After Hours: The Thanksgiving Special
The latest episode of the After Hours podcast is a Thanksgiving special, highlighting both the National MS Society and Pathfinders for Autism.
The After Hours podcast, hosted by Mike Shelah and Alison Haase, normally explores the local business community through interviews with business leaders. In honor of Thanksgiving and the theme of giving back, this episode put the spotlight on local nonprofits — the National MS Society and Pathfinders for Autism.
As discussed in the episode, nonprofits operate similarly to businesses. They have the same challenges and work towards a core mission through their daily operations. Check out the full video to learn more about each organization and for an in-depth interview with their leaders:
Get To Know Chartese Berry & The National MS Society
The first guest on this episode was Chartese Berry, president of the Greater DC/Maryland chapter of the National MS Society. This chapter serves 20,000 people living with MS in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and DC. The National MS Society helps to support the 1 million across living with MS across the country.
The organization is one of the world’s largest supporters of MS research. Their fundraising helps to support critical research that allows the medical world to learn more about MS and improve the quality of life for those living with it. The National MS Society also provides support and resources for those diagnosed with MS, and operates a range of robust advocacy initiatives from federal lobbying to general outreach.
To learn more, volunteer, or donate: go to www.nationalmssociety.org or you can contact Chartese directly at Chartese.Berry@nmss.org or 202.375.5616.
Get To Know Rebecca Rienzi & Pathfinders For Autism
The second guest on the episode was Rebecca Rienzi, the Executive Director of Pathfinders for Autism. In her role, she oversees team management, budget planning, and program development.
This organization plays an important role in the lives of families throughout Marland, as 1 in 52 children born in the state are diagnosed with autism. Pathfinders for Autism operates with a small staff, developing programs to meet the needs of their community.
A key component of their services is their resource center, which provides a helpline for parents and caregivers of children diagnosed with autism. They are available to offer informed, first-person experience and insight to help families integrate their children with society, give them the support they need, and learn more about how they can live an engaged and fulfilling life.
They also run a training program for parents and caregivers, hosting professionals in the field of autism care and study. Overall, Pathfinders for Autism strives to foster connections for children and families living with autism. The fact is that families with a newly diagnosed autistic member often isolate and stop participating in programs and activities that they usually would — this organization provides a range of services and resources to help connect these families with their community.
To learn more, volunteer, or donate, go to www.pathfindersforautism.org or contact Rebecca directly at Rrienzi@pathfindersforautism.org or 443-330-5370 x101
