Heartfelt Conversations: Spreading Kindness with Be Kind Ithaca, Free Hugs Ithaca, and NAMI Finger Lakes
In this touching episode of Good News York, host Mike Brindisi welcomes special guests Darrell Harrington from Be Kind Ithaca, Samantha Shoemaker from Free Hugs Ithaca, and Sandra Sorenson from NAMI Finger Lakes. They share heartwarming stories of how their organizations came to be, the impact they’ve had on the community, and the upcoming events they are excited about. Darrell recounts his journey of starting Be Kind Ithaca during the pandemic, Samantha highlights the unique support Free Hugs Ithaca offers, and Sandra details her personal connection to NAMI and the vital support they provide to caregivers. Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration, community spirit, and compassion.
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Follow Daryl from Be Kind! @BeKindIthaca
www.BeKindIthaca.com
Follow Sandra from NAMI Finger Lakes! @NAMIFingerlakes
www.NamiFingerlakes.org
Follow Samantha from Free Hugs Ithaca! @FreeHugsIthaca
Checkout the Sophie Fund! www.TheSophieFund.org
Lookout for the NAMI Walks Event – 5/3/25 at 3PM EST
www.namiwalks.org/fingerlakes
00:00 Welcome to Good News York
00:30 Special Guests Introduction
01:52 The Origin of ‘Be Kind’
03:00 Spreading Kindness During the Pandemic
04:46 Growing the ‘Be Kind’ Movement
10:32 Collaborating with Free Hugs Ithaca
20:51 Starting a New Initiative
21:37 Personal Struggles with Mental Health
22:51 Introduction to NAMI
23:10 Family to Family Program
24:43 A Personal Tragedy and Career Shift
25:50 Joining NAMI Finger Lakes
27:31 Collaborations and Community Events
32:01 Support for Caregivers
36:35 The Sophie Fund
42:41 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events
