What happens when your lifelong dream falls apart, but a single newspaper headline rewires your entire destiny?

In this powerful episode of Voices of Generosity, we sit down with Eric Knox, the Executive Director of HOLLA Mentors and HOLLA school. Long before he was transforming the landscape of youth mentorship in Portland, Eric was on the fast track to the NBA. But after getting cut by the Portland Trailblazers, he found himself at a sudden crossroads.

While working a regular job and reading The Oregonian every day, Eric came across a devastating story about a 16 year old Black youth in Northeast Portland. That tragedy sparked a deep calling. Eric packed up, moved to NE Portland, and founded HOLLA Mentors to radically change the academic and life trajectories of Black, Brown, and Indigenous youth.

Now over three decades later, HOLLA has helped countless children recognize and claim their true potential, operating under a profound core philosophy: that there is inherent abundance, brilliance, and creativity in every single child.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• From the Hardwood to the Hood: Eric's journey from the brink of the NBA to finding his true calling in NE Portland

• The HOLLA School K-5 Program: How they expanded from a mentoring program into an innovative academic space designed to let kids of color thrive.

• Shared-Power Mentorship: Moving away from the "savior complex" to create spaces where mentors and mentees actively learn from one another as equals.

• The Architecture of Generosity: Why radical generosity is the very fuel that allowed HOLLA to become the beacon of hope it is today.

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At Generous-City Corp, we believe that stewardship isn't just about providing aid; it's about amplifying the voices of the change-makers who show up where they are needed most. We are incredibly proud to love, support, and highlight HOLLA Mentors as they continue to prove that our city's youth are not problems to be solved, but brilliant minds to be nurtured.

Hit play, get inspired, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a story of radical generosity!

Learn more about HOLLA Mentors, see their upcoming events including their Juneteenth celebration, and support their work: HollaMentors.org

Connect with Generous-City Corp to learn more about our mission or become a GC Heart Member (Thank you to our first members Gwen, Abby, and Marci!) - We are still looking for 22 more in our run for 25 in order to help us move our initiatives forward.

Follow HOLLA on social media @hollamentors & @hollaschool

Give us a follow on social media @generouscitycorp

And always remember, #GenerosityStartsWithMe

Welcome back to Voices of Generosity — where everyday acts of generosity get a microphone.

In this episode, I sit down with Sara, program director of Rose City Self Defense, a free, city-supported self-defense program she has dedicated the last 20 years of her life to!

But Sara’s journey into this work began long before she ever stepped into a leadership role.

After surviving assault in her youth, Sara sought healing through a self-defense class — only to leave feeling blamed, silenced, and even more disconnected from herself. The experience was anything but trauma-informed, and its impact stayed with her for years.

Everything changed when a friend invited her to another class. This time, the space felt different: supportive, empowering, and centered on healing as much as protection. That experience reshaped Sara’s understanding of safety, self-defense, and community care — and ultimately led her to the work she still passionately does today.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The difference trauma-informed care can make
• How language and teaching styles impact survivors
• Why self-defense is about more than physical protection
• The power of creating spaces rooted in dignity, empowerment, and compassion
  

Sara’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and what can happen when people choose to support instead of shame.

Listen now, subscribe, and share.

To learn more about Rose City Self-Defense and their free classes throughout the community, visit Rose City Self Defense.

And if you have a story of generosity, healing, or community impact — we’d love to hear from you.

Or if you would like to support Generous-City Corp and the work we are doing throughout the community via a donation, sponsorship, volunteer opportunity, or the purchase of our merch, you can do so by contacting us below:

Let's keep spreading generosity in as many ways as we can, one city, one person, one moment at a time.

#GenerosityStartsWithMe

A Meal. A Home. A Future.

Is it possible to serve over 380,000 meals a year while treating every single person with the dignity of a guest?

On this episode of Voice of Generosity, we are joined by Steve Cook of Blanchet House & Farm to explore the heart of Old Town Portland's most vital lifeline. In this deeply moving conversation, Steve reflects on the overwhelming spirit of giving modeled by his father and how that legacy guides him today.

Steve opens up about his own profound journey through homelessness - an experience that didn't just change his life, but shaped the very way he connects with and honors the dignity of every person walking through Blanchet's doors. From the expansion of their sober living programs to the beautiful sanctuary of the newly opened Bethanie's Room woman's shelter, Steve and the rest of the open-hearted individuals working/volunteering for the programs know that while a meal is a necessity, compassion can be a cure.

Tune in for a story about heritage, the power of perspective, and the heartbeat of a community that refuses to look away.

To support Blanchet House & Farm's mission or to contribute to the ongoing needs of Bethanie's Room, please visit their website @ blanchethouse.org or follow them @ blanchethouse on socials.

If you would like to support the work of Generous-City Corp, you can do so here:

Become a sponsor

Donate

Purchase merch

Share your generosity story

You can also follow us on socials @ generouscitycorp

Let's continue supporting our local nonprofit organizations and spreading generosity one city, one person, one moment at a time.

#generositystartswithme