We Are For Good Podcast - Episode 590 Summary

Title: The Story of Culinary Care + How to Build an Engaged Community Around Your Mission
Guest: Courtney Johnson, Founder of Culinary Care
Release Date: December 11, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 590 of the We Are For Good Podcast, hosts Jon McCoy, CFRE, and Becky Endicott, CFRE, welcome Courtney Johnson, the inspiring founder of Culinary Care. This episode delves into Courtney’s personal journey, the founding and growth of Culinary Care, and her strategies for building a passionate and engaged community around her nonprofit mission.

Courtney’s Personal Story and Inspiration

Formation of Culinary Care

Courtney Johnson shares the poignant story that led to the creation of Culinary Care. At the age of 23, inspired by her father's battle with stage four lung cancer, Courtney recognized the profound impact that meal deliveries had on her family during this challenging time. The lack of nutritious and enjoyable meals in hospital settings motivated her to establish a nonprofit that provides free, restaurant-quality meals to families fighting cancer.

Courtney Johnson [04:10]: "The meals that we had meant so much to my family and I. ... sharing a meal was the least they could do."

Impact of Personal Experience

Courtney emphasizes how personal experiences shape nonprofit missions. Her father, Barry Johnson, remained a food enthusiast despite his illness, refusing hospital food and instead enjoying meals brought by friends and family. This experience underscored the importance of nutritious and joyful meals in providing comfort and normalcy during cancer treatment.

Courtney Johnson [08:47]: "It's really about nourishing cancer recoveries. ... a sense of community, which I've learned along the way impacts mortality by as much as 25%."

Building and Growing Culinary Care

Early Challenges and Grassroots Beginnings

Starting Culinary Care while working full-time posed significant challenges. Courtney and her family dedicated countless hours to delivering meals, often traveling long distances. The nonprofit began with grassroots efforts, relying heavily on volunteers and community support to meet the burgeoning demand.

Courtney Johnson [08:47]: "We delivered our first meal in 2013. ... our full time, full time everything, full time fundraising Chief Everything Officer."

Scaling the Organization

As demand surged, Culinary Care transitioned from a part-time volunteer effort to a full-fledged organization. Today, the nonprofit serves over 900 patients annually, delivering more than 40,000 free meals over 11 years. Courtney highlights the importance of strategic growth, leveraging local restaurant partnerships to ensure quality and scalability.

Courtney Johnson [09:30]: "We have about seven part-time, full-time program people that are managing, you know, 900 plus patients a year ... our mission is literally the two sides of our name."

Strategies for Building an Engaged Community

Emphasizing Shared Stories and Community Connection

Courtney discusses the power of storytelling in fostering community engagement. By sharing patient stories and creating meaningful connections, Culinary Care cultivates a supportive network of donors, volunteers, and advocates who are deeply invested in the mission.

Courtney Johnson [19:58]: "This isn't about me anymore. ... becoming its own organization."

Advocacy and Education

A significant lesson Courtney learned is the importance of advocating for the nonprofit’s mission by educating the community about the necessity of meal support during cancer treatment. She underscores that many are unaware of the lack of meal provisions for outpatient cancer patients, making advocacy efforts crucial.

Courtney Johnson [31:26]: "Don't assume everybody knows about your work and why it's important ... keep it as simple as you can."

Authentic Leadership and Community Alignment

Courtney emphasizes authentic leadership, staying true to the organization’s core values, and fostering genuine relationships with supporters. She believes in building a community that resonates with the mission rather than trying to appeal to everyone.

Courtney Johnson [19:58]: "I'm just going to do it my way, and my way is just going to work for me, and it might not work for somebody else ... if you don't resonate, that's okay."

Notable Quotes

• Becky Endicott [00:58]: "Nonprofits are faced with more challenges to accomplish their missions and the growing pressure to do more, raise more, and be more for the causes that improve our world."

• Courtney Johnson [07:54]: "I always say, you don't know the power of what those really small gestures could do, because people were showing up and they would always say, oh, it's the least we could do."

• Becky Endicott [14:38]: "I want to get some real talk about what was really challenging."

• Courtney Johnson [39:51]: "The secret to success is just putting one foot in front of the other and not getting so caught up."

Key Insights and Lessons

1. Transform Personal Pain into Purpose: Courtney’s journey illustrates how personal hardships can fuel compassionate and impactful missions. Turning her father’s battle with cancer into Culinary Care provided a meaningful way to support others in similar situations.

2. Community as a Force Multiplier: Building a dedicated community through shared stories and authentic connections magnifies the nonprofit’s impact. Engaged supporters become advocates who help spread the mission organically.

3. Adaptability and Mindset Shifts: As Culinary Care evolved, so did Courtney’s mindset—from founder-centric to community-centric leadership. Embracing change and focusing on collective stories strengthen the organization’s foundation.

4. Advocacy Through Education: Effective advocacy starts with educating the community about unmet needs. Clear, simple communication about the nonprofit’s mission and its importance ensures better understanding and support.

5. Sustainable Growth: Balancing ambition with sustainability is crucial. Protecting the organization and its leaders from burnout ensures long-term success and the ability to serve continuously.

Conclusion

Episode 590 of the We Are For Good Podcast offers a heartfelt and insightful look into Courtney Johnson’s journey with Culinary Care. Her dedication to nourishing cancer recoveries through community support and compassionate meal deliveries serves as a powerful example for nonprofit leaders. Courtney’s strategies in community building, advocacy, and authentic leadership provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector.

Connect with Courtney Johnson and Culinary Care:
Visit www.culinarycare.org to learn more, donate, or get involved.