REACT DC Radio

In today’s episode we’re going back in the archives to listen in on our REACTsponsors Program Director, Erin Howe, sitting down with REACT DC’s CEO, Amy Marden, and 4 of our past and present Sponsors, Kim and Steve Schaffer, Domi Long, and Brooke Cutler during their Roundtable Discussion back in September about all things sponsorship.

Kim and Steve Schaffer are part of the Socorro Friends Sponsor Circle. They are a team of 4 couples plus one singleton.  Their circle started in November of 2021 and their newcomer family arrived in February of 2022. There were 5 children and a 6th was born in October. All school-aged children attended school and became near and dear to the community, playing soccer and joining in on community events.  Two of the children had significant disabilities that required numerous doctor and therapy appointments that the team assisted with.  The father found a job washing dishes in April and his crew loved him.  Both parents worked with community volunteers to learn English and guidance on life in the USA.  The family moved to Dallas in October to be near family and they are missed by the entire Socorro Friends Sponsor Circle Team.

Domi Long is an educator from Silver Spring, Maryland. Her work with organizations providing services for Afghan evacuees introduced her to the unprecedented need for support for these newcomers. She is grateful to have learned of the Sponsor Circles program and to have had the opportunity to work with friends and neighbors to help an Afghan family settle in her community.

Brooke Cutler is a stay at home mother of six children, and her husband, Spencer, is a biomedical engineer. They have both lived overseas multiple times and met many refugees in need of a place to call home, so when they heard of the sponsor circle program, they knew that sponsoring a refugee family was something their family wanted to do. They feel so blessed to have these Ukrainian families as a part of their lives.

Today is GivingTuesday, a day where millions of people all around the world use their power of radical generosity to change the world. They volunteer at homeless shelters, organize food drives, fill their community fridges, donate to mutual aid funds, spread messages of solidarity and hope.

What is Radical Generosity? While many call on philanthropists, policymakers and grantmakers to repair broken systems, GivingTuesday recognizes that we each can drive an enormous amount of positive change by rooting our everyday actions, decisions and behavior in radical generosity—the concept that the suffering of others should be as intolerable to us as our own suffering. Radical generosity invites people in to give what they can to create systemic change.

GivingTuesday has been built by a broad coalition of partners, including individuals, families, nonprofits, schools, religious organizations, small businesses and corporations. There are people and organizations participating in GivingTuesday in every country in the world.

Participating in GivingTuesday is about joining a movement for generosity, and there are so many ways to do that. Whether you give your voice, goods, your time, or your money, being generous is a way to fight for the causes you care about and help people in need.

On this Giving Tuesday, help REACT DC help Refugees.

In today’s episode we'll welcome back our former Family Service Director and current COO, Molly Sepulvado and introduce you to our REACTcore Program Manager Ally Brown, and two of our incredible beneficiaries turned Case Aides, Hameed and Mohammad.

Ally is a military spouse, family advocate, and substitute teacher in Arlington, Virginia. During her many years of activism, Ally shaped and developed policy for the Virginia Department of Education as part of the Military Child Education Coalition and was selected for U.S. Senator Tim Kaine's Military Family Roundtable, which informed the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee on various issues affecting military families. Ally has been with REACT DC since the beginning, from day one of Home Setups to serving as our Family Services Specialist to her current position as REACT DC’s REACTcore Program Manager.

Hameed joined the React DC Team in February 2022, overseeing the Employment Department and managing the employment program to directly support React DC’s clients in job acquisition in order to become self-sufficient. From 2002-2021 Hameed worked alongside the US Government in a variety of positions and he has received numerous awards and recognition for outstanding performance supporting US missions in Afghanistan. Hameed earned his master’s degree in Management Administration and Leadership from Kardan University Kabul, Afghanistan in 2016. 

After leaving Afghanistan, Mohammad crossed Iran on foot with his ailing sister on his back, lived as a refugee in Turkey for four years, had his departure delayed due to the COVID pandemic and finally arrived in the US in the fall of 2021. His family was one of the first REACT DC beneficiaries and within months he had become the head of household at the age of 21, working multiple jobs, teaching himself to drive and learning English at a breathtaking pace. After overcoming incredible odds and enduring devastating heartbreak, Mohammad inspires everyone he meets with his positive attitude, quick smile and desire to serve his community and fellow Afghan brothers and sisters as a Case Aide with a local resettlement agency where he quickly promoted through the ranks due to his determination, work ethic and engaging demeanor.

Today they are here to talk about the REACTcore program and how it is helping provide essential social services support for unsupported DC metro area newcomers including benefits enrollment, material goods distribution, and community resource and referral. We’ll discuss how our Family Services department evolved into REACTcore, Molly and Ally’s roles from the early days to now, Hameed and Fasih’s experience over the last year to include resettlement and their working relationship with REACT DC, go over the highs and lows of their positions and responsibilities within and without the organization, discuss the ONE thing they wish people knew about resettlement.

In last week's episode we introduced you to Allison Agoglia, our REACTwomen Program Manager and welcomed back Molly Sepulvado, REACT DC’s COO. They talked about REACT DC’s new Women’s Program that launched in September 2022, discussed why they felt drawn to the create this program and why there’s a need to focus on our female beneficiaries, went over the highs and lows of the process of implementing this program, discussed the ONE thing they wish people knew about our Women’s Program and then ended with a favorite memory and what they’re most excited about in the year to come.

In last week's episode we introduced you to Allison Agoglia, our REACTwomen Program Manager and welcomed back Molly Sepulvado, REACT DC’s COO. They talked about REACT DC’s new Women’s Program that launched in September 2022, discussed why they felt drawn to the create this program and why there’s a need to focus on our female beneficiaries, went over the highs and lows of the process of implementing this program, discussed the ONE thing they wish people knew about our Women’s Program and then ended with a favorite memory and what they’re most excited about in the year to come.

In last week's episode we introduced you to Allison Agoglia, our REACTwomen Program Manager and welcomed back Molly Sepulvado, REACT DC’s COO. They talked about REACT DC’s new Women’s Program that launched in September 2022, discussed why they felt drawn to the create this program and why there’s a need to focus on our female beneficiaries, went over the highs and lows of the process of implementing this program, discussed the ONE thing they wish people knew about our Women’s Program and then ended with a favorite memory and what they’re most excited about in the year to come.

In today’s episode we'll introduce you to Allison Agoglia, our REACTwomen Program Manager and welcome back Molly Sepulvado, REACT DC’s COO.

Allison lived the life of a military brat and grew-up all over the US and abroad. That sense of never staying in one spot for too long,  learning about different cultures, and being able to explore new places through travel sparked her desire to work overseas and with diverse populations. She has worked with several NGOs around the world to provide assistance to women and children, access to education, and lessons on women’s health. She’s previously worked in a refugee resettlement office and assisted with their women’s and cultural orientation programs. Allison believes in the boots on the ground approach— interacting with the families directly, building relationships, learning people’s stories, and making those personal connections drive her to keep going. She approaches situations with empathy and compassion, a willingness to listen, and grit so that she can support and empower those she works with. Allison attended James Madison University and studied International Affairs with a Concentration in Africa along with a minor in French

Molly and Allison are here to talk about REACT DC’s new Women’s Program that launched in September 2022. They’ll discuss why they felt drawn to the create this program and why there’s a need to focus on our female beneficiaries, go over the highs and lows of the process of implementing this program, discuss the ONE thing they wish people knew about our Women’s Program and then end with a favorite memory and what they’re most excited about in the year to come.

In Part II of last week's 2-episode arc we welcomed back Erin Howe, our REACTsponsors Program Director, and introduced you to Cynthia Rapp Sandhu, one our REACTsponsors. Erin and Cynthia talked about Sponsorship, and Cynthia’s experience preparing for the Sponsor Circle Program for Afghans and ultimately participating in the Uniting for Ukraine program. They went over the highs and lows of sponsoring, discussed the ONE thing they wish people knew about sponsorship and then ended with a favorite memory.

In Part I of last week's 2-episode arc, we introduced you to our REACTsponsors Program Director, Erin Howe. She talked about the REACTsponsors program and how it provides nationwide end-to-end support as a Sponsor Circle Umbrella and a Private Sponsorship Organization for Americans who want to enrich their communities and themselves through sponsorship of Afghan and Ukrainian newcomers. We also discussed her experience over the last year developing a flagship sponsor program and delved into how sponsoring works and what to do to get started. She went over the highs and lows of sponsorship, discussed the ONE thing she wishes people knew about sponsoring and then ended with a favorite memory and what she’s most excited about in the year to come.

In Part I of last week's 2-episode arc, we introduced you to our REACTsponsors Program Director, Erin Howe. She talked about the REACTsponsors program and how it provides nationwide end-to-end support as a Sponsor Circle Umbrella and a Private Sponsorship Organization for Americans who want to enrich their communities and themselves through sponsorship of Afghan and Ukrainian newcomers. We also discussed her experience over the last year developing a flagship sponsor program and delved into how sponsoring works and what to do to get started. She went over the highs and lows of sponsorship, discussed the ONE thing she wishes people knew about sponsoring and then ended with a favorite memory and what she’s most excited about in the year to come.

In today’s episode we'll welcome back Erin Howe, our REACTsponsors Program Director, and introduce you to Cynthia Rapp Sandhu, one our REACTsponsors.

Cynthia Rapp Sandhu lives in Farmington, New Mexico.  She holds a Master of Theological Studies degree from Boston University with an emphasis on the role of religion and identity in conflict and peacebuilding.  After graduate school, Cynthia briefly worked abroad and then returned to Boston to work in higher education in international affairs and Middle East studies.  In 2010 she moved to New Mexico, and for the past eleven years, she has taught courses on history and ethics at San Juan College.  She also oversaw the Global Studies Program at San Juan College for three years.  She has participated in summer faculty research programs at the University of Oxford, Indiana University, and Harvard University.  Cynthia enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and two young daughters.

Erin and Cynthia are here to talk about Sponsorship, and Cynthia’s experience preparing for Sponsor Circle Program for Afghans and ultimately participating in Uniting for Ukraine program. They’ll go over the highs and lows of sponsoring, discuss the ONE thing they wish people knew about sponsorship and then end with a favorite memory.

REACT DC currently has nearly 14+ Ukrainian Sponsor Circles, with ongoing efforts to recruit & hand-match 100 circles to Ukrainians in need by the end of 2022. With a best in class in class Sponsorship Program & a track record of 60+ past & present Sponsor Circles since January 2022, REACTsponsors will be by your side throughout the sponsorship experience.

Interested in joining the Welcome Movement & becoming a Sponsor? If you, your family, church, club, team or organization are interested in learning more about Uniting for Ukraine, contact our REACTsponsors Program Director at reactsponsors@reactdc.org or go to www.reactdc.org/reactsponsors.

In Part I of this week's 2-episode arc, we'll introduce you to our REACTsponsors Program Director, Erin Howe

Erin has lived and worked in every corner of the continental US, Hawaii, and abroad. Her professional record includes time working to employ at risk populations by matching employer needs with eligible candidates seeking reentry into the workplace, a testament to her belief in the power of opportunity.  As a military spouse, she has volunteered to serve in multiple family support organizations in leadership roles, providing vital insight and help for people far from home.  In addition to her role at REACT DC, she currently serves as Patrol Squadron Four’s Command Ombudsman, providing support to active duty families in such ways as accessing resources and disseminating important information.  A staunch advocate of direct, effective communication, Erin is a bastion of honest feedback at a critical connection point between volunteers and evacuees.

In this episode, Erin is here to talk about the REACTsponsors program and how it provides nationwide end-to-end support as a Sponsor Circle Umbrella and a Private Sponsorship Organization for Americans who want to enrich their communities and themselves through sponsorship of Afghan and Ukrainian newcomers. We’ll also discuss her experience over the last year developing a flagship sponsor program, delving into how sponsoring works and what to do to get started. She'll go over the highs and lows of sponsorship, discuss the ONE thing she wishes people knew about sponsoring and then end with a favorite memory and what she’s most excited about in the year to come.

REACT DC currently has nearly 14+ Ukrainian Sponsor Circles, with ongoing efforts to recruit & hand-match 100 circles to Ukrainians in need by the end of 2022. With a best in class in class Sponsorship Program & a track record of 60+ past & present Sponsor Circles since January 2022, REACTsponsors will be by your side throughout the sponsorship experience. 

Interested in joining the Welcome Movement & becoming a Sponsor? If you, your family, church, club, team or organization are interested in learning more about Uniting for Ukraine, contact our REACTsponsors Program Director at reactsponsors@reactdc.org.

In this episode we introduced you to a very special guest, our REACTsurge Program Director, Abdul Sami Ahmadi. Sami talked about the REACTsurge program and how it is helping deepen partnerships with northern Virginia resettlement agencies by providing quality case aides for temporary staff augmentation. We also discussed his experience over the last year to include resettlement and REACT DC, how he’s contributed to the success of and why he's so drawn to REACT DC’s mission, went over the highs and lows of his position and responsibilities within the organization, discussed the ONE thing he wishes people knew about resettlement and then ended with a favorite memory and what he’s most excited about in the year to come.

In today’s episode we'll introduce you to a very special guest, our REACTsurge Program Director, Sami Ahmadi.

Sami is a development practitioner with over 16 years of project management experience. His skills include supervising and managing staff, project implementation, advocacy and lobbying, developing strategic and management goals and work plans, and grants oversight. He previously held positions under USAID and USAID funded programs, including Provincial Implementation Manager, Project Manager, Provincial Coordinator, Activity Development Office and Operation Manager, where he implemented programs focused on child protection, reintegration and demobilization, women in the peace process, women’s political participation, women’s empowerment, gender-based violence, education, and good governance. Sami holds a B.A. from Takhar University, Afghanistan, faculty of agronomy – Department of Agriculture.

In this episode, Sami is here to talk about the REACTsurge program and how it is helping deepen partnerships with northern Virginia resettlement agencies by providing quality case aides for temporary staff augmentation. We’ll also discuss his experience over the last year to include resettlement and REACT DC, how he’s contributed to the success of and why he's so drawn to REACT DC’s mission, go over the highs and lows of his position and responsibilities within the organization, discuss the ONE thing he wishes people knew about resettlement and then end with a favorite memory and what he’s most excited about in the year to come.

In our first official podcast, Episode 1: (Re)Introducing REACT DC, we introduced you to our Founder and CEO Amy Marden and our COO Molly Sepulvado. They took us back to the beginning and walked us through REACT DC's first year and what lies ahead. They discussed why they felt drawn to the mission, went over the highs and lows of their positions and responsibilities within the organization, discussed the ONE (or three!) thing(s) they wished people knew about refugee resettlement and then ended with a favorite memory and what they’re most excited about in the year to come.

In this first official podcast broadcast we'll introduce you to our Founder and CEO Amy Marden and our COO Molly Sepulvado. 

Amy is a military spouse and member of the Florida Bar. She previously worked as an attorney at a legal aid organization solving complex problems for low-income Americans. She left legal aid to accept a federal clerkship, where she was the first person in the Northern District of Florida to be dual-hatted as both law clerk and judicial assistant. She has since dedicated her time to pro bono assistance in criminal and civil matters, and has served as a resource and referral liaison for US Navy commands in the US and abroad. Amy believes ingenuity and grit can solve any problem, and she has plenty of both.

Molly is a military spouse, mom, and social worker. She has spent the last 7 years working in various social work roles including child welfare advocacy, benefits assistance, community well-being support, refugee and asylum seeker support, and family services. She earned a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University in December 2021. Molly's understanding, experience, and sheer tenacity coalesce into an unmatched commitment to support refugee resettlement.

In this episode, Amy and Molly will take us back to the beginning and walk us through REACT DC's first year and what lies ahead. They’ll discuss why they felt drawn to the mission, go over the highs and lows of their positions and responsibilities within the organization, discuss the ONE (or three!) thing(s) they wish people knew about refugee resettlement and then end with a favorite memory and what they’re most excited about in the year to come.