We’re back with a new season of Philanthropy Speaks!

In this season-opening episode, host Lydia Starrs from the Community Foundation of Greater Flint looks back on 10 years of the Flint Kids Fund and what it has meant for Flint families since it was created after the water crisis.

Lydia is joined by Dr. Mona Hanna, pediatrician, public health advocate, founding donor of the Flint Kids Fund, and founder of Rx Kids, along with Dan Kildee, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. Together, they talk about how Flint chose a different path by focusing on prevention, listening to community voices, and investing in youth for the long haul.

The conversation reflects on what the Flint Kids Fund helped spark across the community, how Rx Kids is changing what support can look like for families from the very beginning, and what the next decade of youth health and wellbeing in Flint and Genesee County could hold. It’s an honest look at what’s worked, what’s still needed, and why collective giving continues to matter.

Learn more about the Flint Kids Fund at cfgf.org/flintkidsfund. Learn more about Rx Kids at rxkids.org.

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Discover how young leaders are shaping the future of Genesee County in this episode of Philanthropy Speaks. Host Dan Kildee, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, talks with Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) members Milana Kia and Elijah Lynch about the power of youth leadership, youth-led grantmaking, and community involvement.

Milana and Elijah share how participating in YAC helps high school students identify community needs, make data-informed funding decisions, and develop essential skills such as public speaking, advocacy, collaboration, and strategic thinking. The episode explores the mission of Youth Advisory Committees, their impact on local nonprofits, and how youth philanthropy creates long-term change in Flint and Genesee County.

Join us to learn how these young leaders are creating real change and inspiring others to get involved in their communities.

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Content Warning: This episode discusses topics related to domestic violence and sexual assault, which may be distressing for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, host Chakara Wheeler, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, sits down with DeAndra Larkin, CEO of YWCA Greater Flint, to recognize Week Without Violence and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Together, they discuss how YWCA Greater Flint is creating spaces of healing, empowerment, and advocacy through programs like the Mother-Daughter Retreat and P.E.A.C.E. Healing Program.

The conversation explores the organization’s deep roots in the community, the urgent need for housing and sustained funding for survivors, and how collaboration across sectors can help build a safer future for all.

To learn more about YWCA Greater Flint, visit ywcaflint.org

00:00 Introduction to Philanthropy Speaks
00:11 YWCA Week Without Violence
00:25 Meet DeAndra Larkin, CEO of YWCA Greater Flint
01:37 YWCA's Mission and Services
02:36 DeAndra's Journey to YWCA
03:21 Supporting Women and Girls in the Community
08:24 Current Needs at YWCA
10:39 P.E.A.C.E. Healing Program
13:02 Week Without Violence Campaign
19:20 Advocacy and Policy Changes
21:59 Envisioning a Community Without Violence
22:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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