Catalysts

How can we make progress on a problem as huge and seemingly intractable as poverty? How can we not? There is no silver bullet to eradicating poverty, but all across the country, a diverse array of social entrepreneurs are doing their part to take on this monumental challenge, building amazing organizations that are having a real impact in their communities. Catalysts, a Freethink original series presented by Stand Together, will take viewers to the frontlines of the fight against poverty to understand the challenges we face and meet the people behind some of the most innovative solutions to this complicated issue.

Catalysts Grid

Introducing Catalysts

Introducing Catalysts

Introducing Catalysts

It’s time to change how we make change. Join us as we meet inspiring social entrepreneurs who are exploring bold new solutions to big social problems.

February 19, 2019

How can we make progress on a problem as huge and seemingly intractable as poverty? How can we not? There is no silver bullet to eradicating poverty, but all across the country, a diverse array of social entrepreneurs are doing their part to take on this monumental challenge, building amazing organizations that are having a real impact in their communities. Catalysts, a Freethink original series presented by Stand Together,...

Business Boot Camp for Low-Income Entrepreneurs

entrepreneurs courses

Business Boot Camp for Low-Income Entrepreneurs

By developing the skills of entrepreneurs in low-income communities, this nonprofit is empowering people to generate sustainable income and become a force for economic growth in their neighborhoods.

By Jennifer Greil

May 20, 2020

By developing the skills of entrepreneurs in low-income communities, this nonprofit is empowering people to generate sustainable income and become a force for economic growth in their neighborhoods.

Staying Sober in Quarantine

Staying Sober in Quarantine

Staying Sober in Quarantine

Isolation can be especially difficult for recovering addicts, so this sober active community is hosting virtual fitness classes for free.

By Laura Howd

April 23, 2020

Isolation can be especially difficult for recovering addicts, so this sober active community is hosting virtual fitness classes for free.

Learning to Code in Prison

life after prison

Learning to Code in Prison

This progressive organization is on a mission to break the cycle of recidivism, using coding. Incarcerated individuals can now spend their sentences acquiring marketable skills.

April 8, 2020

This progressive organization is on a mission to break the cycle of recidivism, using coding. Incarcerated individuals can now spend their sentences acquiring marketable skills.

Open Source Textbooks Save Students $1 Billion

Open Source Textbooks Save Students $1 Billion

Many college students’ ability to realize their full potential is hampered by insurmountable expenses, so OpenStax is turning the tide by providing access to free textbooks.

By Doug Dais

March 23, 2020

Many college students’ ability to realize their full potential is hampered by insurmountable expenses, so OpenStax is turning the tide by providing access to free textbooks.

3D Printed Homes for the Homeless

3d printed homes for the homeless

3D Printed Homes for the Homeless

This 51-acre neighborhood for the homeless will be the first of its kind in the U.S. to have 3D printed homes.

March 6, 2020

This 51-acre neighborhood for the homeless will be the first of its kind in the U.S. to have 3D printed homes.

How Urban Farming Saved a Dallas Community

How Urban Farming Saved a Dallas Community

In the impoverished community of Bonton, it takes a three-hour bus ride just to reach the nearest grocery store. But the neighborhood is now home to one of the largest urban farms in the US - offering jobs, nutrition programs, and more.

February 5, 2020

In the impoverished community of Bonton, it takes a three-hour bus ride just to reach the nearest grocery store. But the neighborhood is now home to one of the largest urban farms in the US - offering jobs, nutrition programs, and more.

Turning a Construction Site Into a Classroom

internship for high school students

Turning a Construction Site Into a Classroom

unCommon Construction offers a unique alternative to your typical internship for high school students. Their program turns build sites into real-world classrooms where interns learn the soft skills they’ll need to succeed in the workforce.

January 29, 2020

unCommon Construction offers a unique alternative to your typical internship for high school students. Their program turns build sites into real-world classrooms where interns learn the soft skills they’ll need to succeed in the workforce.

Earning College Degrees In Prison

prison education

Earning College Degrees In Prison

In the midst of his prison sentence for murder, Sean Pica helped found Hudson Link - an organization dedicated to reducing recidivism and improving lives through higher education.

January 21, 2020

In the midst of his prison sentence for murder, Sean Pica helped found Hudson Link - an organization dedicated to reducing recidivism and improving lives through higher education.

Rethinking Addiction Recovery With Fitness

addiction recovery

Rethinking Addiction Recovery With Fitness

As drug overdose deaths climb higher, this gym is challenging the thinking behind traditional models for addiction recovery services with free memberships open to anyone sober for at least 48 hours.

January 8, 2020

As drug overdose deaths climb higher, this gym is challenging the thinking behind traditional models for addiction recovery services with free memberships open to anyone sober for at least 48 hours.

The Mental Health Movement for Chicago’s Inner City Youth

mental health for chicago youth

The Mental Health Movement for Chicago’s Inner City Youth

A remarkable transformation is taking place in several inner-city Chicago schools, and it's resulting in fewer gangs, drugs, and homicides. Could this new model of group therapy be the cause, and is it scalable?

November 13, 2019

A remarkable transformation is taking place in several inner-city Chicago schools, and it's resulting in fewer gangs, drugs, and homicides. Could this new model of group therapy be the cause, and is it scalable?

Women Supporting Women to Overcome the Trauma of Abuse

Women Supporting Women to Overcome the Trauma of Abuse

Women Supporting Women to Overcome the Trauma of Abuse

When domestic violence survivors share their stories, they feel empowered and find their voice. At Leap to Success, women have the opportunity to do both, forming a clear path to healing from the trauma of abuse.

October 23, 2019

When domestic violence survivors share their stories, they feel empowered and find their voice. At Leap to Success, women have the opportunity to do both, forming a clear path to healing from the trauma of abuse.

Investing in Families to Escape Poverty

Investing in Families to Escape Poverty

Investing in Families to Escape Poverty

The greatest investment of all may be in people’s strengths and initiative. This nonprofit is doing just that, and it’s working.

October 2, 2019

The greatest investment of all may be in people’s strengths and initiative. This nonprofit is doing just that, and it’s working.

OGU: Original Gangsters United Ending Gang Violence

Can Former Bloods and Crips Unite to Break the Cycle of Violence?

OGU: Original Gangsters United Ending Gang Violence

For the children of Dallas, these ex gang leaders may be their only chance.

September 10, 2019

What do you get when former Bloods and Crips gang leaders come together? Original Gangsters United, a pathway to ending gang opposition, promoting peace, and saving younger generations from senseless violence. Antong Lucky is a former Bloods gang leader in Dallas, Texas. Like most children, Antong never aspired to be a part of a gang or to end up in prison. But sadly, many communities affected by peer pressure and gang violence leave kids with no choice. When Antong left prison, he began working to bring opposing Dallas gang leaders together to put an end to gang violence. And it worked.

A School Made for Homeless Children

A School Made for Homeless Children

A School Made for Homeless Children

When a child faces chaos at home, it's impossible to learn. This school is doing whatever it takes to help homeless students and their families create better lives.

August 28, 2019

When you think of homelessness, you typically don't picture homeless children. However, every year, approximately 2.5 million children experience homelessness. Homeless children can't learn when they don't know where their next meal is coming from, or what is waiting for them at home. They often struggle in public schools where they feel out of place, or unable to keep up because they've missed schooling in the past....

The Lost Art of Apprenticeship

The Lost Art of Apprenticeship

The Lost Art of Apprenticeship

After his dad died, he struggled in high school and ended up getting a DUI. Stuck in dead-end jobs, he responded to a nonprofit’s post for free skilled labor training - and his whole life changed.

August 14, 2019

The Master’s Apprentice is an organization that recruits young people from rough backgrounds - and gives them the skills to find quality careers in the trades. “There’s a huge gap between youth looking for an opportunity... and businesses looking for quality employees.” It’s been a problem for a long time. Urban youth without college educations find few opportunities, and often get stuck in menial jobs. On the other...

Racing out of Homelessness

Racing out of Homelessness

Racing out of Homelessness

This running club that meets at 5:45am is helping the homeless transform their lives.

July 31, 2019

It’s 5am in New York City. Most people aren’t awake yet; a few might still be up from the night before. But a group of people with a special organization is gathering for a morning run. Back on My Feet is a nonprofit community that’s helping people struggling with homelessness or recovering from drug addiction begin their journey towards self-sufficiency: employment, housing, and a sustainable income. While members might...