INNOVAT3

In our latest episode of the Innovat3 Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Kathy Chao Rothberg, an inspiring leader and changemaker in the field of community development. As the CEO of Lao Family Community Development , Kathy has spent her career addressing some of the most complex and systemic issues faced by low-income and immigrant communities. Kathy’s work focuses on building sustainable solutions that not only meet immediate needs but also create long-term opportunities for empowerment and self-sufficiency. Her leadership has helped guide initiatives that tackle homelessness, poverty, and workforce inequities, with a particular focus on bridging cultural gaps to ensure underserved communities receive the support they need. Here are a few key highlights from our conversation: 🔹 Community-Driven Solutions: Kathy believes that the most effective change comes from within the community itself. By listening to those directly impacted by social challenges, Kathy and her team create programs that truly meet the needs of the people they serve. 🔹 Affordable Housing & Job Training: Under Kathy’s leadership, Lao Family Community Development has spearheaded efforts to provide affordable housing and workforce development programs, helping individuals and families break the cycle of poverty. 🔹 Culturally Responsive Services: Understanding the diverse backgrounds of the communities they serve is a cornerstone of Kathy’s work. From language support to cultural sensitivity, the organization ensures that services are accessible and impactful for everyone, regardless of their circumstances. 🔹 Empowering Individuals & Families: Beyond addressing the immediate needs, Kathy’s vision is to empower individuals and families to take control of their futures. Through programs like financial literacy and job readiness, they are helping people build a foundation for long-term success. Kathy’s approach to leadership is not only about creating opportunities but also about dismantling the barriers that keep people from accessing those opportunities. Her story is one of resilience, compassion, and a relentless commitment to social justice. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about creating change in their communities and addressing systemic issues with innovation and empathy. 🎧 Listen to the full conversation on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gKT2aVr7 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gHdV5e2B #Innovat3Podcast #SocialImpact #Leadership #CommunityDevelopment #AffordableHousing #WorkforceDevelopment #CulturalAwareness #Empowerment #SocialJustice #Inspiration #Equity

We are thrilled to announce the release of Episode 4 featuring Christian Huang, the visionary founder of Mobilize Love, on our INNOVAT3 podcast! 🎙️ In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Christian shares his transformation journey—from overcoming addiction to finding a deeper sense of purpose. He talks about the challenges he faced in rebuilding his life, and how he turned a difficult chapter into an opportunity for growth and service. One of the pivotal moments in his journey was securing a scholarship at a local yoga studio, which became a lifeline and helped him create a new sense of community. Christian also discusses how his personal struggles led him to create Mobilize Love, a movement focused on supporting underserved communities through direct action and advocacy. Mobilize Love is committed to bringing people together through compassion, creating lasting social change, and empowering individuals to live a life of purpose. Christian’s journey from rock bottom to building a meaningful impact through Mobilize Love is a testament to the power of resilience, service, and the importance of finding community. This episode highlights the importance of community support, staying true to your values, and the potential we all have to turn our challenges into opportunities. Whether you’re seeking motivation to overcome personal obstacles or looking for ways to give back to your community, Christian’s story will inspire you. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify! https://lnkd.in/gjFPRxyc 🔗 Watch Now on Youtube! https://lnkd.in/gngqYBgn #Podcast #Leadership #PurposeDriven #Community #SoberJourney #MobilizeLove #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #SocialImpact #Inspiration

The latest INNOVAT3 podcast episode with Nikita Mehta is live on Spotify and YouTube! 🎙️ In our latest conversation with Nikita Mehta, we’re invited to rethink addiction—not simply as a challenge of willpower, but as a spectrum that extends far beyond substances. Nikita highlights how addictive patterns can emerge in various facets of life: from food to technology, work, and relationships. This insight is rooted in the science of dopamine, showing us that addiction isn’t a character flaw but a deeply human experience we all encounter in some form. Nikita’s thought-provoking question—What if recovery didn’t involve shame?—encourages us to imagine a world where those struggling with addiction are met with compassion and support rather than judgment. Join us for this impactful conversation as Nikita illustrates how redefining recovery can create pathways to healing that are built on empathy and inclusion. Discover a new perspective on addiction, and learn how we can all contribute to a more understanding and humane approach to recovery. Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gxbzpZ-7 Youtube: https://lnkd.in/gPk7qrSf #AddictionAwareness #CompassionateRecovery #MentalHealth #EmpathyInHealing #Innovat3

Join me in exploring inspiring stories about basketball, faith, and redemption from my time volunteering at San Quentin prison. Let me introduce you to some of the guys I have met in prison.

Here is a great article on recidivism rates in the US, why they are so high and how we can do better. https://lnkd.in/dB_UM4uu

Addiction-related treatments must be age-appropriate and targeted. Prevention strategies, workplace programs and screening protocols all need to consider age-related variations. Below are some key demographics and trends: Young Adults (18-25): - Highest risk group with 14.1% experiencing substance use disorder - 94% of people who develop substance use disorders begin using before age 25 - 39% higher emergency room visits compared to other age groups - Most commonly affected by: alcohol (28%), marijuana (23%), and stimulants (12%) Adults (26-49): - 7.3% experience substance use disorder - Most likely age group to seek professional treatment (43% of all treatment admissions) - Highest rates of prescription opioid misuse - Greatest impact on workforce productivity ($25B annual economic impact) Older Adults (50+): - 5.6% experience substance use disorder, but fastest-growing demographic - 3x increase in treatment admissions since 2000 - 70% of hospital admissions for this age group involve substance use complications - Often misdiagnosed or overlooked due to symptom overlap with age-related conditions Adolescents (12-17): - 4.1% experience substance use disorder - Vaping epidemic: 27% increase in use over past year - Earlier intervention shows 65% higher recovery success rates - Mental health co-occurrence rate of 60% Here are some things that have worked - - Early intervention increases recovery success by 60% - Age-appropriate treatment improves retention rates by 45% - Peer support groups with age-matched participants show 35% better outcomes - Integrated mental health care improves long-term success by 40% We must recognize addiction as a healthcare issue that affects all demographics. Understanding these patterns helps us create more effective support systems in our workplaces and communities. #PublicHealth #HealthcareAwareness #AddictionTreatment #WorkplaceWellness #MentalHealth #Healthcare #innovat3

Initiatives like Grover Beach are more critical than ever. As housing insecurity and homelessness continue to affect communities nationwide, creating safe, supportive environments is essential. By offering privacy, dignity, and comprehensive services, these programs empower individuals to rebuild their lives with stability and hope. At Innovat3, we believe in the power of community-driven solutions like these, which prioritize holistic support and pave the way for lasting, positive change. This is the impact our communities need now, more than ever. #CommunityFirst #Innovat3Impact #HousingSolutions

The hard truth about addiction treatment: Only 20% of people who go into rehabs find long-term sobriety. Nikita Mehta explained to us why this number is so dismally low. She was one of our guests on the INNOVAT3 podcast and she shared some of her first hand experience. She recently visited a rehab facility in San Francisco - one of the best in the city. After just five days, She could predict every element of their program. Why? Because treatment programs haven't changed in 20 years, despite having some of the world's brightest neuroscientists right there in her backyard at Stanford and Berkeley. Let's talk about the reality: Standard rehab costs about $3,000 per day. Premium programs run $60,000-$80,000 for 28 days. Those 28 days? Just enough time for substances to leave your system. After that? You're largely on your own. Here's what's broken: - Most programs stop at detox without teaching essential life skills - Aftercare is often inaccessible due to high copays ($500+) - The "rehab industrial complex" isn't incentivized to create lasting change - recidivism pays their bills Such costs put these programs firmly outside the reach of some of the most vulnerable people in California. (Bottom 10% of the families based on annual income earn less than $30,000.) The standard model isn't working. It's time for change. We need innovation that focuses on whole-person healing, including nutrition, sleep, interpersonal relationships, and relationships with oneself. Are you working on innovative solutions in addiction treatment? Let's connect. The recovery space needs fresh thinking and new approaches. #AddictionRecovery #HealthcareInnovation #MentalHealth #Recovery #Healthcare

It often starts casually with a drink to relax, celebrate, or escape a tough day. But for millions, that one drink becomes a routine… until it’s a habit that’s hard to break free from. With over 14 million Americans affected today, the impact of alcoholism reaches far beyond just those who drink—it touches lives, health, and families. That’s why INNOVAT3 is stepping up to initiate open, honest conversations about addiction and recovery. Breaking the silence is the first step toward healing, and it’s the most important step we can take together. 💪💫 Swipe to uncover Emily’s journey through alcoholism and the factors that influenced her path. Let’s make awareness the beginning of change. 🌟✨

In the 1960 U.S. presidential election, John F. Kennedy won by just 0.17% of the popular vote. But it wasn’t just numbers that made a difference—it was the young first-time voters who resonated with his call for change and believed they could make an impact. That slim margin shaped the future of the nation, proving that every vote matters. Voting is more than a right—it’s our tool for change, especially when the stakes are this high. Right now, the U.S. faces growing challenges: homelessness, addiction crises, human trafficking, and unequal access to justice. These issues affect millions of lives every day, and addressing them requires leaders who truly understand and are committed to tackling them. At Innovat3, we’re highlighting the voices, policies, and perspectives that can help make a real difference. But real change starts with your vote. By choosing leaders who prioritize solutions over politics, we can create safer, more equitable communities. Join us in shaping a future where these critical issues are addressed, not ignored. #Vote2024 #CommunityImpact #Electionday #BeTheChange #USAElections