A significant focus of the Change Reaction's direct giving efforts in 2025 was directed toward survivors of the Palisades and Eaton Fires. These wildfires, the most destructive in a generation, devastated communities across Los Angeles County, leaving thousands of families displaced and searching for a way forward.

One of those families was the Linares, four generations all sharing a property in Altadena, who suddenly found themselves, along with countless others, without a home, their landscaping business destroyed in an instant.

And that's where this special episode begins. Aurianna Tuttle, a frequent guest on the show, introduces us to the Linares Family and tells the unlikely, incredible story of how this hardworking, multi-generational family, like so many others in Altadena, was, in some way, supported by the Change Reaction and how their faith was renewed in the process.

We're grateful to have had the opportunity to serve and support so many over the past year and remain committed to helping our communities and neighbors rebuild in the coming year.

Special thanks to the entire Linares family for sharing their story with such bravery and vulnerability.

The Change Reaction Podcast is a weekly series that shares stories of transformation and impact across LA and Southern California.

Hosted by Matt West and featuring members of the Change Reaction team, each episode highlights the inspiring individuals and Change Agents making a difference by helping those who need it most.

From powerful success stories of people who have been uplifted, to conversations with community leaders and those actively working on the ground, we highlight the real, tangible work being done to create change in our communities.

In this year-end recap, co-founder Greg Perlman and Brooke Perlman reflect on a year that tested, stretched, and ultimately deepened their philanthropic efforts.

From wildfire relief that mobilized thousands to the ripple effects of Michael Dell’s $6.25B gift, they explore what real charity impact looks like, and why altruism in action isn’t about headlines or scale, but about trust, presence, and timing.

Together, we unpack:
– The limits of large-scale giving
– Why force multipliers are the future of community health
– What happens when your work suddenly gets noticed
– And the inspiring stories and lessons that will guide the year ahead

This isn’t just a conversation about our biggest year to date; it’s a window into how meaningful change really happens.

The Change Reaction Podcast is a weekly series that shares stories of transformation and impact across LA and Southern California.

Hosted by Matt West and featuring members of the Change Reaction team, each episode highlights the inspiring individuals and Change Agents making a difference by helping those who need it most.

From powerful success stories of people who have been uplifted, to conversations with community leaders and those actively working on the ground, we highlight the real, tangible work being done to create change in our communities.

How do you build a world where pain doesn’t keep getting passed down?

In this episode of The Change Reaction podcast, we're joined by Shirley Torres, Co-CEO of Homeboy Industries, who shares a powerful blueprint for transforming survival into healing and pain into purpose.

This conversation is a masterclass in compassion and vision.

We cover:
- Creating safety for those who’ve never known it
- The power of being invited vs. being punished
- Why people don’t need to be saved — just seen
- The radical act of leading with love, even when systems don’t

Radical Kinship. It isn't a theory. It’s decades of lived experience, standing at the margins, offering hope where others turned away.

🟡 A must-listen for anyone working in service, justice, or community building.

More on Homeboy Industries:
http://www.homeboyindustries.org/

Check out their podcast, The Homeboy Way:
https://youtu.be/yKHdElzgmHI?si=G9bdk181r1B-fPl5

The Change Reaction Podcast is a weekly series that shares stories of transformation and impact across LA and Southern California.

Hosted by Matt West and featuring members of the Change Reaction team, each episode highlights the inspiring individuals and Change Agents making a difference by helping those who need it most.

From powerful success stories of people who have been uplifted, to conversations with community leaders and those actively working on the ground, we highlight the real, tangible work being done to create change in our communities.