Brittaney Allen's experience in foster care made her believe that no one could love her. But a foster family said yes and eventually became her family through adoption. Now Brittaney is a foster and adoptive parent herself.
When a child in foster care must transition out of your home, (hopefully to be reunited with family) it can still be difficult for everyone involved. But we can help the children we love and set them up to thrive in their new home by creating something called a transition plan. Hallie Graves is here to share how a successful transition has helped her foster children continue to heal.
From the age of eight Kylee had children from foster care in her life and her home. Her parent's decision to make this a part of the DNA of their family had major effects on Kylee's childhood, teen years, and who she is today. Her story and experience may not be what you expect.
Even though Ligia Cushman was an adoption social worker when she adopted, she still wasn’t fully prepared for all the feelings of grief and loss that her son would experience. But over the years she has never stopped leaning in, listening, and learning. She now knows that adoption requires deep love, compassion and action. She is here to show us what love in action looks like.
If you aren't able to foster or adopt, one of the most important and impactful roles you can play is supporting someone who is. But it’s not always clear what you should do or how to best help. To help with this we sat down with our own friend and employee Allie Chandler who has been supporting us in our adoption for 3 years now. Our candid discussion will better equip you to truly help the foster and adoptive families you love.
Angela Braniff is a mother to 8 through domestic adoption, international adoption, special needs adoption, embryo adoption and birth. Angela’s passion for justice, ethics and ensuring that all children are in a safe and loving family is contagious.
Julie and Brian Mavis had been foster parents, raised bio children, and even started an amazing organization called America's Kids Belong. And as recent empty nesters, they were poised for some well deserved R&R. But the Mavis' had seen too much. So when they were confronted with the opportunity to care for an older child who had aged out of foster care, they said yes. Their "yes" changed everything.
Embo Tshimanga edured 25 plus moves, 20 schools, 6 homeless shelters, 2 women’s shelters, and 2 group homes during her time in foster care. When she aged out, she had every reason to become another statistic, yet Embo began a journey of healing that included becoming a college graduate. She is here to share her story and how we can all do better at supporting our youth in and out of foster care.
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After suffering a tragic spinal cord injury that left him in a wheelchair, Chris Norton and his wife Emily had every reason to just focus on themselves; navigating life and marriage. Instead they chose to do foster care and adoption. The Norton's have fostered 18 kids and adopted 5. Chris's story of perseverance and selflessness will inspire you to do the same.
In many countries orphaned girls are some of the most vulnerable members of society. Then, once they age out of care they are opened up to a whole new world of dangers with no family or knowledge of how to navigate life and stay safe. Our friend John Marshall saw this problem and decided to tackle it by providing a quality, free college education for these girls. You have to listen to this podcast and learn more about how Teach Her is changing lives.
Sally's journey began when she was 6 months old as she entered the foster care system. Although adopted by loving parents, her journey of abuse continued when she was sexually abused and treated terribly by family and her peers. Her own healing came when Sally adopted her daughter out of foster care and has since had to learn how to help her daughter overcome her own trauma. This beautifully tragic story of healing is a must listen.
Something you may not realize is that a large number of adoptive parents enter into adoption with trauma of their own. Jordan Tate was no exception as she experienced incredible loss before quickly entering into a domestic adoption. She is here to help us understand how we can better navigate our own pain and trauma which will allow us to more healthily help our children heal from their trauma.
This episode contains sensitive content as we discuss infant loss, miscarriage and infertility.
Our guest today, Julie Kouri, is an adoptive mom and founder of an adoption and foster care organization called Fostering Hope. In this podcast Julie shares wisdom that only comes after years of being in this field and we learn how Fostering Hope is restoring broken families.
When looking for a preschool when a child has experienced trauma you will want to consider the environment, type of care, whether state subsidies will be accepted, and many other factors, which can all be overwhelming. Enter Petra Preschool! Our guest today, Mindy Jones shares how she and her team at Petra have created a community for families in the foster system so that everyone can find the support they need to thrive.
Sometimes it can feel like the only way to help vulnerable children is by fostering or adopting, but nothing could be further from the truth. One of the most practical ways you can start getting involved is by becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate or CASA volunteer. Our guest Maddy Wellum is here to tell us about her experience with CASA and the impact it’s had on the lives of children and even more so her own.
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Jacari Harris endured an unstable home, two years in foster care, an adoption, and the death of his father. His anger, depression, and pain caused him to call the police on his adoptive parents and get kicked out of class. But through the consistency of his adoptive mother and a new found determination, Jacari has become an inspiration to foster parents and foster youth.
Visit Jacari's Website here.
What happens at the U.S. and Mexico border is complex and highly debated. But no matter your opinion it doesn't change the fact that there are vulnerable women and children living there that need help. Our guest today, Alma Ruth has fully embraced that call and is using her time and resources to support the people living in these desperate circumstances. Alma’s story and experiences will open your eyes and challenge your heart.
Susan Harness faced many complexities and challenges growing up as an American Indian transracial adoptee in the 1960’s and 70’s. From years of experiencing racism, poor U.S. policies, an abusive father, and a journey to meet her mother, Susan has become gracious and an important voice for the adoptee community.
If there is anyone out there who has advice to give it is author, TBRI Practitioner, and certified Enneagram coach Lisa Qualls. She carries with her the wisdom that comes with being a mother to 12 through birth, adoption, and foster care. But she is also well acquainted with the deep pain that accompanies being a birth mom and losing another child to unexpected tragedy. Lisa is a calm and encouraging presence for anyone who is looking for hope.
When acclaimed author Nefertiti Austin started her journey of parenting, she bravely chose a challenging path. Being a single, black, adoptive mom was not easy but the lessons she learned were invaluable. Nefertiti shares the importance of community and finding support as well as her desire for parents everywhere to connect with one another despite their different cultures and experiences.
When Ian and Brittany Bently adopted from Ethiopia, they had no idea that they would soon return to start a leather products company called Parker Clay. Through it they are empowering locals, keeping families together, and showing all of us that what we buy affects children around the world.
Monica was adopted out of foster care at the age of 5 and now she plays a vital role in her family. Monica has been a foster sister to over 300 hundred kids. She has been able to show each child coming through their home that she understands what they are going through and that she is always going to be there for them.
It's been almost four years since we had the privilege of telling the powerful story of a birth mom and adoptive family. This film has been viewed almost 2 million times and has impacted thousands of lives, but there is more to this story. Four years later so much has changed and there is still so much to learn.
Patty, her sister Angelica, and their two other siblings didn't want to be adopted out of foster care. But faced with a difficult choice that could separate the group, they decided that permanently joining another family was the best option. Patty and Angelica share their struggles, their joys, and how healing is possible even in the face of really difficult circumstances.