Nik Young, LMFT, and Alyssa Najera, LCSW, sit down with Jeff Pishney, CEO and Founder of Love Stanislaus County and Love Our Cities. Jeff shares how the initial city-wide volunteer effort, Love Modesto (based in Stanislaus County, California), became the working model for helping over 100 cities create their own city-wide volunteer efforts and year-round initiatives. Tune in to hear more about how Love Stanislaus County and Love Our Cities got started, how city-wide volunteerism is building connections and community, and how to get started in your own city. For practical steps on starting or expanding your city’s volunteer efforts, check out Jeff’s recent book, Love Our Cities: How a City-Wide Volunteer Day Can Unite and Transform Your Community, co-authored by Eric Jung. Interview with Jeff Pishney “Jeff Pishney is the CEO and Founder of Love Stanislaus County and Love Our Cities. Officially beginning as a non-profit organization in 2014, these city-wide volunteer days and other initiatives have helped over 100 cities and have had over 239,000 volunteers since beginning in 2009. Jeff recognizes that more sustainable solutions are needed beyond volunteer days in order to see our cities thrive. His efforts have evolved to championing ongoing volunteerism, collaboration among leaders and initiating programs for Neighbors, Schools, Kids and Seniors. Jeff grew up in Iowa, went to college and graduate school in Virginia and has been in Modesto, CA since 1995. Prior to being CEO, Jeff was a pastor for almost 20 years. As a college pastor, Jeff started to get a vision for his community. This vision grew when he became the outreach pastor during which Love Modesto began. Jeff and his wife, Karen, have been married for 18 years and have three children. Besides loving his family, Jeff is involved at his children's activities, passionate about justice issues and cheering on his Iowa Hawkeye” (bio from lovestanislauscounty.org). In April 2023, Jeff Pishney and co-author Eric Jung released their book, “Love Our Cities: How a city-wide volunteer day can unite and transform your community.” You can reach Jeff Pishney at: lovestanislauscounty.org loveourcities.org jeff@lovestanislauscounty.org IG @lovestanislauscounty IG @loveourcities Resources mentioned: We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: Purchase Love Our Cities: How a city-wide volunteer day can unite and transform your community on Amazon. Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com. What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nik Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nik keeps it personable and professional. Yet, always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find him squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring him back around to the conversation. Nik is a licensed marriage and family therapist and co-owner of catalystcounselinginc.com, a private practice located in Modesto, CA. Nik is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nik Young at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. She is also a former Child Welfare Services social worker, supervisor, and sexual abuse forensic interviewer. Alyssa Najera is now a consultant supporting teams in high stress or helping professions and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa Najera at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider. Thanks for listening and we’ll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: ...
