<p>In this episode of <em>Beyond Rockets</em>, Clark sits down with Erica Hardesty<strong>, </strong>Founder &amp; Executive Director of <em>Make It Matter Collective</em> and Owner of <em>Noella’s Flowers</em>, to explore how one idea, one flower truck, and one leap of faith turned into a movement changing the lives of young people aging out of foster care.</p><p><br /></p><p>Erica shares her journey from social work to launching a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring teens ages 13–19, providing stability, life skills, and real pathways to adulthood. She also opens up about building Noella’s Flowers—from a vintage truck to a thriving storefront—and how it fuels job opportunities and funding for Make It Matter.</p><p><br /></p><p>The conversation dives into:</p><ul><li><p>What it <em>really</em> looks like for teens aging out of foster care in Alabama</p></li><li><p>How Make It Matter is partnering with Huntsville City Schools</p></li><li><p>The vision behind the <strong>614 Initiative</strong>, a $7.5M housing project designed to provide safe, supportive transitional living</p></li><li><p>The role of mentorship, community, and faith in building long-term change</p></li><li><p>What anyone with a dream or idea should do next</p></li></ul><p>Whether you're interested in social impact, entrepreneurship, community building, or Huntsville’s growing nonprofit landscape, this episode will absolutely inspire you.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.makeitmattercollective.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.makeitmattercollective.com</a></p><p><br /></p><p>Sponsored by Yellowhammer Brewing — learn more at <a href="yellowhammerbrewery.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">yellowhammerbrewery.com</a>.</p>