Cultivating a Culture of Empathy and Kindness with Brandy Jemczura

In this episode of Tell Me It Will Be Okay, I interview Brandy Jemczura of Columbus, Ohio, founder of Seeds of Caring, a nonprofit that connects children ages 2–12 (and some middle schoolers) with volunteer and activism opportunities to build empathy, kindness, and agency. We links service to anxiety support and resiliency, emphasizing four cornerstones: feeling lovable, capable, able to handle emotions, and developing a resilient self-concept. Brandy shares how Seeds of Caring grew from 285 child volunteer experiences in its first year to over 57,000 annually, now operating in Columbus and Indianapolis, and explains how programs use children’s literature, reflection, and hands-on projects to address tough topics without “othering,” using asset-framing language and reinforcing that everyone needs help sometimes. We discuss parent concerns, privilege, and how small actions can create hope and community impact. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro00:30 Action as Anxiety Relief00:55 Resiliency Cornerstones02:33 Volunteering Builds Regulation04:38 Meet Brandy Gemchura05:19 Seeds of Caring Origin Story08:22 Scaling Up and Facing Fear10:45 Why Ages Two to Twelve14:00 What Two Year Olds Do17:32 Culture of Caring Ripple Effects19:37 Winning Over Nonprofit Partners21:56 Talking Tough Topics With Kids24:02 Hope for Overwhelmed Parents25:22 Favorite Family Activities25:44 Goldfish Fairness Lesson27:43 From Empathy to Action29:11 Avoiding Othering Language32:07 Kids Growing With Service35:09 Kindness Versus Nice37:54 Privilege Into Next Steps41:02 Helpers and Mental Health43:56 Scaling to New Cities45:17 Start Small Anywhere46:58 Parents Modeling Kindness49:24 Final Wrap and ResourcesWant to know more about Seeds of Caring? Of course you do! Who wouldn't?!? Check out their website here: SeedsofCaring.orgYou can find also find them on:Facebook: Columbus, IndianaInstagram: Columbus, IndianaLinkedinYouTubeMentioned in this episode:TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The PracticeI invite you to check out TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice, a guided reflective journaling podcast for parents raising anxious kids in a worried world. This is not a list of things you’re doing wrong. This is not a bunch of one size fits all parenting advice. This is a place to remember what you already know. (And to learn some new stuff along the way.) Each session is approximately 30 minutes. I help us get grounded; share resources, inspiration, and information; and then using thoughtful prompts we journal together to move you forward in your understanding. It also includes access to our own private community. You can sign up for a free sample practice at my site: OpenBookParenting.com