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The Good Souls Project was developed to recognize an individual or group of individuals from the Delaware Valley Region making significant positive contributions to their neighborhood, community or region through their time, action, talent and dedication. The honoree(s) selected serve as a role model for compassion, generosity and service and are striving to make the world a better place.
These individuals were nominated for efforts outside of their paid employment, unless the effort was within their employment and includes work that is above and beyond the call of duty and has a broader, charitable, and community impact.
If you know someone who has performed an act of kindness, tell us their story by nominating them at whyy.org/goodsoulsform
We would like to thank PECO for sponsoring this program!
We're highlighting some of these special individuals who make our Greater Philadelphia communities thrive.
All Episodes
This Mt Airy Electrician Brings Joy to Those with Disabilities through Power of Sport
“I have come to realize that my job is to make the world a better place,” says John Siemiarowski. “And while I can't make it all better, I can help individual people.”
Air Date: October 7, 2024
Listen 5:26This retired Philadelphia Eagle supports single-parent families through philanthropic efforts
“From whom much is given, much is required,” said the NFL Hall of Famer.
Air Date: September 30, 2024
Listen 5:27A West Philly meal service is expanding its reach and bringing hope to those in need
Angela Graves is best known for two things: her delicious cooking and her cheerful demeanor. She utilizes those talents to help people in need.
Air Date: September 23, 2024
Listen 5:45Kensington Based Preacher Turns Guns into Garden Tools
A devout Christian, husband and father, Shane Claiborne believes it will take more than “thoughts and prayers” to solve the gun crisis.
Air Date: September 16, 2024
Listen 5:27Air Date: December 21, 2023
Late neurosurgeon acclaimed for groundbreaking discoveries, impacting thousands of lives
Dr. Andrew Freese was a neurosurgeon and pioneer in gene therapy.
Air Date: November 20, 2023
Listen 5:26Delco Grandmother Raising Grandchild Empowers And Supports Other Grands Who Step Up
Karen Barnes, 60, is founder of Grands Stepping Up, a non-profit that provides a myriad of support for grand and kinship families in Delaware County raising children.
Air Date: November 13, 2023
Listen 5:24Montco High School senior uses technology to empower other young immigrants
The 17-year-old Spring-Ford Area High School senior is founder of several nonprofits designed to close the education and technology gap.
Air Date: October 30, 2023
Listen 5:26A nine-year veteran of PPD, Seawright is beloved in her district. She was honored with the Award of Valor in 2019.
Air Date: October 23, 2023
Listen 5:27North Philly Boricua Empowers Thousands Of Latinas To Get Moving, Breaking Generational Curses
Elaine Gonzalez-Johnson is a North Philadelphia native who decided to get moving in 2012. She founded Latinas in Motion to encourage women, especially, Latinas, to get active
Air Date: October 16, 2023
Listen 5:27Philadelphia Lawyer Connects At Risk Youth To At Risk Animals, Together They Help Each Other.
Penny Ellison is an attorney and animal advocate who has run and helped grow Hand2Paw, a non-profit that connects youth experiencing homelessness or in foster care.
Air Date: October 9, 2023
Listen 5:26Delaware Radiation Therapist Advocating for Young Women by Raising Awareness Around Breast Cancer
Dr. Nia Bailey is an oncology radiation therapist on a mission to save the lives of young women.
Air Date: October 2, 2023
Listen 5:25Cosmic Cafe, Providing Farm to Table Food While Empowering Workers with Disabilities
Peg Botto and Harrison McInnis are the dynamic chef duo behind Cosmic Café and Cider House on Boathouse Row.
Air Date: September 25, 2023
Listen 5:25West Philly Pastor Empowers At Risk Youth, Providing Fun, Food and Healing
Pastor Aaron Campbell meets kids where they are and helps them “level up” to their full potential.
Air Date: September 18, 2023
Listen 5:04Air Date: December 15, 2022