Lead with Heart | Philanthropy, Nonprofit Leadership, Nonprofit Management & Fundraising

E48: Empowering Communities through Compassion: LaVal Brewer's Journey in Nonprofit Leadership

Haley Cooper | Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, Certified EmC Trainer Episode 48

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


RESOURCES

CONNECT WITH LAVAL
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:

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact.

Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com
YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser
Produced by Ideablossoms