Deep Lam’s Post

Why Care-Sharing Matters—Even When You Don’t Know the Person Most of my network on LinkedIn won’t know the Mullins family. But their story is a powerful reminder of why care-sharing—helping others carry burdens they can’t manage alone—is so important. Fourteen years ago, Aaron and Shauna Mullins stepped into the difficult world of foster care, adopting Phillip and his 3 siblings. They knew the road would be hard, but they also knew the transformative power of love and stability. For over a decade, they’ve lived out the belief that every person is worth investing in, no matter how tough the circumstances. This year, Phillip began a new chapter in his healing journey—one that required specialized, live-in care to address early trauma. The costs are astronomical, far beyond what the Mullins family can shoulder on their own. Yet, they stepped forward in faith, putting everything on the line for Phillip’s future. Why should you care about a family you’ve never met? Because stories like this embody the best of what it means to lead with values—something we talk about every day in business. Care-sharing is about recognizing that success, whether in business or life, is never truly individual. It’s built on communities of people who step up for one another when it matters most. Not only do I deeply care for the Mullins family, but for me, this story hits deeply. I was partially adopted, and I carry the scars and healing of that experience with me every day. I know the lasting impact of people who invest in others, even when it’s hard. I also know that redemption is possible when the right resources and support come together. As we move through this season of giving, I hope the Mullin’s story inspires us all to find ways—big or small—to show up for others in need. Whether you choose to give, share, or simply reflect, thank you for helping create a more compassionate world. http://spot.fund/666pdxsc

"Men just keep screwing up the world." That was a comment I heard over lunch recently, and it stuck with me. It struck a chord because, in my experience, there’s a lot of truth to it. But we can change it. My first job out of high school was as a youth camp counselor in South Florida, working with kids who faced real challenges, often stemming from absent or failing fathers. Later, in Student Ministry, I saw the same pattern: kids with present, healthy fathers thrived, while those with absent or troubled dads struggled. This truth became impossible to ignore. How do we change this? We start by making stronger, more focused investments in men. If we change men, we can change the world. At Men of Iron, we mentor men to lead like Jesus, through relationships that last and a message that endures. We equip men to show up for their families, churches, and communities—because when men grow, the ripple effect is undeniable. A changed man means a stronger marriage, a supported wife, healthier children, and a more effective employee, church member, and community leader. When you invest in men, you’re investing in the future of families and communities. At Men of Iron, we’re building better men, and we're changing a culture one man at a time. We’re seeing lives transformed, and we believe that by building stronger men, we can change the world. This year, we’re participating in the Faithful Give, we'd love your support. $27 supports one month of mentorship, and $324 covers a man’s entire year of mentorship. Together, we can make a difference—and continue changing a culture one man at a time.

IT IS MY #BUSINESS! I want to tell everyone here that it is my business how you raise your #children. And it should also be your business how I raise mine, if you are a #parent indeed. 🔴 It is my business because, your ill-parented children will corrupt other children, including mine. 🔴 It is my business because, you may raise more hoodlums, prostitutes, drug addicts, rapists, etc., in addition to the ones we already have in the society; thereby making the environment more unconducive and unsafe for everyone. 🔴 It is my business because, you may raise bullies and send them to the same school where normal children are. And we cannot afford to continue losing innocent children to untamed bull dogs who pretend to be students😡. 🔴 It is my business because, I am praying to be a father-in-law tomorrow and I don't know who my child will bring home to me. What if fate brings them together with your ill-parented son or daughter, whom you have craftily taught the art of deceit and pretence? Wouldn't that mean that I may spend the rest of my life in bitterness watching my son or daughter going through pains in their marriage? 🔴 How you parent your children is my business because, every intentionally parented child is a special gift from God to humanity. Who knows whether that child you are spoiling or neglecting today would be my destiny-helper tomorrow? 🔴 Don't tell me to mind my business when you are raising charlatans who will waste, rather than save lives in our hospitals; traumatise, rather than teach students/pupils in our schools; profane, rather than glorify the name of God in religious organizations, and cause havoc in every sector of the society, which all of us are meant to coexist in. 🔴 Stop telling me to mind my business because, I am a stakeholder in the upbringing of every child born in this time and season. Every intentional parent knows that we are all stakeholders in the raising of the next generation. Posterity will judge us if we see or hear evil and keep mute. Therefore, my fellow intentional parents, the next time anyone tells you that, how they parent their children is not your business, calmly use these points and other points your intentional-parenting instincts will give you at that instant to educate such ignorant fellows. l Greet you #StrategicParenting

Top 10 Reasons I love CHOOSEWELL COMMUNITIES INC #6: We meet people where they are and walk alongside them as they navigate the path they are choosing to walk. "Life is slippery. Here, take my hand." H. Jackson Brown, Jr. What we believe... Parenting is tricky. Navigating new sobriety is equally so. Imagine doing both at the same time. The first five years of children’s lives are more critical to healthy brain development than the rest of their lifetimes. Meanwhile, the first three years of sobriety are predictive of long-term recovery. Since 2014, ChooseWell has faithfully journeyed with young families working to maintain sobriety while improving the health and well-being of their family. We are improving the odds of maintaining parental sobriety and stability during this fragile and precious time of their children’s development. Would you consider joining me in donating to ChooseWell Communities today via Give for Good Louisville? https://lnkd.in/eHUDHmx5

For someone who usually has too much to say, I suddenly find myself struggling for words. Those closest to me know that the work I've been doing for the past two years has come to mean everything to me. In a world that is becoming more cruel and dystopian by the second, I have clung to the hope and belief that we can make a difference in the lives of people who are struggling just to make ends meet, every day. Especially with the overturning of Roe v Wade and the massive impact that will have on the number of single mothers in this nation, with a broken or at times nonexistent infrastructure in place to assist them or help their children. Divorced and single parents face the most overwhelming struggles, made worse by the harsh and horrific realities of broken systems and the cycle of poverty that many single families are stuck within. I am lucky - my divorce was amicable and my stepchildren had begun college and I had a place to go. But most men and women are not so lucky; some have even stayed in miserable and at times abusive marriages simply because they knew there was no way they could afford to leave. For the last two years, we have been working hard to establish NASDF as a membership-based service provider that brings discounted products and benefits as well as vetted resources to single parents - things like financial and career guidance, discounted child education, mental health sessions. I've also been diving into research on 2Gen programs (what has now become a passion and hyperfocus of mine) so that we might, down the road, begin working with established organizations such as Ascend at the Aspen Institute to create our own and do our part to improve the lives of struggling caregivers and children and lift them up from where they are currently at, fighting to keep their heads above water. That is why this organization means so much to me - the work we are trying to do, the light we are trying to shine, in a world that is dark and focusing so desperately on destruction and oppression. Well, now we need your help. We've come as far as we can on our own power. In order to keep our work going and to reach more people, which will enable us to pay for better services and resources as well as begin our advocacy work, in order to lift a part of our community up and out of their struggles, we're going to need the rest of the community to lend us their strength in any way you can. If you can only give $5, I tell you it will mean just as much to us as $500. They say the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, but it also begins with a single person offering to walk beside you. And please, if you are open to sharing this post, we would deeply appreciate it.

Freedom Friday 09.13.24 Lead with Love, Acceptance, and Grace Attempting to build a professional, personal, or philanthropic relationship through pointing out their flaws and how they come to different conclusions than you do; will end poorly. Begin to adjust your approach with the following three actions: 1) Become the student, learn through asking “why and how did you come to this conclusion?” 2) Praise progress often, much more than wagging your verble finger towards their efforts. They will see themselves as incapable and cause themselves to turn down their ability to learn new ways. 3) Check your own reasoning to always be right? You may discover a valley of insecurity within you … that was previously hidden to you. Matt, Your CEO “Chief Encouragement Officer” 916.708.8103

Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge! COMPLETED 😃 I'm incredibly proud to share that I completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge within 11 hours and 31 minutes 🌄 The 24-mile trek across Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough was an actual test of physical and mental endurance, and I'm thrilled to have met the challenge head-on. Reflecting on the feat of endurance, I realised this was more than just ticking off a box or conquering a mountain range. It was a real-time expression of how I approach life and work. The journey reminded me of the importance of resilience, perseverance, and embracing the unknown. Each peak brought its challenges, much like the obstacles we face in our daily lives and careers. There were moments of doubt, fatigue, and discomfort, but with determination, preparation, and support from others (a special mention to Caer Harrison), I pushed through. Like in the workplace, overcoming challenges often requires stepping outside your comfort zone and trusting your mental strength and capability. It’s about having the grit to keep going when things get tough, staying focused on the end goal, and knowing that the reward is worth the effort. This ethos of facing obstacles with courage and embracing the growth they bring guided me through every step of the challenge. The best part? Every mile trekked, and every ounce of effort poured into this challenge was for an incredible cause: supporting Children in Need. 💛 Thanks to the generosity of so many, we’ve raised funds that will make a real difference in the lives of children struggling with poverty, mental health challenges, or difficult home environments. Thank you to everyone who donated, offered encouragement, or followed along on this journey! 🙏 Your support kept me going; together, we’re helping to create brighter futures for children in need. This experience was a reminder that no challenge is too great when you have the right mindset and preparation. 💪 DFS BBC Children in Need #ChallengeCompleted #YorkshireThreePeaks #ChildrenInNeed #Resilience #Teamwork #MakingADifference

Sharing with my network because Gini knows best. Read her post to learn more about this inspiring and important organization. Then click to vote!

The Phoenix Dream Center is more than just a place—it’s a lifeline for those who need a second chance. It’s where lives are transformed, dreams are revived, and people are given hope. My name is Misty, and my journey is proof of the incredible impact this center has had on my life. I didn’t know what the Dream Center was when I first heard about it. I was being released from Via Linda Mental Hospital, and overheard a discharge coordinator mentioning a Christian discipleship program. When I heard the word "Christian," I knew that was where I needed to be. I had tried to take my own life—my heart stopped, and I was dead for a short time. But Jesus had other plans. The Phoenix Dream Center became the vessel of His healing and transformation in my life. Here, I found love, guidance, and a community that helped me rediscover my purpose. I graduated from the year-long program in July 2024, and now I’m proud to be on staff. I work as a team leader on the Crisis Response Team, intake coordinator, and a grant writer on the development team. I’m also working toward my Peer Support Specialist and EMT certifications to help more people in the Phoenix Valley. The Phoenix Dream Center saved me, and now I’m dedicated to helping others find the hope and healing I found. It’s a place where dreams are restored, and lives are changed—just like mine. Luke 7:36-50 and Hebrews 11 have been powerful reminders of God’s grace in my life, and I’m forever grateful for the second chance I’ve been given. If you want to support people like Misty, visit https://lnkd.in/eYfHEAKW For the Crisis Response Team, Join us in saving lives-your donation can be the first step. https://lnkd.in/eibnixWE #ThePhoenixDreamCenter #CrisisResponseTeam #CrisisSupport #EmergencyResponse #CrisisIntervention #HelpWhenItMattersMost #ImmediateSupport #FirstResponseCare #MentalHealthCrisisCare #CompassionateCare #SupportInCrisis #DreamsReborn #MentalHealthMatters #SoberAndFree #SelfLoveJourney #AlcoholFreeLiving #RecoveryWarriors #SoberLife

When I took a job with TWLOHA in 2009 to manage a growing intern program, I started thinking I'd help out for the summer after graduating college. What I didn't know then was how powerful this mission would be in reshaping what I believed about mental health, what hope actually looked and felt like, and that I'd also find healing in my deepest relationships. TWLOHA from the beginning was a picture of a community coming alive to meet the needs of people struggling. That simple but challenging task became a mission and a movement. My role over the years has grown and evolved, but everything we do is still about this very thing. How do we support people in their most vulnerable moments? How do we move people from isolation and pain into healing and recovery? TWLOHA does this in super practical ways like making sure people can pay for therapy, it makes the daunting task of finding help easier through our FIND HELP Tool, and it puts practical tools and resources in the hands of everyone through our Mental Health Toolkit. We have outreach programs in high schools across the nation and our digital work reaches people who often don't see the point in staying alive-- these moments give way to the possibilities that things can change. Today on #GivingTuesday, I hope you'll invest in hope knowing that even $5 makes a huge difference by giving 17 people the ability to find affordable mental health resources through TWLOHA. Your gift of $50 would help someone access therapy for the first time. These are life-saving investments. https://lnkd.in/erGX5kY9