Shows
Optimistic VoicesParty in the Back: Your Superhero Cape Belongs to Someone ElseSend us a textThe difference between helping and hurting often comes down to one critical question: are we empowering and dignifying people or creating dependencies and disabilities? In this eye-opening conversation with Sheree Reece, Global Missions Director for a UMC Mega Church - Church of the Resurrection, Laura and Yaz unpack the profound shift happening in mission work worldwide—moving from traditional charity models that often foster dependence to sustainable approaches that build genuine capacity and dignity.Drawing from her 14 years of experience coordinating global missions across Africa, Asia, and Haiti, Sheree reveals why si...2025-08-121h 06
Optimistic VoicesHannah's Story - Broken to Brave: A Father's Fight to Bring His Children HomeSend us a textWhat happens when a struggling father refuses to let disability define his family's future? Hannah Smith's remarkable story reveals the transformative journey from family separation to triumphant reunion in post-war Sierra Leone.Hannah's story begins in hardship—her disabled father, a determined blacksmith, made the heartbreaking decision to place his children in an orphanage when he couldn't provide basic necessities. Though initially grateful for education and proper care at the Child Rescue Center, Hannah and her siblings soon felt a profound emptiness without their father's presence. "Every day spent without him, it...2025-07-3122 min
Optimistic VoicesPlayground to Battleground: Stolen Ukrainian Children. The Dark Reality and Secret Purpose of Russia's Evacuation of Children from the War ZoneSend us a textThe systematic abduction and militarization of Ukrainian children by Russian forces represents one of the most devastating yet underreported aspects of the ongoing war. In this eye-opening conversation, Ukrainian historian and religious scholar Vladyslav Havrylov reveals the shocking scope and calculated nature of Russia's deportation campaign targeting Ukrainian youth.His research with the Institute of World History at Ukraine's National Academy of Sciences and his work documenting war crimes with multiple humanitarian organizations exposes the brutal reality behind Russia's euphemistically labeled "evacuations." Since February 2022, Russian authorities have forcibly transferred thousands of...2025-07-1759 min
Optimistic VoicesRooted in Reality: Simulating Life on the Edge of Extreme PovertySend us a textEver wondered what life is really like for families living on the edge of extreme poverty? Most of us have only seen poverty through statistics or images, but a new immersive experience called "Rooted in Reality" is changing how we understand this complex reality.When a team of college students traveled to Sierra Leone to develop this groundbreaking poverty simulation, they discovered something profound. People experiencing poverty don't define their situation primarily by their lack of material resources – they define it by feelings of powerlessness, inferiority, and hopelessness. "We feel like ga...2025-07-021h 12
Optimistic VoicesBroken Trust, Brave Hearts and a True Rescue: The Princess StorySend us a textPrincess was just six years old when someone finally spoke up about the abuse she was suffering. That brave act by a Child Reintegration Center alumnus became the first link in a chain of compassionate interventions that would transform her life.Reverend Olivia Fonney, Director of the Child Reintegration Center in Sierra Leone, takes us through Princess's journey from trauma to healing. When Princess first arrived at the CRC, she was understandably confused and frightened. Rather than place her in the dormitory setting of their interim care facility, Reverend Olivia made...2025-06-2017 min
Optimistic VoicesRising Tides Catalyzing Change: Part 2. Beyond Orphanages: The Global Shift to Family-Based CareSend us a textThe global movement to transition children from orphanages to families is gaining momentum, but significant challenges remain. In this thought-provoking episode, David Titus Moussa hosts a conversation with Stephen Usembe, a care leaver and founder of Kenya Society of Care Leavers, and Phil Aspergren, executive director of Casa Viva in Costa Rica, as they unpack key insights from the recent Rising Tide Conference.Stephen shares his unique perspective as someone who grew up in institutional care, emphasizing the critical need for research and data to drive meaningful policy change. "When we...2025-06-0757 min
Optimistic VoicesRising Tides: How Family Care Is Replacing InstitutionsSend us a textChild welfare is undergoing a profound transformation worldwide as organizations shift away from institutional orphanages toward family-based care models. But what does this transition actually look like on the ground? How can we redirect well-intentioned support toward solutions that truly serve children's needs?This eye-opening conversation brings together true pioneers in the global care reform movement. Stephen Ucembe draws from his lived experience growing up in a Kenyan orphanage to advocate for family care through Hope and Homes for Children and Transform Alliance Africa. Phil Aspegren shares his remarkable journey from...2025-05-2553 min
Optimistic VoicesFrom Village to Nursing: Monjama's Journey of ResilienceSend us a textDiscover the remarkable journey of Monjama, a young woman from rural Sierra Leone whose life trajectory shifted dramatically through education, family reconnection, and dedicated support. Left fatherless in a remote village without schools or healthcare facilities, Monjama's future seemed predetermined by generational poverty—until intervention changed everything.At just seven years old, Monjama entered the Child Reintegration Center (CRC), encountering formal education for the first time. Despite having no prior schooling, her natural abilities flourished as she was double-promoted through her studies. When the CRC transitioned from residential care to family-based su...2025-05-1130 min
Optimistic VoicesThe Hidden Problems with Child Sponsorship Programs: A $3.29 Billion Industry Under ScrutinySend us a textChild sponsorship seems like the perfect way to help vulnerable children abroad – for just $30 a month, you get photos, letters, and the satisfaction of changing a child's life. But what if this model is causing unexpected problems?In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the $3.29 billion child sponsorship industry with Dr. Hunter Farrell, author of "Congregational Mission." Having operated our own sponsorship program for years, we explore why global child welfare experts are increasingly critical of this popular fundraising approach.Dr. Farrell explains how sponsorship programs often create an...2025-05-0239 min
Optimistic VoicesTwice Orphaned: The MaMaw's House Story - Why Sponsorship Doesn't Save the Care Leaver.Send us a textWhen Jen Conrad first sponsored a child in Sierra Leone, she never imagined it would lead to adoption proceedings, heartbreaking visa denials, and eventually creating a groundbreaking program that's changing lives across the country. Her story reveals the hidden aftermath of institutional care that few people consider: what happens when orphaned children become adults?After traveling to Sierra Leone multiple times and forming deep bonds with two siblings, Jen and her husband pursued adoption. Despite gaining full legal guardianship in Sierra Leone's courts, their hopes were crushed when U.S. immigration...2025-04-1842 min
Optimistic VoicesWhen Baby Blues Turns Deadly - Maternal Mental Health: Breaking the Silence & Sharing PreventionSend us a textDr. Abdullahi Jawobah takes us deep into the critically overlooked world of maternal mental health, where his groundbreaking research reveals a staggering statistic: approximately 50% of pregnant and lactating mothers in Sierra Leone experience psychological distress. This silent epidemic has far-reaching consequences not only for mothers but for their unborn children, as Dr. Jawobah explains how stress hormones cross the placenta to affect gene expression in developing fetuses. Addressing this is a pathway to reducing stillbirths, preeclampsia, infant malnutrition, and physical health outcomes.The conversation illuminates how mothers i...2025-04-0649 min
Optimistic VoicesThe Global Village Unites for a Child: Musu's StorySend us a textSixteen-year-old Musu Sangu faced a devastating diagnosis in Sierra Leone—a life-threatening heart condition requiring specialized surgery unavailable anywhere in her country. With her heart functioning at just 20% capacity and given only a 40% chance of survival, Musu's future looked grim. But what followed was an extraordinary demonstration of global compassion that would save her life.The journey began at Mercy Hospital in Sierra Leone, where Dr. Aruna Stevens identified Musu's condition using a newly acquired EKG machine. Through the Child Reintegration Center's family strengthening program, Musu already had access to medical ca...2025-03-2721 min
Optimistic VoicesEmpowering Midwives: The Key to Saving LivesSend us a textWelcome to a transformative episode that dives deep into saving lives through improved maternal health in Sierra Leone. We share inspiring stories from a recent training conference in Kenema, focusing on the critical role midwives play in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. You'll hear from Matron Mary Augusta Fuller, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, who shares insights on the vital need for comprehensive training programs for midwives, addressing both essential newborn care and postpartum hemorrhage management. In our conversation, we explore the significance of mental health awareness among healthcare providers, h...2025-03-0950 min
Optimistic VoicesTiny Miracles: The Story of JosephSend us a textJoin us for a deeply inspiring episode that follows the miraculous journey of baby Joseph, born against all odds in a rural clinic in Sierra Leone. This episode highlights the intense realities faced by healthcare workers like midwife Hawa Zoker, caught in a life-or-death situation while managing multiple deliveries. Tune in to hear about the pivotal moment when help arrived in the form of Canadian nurses, who brought both medical expertise and critical supplies that ultimately saved Joseph's life and that of his mother, Nancy.As we unravel this powerful narrative...2025-02-2722 min
Optimistic VoicesA Child's View: Ishmael - Acts of Mercy in Sierra LeoneSend us a textThe episode shares Ishmael's inspiring journey from pain to healing through the compassionate care provided by Mercy UMC Hospital. Listeners learn how community support and dedicated healthcare professionals can create incredible transformations in children's lives.• Ishmael's broken body and his mother's desperate journey for help • Dr. Morie Vandi’s commitment to serving underserved communities • Mercy's outreach program and how important it is in providing medical care to rural areas where poverty is extreme• The successful surgical intervention for Ishmael's hernia • The fusion of medical care and emotional support duri...2025-01-2812 min
Optimistic VoicesSeason 3, Episode 1 - Together for Global Health takes a continuity of care maternal health mission to Sierra LeoneSend us a textWelcome to the first episode of Season of the Optimistic Voices podcast of Helping Children Worldwide. This is a REBROADCAST of Episode 1, Season 3, because we are once again heading to West Africa on this collaborative mission to save the lives of mothers and infants - and going upstream in our mission to prevent unnecessary orphanhoods from occurring.We help children worldwide by strengthening and Empowering Families and communities. This podcast is for people interested in deep conversations with thought leaders in the field of child welfare, global health and international missions...2025-01-0539 min
Optimistic VoicesRadical Collaboration and Redefining Mission - We're all grown up now...Send us a textCurious about how sustainable development models can transform entire communities? Our latest episode promises to unravel this by sitting down with Melody Curtis, the inspiring Executive Director of Helping Children Worldwide. Discover how her organization transitioned from temporary relief to an empowerment approach, fostering resilient communities and strong families. Melody shares uplifting success stories of families gaining independence, and our program strategist Laura emphasizes the value of local expertise, highlighting the key role communities play in driving long-term change.Rethinking mission work? We definitely are, and this episode challenges the traditional...2024-12-091h 06
Optimistic VoicesEmpowering Transformation: Shifting Global Leadership to the Global South for Better AnswersSend us a textExplore the power of transformation and empowerment in this special retrospective episode of Optimistic Voices. Join Dr. Laura Horvath, Emmanuel Nabeu, and Yasmin Vaughn as we promise to uncover the compelling journey of Helping Children Worldwide (HCW) through 2024, celebrating remarkable milestones and visionary shifts in global leadership. We reflect on standout episodes that shed light on crucial topics like maternal and child health improvements in Sierra Leone, transitioning care leavers to adulthood, and fostering dynamic partnerships between NGOs and churches. Our discussions dive deep into the empowerment model, highlighting a pivotal movement from...2024-12-021h 00
Optimistic VoicesBe the Change: Taking the Lead in Child Welfare in the Global SouthSend us a textJoin us on a transformative journey as we explore the profound shift from orphanage care to family-based support in Sierra Leone and beyond. Featuring insights from George Kulanda, the case management supervisor at the Child Reintegration Center, and David Titus Musa, a senior consultant at the Center, this episode promises a deep dive into the complexities and triumphs of reintegrating children into family environments. From engaging with orphanage leaders to collaborating with governments and civil society organizations, David shares his inspiring transition from the confines of orphanage walls to advocating for family reintegration...2024-11-041h 23
Optimistic VoicesVolunteering Beyond Borders: The Reality and Impact of Peace Corps Service in Sierra LeoneSend us a textEver wonder what it truly means to be a part of the Peace Corps, especially in a country with such a rich history like Sierra Leone? Our guests, Nat Kofi Abu-Bonsrah, a current volunteer, and Michael Lee, a returned volunteer and president of Friends of Sierra Leone, share their inspiring journeys. Nat provides a unique perspective on his role in sustainable development, while Michael reveals the continued commitment of Friends of Sierra Leone to foster positive change and collaboration between nations. Their stories shed light on personal motivations and the broader impact of...2024-10-0741 min
Optimistic Voices"I Grew up in an Orphanage in Africa" - From Orphanage to Adulthood: Resilience and Adaptation in Sierra Leone's Care LeaversSend us a textWhat happens when five remarkable young adults transition from the regimented life of an orphanage to the uncharted reality of post-orphanage life? Join us on Optimistic Voices as we welcome these inspirational individuals who grew up at the Child Rescue Center Orphanage in Sierra Leone and now stand as influential care leaders. From navigating transportation challenges and irregular meal times to adapting to a lack of protection and electricity, their stories are a testament to resilience and adaptability. Gain insights into their journey and the broader implications for care reform for orphans and...2024-09-051h 11
Optimistic VoicesEngage Your Church with NGOs; Pastors Provide Perspective on Uniting CommunitiesSend us a textWhat if your church could transform lives across the globe while strengthening your local community? Discover how two Virginia pastors, Reverend Gina Anderson-Cloud and Reverend Jason Duley, have achieved this through enduring partnerships with NonProfits such as She Believes in Me, CornerStone, Backpack Buddies, and Helping Children Worldwide. Hosted by Emmanuel Nabieu, this episode of the Optimistic Voices Podcast takes you behind the scenes of church/nonprofit collaborations that make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.Explore the remarkable stories of transformation in Sierra Leone and...2024-08-051h 05
Optimistic VoicesA Return to African Ideals: Revolutionizing Child Welfare in Sierra LeoneSend us a textWhy do African social workers believe that it is essential that local governments, foreign donors, and parents understand that children living in orphanages should be returned to family homes? Join us as we explore the profound journey and epic revelations of two social workers devoting their careers to making this change across the continent of Africa, starting with orphanages in their own country. David Musa and Rosamund Palmer from the Child Reintegration Center (CRC) in Bo, Sierra Leone discuss the experience of change, and the unexpected areas of resistance, and what they find i...2024-07-0755 min
Think Global, Do JusticeYasmine Vaughan - Collaborating Together for Global HealthIn episode 256, Brandon and Phil get a crash course in global health from Yasmine Vaughan. Yasmine has her Master's in Public Health and serves as the Technical Advisor for Global Health and Missions with Helping Children Worldwide. Beyond sharing words and conditions that we can't even pronounce, Yasmine shares about the context in West Africa in which their work is centered and we learn the commonalities and differences in public health across different global contexts. Podcast Sponsor The Accord Network is a place to connect with like-minded organizations in pursuit of...2024-06-111h 04
Optimistic VoicesLeaving Sponsorship Behind - Pitfalls and Benefits.Send us a textDiscover the unforeseen ripple effects of child sponsorship programs with Dr. Laura Horvath, Jared Scheppman, and Kelly Strong as we dissect the challenges and triumphs in philanthropy's evolving landscape. As we navigate this complex terrain, our guests reveal how well-intentioned aid can sometimes miss the mark, inadvertently creating dependencies that hobble the very communities they intend to uplift. With a watchmaker's precision, we analyze the intricacies of international aid, focusing on the necessary shift from quick fixes to sustainable, community-driven development.The journey toward ethical advocacy is fraught with obstacles, yet...2024-06-0542 min
Optimistic VoicesRedefining Aid: The Journey from Child Sponsorship to Community EmpowermentSend us a textPart One:Discover the transformative power of reimagined humanitarian aid in our latest episode of Optimistic Voices. Join me, Dr. Melody Curtis, along with experts Dr. Laura Horvath, Jared Scheppman, and Kelly Strong, as we share our journey from traditional child sponsorship models to a new paradigm that champions community empowerment. We're peeling back the curtain to reveal the ethical dilemmas and strategic decisions that are reshaping the way we support vulnerable children around the world.The narrative of child sponsorship is being rewritten, and you're invited to listen...2024-05-0542 min
Optimistic VoicesThe Compelling Power of Altruism: Joy and Anger in the Face of Injustice.Send us a textWhen Barbara Sprout accompanied her daughter Kim to Sierra Leone on a mission trip with their church, little did she know it would mark the beginning of an incredible journey, not just for Kimberly, but also for her and her husband Rick, filled with deep connections and life-altering experiences. Rick joined a volunteer crew at the church to pack a container filled with hospital equipment in 2007 to ship overseas to Mercy Hospital in Africa, then traveled years later, humbled to see how his one mundane act had helped to save lives. Today's episode f...2024-04-0523 min