We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan James and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jordan, how does your business help the community?
Good Deeds America contributes to the community and the world in several meaningful ways:
Inspiration for Positive Action: By showcasing uplifting stories of individuals and organizations making a positive impact, Good Deeds America inspires viewers to take action in their communities. The stories serve as catalysts for kindness and community service.
Amplifying Local Heroes: The platform actively seeks out and highlights local heroes, individuals who are making a significant difference in their communities. This recognition not only celebrates their efforts but also inspires others to recognize and celebrate the everyday heroes in their midst.
Fostering a Sense of Community: Good Deeds America creates a virtual community where people can share their stories, ideas, and initiatives. This fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among viewers, promoting a community spirit that transcends geographical boundaries.
Encouraging Volunteerism: Through the stories and engagement initiatives, Good Deeds America encourages viewers to get involved in volunteer work and community service. The platform believes in the power of active participation to create positive change.
Supporting Charitable Initiatives: Good Deeds America acts as a megaphone for charitable initiatives and community projects. By featuring these efforts, it provides increased visibility and support, helping these projects thrive and achieve their goals.
Promoting Inclusivity: The platform actively promotes diversity and inclusivity by featuring stories from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and understanding within the community.
Connecting Businesses with Causes: Good Deeds America facilitates partnerships between businesses and community causes, creating a symbiotic relationship where businesses can contribute to local initiatives, and communities can benefit from additional support and resources.
Creating a Culture of Compassion: Through storytelling, Good Deeds America aims to contribute to a cultural shift where compassion becomes a guiding principle. It celebrates kindness, empathy, and community support as essential values.
In essence, Good Deeds America is more than just a show; it’s a movement that strives to create a positive ripple effect, encouraging viewers to engage actively in acts of goodness and community building. I believe that, collectively, these efforts contribute to making the world a better and more compassionate place.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Yes, I actually founded Good Deeds Buffalo after the untimely passing of my mother, Margie, in 2019, Good Deeds Buffalo emerged as a positive response to my grief. My mother Margie’s selfless organ donation restored sight to two people and aided countless burn victims, but also inspired the creation of a talk show that would showcase the kindness she cherished. Born from a shared passion for benevolence, the show became a tribute to Margie’s legacy of giving back, a legacy rooted in our shared commitment to compassion.
Our mission is to spotlight everyday citizens who, without seeking personal gain, become beacons of hope by selflessly impacting their community. From artists bringing joy to cancer patients to human rights activists protecting vulnerable communities, our guests embody the essence of generosity.
In May 2021, I hosted the first episode of Good Deeds Buffalo, turning tragedy into a force for good. At 28, I wear multiple hats—community and LGBTQ+ activist, founder of Blood is Blood, and advocate for non-discriminatory blood donation policies. Faced with the denial of my own blood donation due to my sexuality, Blood is Blood emerged, leading to significant policy changes by the FDA.
Through the “Blood is Blood” – Gay Alliance Blood Drives, we’ve saved over 1,000 lives. Beyond this, I actively participate in LGBTQ+ charity events, emcee charity functions, and support causes like Variety Kids Telethon and Clarence Bark in the Park.
Amidst quarantine, I also ventured into TikTok, creating a space for LGBTQIA+ individuals to express themselves freely gaining well over 20,000 followers!
With the support of fans, friends and family our show has now expanded to Good Deeds America and we are so very excited to see what is in store for 2024 as we explore America’s Good Deeds!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Exploring the Waterfront and Art Scene
Morning: Start with a hearty breakfast at Five Points Bakery.
Late Morning: Visit Canalside for a stroll along the waterfront.
Afternoon: Head to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery to explore contemporary art.
Evening: Dinner at The Black Sheep, known for its inventive dishes.
Day 2: A Taste of Buffalo’s Cuisine
Morning: Breakfast at the iconic Anchor Bar, home of the original Buffalo wings.
Late Morning: Explore Elmwood Village for boutique shopping.
Afternoon: Stop by Ted’s Hot Dogs for a classic Buffalo hot dog.
Evening: Dinner at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que for mouthwatering BBQ.
Day 3: History and Architecture
Morning: Visit the Buffalo History Museum to delve into the city’s past.
Late Morning: Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House.
Afternoon: Lunch at Founding Fathers, a pub with historical charm.
Evening: Explore the Allentown district for its vibrant nightlife.
Day 4: Nature and Relaxation
Morning: Enjoy breakfast at Betty’s.
Late Morning: Head to Delaware Park for a leisurely walk.
Afternoon: Lunch at Parkside Meadow, a gastropub near the park.
Evening: Take a sunset cruise on Lake Erie.
Day 5: Sports and Entertainment
Morning: Visit the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park.
Late Morning: Explore Canalside and have lunch at Liberty Hound.
Afternoon: Catch a Buffalo Bills game or a Buffalo Sabres hockey match.
Evening: Dinner at Big Ditch Brewing Company.
Day 6: Niagara Falls Excursion
Full Day: Take a day trip to Niagara Falls. Explore the falls, Maid of the Mist, and surrounding attractions.
Evening: Return to Buffalo for dinner at The Left Bank.
Day 7: Cultural Farewell
Morning: Breakfast at Break’n Eggs Creperie.
Late Morning: Visit the Buffalo Zoo.
Afternoon: Lunch at La Nova Pizzeria.
Evening: Farewell dinner at Oliver’s Restaurant, known for its fine dining.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A heartfelt and personal shout-out to the incredible John Di Sciullo, who was an unwavering force behind my journey. When life dimmed my light, John didn’t just dust off the surface – he delved deep, reigniting a radiant flame within me. Mentoring me, Both professionally and personally. John’s father figure beaming through his investment goes beyond the norm – from driving around together, and scouting locations for various projects, to offering invaluable advice, What sets John apart is not just his guidance but his unwavering belief. In a world where naysayers can be loud, he stood as a beacon of positivity.
Not once did he utter the words “you can’t.” Instead, his mantra has always been, “The best is yet to come.” And in those words, he instilled confidence and optimism that became the driving force behind my new endeavors.
John, you’re not just a mentor and colleague; you’re a friend who sees potential where others might not. Your encouragement, support, and belief in my capabilities have been a cornerstone of my journey. Here’s to the person who goes beyond the TV, shaping not just careers but lives.
Website: gooddeedsamerica.tv
Instagram: jordanjamesny_
Twitter: JordanJamesNY
Facebook: JordanJamesNY
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodDeedsAmerica
Other: Instagram: @GoodDeedsAmerica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodDeedsAmerica X/Twitter: @GoodDeedsAmeric Tikok Show: @gooddeedsamerica TikTok Personal: @jordanjamesny
Image Credits
Drew Barrymore Show Good Deeds Buffalo Jordan James WBBZ-TV