In this episode of the Doing Good Podcast, we meet Julie Ridenour from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Julie is a longtime volunteer with multiple organizations, a mother of grown children, and most recently, a puppy raiser for Freedom Service Dogs in Colorado.

Raising a future service dog has been a lifelong dream for Julie. About two months ago, she received her puppy, Salem, and will foster her until she’s around 18 months old. During this time, Julie will focus on socializing Salem, teaching her basic obedience, and preparing her for her future role as a service dog for someone with a disability. Afterward, Salem will return to Freedom Service Dogs to begin her training and start her new life.

Julie highlights the excellent training and support Freedom Service Dogs provides to puppy raisers—an important factor to consider for anyone interested in this type of volunteer work. She also shares the emotional bond she’s formed with Salem, knowing she is just one step in the dog’s journey. “Everyone asks if it will be hard to give her up. My response is maybe, but I know she has an important job ahead of her.”

This episode is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Learn more at www.doinggood.tv, and read Julie’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog. To find out more about Freedom Service Dogs, visit freedomservicedogs.org.

This week, we’re shaking things up by introducing a newcomer to volunteering: Jack Valentino. Jack lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where he attends Belmont University. As a passionate musician, he naturally gravitated towards volunteering by sharing his love for music with others.

Just a few months ago, Jack began his volunteer journey with Love Learning Music, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the developmental needs of children through adaptive music education. Currently, Jack teaches piano to one of these children, helping instill a love of classical music. Although he’s new to this role, Jack is committed to continuing his work.

When asked for advice for prospective volunteers, Jack says, 'I’d suggest volunteering in an area you’re passionate about.'

You can learn more about Love Learning Music at: https://www.lovelearningmusic.org/

This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv. Read Jack's blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog

In this episode of the Doing Good podcast, we talk with Jill Pratt. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Jill is a wife, mom, and the head of The Jiselle Lauren Foundation. This organization provides grants for care not traditionally covered by insurance to families of children with disabilities and aims to “help kiddos with disabilities experience joy.”

This cause is very close to Jill’s heart as her oldest daughter, Jiselle, has a rare disorder. Following Jiselle’s diagnosis, Jill began volunteering and eventually founded The Jiselle Lauren Foundation to help others “who weren’t as lucky as we were” along their journey.

“Part of it is sharing our story,” she says. “You hope you can be a person of light to somebody going through a tough time,” adding they “want to inspire joy and happiness.”

Learn more about this family’s journey through The Jiselle Lauren Foundation and check out the Rett Syndrome Research Trust.

This podcast is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. www.doinggood.tv. Read Jill’s blog post at www.doinggood.tv/blog.