Fostering Voices Podcast

Foster Arizona
Fostering Voices Podcast Podcast

A Foster Arizona podcast featuring Authentic Conversations with Real People talking all things Foster Care and beyond. Hosted by Kim and Brian Vehon.

  1. 13 AUG

    How Art Helps Build Resilience

    Summary: In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the concept of building resilience, particularly in children. We often hear about the importance of resilience, but what does it really mean? And more importantly, how can we help our kids develop this crucial skill? Resilience isn’t just about surviving challenges—it’s about learning to bounce back and thrive in the face of adversity. While there are many ways to nurture resilience, today, we’re focusing on a powerful and perhaps unexpected tool: art. Art can be a transformative medium for children, offering them a way to process emotions, express themselves, and find healing. To explore this topic further, we’re excited to welcome Matt Sandoval, the Executive Director of Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona. This incredible local nonprofit is dedicated to providing trauma-informed programs that connect the community to the healing power of the arts. Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our discussion, and we’re grateful to have him with us as we explore how art can be a successful tool in building resilience in children. Resource Links: Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona - Free Arts Video: 3 Art Therapy Activities to Boost Resilience Made from Dollar Tree Materials  3 Art Therapy Activities to Boost Resilience Made from Dollar Tree Materials BOOK - I Can do Hard Things - Mindful Affirmations for Kids I Can Do Hard Things: Mindful Affirmations for Kids: Garcia, Gabi, Russell, Charity: 9780998958088 Resilience Guide for Parents and Teachers  Resilience guide for parents and teachers Connect with us! Email: info@fosteraz.org Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

    42 min
  2. 9 JUL

    Vacation Planning & Tips - Vehon Style

    Summary: As summer blazes in Arizona, we’re constantly on the move, seeking cooler escapes to preserve our sanity. Traveling with a family of nine is no small feat, and we’ve gathered a treasure trove of tips and tricks to make it smoother. In this episode, we dive into Intentional Travel. Fresh from a recent timeshare presentation, we discuss the joys and challenges of discovering new experiences together and the importance of adventure in our family. We’ll share our favorite adventures and how we align them with our family goals. Next, in The Planning Behind the Fun, we break down the essentials of gearing up for family trips. From our favorite Shacke Paks to specific bags for medications, bug spray, sunscreen, and more, we cover it all. Learn how we manage kid bags, hygiene kits, and day bags to keep everyone organized. We’ll also share tips on cooler prep, using Stasher Bags and Mason Jars, and our go-to kitchen bucket. Our clothing plan includes an emergency washing kit and a portable clothing rack, plus how to plan laundry stops on the road. We’ll guide you through planning the fun with tools like the Road Tripper app and Google Docs for seamless travel details. Lastly, we touch on the essentials of permits, advance tickets, seasonal activities, and international travel tips. And when things don’t go as planned, we’ll share our go-to interventions to keep the fun alive. Join us for an insightful episode packed with practical advice for memorable family travels! Resource Links: Shacke Pak!: Shacke 5 Set Packing Cubes for Travel Lightweight Luggage Organizer (Precious Pink) Wise Owl Towel: Amazon.com : Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Towel - Camping Accessories, Quick Dry Microfiber Towel for Travel, Hiking, Yoga, Workout, and Backpacking, Blue Stasher Bags: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Stasher/page/72A85B6D-96FA-4F49-9D3D-156FABEC9DB6?ref_=ast_bln&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto Portable Camping Kitchen Organizer: Portable Camping Kitchen Utensil Set-27 Piece Cookware Kit, Stainless Steel Outdoor Cooking and Grilling Utensil Organizer Travel Set Perfect for Travel, Picnics, RVs, Camping, BBQs, Parties and More Water Dispenser: Water Bottle Pump 5 Gallon Water Bottle Dispenser USB Charging Automatic Drinking Water Pump Portable Electric Water Dispenser Water Bottle Switch (White) - Amazon.com Roadtrippers app: Roadtrippers Bonus Content:  Copy of Vehon 2023 Summer Trip Itinerary and Meal List: LINK TO DOWNLOAD FROM DRIVE: Copy of Vehon 2023 Summer Trip Itinerary & Meal List.pdf Connect with us! Email: info@fosteraz.org Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

    41 min
  3. 11 JUN

    The Link Between Foster Care and Social Disparities

    Summary: In honor of June being Family Reunification Month, today's episode sheds light on a crucial yet often overlooked issue in our community: the challenges and misconceptions surrounding birth families involved in the foster care system. As foster parents, we initially held unfair biases towards these families. However, through our journey, we've learned that various factors make some families more at risk of system involvement than others. To deepen this conversation, we are thrilled to welcome Claire Louge, the Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Arizona. Claire is dedicated to strengthening families and protecting children. She is passionate about creating a supportive and welcoming community where everyone can access the resources they need. Her insights and dedication to family reunification will inspire and inform our discussion. Join us as we explore the complexities of the foster care system, challenge our preconceptions, and learn how we can all contribute to a more understanding and supportive environment for families in need. We are grateful to have Claire share her expertise and heart with us, and we hope this episode fosters greater awareness and compassion within our community. Tune in and be part of this important conversation. Resource Links: Article: Contact with Child Protective Services is pervasive but unequally distributed by race and ethnicity in large US counties | PNAS Protective Factors Framework - Center for the Study of Social Policy “Considering Yourself a Mandated Supporter” training: For Mandated Reporters - Prevent Child Abuse Arizona Community Opportunity Map Blink by Malcolm Gladwell: https://a.co/d/1zrvSxg Connect with us! Email: info@fosteraz.org Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

    39 min

About

A Foster Arizona podcast featuring Authentic Conversations with Real People talking all things Foster Care and beyond. Hosted by Kim and Brian Vehon.

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