How Everyone Can Make an Impact by Giving Back
What does it mean to give back? For some, it’s donating money. For others, it’s offering time and skills. But for Release Ministries, giving back means something far greater — it’s about breaking shackles and building leaders.
In a recent episode of The Skillwork Forum, we sat down with Dave Weininger and Garrett Swanberg from Release Ministries. For over 30 years, this nonprofit has been transforming at-risk youth and families through their simple but profound approach:
“Safe. Together. Healthy. Free.”
Their work is a testament to how mentorship, mental health support, foster care, and practical family services can turn struggle into strength. But most importantly, they show how individuals and businesses can play an essential role in this transformation.
1. The Power of “Safe, Together, Healthy, Free”
At the heart of Release Ministries’ mission are four simple words that hold deep meaning:
- Safe: People can’t think about their future if they’re worried about survival. Ensuring physical, emotional, and mental safety is the first step.
- Together: No one can do life alone. Building strong, authentic connections with others is essential for long-term success.
- Healthy: From mental health support to mentorship, health goes beyond physical well-being. True health comes from emotional, spiritual, and relational healing.
- Free: The ultimate goal is freedom. Not just physical freedom, but emotional, financial, and spiritual freedom — the freedom to build a better future.
This approach ensures that every young person and family served by Release Ministries is on a path to lasting change and true leadership.
2. How Release Ministries is Making an Impact
With over 2,000 people served annually, Release Ministries is transforming at-risk youth and families using a holistic approach that includes:
- Mentorship: Mentors offer stability, guidance, and friendship to youth who may not have these critical relationships at home. Mentorship helps young people develop confidence, build skills, and see their potential for success.
- Foster Care Support: Foster parents play a vital role, but often, they need help too. Release Ministries provides them with resources and emotional support so they can better care for high-needs children.
- Mental Health Services: Mental health plays a critical role in long-term success. Release offers counseling, therapy, and emotional support to help youth and families heal from trauma and prepare for the future.
- Practical Needs Assistance (Care Closet): The Care Closet provides clothing, hygiene products, and essential supplies to those in need. It’s a practical yet powerful way to address the most immediate and urgent needs of families.
By addressing safety, connection, health, and freedom, Release Ministries has built a legacy of lasting impact in the community.
3. Why Giving Back Matters
When you support Release Ministries, you’re not just helping individuals — you’re creating systemic change that ripples throughout entire communities. But there’s something in it for you too. Here’s why giving back matters for individuals and companies alike:
🌍 For Individuals
- Personal Growth: Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and empathy.
- Stronger Communities: When you support others, you create a ripple effect that strengthens entire neighborhoods.
- “When we move toward another person’s need with love and sacrifice, we create lasting impact.” — Garrett Swanberg
🏢 For Companies
- Employee Engagement: Corporate volunteer programs increase employee satisfaction and create a more connected, mission-driven workplace.
- Brand Reputation: Companies that give back are seen as leaders in corporate responsibility, fostering goodwill with customers and employees alike.
- Community Impact: Your company’s support can directly transform lives, creating lasting impact in local communities.
Giving back doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about taking the next small step. For Release Ministries, that small step started with one man noticing kids in shackles and deciding it wasn’t right. Today, they’ve grown into a force for change, helping over 2,000 people every year.
Whether you’re an individual looking to volunteer or a company wanting to make an impact, there’s a way for you to get involved.