Richard Yount, Senior Development Officer, and Betsy Owens, VP of Marketing and Community Relations, both join John in the Shepherd Radio Netwok studio to discuss this Central Florida organization that is making a serious difference in the lives of many young people. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida provide opportunites, services and community for many who would otherwise not have such offerings available. They share the inner workings of the clubs, and offer real-time examples on how some of their former members have gone on to become productive, active contributors to our community. For more info on John, visit https://crossmarcservices.com.

Over 20 years ago, Mike Parks left the traditional American workplace and successful business environments to start an organization that help communities in parts of the world that were in crisis. He formed "Frontier Partners International," offering disaster response and critical development in regions such as Sudan, Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon, areas that have been crushed due to famine, war, or lack of essential resources. Jamal Hashweh is from Jordan, and he is working with FPI's medical, relief and development operations there.

He was one of the most decorated UF football QBs, a Heisman Trophy winner, and NFL player. Danny Wuerffel has seen much in his life, but nothing is more important to him than his faith, and his family. Danny ministers through Desire Street ministry, helping to revitalize communities with a hands-on approach, meeting both spiritual and community needs. Danny has been a friend to John for over ten years, and shares from his heart on today's episode.

She has been a leader from the beginning of her illustrious career. Dr. Clara Walters spent 35 years in her tenure in education, part of which as the first African American female to be named principal of a secondary school within the Orange Country (FL) district. She retired in 2000...well, sort of. Upon her retirement, she founded "Education and Leadership Training Incorporation", an organization that trains principals and helps schools that are challenged to improve their grade rating.

All top-level athletes are gifted in their sport, but few rise to the levels of collegiate and profession teams in two sports. Charlie Ward will go down in history as one of the top quarterbacks for the Florida State Seminoles, but instead of heading to the NFL, a door opened in the NBA - and Charlie flourished in his opportunity. He and John chat about team chemistry, the importance of team unity, and his experiences of living out the light of the Gospel in pro sports.

Jerry Demings is no stranger to challenges. He started his career in civic service as a law enforcement officer who became the Sheriff of Orange County. He ran for the office of Orange County Mayor in 2018, securing 60 percent of the vote. He was reelected in 2022. During his tenure in these positions, he has faced some big crises, including the tragic Pulse nightclub massacre. He shares on his experiences and his viewpoint to civic leadership in this episode.

An attorney who is chairman of a Florida-based law firm, George LeMieux is widely known as a caring, effective yet bold leader. His firm focuses on helping resolve business and governmental disputes. Sen. LeMieux is a trusted advisor to CEOs, including those on the Fortune 500 list. His work at Palm Beach Atlantic University has resulted in The LeMieux Center for Public Policy, connecting students to with notable community leaders.

Joining John on the conversation in this episode is Raphael Clemente, who serves as the Executive Director of West Palm Beach's DDA - the Downtown Development Authority. Raphael joined the DDA in 2006, bringing with him both experience and vision, which has led to the growth of West Palm Beach's downtown area. With new businesses, and the awarding of several grants to bring improvement to many local projects, Raphael is a true leader in his field.

Talli Dippold is the CEO of The Holocaust Center of Florida. She, along with VP and director of marketing Kathy Turner dropped by the Shepherd Studios for this sit-down talk with John Crossman. John shares a very personal story that explains his introduction to the services provided by this center, and its mission to provide resources and education to all of Central Florida and beyond. They use the history and significance of the Holocaust to help in building a just and caring community.

Manikka Bowman brings both experience and education to her role at Project REAP, (which stands for Real Estate Associate Program), led by Manikka and her husband. It has the goal of expanding housing opportunities while improving multi-housing in the Boston area. John's guest was a graduate of Bethune-Cookman University, and later achieved two Master's Degrees in Divinity and Urban Policy. She is active in using her skills to help her community.