast – Episode 129: Brittney Thaler, Great Basin BNI & The Dees Group Real Estate

In Episode 129 of the Community Cares Podcast, host Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn sit down with real estate professional and connector Brittney Thaler to talk about what it really looks like to build community through relationships, not just transactions.

Brittney shares how her work with Great Basin BNI and The Dees Group Real Estate helps local families navigate big life transitions while also strengthening the small business network across Northern Nevada.

You’ll hear stories about collaboration, referrals, and trust, plus practical insight on why showing up consistently for your neighbors can change both your business and your city.

If you care about supporting local entrepreneurs, fostering healthy growth in the Reno/Sparks area, or just want to better understand today’s housing landscape, this conversation will give you encouragement and real-world ideas you can use.

Learn more about Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet and how to get involved at https://www.gsccreno.org

#CommunityCaresPodcast #GoodShepherdsClothesCloset #Reno #SparksNV #NorthernNevada #GreatBasinBNI #TheDeesGroup #LocalBusiness #RealEstate #CommunityImpact #SupportLocal

Episode 128: A New Perspective on Service
In this episode of The Community Cares Podcast, Chaplain Chaz Blackburn and Dave McLaughlin sit down with our newest board member, Jon Cole. A civil engineer and dedicated volunteer, Jon shares why serving with Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet matters to him and reflects on the power of quiet, consistent community care in the Reno/Sparks area.

Tune in for a thoughtful, down-to-earth conversation about service, leadership, and making a difference right where you are.

🎧 Listen and learn more about our work at:
Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet – https://www.gsccreno.org

🤝 Special thanks to our sponsors for supporting this community-focused conversation:

• Shelly’s True Value Hardware – https://shellys.shoptruevalue.com

• Spherion Staffing & Recruiting (Reno) – https://www.spherion.com/our-offices/reno_1128/

• Relentless Business Mastery – https://www.relentlessbusinessmastery.com

#CommunityCaresPodcast #GoodShepherdsClothesCloset #RenoCommunity #NonprofitLife #VolunteerSpirit #LeadershipInAction #CommunityMatters #ShellysTrueValueHardware #SpherionReno #RelentlessBusinessMastery