Lotus Village Voices - The Official Podcast of Lotus House Women's Shelter

Hosted by Lotus House Women's Shelter

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Latest episode

Oct 2025

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EN-US

About the show

Lotus Village is a holistic emergency shelter for women, youth and children experiencing homelessness in Miami, FL. In this show, we amplify the voices and stories of our sheltered guests, share our trauma-informed and innovative solutions from over 15 years of shelter operations, and explore solutions to end homelessness in our country. For more information on Lotus House, visit www.lotushouse.org or follow us on social media @lotushouseshelter.

Listen to episodes

32 recent

October 15, 202517 min

32 - Operations Managers-The Backbone of Lotus House

In this episode, we hear directly from our Operations Managers-the backbone of our shelter. They see to the day-to-day operations of our facility and have firsthand experience as guests of our shelter. Listen to our star team members Theresa, Sharonee, and Irma. Please note: This interview is partly in Spanish. Want to support Lotus House? Visit lotushouse.org to learn how you can get involved. Follow us on social media @lotushouseshelter. For all volunteer opportunities, email us at volunteering@lotushouse.org . Thanks for tuning in! Host: Liz Editor: Madison McNally Cover Art & Logo: Sam Billman

July 28, 202514 min

31 - Teen Spotlight Part II

In Part II of our teen spotlight, we hear from Alvaro, an ambitious 19-year-old Lotus House alum who’s also college-bound. He reflects on his journey, highlighting the power of resilience, hard work, and staying focused, and how his dreams keep him going. Please note: This interview is entirely in Spanish. Haven’t listened to Part I yet? Go back and check out Episode 30 to hear from Shakainnah. Want to support Lotus House? Visit lotushouse.org to learn how you can get involved. Follow us on social media @lotushouseshelter. For all volunteer opportunities, email us at volunteering@lotushouse.org . Thanks for tuning in! Host: Liz Editor: Margo Hannah Cover Art & Logo: Sam Billman

July 7, 2025Episode 3017 min

30 - Teen Spotlight Part I

In this episode of Lotus Village Voices , we’re centering stories from a generation we don’t hear from often at Lotus House—our teens. First up, meet Shakainnah—a self-described happy-go-lucky teen with big dreams and a bigger sense of humor. She shares the story of a fire that led her and her mother to seek shelter, and how she turned that experience into motivation and is now heading off to college! This is part one of a two-part spotlight on youth voices. Be sure to tune in to Episode 31 to hear from Alvaro! Want to support Lotus House? Visit lotushouse.org to learn how you can get involved. Follow us on social media @lotushouseshelter. For all volunteer opportunities, email us at volunteering@lotushouse.org . Thanks for tuning in! Host: Liz Editor: Margo Hannah Cover Art & Logo: Sam Billman

May 9, 202515 min

29 - Reflections on Motherhood

In this special Mother's Day episode of Lotus Village Voices —Georgette Madison, Lotus House Guest Services Director and proud alumna—sits down with fellow alumna Kelly Michel, now Assistant Director of Operations Support at the National Women's Shelter Network. Together, they reflect on what it means to mother through uncertainty, to grow in community, and to carry both past and purpose into new chapters of life. Kelly's story offers a reminder: motherhood isn't about having it all together—it’s about presence, transformation, and love that keeps showing up. Want to support Lotus House? Visit lotushouse.org to learn how you can get involved. Follow us on social media @lotushouseshelter. For volunteer opportunities, email us at volunteering@lotushouse.org. Thanks for tuning in! Host: Georgette Madison Editor: Margo Hannah Cover Art & Logo: Sam Billman

April 18, 202513 min

28 - Investing in Children w/ James Haj, the CEO of The Children's Trust

In this episode of Lotus Village Voices , guest host Liz sits down with James Haj, CEO of The Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade, to explore how their investments are transforming the lives of children and families across our community. From funding afterschool programs and mental health services to supporting the construction of our new Children's Village, The Children’s Trust is a true partner in creating spaces of healing, learning, and opportunity at Lotus House and beyond. Want to support Lotus House? Visit lotushouse.org to learn how you can get involved. Follow us on social media @lotushouseshelter. For volunteer opportunities, email us at volunteering@lotushouse.org. Thanks for tuning in! Host: Liz Editor: Margo Hannah Cover Art & Logo: Sam Billman

March 25, 20256 min

27 - Celebrating Women's History Month

This episode we're celebrating Women’s History Month featuring inspiring perspectives from the women of Lotus House Women’s Shelter. They share what womanhood means to them, the challenges women continue to face, and their hopes for the future. Their voices remind us that history isn’t just made by famous figures—it’s shaped every day by women showing resilience, courage, and strength in their own lives. Want to support Lotus House? Learn how you can get involved by visiting lotushouse.org Follow us on all socials @lotushouseshelter Email us at volunteering@lotushouse.org for opportunities to make a difference. Thanks for listening! Host: Niyah Editor: Margo Hannah Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman

February 17, 202510 min

26 - All About Love

In this special Valentine’s Day episode of Lotus Village Voices , hosts Salleth and Niyah explore the meaning of love in all its forms. Through heartfelt reflections from the women and children at Lotus House, we celebrate connection, kindness, and the people who make life special. But love isn’t just about romance—it’s a transformative force. In honor of Black History Month, we pay tribute to the powerful legacy of bell hooks, a visionary thinker whose work redefined love as an intentional practice rooted in care, respect, and justice. Join us for an episode filled with wisdom, warmth, and reflections on how love shapes our lives and communities. Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1e Volunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/ All other inquiries email: love@lotushouse.org Website: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Salleth and Niyah Editor: Margo Hannah Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman

January 17, 20259 min

25 - 2024 Recap at Lotus Village

In this special 2024 recap episode, we reflect on the incredible milestones, touching personal stories, and community-driven impact that shaped the year at Lotus House. Hear from dedicated staff, celebrate our accomplishments, and honor the resilience of the guests we serve. Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1e Volunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/ All other inquiries email: love@lotushouse.org Website: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Salleth and Niyah Editor: Margo Hannah Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman

November 29, 20246 min

24 - Thanksgiving 2024

In this heartwarming Thanksgiving episode of Lotus Village Voices , we sat down with some of the incredible women and children at Lotus House to reflect on gratitude. Tune in to hear what they’re thankful for this season. It’s that time of year again! Help us make this holiday season special for our families: Shop our Holiday Toy Wishlist : Browse the fun here! Amazon Wishlist : Pick a gift and send some love! Sponsor a Child’s Holiday Wishlist : Make their holiday wishes come true! Help Create Gift Bags for Women : Shop our gift bag wishlist! To volunteer for the holidays or in general: volunteering@lotushouse.org All other inquiries: love@lotushouse.org Website: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter

October 15, 202416 min

23 - Hispanic Heritage Month

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, this special episode of Lotus Village Voices features two inspiring Latina alumni who share their personal experiences as well as what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them. Please note: Around 3:15, you may hear some thunder in the background, but don’t worry—it only adds to the atmosphere of this heartfelt conversation. Tune in now to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us! Urgent needs wishlist: https://a.co/a9JvJ1e Volunteer sign-up: https://lotushouse.org/volunteer/ All other inquiries email: love@lotushouse.org Website: www.lotushouse.org Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @lotushouseshelter Host: Salleth Editor: Margo Hannah Producer: Grettel Jiménez-Singer Cover Art and Logo: Sam Billman