Advertise on podcast: Lotus Village Voices - The Official Podcast of Lotus House Women's Shelter

In this episode, we hear directly from our Operations Managers-the backbone of our shelter. They see to the day-to-day operations of our facility and have firsthand experience as guests of our shelter.  Listen to our star team members Theresa, Sharonee, and Irma.  Please note: This interview is partly in Spanish. Want to support Lotus House? Visit lotushouse.org to learn how you can get involved. Follow us on social media @lotushouseshelter. For all volunteer opportunities, email us at [email protected]. Thanks for tuning in! Host: Liz Editor: Madison McNally Cover Art & Logo: Sam Billman

In Part II of our teen spotlight, we hear from Alvaro, an ambitious 19-year-old Lotus House alum who’s also college-bound. He reflects on his journey, highlighting the power of resilience, hard work, and staying focused, and how his dreams keep him going. Please note: This interview is entirely in Spanish. Haven’t listened to Part I yet? Go back and check out Episode 30 to hear from Shakainnah. Want to support Lotus House? Visit lotushouse.org to learn how you can get involved. Follow us on social media @lotushouseshelter. For all volunteer opportunities, email us at [email protected]. Thanks for tuning in! Host: Liz Editor: Margo Hannah Cover Art & Logo: Sam Billman

In this episode of Lotus Village Voices, we’re centering stories from a generation we don’t hear from often at Lotus House—our teens. First up, meet Shakainnah—a self-described happy-go-lucky teen with big dreams and a bigger sense of humor. She shares the story of a fire that led her and her mother to seek shelter, and how she turned that experience into motivation and is now heading off to college! This is part one of a two-part spotlight on youth voices. Be sure to tune in to Episode 31 to hear from Alvaro! Want to support Lotus House? Visit lotushouse.org to learn how you can get involved. Follow us on social media @lotushouseshelter. For all volunteer opportunities, email us at [email protected]. Thanks for tuning in! Host: Liz Editor: Margo Hannah Cover Art & Logo: Sam Billman

In this special Mother's Day episode of Lotus Village Voices—Georgette Madison, Lotus House Guest Services Director and proud alumna—sits down with fellow alumna Kelly Michel, now Assistant Director of Operations Support at the National Women's Shelter Network. Together, they reflect on what it means to mother through uncertainty, to grow in community, and to carry both past and purpose into new chapters of life. Kelly's story offers a reminder: motherhood isn't about having it all together—it’s about presence, transformation, and love that keeps showing up. Want to support Lotus House? Visit lotushouse.org to learn how you can get involved. Follow us on social media @lotushouseshelter. For volunteer opportunities, email us at [email protected]. Thanks for tuning in! Host: Georgette Madison Editor: Margo Hannah Cover Art & Logo: Sam Billman

In this episode of Lotus Village Voices, guest host Liz sits down with James Haj, CEO of The Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade, to explore how their investments are transforming the lives of children and families across our community. From funding afterschool programs and mental health services to supporting the construction of our new Children's Village, The Children’s Trust is a true partner in creating spaces of healing, learning, and opportunity at Lotus House and beyond.  Want to support Lotus House? Visit lotushouse.org to learn how you can get involved. Follow us on social media @lotushouseshelter. For volunteer opportunities, email us at [email protected]. Thanks for tuning in! Host: Liz Editor: Margo Hannah Cover Art & Logo: Sam Billman

This episode we're celebrating Women’s History Month featuring inspiring perspectives from the women of Lotus House Women’s Shelter. They share what womanhood means to them, the challenges women continue to face, and their hopes for the future. Their voices remind us that history isn’t just made by famous figures—it’s shaped every day by women showing resilience, courage, and strength in their own lives. Want to support Lotus House?  Learn how you can get involved by visiting lotushouse.org Follow us on all socials @lotushouseshelter  Email us at [email protected] for opportunities to make a difference. Thanks for listening! Host: Niyah Editor: Margo Hannah  Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

In this special Valentine’s Day episode of Lotus Village Voices, hosts Salleth and Niyah explore the meaning of love in all its forms. Through heartfelt reflections from the women and children at Lotus House, we celebrate connection, kindness, and the people who make life special. But love isn’t just about romance—it’s a transformative force. In honor of Black History Month, we pay tribute to the powerful legacy of bell hooks, a visionary thinker whose work redefined love as an intentional practice rooted in care, respect, and justice. Join us for an episode filled with wisdom, warmth, and reflections on how love shapes our lives and communities. Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1e Volunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/ All other inquiries email:  [email protected] Website: www.lotushouse.org  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter  Host: Salleth and Niyah Editor: Margo Hannah  Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

In this special 2024 recap episode, we reflect on the incredible milestones, touching personal stories, and community-driven impact that shaped the year at Lotus House. Hear from dedicated staff, celebrate our accomplishments, and honor the resilience of the guests we serve. Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1e Volunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/ All other inquiries email:  [email protected] Website: www.lotushouse.org  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter  Host: Salleth and Niyah Editor: Margo Hannah  Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

In this heartwarming Thanksgiving episode of Lotus Village Voices, we sat down with some of the incredible women and children at Lotus House to reflect on gratitude. Tune in to hear what they’re thankful for this season. It’s that time of year again! Help us make this holiday season special for our families: Shop our Holiday Toy Wishlist: Browse the fun here! Amazon Wishlist: Pick a gift and send some love! Sponsor a Child’s Holiday Wishlist: Make their holiday wishes come true! Help Create Gift Bags for Women: Shop our gift bag wishlist! To volunteer for the holidays or in general: [email protected] All other inquiries: [email protected] Website: www.lotushouse.org  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, this special episode of Lotus Village Voices features two inspiring Latina alumni who share their personal experiences as well as what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them.  Please note: Around 3:15, you may hear some thunder in the background, but don’t worry—it only adds to the atmosphere of this heartfelt conversation. Tune in now to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us! Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1e Volunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/ All other inquiries email:  [email protected] Website: www.lotushouse.org  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter  Host: Salleth Editor: Margo Hannah  Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer  Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

The kids are back in school—some excited, some not so much. Tune in to hear what they’re most excited about for the upcoming school year. Plus, we have a special guest host, our very own Lotus House alumna Sky'Lynn, who is heading into the 10th grade this year! To support our back to school efforts including donating school supplies, uniforms, and more, please email us at [email protected]. Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1e Volunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/ All other inquiries email:  [email protected] Website: www.lotushouse.org  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter  Host: Salleth, Skyy'Lynn & Alana Editor: Margo Hannah  Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer  Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

In this episode, our hosts hit the streets during our latest community drive to connect with the vibrant Overtown community. Since 2020, Lotus House has been dedicated to hosting community drives, and this month, we took the opportunity to interview local residents. Tune in as we hear firsthand from community members about their experiences, thoughts on the drive, and ideas on how we can better support Overtown. Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1e DONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.com Volunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/ All other inquiries email:  [email protected] Website: www.lotushouse.org  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter  Host: Salleth & Runisha Editor: Margo Hannah  Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer  Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

In this special episode of Lotus Village Voices, we celebrate Pride Month with Grecia, a dedicated counselor at Lotus House. Grecia shares her insights on the importance of Pride Month and the ways we can all support the LGBTQ+ community. We dive into the importance of understanding LGBTQ+ issues, fostering inclusive environments, and advocating for equal rights. We're also excited to introduce our new host, Salleth, an alumna of Lotus House and a passionate LGBTQ+ ally. Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1e DONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.com Volunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/ All other inquiries email:  [email protected] Website: www.lotushouse.org  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter  Host: Liz & Salleth Editor: Margo Hannah  Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer  Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

Join us for heartwarming interviews as the little ones at Lotus House share their adorable tributes to the amazing mothers who nurture them. Grab some tissues and prepare for a dose of sweetness as we celebrate the extraordinary bond between mothers and their children. Happy Mother's Day! Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1e DONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.com Volunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/ All other inquiries email:  [email protected] Website: www.lotushouse.org  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter  Host: Elizabeth & Dani Editor: Margo Hannah  Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer  Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman 

As National Volunteer Month draws to a close, we're taking a moment to express our gratitude for the dedicated volunteers who tirelessly support the women, children, and staff at the shelter. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization, and we couldn't do what we do without them. Joining us on the podcast are the incredible founders of Men in Pink, Daniel Ramos and Christoph Babka, who bring their strength and compassion to the shelter each month. From organizing and cleaning around the building to sorting donations, serving meals, and hosting fun activities with the kids, their impact is truly immeasurable. Tune in as they share their inspiring stories of why they volunteer and recount their favorite moments spent making a difference in the lives of others Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1e DONATE: https://lotushouse.kindful.com Volunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/ All other inquiries email:  [email protected] Website: www.lotushouse.org  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter  Host: Elizabeth & Dani Editor: Margo Hannah  Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer  Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman