The Skillwork Forum

The Power of Giving Back with Purpose

The Power of Giving Back with Purpose

What if we redefined what it means to “give back”?

For too long, the idea of giving back has been boxed into simple actions like donations or volunteer hours. While these acts are important, they only scratch the surface of what’s possible. What if giving back meant transforming lives, building leaders, and creating systemic change?

That’s exactly what Release Ministries is doing. More than just a nonprofit, they’ve developed an approach that goes beyond charity to focus on empowerment, leadership, and legacy-building. Their method, called “Safe, Together, Healthy, Free,” offers a revolutionary model for supporting youth and families.

Unlike traditional support programs, Release Ministries doesn’t just “help” people — they raise them up to lead. They are creating leaders from the very communities they serve.

If you’re tired of traditional thinking around “charity,” this article is for you. We’re about to explore how Release Ministries’ approach is rewriting the playbook on impact, community building, and sustainable leadership development.

The Traditional Approach to Giving Back is Broken

For decades, nonprofits have operated on a reactive model — providing emergency assistance, short-term support, and surface-level solutions. While these approaches are necessary for survival, they don’t build lasting change.

Most traditional support systems focus on:

  • Crisis intervention (like food pantries and emergency shelters)
  • Temporary financial relief (like rent assistance)
  • Surface-level mentorship (like brief after-school programs)

These models are essential for immediate needs, but they rarely address the root causes of poverty, trauma, and instability. They focus on survival, not growth.

But Release Ministries is flipping the script. Instead of asking, “How do we help them survive?”, they ask, “How do we help them lead?”

This shift in perspective is what makes their approach so innovative. It’s not just about survival — it’s about transformation.

The True Innovation: Leadership From Within

Here’s where it gets revolutionary.

Most support programs help people temporarily — but what happens when the support ends? Often, people slip back into survival mode. Release Ministries avoids this trap by focusing on internal leadership development.

Their vision is to raise leaders from the very communities they serve. How? By building pathways for young people and families to go from “helped” to “helper.”

Here’s how it works:

  1. Start as a recipient — A young person might initially receive mentorship, counseling, or support from the Care Closet.
  2. Receive guidance and training — Through one-on-one mentoring, life skills training, and emotional support, these young people gain confidence and stability.
  3. Step into leadership roles — As they grow, some of these individuals become mentors themselves, volunteering to help other young people in similar situations.
  4. Move into leadership positions — Over time, youth who were once at-risk are empowered to step into leadership roles. In fact, many of Release Ministries’ current staff and leaders were once participants in the program.

This approach is not charity — it’s legacy-building. Instead of relying on “outsiders” to lead change, Release Ministries builds leaders from within.

“Our goal is to raise up leaders from the communities we serve, empowering them to lead the next generation.” — Garrett Swanberg, Director of Operations, Release Ministries

This is a generational impact model, and it’s one of the most powerful approaches to social change today.

Why Companies Should Rethink “Giving Back”

Companies are often told to “give back to the community,” but what if companies embraced Release Ministries’ approach to leadership and empowerment?

Instead of simply donating funds, companies could:

  • Sponsor leadership development programs for at-risk youth.
  • Host employee service days to support mentorship programs.
  • Provide skills-based training in areas like project management, technology, or trades.

Imagine this: Instead of simply giving donations, your company could support a program that builds future leaders. These leaders might one day become your future employees, partners, or innovators.

Why this matters for companies:

  • Stronger Community Ties: Companies that support community leadership create lasting impact and positive brand perception.
  • Future Talent Pipeline: By investing in young leaders, companies help develop the skilled workforce of tomorrow.
  • Employee Engagement: Employees are more likely to stay engaged at companies that give back in meaningful ways.

How YOU Can Get Involved

Everyone can do something. That’s the core message from Release Ministries. Here’s how you can get involved:

– Financial Contributions

Financial contributions support foster care, mentorship, mental health services, and the Care Closet. Every dollar goes directly toward the mission of Safe, Together, Healthy, Free.

– Company Partnerships

If you run a company or business, you have the power to create lasting impact. From hosting service days to becoming a corporate sponsor, your company can help build leaders, not just support them.

“Everyone can do something.” — Dave Weininger, Release Ministries

It’s Time to Think Bigger

The world can feel overwhelming at times, and you may wonder if your contribution is enough. The truth is, everyone can do something. You don’t need to have all the answers or solve every problem. Your small step could be the first of many toward lasting change. Start with what you have, and where you are, and watch what happens.

Scroll to Top