The Bridge Podcast

On this episode of The Bridge, we welcome Brian Kinner, Director of Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels, and Joan Kessner, Board Vice President and dedicated volunteer, to talk about the power of a meal—and the connections that make it so much more. From delivering nutritious meals to supporting homebound seniors, Brian and Joan share how compassion, community, and volunteers make a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors - Because Meals on Wheels is about more than a meal. It's about connection, dignity, and reminding people they are cared for.

Find them online here:

https://gencare.org/mid-columbia-meals-on-wheels/

And find ways to volunteer with them and others on JustServe.org!

https://www.justserve.org/midcolumbiamealsonwheels

We sit down with Zahra Roach, Executive Director, and Meiske Millward, Programs Manager, from the Children’s Developmental Center in Richland as they share insights into the Center’s mission, the importance of early intervention, and how their programs support children and families throughout the Tri-Cities. The conversation explores the impact of developmental services, the importance of meeting families where they are, and how community support helps create opportunities for children to grow, learn, and thrive. Join us & discover how the Children’s Developmental Center makes a difference in the lives of local families and why investing in children’s development strengthens our entire community!

🎧 Tune in to hear the people and purpose behind this important local organization.

Learn more: https://www.childrensdevelopmentalcenter.org/

And support them at the Giving Machine Experience 2026!!

Nov 20-Dec 10, Fairchild Cinema in Richland

Join us on The Bridge as we talk with Ela Lopez/Program Administrator and Sarah D’Hulst/Board & Volunteer from Teen & Kid Closet in Spokane about providing clothing, dignity, and confidence to children and teens in our community. Building on our connection through donation drives supporting families affected by the recent Spokane-area fires, we explore the power of community, volunteering, and showing up for one another.

Learn how you can get involved and make a difference at https://www.teenkidcloset.org/ , along with their Amazon WISHLIST at https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2CHPPLRVR7C0M

As always you can find Teen & Kid Closet on JustServe.org:

https://www.justserve.org/projects/d1abb36f-ee86-4eec-9097-dc14c95146f8/teen-&-kid-closet-volunteer?shiftId=9112f0a0-125e-467c-966e-6b6dac7583eb&cid=projectsearch1

We sit down with the team at B5 Learning Center in Kennewick, an organization serving refugees and immigrants throughout the Tri-Cities through education, relationships, and community. Theresa Roosendaal, Executive Director, and Omkalthom Abaker, Team Read Coordinator, bring a powerful perspective to the conversation. Omkalthom first came to B5 as a refugee and English-language student. Today, she works at B5 helping children through the Team Read program—and her own children are part of the program. Together, they talk about:

🌍 Starting over in a new country
📚 The power of learning English
❤️ Finding connection and belonging
👧 Supporting children and families
🤝 The importance of volunteers and community partnerships
🌱 What happens when people move from receiving support to becoming community leaders
🏡 What it really means to create a welcoming Tri-Cities

This is a conversation about more than programs. It's about people, perseverance, opportunity, and the bridges that connect us.

thriveatb5.org

Also connect with B5 on JustServe.org!

https://www.justserve.org/familylearningcenter

JustServe’s podcast THE BRIDGE just took a roadtrip! This amazing conversation the Magic Valley 9/11 Memorial in Twin Falls, ID with Co-Founders Angela Johnson & Larae Saufley tells their story, their love of community & the opportunities they provide for all of us to stand together and belong beside our flag. Cannot wait to share this one! Just in time for 9/11 - A Day of Remembrance & a Day of Service.

Website:

https://mv911.org/

JustServe Link:

https://www.justserve.org/magicvalley911memorial

Tavin & (Facebook) "Magic Valley Run Club"

Steve Madsen & Pleasant Grove "Follow the Flag"

https://followtheflag.org/

Love Yourself Organization

www.love-yourself.org

Today we get to talk about the power of transformation, finding hope and belonging, and opening doors of opportunity for the most vulnerable in our community - women who experience domestic violence, exploitation & addiction. We are celebrating Grace Collective with Amanda Lorraine, director and founder, and Satara Barrientoz, who has personally experience this journey. Whether you're someone looking for hope, someone passionate about serving others, or simply someone who believes in the power of women empowering women, I think you'll find something meaningful in this conversation. Find more info on Grace Collective & how you can help in the links below!

www.gracecollective.org

https://www.justserve.org/GraceCollective

What happens when the bond between people and horses becomes a path to healing? In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Parnell, Executive Director of Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities (TROT), and Dorcas Buckley, Programs Manager, to explore how this remarkable nonprofit is changing lives throughout the Tri-Cities. These women share the story behind TROT, the science and heart of therapeutic riding, and how their programs empower children, adults, veterans, first responders, and individuals with disabilities to build confidence, improve physical abilities, and discover new possibilities. We also discuss the incredible therapy horses that make it all possible, inspiring stories of transformation, the vital role volunteers play, and how our community can support TROT's mission for years to come.Whether you're a horse lover, interested in adaptive recreation, or simply looking for an inspiring story of hope and resilience, this conversation will leave you encouraged by the extraordinary impact that can happen when people, horses, and compassion come together. www.trot3cities.org

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us continue highlighting the people and organizations making a difference in our community. And as always, you can find ways to volunteer here and throughout your community at JustServe.org!

In this episode, we sit down with BreAnna Vaughn, Community Champions Lead at The Arc of Tri-Cities, and CJ, a participant in the new Community Champions program. They share how the program is creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and become more engaged in the community. Join us as we discuss inclusion, personal growth, and the impact Community Champions is making throughout the Tri-Cities.

www.arcoftricities.com

www.justserve.org/arcoftricities

breannav@arcoftricities.com

In this conversation of The Bridge, we sit with Heather Shindehite, director of My Friends' Place homeless teen shelter, and Julia Henry, Miss Tri-Cities 2026 and founder of Our Closet Tri-Cities, to discuss supporting homeless and vulnerable youth, building community partnerships, and how compassion can change lives in Tri-Cities. Join us in this inspiring conversation with two dynamic women!

My Friends' Place/Safe Harbor https://www.safeharborsupportcenter.org/

Facebook "My Friends Place"

JustServe @ My Friends' Place www.justserve.org/projects/b06d4103-dbf7-4d5b-9b93-794b68454b14

&

Julia Henry

Instagram @our_closet_tricities & @misstricitieswa

JUSTSERVE.ORG

Today we spotlight Freedom Kits of Yakima and the life-changing impact of reusable feminine hygiene kits for women & girls living in poverty around the world. We discuss how access to basic menstrual supplies affects education, health, confidence, and opportunity — and how volunteers are helping provide dignity and hope one kit at a time. From sewing and assembling kits to building community awareness, this conversation highlights how small acts of service can create lasting change for girls and young womeneverywhere.

www.freedomkits.org

Facebook:"Freedom Kits of Yakima"

Instagram: @freedomkitsofyakima

www.JustServe.org

https://www.justserve.org/projects/b2f747b6-55b6-45e2-93b6-d05414ce0aa2

In this episode of THE BRIDGE, we sit down with members of Columbia Basin Dive Rescue to talk about the reality of underwater rescue operations, the teamwork behind every mission, and the volunteers who make it all possible — from dive training to critical maintenance and support roles, and finally to the emotional toll.

This conversation highlights the people who quietly serve our region during some of life’s most difficult moments and reminds us that true community is built by those willing to show up when it matters most.

www.cbdr.org

Facebook - "Columbia Basin Dive Rescue"

Instagram @columbiabasindiverescue

www.justserve.org

#TheBridge #ColumbiaBasinDiveRescue #FirstResponders #Community #PublicService #DiveRescue #EmergencyResponse #VolunteerService

In this episode of The Bridge, we sit down with Julie McDougall, Principal of the Richland School District Early Learning Center, and Jonna Jorgensen, Senior Leader at Second Harvest, to talk about a powerful new partnership supporting local families. Together, they discuss the growing need for accessible food resources, the role of community partnerships, and a new pilot initiative—the Zilch program—bringing food distribution directly to families at the Early Learning Center.ELC - www.elc.rsd.eduSecond Harvest - www.2-harvest.orgJustServe Link - www.justserve.org/projects/489355ca-ec14-4c32-bebb-6907b7c5cf7cwww.Justserve.orgWhen families have reliable access to food, children are better prepared to learn, grow, and thrive. This collaboration is about meeting families where they are and removing barriers with dignity and care.

In this episode of The Bridge, we spotlight Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest and the vital support they provide to families with hospitalized children - helping families stay close!

We talk with Jena from RMHC Spokane and Bill, a longtime volunteer known as “The Tabulator,” about community, compassion, and how even small acts — like collecting pull tabs — can make a lasting impact. Discover how you can get involved and help support families when they need it most as we all ponder for a while on the phrase "How can we get to yes?" Join us!

Host - Krista Hill

Guest - Jena Austin, Donors Relations Coordinator RMHCINW

https://rmhcinlandnw.org/

Guest - Bill Harrison, Community Volunteer

Audio Editor - Sophia Hill

Find this volunteer project and others at JustServe.org!

Pull Tab Project:

https://www.justserve.org/projects/35afac77-08c8-4101-bb8e-56e54fcd6f22

On this episode of The Bridge, we’re talking about a movement that’s changing high schools across our region — JustServe Clubs. My cohost, recent graduate Ben Porter, shares how he helped launch his school’s club. And we sit down with regional director Tami Cahoon, who’s grown the program from zero to ten schools. Discover the power of teens serving together, the impact they’re making, and how your school can join the movement. Don’t miss it!

www.justserve.org

Let's celebrate the Boys & Girls Club of Benton & Franklin Counties! We’re talking with CEO/Director Brian Ace and Board President Chad Mitchell about the kids they serve, the challenges they face, and the powerful stories of hope that keep them going. And we’ll share how you can help through this year’s Giving Machines. Listen in and be part of something good.

Boys & Girls Club of Benton & Franklin Counties

https://greatclubs.org/

https://www.justserve.org/

https://www.instagram.com/givingmachinetricities/

Hey friends — this conversation on The Bridge is a really personal one. My cohost & friend Toni shares her story as a mom fighting for her kids’ mental health, and we sit down with Chandra, founder of the Take Strides Suicide Prevention Walk through the Richland School District. These women shine a light on real struggles, real hope, and model normalizing the conversation. You don't want to miss this one. Join us!