Every Child Belongs

Kim Botto

Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids and student ministries.

  1. 2d ago

    You Don't Have to Do It Like Everyone Else

    What if the goal isn't helping someone with a disability do things like everyone else, but helping them discover how they were uniquely created to do them? Becke Medina was born with TAR syndrome, a rare disability that affects both of her arms. From an early age, she learned that the world would sometimes see her limitations before seeing her. But with parents who encouraged her independence and a father who taught her, "You're trying to do it like everyone else," Becke began discovering that doing things differently didn't mean she couldn't do them. In this conversation, Kim and Becke talk about growing up with a disability, learning when to advocate and when to walk away, and why curiosity and questions are better than staring or making assumptions. Becke also shares how the Church became a place where she discovered friendship, belonging, identity, and ultimately Jesus. Now helping build disability ministry herself, Becke challenges churches to stop overcomplicating inclusion. Instead of waiting until every program, accommodation, and answer is in place, start with the people already there. Ask questions. Listen. Invite families in. And create a church where every person knows they are loved, needed, and created by God on purpose for a purpose. In this episode: How a pair of adapted scissors changed Becke's childhood Why doing something differently doesn't mean doing it wrong Helping children respond to disability with curiosity instead of fear Teaching kids how to ask questions Why churches may be overcomplicating disability ministry The difference between being accommodated and truly belonging Why people with disabilities are essential to the Body of Christ Creating a culture of love from the parking lot to the sanctuary Why every child is worthy of love "Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Utuw6V (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.

  2. Oct 15

    Beyond Children's Ministry: Making Room for Teens and Adults With Disabilities

    What happens when a child with a disability grows up? For many families, support can feel abundant during childhood and then suddenly disappear as their child moves into the teen and adult years. In this episode of Every Child Belongs, Kim Botto talks with Andrea Roseman, who has spent more than a decade building disability ministry at Lynwood Baptist Church and walking alongside teens, adults, parents, and siblings. Andrea shares how a ministry that began with one woman named Shelby grew into a thriving community serving dozens of teens and adults. She and Kim talk about helping young people transition from children's ministry into student ministry, creating genuine friendships instead of simply providing accommodations, giving adults opportunities to serve and work, and supporting parents and siblings along the way. Andrea also introduces what she calls the "second grief period," a season some parents experience when their child with a disability leaves the structure of school and adulthood begins to look different than they once imagined. She explains why employment, friendship, independence, community, and purpose matter for every person, regardless of ability. For churches wondering where to begin, Andrea offers refreshingly simple advice: start with who you already have. Care well for the people God has already entrusted to your community, listen to families, take the next step, and trust God with what comes next. "Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Utuw6V (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.

  3. Oct 1

    The Real Problem Isn't Disability. It's Isolation : Matt Mooney

    What if the greatest challenge facing people with disabilities isn't disability at all? What if it's isolation? Matt Mooney, co-founder of Ninety-Nine Balloons, believes the Church has a unique opportunity to change that story. After losing their first son, Elliott, who lived just ninety-nine days with Trisomy 18, Matt and his wife, Ginny, found themselves drawn into a community that would forever change the way they understood disability, friendship, and the Kingdom of God. Their journey eventually led them to adopt their daughter, Lena, and to launch a global movement focused on helping people move from isolation to belonging. In this conversation, Matt challenges churches to move beyond simply creating programs and instead build genuine friendships. He explains why disability isn't a problem to solve, why inclusion alone isn't enough, and how every person, regardless of ability, has gifts the Church desperately needs. Through personal stories, practical wisdom, and deep theological insight, this episode invites us to become the kind of community where no one has to experience life alone. "Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Utuw6V (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.

  4. Sep 17

    Disability Was Never God's Plan B?

    When Nadia Ibrahim Mossburg was growing up with cerebral palsy, she rarely saw someone like herself serving in the Church. That absence shaped her life, but it also became the foundation for her calling. As a disability rights advocate, federal policy expert, and author of Divinely Disabled, Nadia has spent decades fighting for accessibility while reminding the Church that policy alone cannot create belonging. Real community begins when hearts change and people with disabilities are recognized not as projects to serve, but as essential, "load-bearing" members of the Body of Christ. In this deeply personal conversation, Nadia shares her journey of living with cerebral palsy, wrestling with difficult questions about suffering and God's sovereignty, and discovering the freedom that comes from knowing she was intentionally created by God. Together, Kim and Nadia explore how churches can move beyond accessibility toward genuine belonging, why vulnerability matters, and what it looks like for every believer to contribute their God-given gifts. Get Nadia's book here: https://amzn.to/4gO37aW "Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Utuw6V (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.

  5. Sep 3

    Why Disability Ministry Isn't Really About Disability

    When churches think about disability, many immediately ask, "Do we have enough volunteers?" Jason Le Shana believes that's the wrong first question. As a pastor, researcher at Baylor University, parent of a neurodivergent son, and someone living with a disability himself, Jason brings a unique perspective to what true belonging looks like inside the local church. Drawing from Baylor's groundbreaking national research, he explains why most pastors actually want to welcome people with disabilities but often feel overwhelmed and unequipped rather than unwilling. In this conversation, Kim and Jason explore why disability isn't a problem to solve but an ordinary part of the human experience, how churches can move beyond programs to cultures of belonging, and why listening to people's stories is the first step toward meaningful inclusion. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, volunteer, parent, or church member, this episode offers practical wisdom for building communities where every person is seen, valued, and invited to belong.   Learn more about Jason here: https://disability.research.baylor.edu/person/jason-le-shana   "Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Utuw6V (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.

  6. Aug 20

    How Disability Changed My Understanding of God : Amy Julia Becker

    When Amy Julia Becker's daughter Penny was born with Down syndrome, everything she imagined about the future suddenly changed. Fear, grief, uncertainty, and love all arrived at once. In this conversation, Amy Julia shares how that unexpected diagnosis reshaped not only her understanding of disability, but also her understanding of God, belonging, friendship, and what it truly means to live a meaningful life. Together, Kim and Amy Julia discuss how churches can become places where people with disabilities are genuinely known, why friendship matters more than inclusion alone, and how every child brings unique gifts to the world. They also explore helping children discover their hopes and dreams, preparing for adulthood, and why curiosity is one of the greatest gifts we can offer. Whether you're a parent, pastor, educator, ministry leader, or simply want to better understand disability and belonging, this conversation offers practical wisdom, deep encouragement, and a fresh vision for seeing every person through the eyes of love. Find Amy Julia Becker here: https://amyjuliabecker.com/ "Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Utuw6V (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.

  7. Aug 6

    The Church's Disability Blind Spot : Abby Howard

    What if one of the largest unreached people groups in your community is hiding in plain sight? In this episode of Every Child Belongs, Kim Botto sits down with disability advocate, ministry leader, and educator Abby Howard. After a rare spinal cord stroke at age 19 left her paralyzed from the chest down, Abby's life changed overnight. What began as a devastating medical crisis eventually became a calling to help churches make the Gospel accessible to people with disabilities and their families. Today, Abby serves as a disability ministry coordinator, special education graduate, and founder of The Accessible Gospel, where she equips churches with practical tools to welcome and disciple people with disabilities. Through personal stories, ministry experience, and a deep passion for the Great Commission, Abby challenges churches to rethink what belonging truly means. Together, Kim and Abby discuss invisible disabilities, common misconceptions about disability ministry, why so many families have left churches, and how simple accommodations can create life-changing opportunities for children and adults to experience the love of Christ. Abby also shares her own journey of learning to be honest about her disability and allowing others to help carry her burdens. Whether you're a parent, pastor, volunteer, educator, or church leader, this conversation will encourage you to see disability ministry not as a specialized program, but as an essential part of making disciples and building a church where every person belongs. "Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Utuw6V (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.

  8. Jul 23

    What No One Tells Moms of Disabled Children : Kara Ryska

    What happens when motherhood looks nothing like you imagined?   In this deeply honest episode of Every Child Belongs, Kim Botto sits down with author, coach, and podcast host Kara Ryska to talk about the emotional reality of parenting children with disabilities and medical complexity. Kara shares her family's journey after her son Levi was diagnosed with brain cancer at just two years old, and how that diagnosis reshaped everything she believed about motherhood, faith, grief, community, and herself.   Kara is the founder of Pathway to Peace Coaching Community and host of the Special Needs Mom Podcast, where she helps mothers of disabled and medically complex children move from survival into healing, peace, and possibility.   Together, Kim and Kara explore the hidden grief many caregivers carry, the isolation that often follows a diagnosis, the shame around "impermissible thoughts," and the practical ways community can support families who are struggling. Kara also shares her powerful framework describing the emotional stages many special needs moms experience, from stunned survival to restoration and hope.   This conversation is raw, hopeful, validating, and deeply encouraging for parents, caregivers, church leaders, and anyone wanting to better understand the lives of families navigating disability and chronic caregiving.   "Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Utuw6V (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.

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5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids and student ministries.

Information

  • Creator
    Kim Botto
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Every Child Belongs

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