0:00 – 1:05 – Introduction

• Steve introduces himself as co-host of the Sharpen Podcast (by Acumen).

• Explains Acumen’s mission: community and growth for entrepreneurs and CEOs.

• Introduces guest Frank Anello, co-founder and executive director of Project Worthmore (PWM), a nonprofit serving refugees.

1:07 – 2:33 – Origins of Project Worthmore

• Frank shares that PWM began in 2009 after his family sponsored a refugee family from Burma.

• They realized many refugees lived locally and needed support.

• The vision: remove barriers, provide services, and help refugees become citizens and contributing community members.

2:35 – 5:58 – Refugee Resettlement Numbers & Growth

• Refugee intake fluctuates with U.S. administrations (Obama → 100k cap, Trump → dropped to 7k, Biden → raised again, now fewer).

• Colorado traditionally resettles ~2,000 annually under Democratic administrations.

• Today, PWM serves 5–6k individuals annually, representing 30+ countries, with a staff of 45 who speak 30 languages.

• Expanded from serving primarily Burmese, Bhutanese, and Somali refugees to many more, including Syrians, Afghans, Congolese, and Ukrainians.

6:00 – 7:31 – Services and Departments

• PWM operates a dental clinic, farm, case management, English language program, and food distribution.

• Upcoming expansions: medical, behavioral health, and legal services (2026).

• Their model: listen to community needs, identify barriers, and design services accordingly.

7:32 – 10:35 – Leadership Complexity

• Leadership team is highly multicultural: members speak multiple languages (some 5–7 each).

• Frank emphasizes the challenges of managing across languages, religions, and cultural differences.

• Strategies: cultural sensitivity training, team building, and external coaching (through Acumen).

11:00 – 13:39 – Financial Model

• PWM operates like a business with multiple revenue streams:

  • Dental clinic (Medicaid, private insurance, sliding scale fees).

  • Grants (but carefully chosen to ensure sustainability).

  • Monthly donor program (“Careholder Model”).

  • Fundraisers & business partnerships.

• Diversification protects against political and economic fluctuations.

14:46 – 17:44 – Biggest Challenges

• Political changes, eviction threats, and funding shifts.

• Currently: immigration restrictions, Medicaid and food stamp cuts.

• During COVID, rather than laying off staff, PWM redeployed them to the farm and food delivery.

• Commitment to staff retention and resilience through challenges.

18:02 – 20:27 – Working with His Wife, Carolyn

• Co-founded PWM with his wife.

• Acknowledges challenges of balancing marriage and business partnership.

• Sets boundaries by treating her as a colleague during work hours.

• Reminded in church that the work is a calling, not just a job—perseverance through difficulty is essential.

21:02 – 24:33 – Community Involvement & Invitation

• Encourages business owners to visit PWM’s East Colfax location in Aurora, CO.

• Hands-on opportunities: farming alongside refugees, team-building events, supporting food and dental programs.

• Emphasizes breaking out of personal bubbles and connecting with diverse neighbors.

24:35 – 26:20 – Leadership Lessons for Businesses

• Businesses can learn from PWM’s adaptability, multi-stream revenue, and multicultural leadership.

• Frank urges leaders to engage with refugee-serving nonprofits to transform both community and workplace culture.

26:20 – 27:45 – Closing & Reflections

• Steve praises Frank’s perseverance and leadership growth.

• Frank affirms Acumen’s transformative impact on him as a nonprofit leader.

• Encourages both nonprofit and for-profit leaders to join supportive communities like Acumen.