This episode is sponsored by:
Welcome to the Lead with Heart podcast! Today I’m joined by LaVal Brewer, President and CEO of South County Outreach. With over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, LaVal shares his journey from youth to leadership. He credits his success to God’s guidance, emphasizing how faith informs his servant leadership approach.
At South County Outreach, LaVal aims to transform its food pantry into a dignified shopping experience through a people-first culture.
This episode provides insights on faith-based leadership, mission-driven partnerships, and empowering vulnerable communities with dignity.
In this episode:
- [02:01] LaVal’s journey to nonprofit leadership
- [05:34] What is servant leadership and how it can be implemented
- [08:37] Building the right team: hiring hungry, humble, and smart team members who are the right fit for the organization’s culture and goals
- [13:54] The importance of emotional intelligence and building a community of shared values
- [16:19] How LaVal aims to make the pantry a dignified shopping environment
- [22:06] The invaluable role of key partnerships that support your mission
- [27:26] Prioritizing mission over opportunities to stay aligned with your goals
- [31:34] Community engagement and its vital role in South County Outreach’s success
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES
“The leadership part is, how are we going to get there? Where are we going? And the manager part is, how do we actually get those things done?” -Laval Brewer
“Our ultimate goal is our vision, no one goes to bed hungry without a place to call home.” -Laval Brewer
“We will bend over backward for partners if we have the ability and the resources so that they can help us or so that they can help reach our vision, which may not even help us directly but it will help someone else.” -Laval Brewer
“That’s the only reason why we exist is to support the community.” -Laval Brewer
RESOURCES
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CONNECT WITH
LaVal Brewer is the President and CEO of South County Outreach, a nonprofit organization providing food, financial assistance, and social services to those in need in South Orange County, California. With over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, LaVal has served as Executive Director for multiple organizations and held leadership consulting roles. Under his guidance, South County Outreach aims to transform its food pantry into a dignified shopping experience where clients feel empowered.
Facebook: @outreachoc
Instagram: @outreachoc
YouTube: @southcountyoutreach5798
LinkedIn: South County Outreach
LinkedIn: LaVal Brewer
Website: sco-oc.org
CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business. She has worked in both small and large nonprofit teams in the human services, homelessness, and youth sectors; and she specializes in the EmC process, nonprofit leadership, board development, and fundraising. Haley is a passionate, impact-driven, experienced nonprofit professional whose mission is to empower, elevate and engage nonprofit leaders to build healthy, thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com
This episode is sponsored by Donorbox
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