Episode 14 - Finding Your #2 with Stephanie Suljak
Start & Grow Your Nonprofit Podcast
Release Date: 04/29/2024
Episode 52 - Living Out Your Calling Through Creativity with Jaime Zayas
Start & Grow Your Nonprofit Podcast
In this inspiring episode, nonprofit coach Tim Needham sits down with Jaime Zayas, founder and Executive Director of Kinetic Tapestry, a faith-based circus and theater company that’s redefining what entertainment can look like when it’s rooted in purpose. Jaime shares the incredible story of how his love for performance and ministry came together to form Kinetic Tapestry—a nonprofit that brings creativity, community, and Christ-centered storytelling to the stage. Together, Tim and Jaime talk about what it means to live out your calling with boldness, creativity, and faith. Whether...
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Episode 51 - How Structure and Systems Strengthen Your Mission with Erin Wells
Start & Grow Your Nonprofit Podcast
In this episode, nonprofit coaches Tim Needham and Mary Valloni sit down with Erin Wells, Administrative Director for Restoration House STL, to talk about what it looks like to keep your nonprofit organized, efficient, and mission-focused behind the scenes. Erin shares how she stepped into nonprofit administration, the systems that keep Restoration House running smoothly, and how her role supports both the leadership team and the young adults they serve. Together, they explore the value of structure, communication, and faith when juggling the many moving pieces of a growing organization....
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Episode 50 - What Makes Nonprofit Programming Work with Lilly Blake
Start & Grow Your Nonprofit Podcast
In this episode, nonprofit coaches Tim Needham and Mary Valloni are joined by Lilly Blake, Director of Programming for Restoration House STL. Together, they unpack the challenges and opportunities of building strong programming that truly meets the needs of the community. Lilly shares her firsthand experience designing and managing programs for young adults and how she balances structure, flexibility, and compassion in her work. The conversation highlights the importance of being intentional, adaptable, and rooted in your mission when it comes to programming. Whether you’re developing your...
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Episode 49 - How Neighborliness Transforms Communities with David Docusen
Start & Grow Your Nonprofit Podcast
In this episode, nonprofit coach and Executive Director Tim Needham sits down with Dr. David Docusen, author of Neighborhoods & Nations, founder of The Neighborliness Center, and President of International Ministry Network. David’s passion is helping leaders bridge divides, foster community, and create practical solutions that meet both spiritual and physical needs. Together, Tim and David dive into what it looks like to engage neighborhoods with compassion, generosity, and a long-term vision for transformation. David shares lessons from his own journey of leading churches and...
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Episode 48 - How to Market Your Movement with Duane Zingale
Start & Grow Your Nonprofit Podcast
In this episode, Tim sits down with marketing strategist and former missionary Duane Zingale. Duane shares how his journey from the mission field to marketing taught him the importance of storytelling, vision, and building true community around a cause. Here's what we'll cover: Duane’s journey from missionary work to marketing expert Why every nonprofit needs a guiding “movement manifest” How stories create connection, trust, and advocacy The balance between vision and organizational structure Whether you’re just starting your nonprofit or leading an established organization, this...
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Start & Grow: Rewind – How to Invite Others Into Your Story with Bob Stergos
Start & Grow Your Nonprofit Podcast
Welcome to Start & Grow: Rewind, where we're bringing back some of our most popular and impactful episodes from the archives. Some conversations change how we think about building meaningful organizations. In this Rewind episode, host Tim Needham sits down with Bob Stergos, co-founder and Executive Director of A Seat at the Table, for one of those transformative discussions. This conversation goes beyond Bob's inspiring work. It dives deep into one of the most essential skills for nonprofit leaders: how to cast a vision that invites others to see themselves as part of your story. Whether...
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Episode 47 - How One Loaf of Bread Is Changing Lives with Fred Domke
Start & Grow Your Nonprofit Podcast
In this episode, nonprofit coach Tim Needham sits down with Fred Domke, the co-founder and Executive Director of Bridge Bread Bakery in St. Louis, Missouri. Fred shares the powerful story behind how a simple act—baking bread—sparked a sustainable, dignity-driven social enterprise that provides employment and purpose to individuals experiencing homelessness. With transparency and heart, Fred opens up about: The moment he realized baking could be a vehicle for change The entrepreneurial challenges of launching a social enterprise What nonprofits can learn from a bakery model Why “being a...
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Start & Grow: Rewind – How To Start Your Nonprofit with Tim Needham
Start & Grow Your Nonprofit Podcast
We’re bringing back one of our favorite conversations for this special episode of Start & Grow: Rewind. Whether you're brand new or revisiting your roots, this episode is a must-listen for any nonprofit entrepreneur. In this candid conversation, Mary Valloni sits down with fellow coach and Executive Director Tim Needham. Together, they unpack the foundational steps of starting a nonprofit—from dreaming up your mission to putting the essential structures in place. Since first recording this episode, Tim’s organization, , has served thousands of young people in St. Louis, MO. He also...
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Episode 46 - How to Crush Your Year-End Fundraising Goal
Start & Grow Your Nonprofit Podcast
In this episode, nonprofit coaches Tim Needham and Mary Valloni share their proven strategies to help you make the most of year-end fundraising. With decades of experience raising millions for nonprofits, Mary breaks down what it takes to approach this crucial season with clarity, confidence, and creativity. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your nonprofit’s impact, this episode will equip you to finish the year strong and set your mission up for success. We'll discuss: Setting realistic yet ambitious year-end fundraising goals Crafting donor-centered messaging that...
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Episode 45 - Awkward is Awesome: Bold Moves and Breakthrough Moments with Greg Stier
Start & Grow Your Nonprofit Podcast
In the second part of our interview with Greg Stier, we dive deep into the gritty realities of nonprofit sustainability, research-driven pivots, and masterful fundraising principles. Greg shares vulnerable stories from the early struggling days, research that initially devastated him but ultimately transformed their approach, and specific fundraising encounters that demonstrate both the art and heart of development work. We'll discuss: Strategic pivots and scaling Dare2Share for global impact. Overcoming challenges and staying faithful to the mission. The role of prayer, vision, and hard...
info_outlineHosted by nonprofit coaches Tim Needham and Mary Valloni, each episode of the Start and Grow Your Nonprofit Podcast is designed to bring together nonprofit entrepreneurs who have successfully built impactful organizations from the ground up. Join us as we dive into their journeys, share their insights, and learn how to start and grow a strong, sustainable nonprofit that transforms lives, communities, and the world.
In this episode, Tim and Mary sit down with Stephanie Suljak, the founder and Executive Director of Helping Hand Me Downs. Since 2011, HHMD has provided services for over 35,000 children and families, meeting their immediate needs and connecting them to life-changing resources to help them find stability and independence.
We'll explore:
- The story of Helping Hand Me Downs
- The challenges of long-term social impact
- The importance of networking and collaboration
- Adapting to change over 13 years of growth
- Self-care for nonprofit leaders
- Fundraising strategies and operational expenses
For more information about Helping Hand Me Downs, visit https://helpinghandmedowns.org/ or check them out on Facebook and Instagram.
Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn
For more information about Nonprofit Academy, visit http://startandgrowyournonprofit.com/.
To contact Tim, email tim@startandgrowyournonprofit.com.
To contact Mary, email mary@startandgrowyournonprofit.com.