What's Good In The Neighborhood

In this episode of What’s Good in the Neighborhood, host Andrew Feil sits down with Rev. Dr. Randy White and Carlos Huerta to discuss the nuances of Christian community development and the potential pitfalls of well-intentioned outreach. Drawing from years of urban ministry experience and core principles from "When Helping Hurts," the conversation explores how to move past temporary fixes, properly diagnose the deeper relational aspects of poverty, and discern when to apply relief, rehabilitation, or development. Tune in for practical wisdom on how churches and individuals can love and serve their neighbors in ways that bring true, lasting shalom.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Randy White and Carlos Huerta join Andrew Feil in exploring Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), shifting the focus from traditional needs-based models to empowering local communities from within. They discuss how identifying and mobilizing a neighborhood's core assets—including individuals, institutions, associations, local economy, and natural features—fosters sustainable, relational change and community-driven development.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Randy White and Carlos Huerta join Andrew Feil to explore the ancient calling of "Seeking Shalom" through the lens of Jeremiah 29 and Micah 6:8. We discuss how to move beyond merely "fixing" city problems to truly understanding the social, physical, and spiritual layers of our neighborhoods—and how we can engage them the Jesus way.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of What’s Good in the Neighborhood, Andrew Feil is joined by Dr. Randy White and Carlos Huerta to explore the theological and practical heart of urban ministry, centered on the vital truth that place and process matter. This episode invites listeners to move away from isolated effort toward a sustainable life of service, ultimately challenging us all to see, stay, and serve our communities the Jesus way.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Grace and Andrew sit down with Dave Hanson, CEO of Students International, to discuss the critical importance of long-term presence in our communities. The conversation explores why "staying" is a radical act in a world often focused on short-term projects. Dave shares how deep, sustained commitment builds trust, fosters genuine transformation, and moves beyond simple metrics of success. This episode offers practical wisdom for listeners looking to move past quick bursts of service to learn how to invest their time to truly love the people right outside their front door.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, Grace and Andrew sit down with Jess and Brandon Jackson, Co-Pastors of On Ramps Covenant Church, who live in the Lowell neighborhood they serve. They discuss why physical proximity is the most radical act a leader can perform and what their neighbors have taught them about resilience, faith, and joy. This episode explores the vital shift from trying to "fix" a community from the outside to living with it from the inside. They also tackle the tough choices between pursuing scale versus depth, and how to carry the weight of seeing suffering up close.

Brandon Jackson is the Co-Lead Pastor of On Ramps Covenant Church in Fresno’s Lowell neighborhood, where he serves alongside his wife, Jess. Together, they are passionate about following Jesus, loving their neighborhood well, and helping create pathways for spiritual growth, leadership development, and community transformation. Brandon especially loves investing in the next generation and building relationships that help people grow into all God has for them.

Jess Jackson is the co pastor of On Ramps Covenant Church. She’s passionate about building Jesus-centered communities marked by shared life, justice and deep belonging. Her heart is to see people encounter God in real transformative ways, locally and globally.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Grace and Andrew as they chat with Bryan Feil to discuss the radical act of showing up in your neighborhood and building the practical skill of reciprocity. They explore how shifting our perspective from simply "helping" to recognizing the inherent value in every person and place can transform our communities. Bryan shares powerful insights from his work with Neighborhood Industries and Lanna Coffee Co. on how business and proximity serve as catalysts for mutual benefit and lasting change.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Andrew and Grace chat with James Williams III, a faith-driven leader whose mission is to mentor youth and create safe spaces in West Fresno where young people can grow and thrive. He discusses his journey and how early life experiences shaped his heart for the youth in his neighborhood. The core theme of the episode is the "muscle of consistency," and why the simple act of showing up—week after week—is a radical act in a community.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Kendra Devejian explores how businesses and leaders can move beyond transactional relationships to truly value people as whole individuals—offering meaningful support through real-life challenges like housing, childcare, and mental health. She highlights the practical “good neighbor” skills of proximity, reciprocity, and endurance, showing how we can walk alongside one another in sustainable, life-giving ways.

Kendra Devejian is a fourth-generation Fresno native who has spent her career doing one thing: making sure people in the Central Valley have what they need to thrive. As CEO of Heartland Compass, a workplace-based support program powered by the Fresno Business Council, she and her team meet employees right where they are, inside the companies they work for, helping them navigate life's hardest moments so they can show up fully at work and at home.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christy and Kasey weren't looking to become non profit leaders, but they did commit to come in close to girls who were in the foster care system. The two women share their stories about how their personal stories and lives ignited a passion for those who are aging out of the foster care system. The two talk about what it takes to show up for formerly and current foster youth on a day to day basis, the statistics that seem insurmountable, and also the amazing hope and healing they've been able to witness up close.

To learn more about Good Dirt Collective - https://gooddirtcollective.org/

To learn more about the Redemptive Impact Accelerator - https://www.cctfresno.org/ria/

Kasey Jackson and Christy Manning are Co-Founders of Good Dirt Collective, united by their shared experience as foster and adoptive parents and a desire to support young women who have been impacted by foster care. Together, they created Good Dirt Collective to provide pottery-based job training, mentorship, and hope, offering a safe place to grow skills, confidence, and community. This work is rooted in their faith as they seek to follow God’s leading in how they serve others. Every Neighborhood Partnership is a Fresno, CA based non-profit that exists to Activate. Equip. Mobilize and Transform so that our students excel, community members are healthy and whole, and our neighborhoods thrive. Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grace and Andrew get us ready for our new series, The Neighboring Practice. What does it mean to be a good neighbor, not just a person who does a service project annually? The two discuss the social context that has led to a culture of one time service as opposed to a lifetime of proximity, reciprocal relationship, empathy, consistency, and compassion. "The things you are close to are the things you care about." We hope this series inspires you, moves you, and challenges you to think about the person across the street. Every Neighborhood Partnership is a Fresno, CA based non-profit that exists to Activate. Equip. Mobilize and Transform so that our students excel, community members are healthy and whole, and our neighborhoods thrive. Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Ashley Goldsmith joins the conversation to explore what it means to practice marketing and communications with integrity in the nonprofit world. Together, we unpack the tension between raising funds and honoring people’s dignity—especially when telling stories about communities experiencing hardship. Ashley shares practical insights on how nonprofits can communicate impact without exploiting pain, avoid “poverty porn,” and instead elevate stories of resilience, partnership, and hope.From crafting donor messaging to shaping brand voice, this episode offers a thoughtful framework for ethical storytelling that builds trust, inspires generosity, and reflects the values at the heart of the mission. If you care about communicating in a way that truly impacts communities while honoring the people you serve, this conversation is for you.

Ashley Goldsmith launched Blue Chair Communications her senior year of college out of a fierce desire to creatively share important ideas. For years, she’s helped nonprofits, government agencies, and values-driven businesses translate complex work into stories that move even stubborn hearts. Her ultimate vision? To see the Central Valley become a healthier, safer, more economically and spiritually vibrant place to live because the organizations working toward this reality communicate effectively.

Every Neighborhood Partnership is a Fresno, CA based non-profit that exists to Activate. Equip. Mobilize and Transform so that our students excel, community members are healthy and whole, and our neighborhoods thrive. Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew and Grace sit down with Jeff Jones from Fresno Pacific University to explore the Working Genius framework and why it’s been such a game-changer in the workplace. They share how having a common language around gifts, talents, and skills has helped their teams collaborate more effectively and understand what each person brings to the table. This conversation is packed with practical insight for anyone looking to build healthier, more productive staff cultures. Jeff Jones is a Certified Facilitator of The Six Types of Working Genius. With over 25 years of experience in higher education leadership, he now helps for-profit and non-profit organizations apply this powerful productivity model to improve collaboration and deliver immediate results.

Every Neighborhood Partnership is a Fresno, CA based non-profit that exists to Activate. Equip. Mobilize and Transform so that our students excel, community members are healthy and whole, and our neighborhoods thrive. Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artie helped launch and lead Every Neighborhood Partnership over 17 years ago, and today is STILL working in the community development space and is STILL passionate about seeing Fresno flourish. Andrew and Grace get curious about HOW he continues to press in and continues to create community impact. The three talk sustainability, how faith and service parallel each other, long term commitment to the city, and what it costs to lead at a high capacity. Artie has worked in the area of community and human development for the last 25 years. He continues to learn new strategies to help create change at a micro and macro level so that our community residents and youth can achieve economic and social upward mobility.

Every Neighborhood Partnership is a Fresno, CA based non-profit that exists to Activate. Equip. Mobilize and Transform so that our students excel, community members are healthy and whole, and our neighborhoods thrive.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew and Grace give a little update on the state of Every Neighborhood Partnership, their own personal leadership growth and goals, heading into the new year, but a mid year report in light of the budget cycle. Every Neighborhood Partnership is a Fresno, CA based non-profit that exists to Activate. Equip. Mobilize and Transform so that our students excel, community members are healthy and whole, and our neighborhoods thrive. Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

What kind of people were Joseph and Mary to say yes to God? Dr. Randy White brings his deep wisdom and mentorship to this conversation, reflecting on the Christmas season and all the expectation and longing that it holds.

Rev. Dr. Randy White has served in Christian Community Development and Ministry for more than 40 years. He is the founder of the Center for Community Transformation, and the Pink House, and as a seminary professor trained leaders for urban ministry. He's the author of many books and articles and has just published a new novel, Consummation. He and his family continue to live and serve in urban neighborhoods seeking the shalom of their neighbors and watching God at work.

You can learn more about Randy and his books here: https://randywhiteassociates.com/

Every Neighborhood Partnership is a Fresno, CA based non-profit that exists to Activate. Equip. Mobilize and Transform so that our students excel, community members are healthy and whole, and our neighborhoods thrive. Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jordan Mattox breaks down some of the hottest conversations shaping today’s schools: integration, technology, and school choice. He explores how each of these forces impacts equity, student experience, and the future of public education. Jordan highlights good teachers, parent engagement, the promise and pitfalls of tech in the classroom, the ongoing challenge of creating truly integrated schools, and the tension between choice and access. It’s an honest, thoughtful look at what’s working, what’s not, and what educators and families should be paying attention to next.

Jordan Mattox is a librarian, podcaster, and writer. He hosts the podcasts Fresno's Best, Fresnolandia, and The History of California Podcast. He is currently working on book about the history of Fresno.

- Fresnolandia Podcast Episode with Misty Her

- Nice White Parents Podcast

-Article - Getting Fast Thinkers to Slow Down

- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Every Neighborhood Partnership is a Fresno, CA based non-profit that exists to Activate. Equip. Mobilize and Transform so that our students excel, community members are healthy and whole, and our neighborhoods thrive. Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Melissa has every opportunity, blessing and resourcing laid out in front of her - her and husband have good jobs, financial flexibility, and two amazing adopted kids. When it came time to pick a school for them, some may be surprised that instead of picking the advanced charter or even private school up the street, the Danisi's chose and stayed in their districted dual immersion school.

Today, Andrew and Grace get curious - why stay? They learn alot about Melissa's school history and her own experience, her son's education hurdles he is battling and winning, and the overall experience of what it means and feels like to root yourself deeply in a school and a community regardless of perception or benefits.

Melissa has been married to her husband Santino for 19 years and is a mom to two awesome kids through adoption. She has served on staff at The Well Community Church for 12 years writing and teaching bible studies and the past few years as the life group director. Prior to that she was a classroom teacher in Fresno Unified for several years.

Every Neighborhood Partnership is a Fresno, CA based non-profit that exists to Activate. Equip. Mobilize and Transform so that our students excel, community members are healthy and whole, and our neighborhoods thrive. Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carlos Huerta is back to chat with Andrew and Grace about what it has looked like to partner two or more organizations together and really embrace the word, Partner. Carlos and crew discuss authentic engagement, what is ours to do and when is it time to pass the baton, what happens when conflict arises, when organizations choose partnership over credit, and what it takes to put aside differences to see real change happen.

Carlos is the Executive Director of the FPU Center for Community Transformation. With a mix of both for-profit and non-profit experience, Carlos loves to dream of a Central Valley that works for every neighbor, in every part of our city, all the time so that no one gets left out. He oversees the work of CCT, providing support to all programs that serves churches, start-up business, non-profits and school districts. Carlos has the honor of being a Locke Innovative Leader and counts it a joy to live, eat, serve and play in Fresno, CA.

Every Neighborhood Partnership is a Fresno, CA based non-profit that exists to Activate. Equip. Mobilize and Transform so that our students excel, community members are healthy and whole, and our neighborhoods thrive. Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

What exactly is a community school, and what is the benefit not only to the community but to the individual who benefits from it? Grace and Andrew sit down with Darrin Person, Executive Director of the Community Schools initiative with Fresno Unified. Darrin is a long time partner and board member of ENP, and brings a lot of insight to the conversation around what it means to really engage families in underserved communities, in partnership with elementary school faculty and staff. The three chat through what the goal of community school is, and why it matters that a child's needs are seen through a holistic lens, not just a academic lens.

Every Neighborhood Partnership is a Fresno, CA based non-profit that exists to Activate. Equip. Mobilize and Transform so that our students excel, community members are healthy and whole, and our neighborhoods thrive. Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices