All Things Foster: A place for Coffee, Connection, and Community

Matt Darrah: Executive Director Panhandle Orphan Care Network
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  • Kids & Family
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All Things Foster is a place for foster families to learn about resources that are available to them, as well as a place to have community and connection through this difficult calling.

  1. 5d ago

    Trauma vs Stress: Breaking Down the Differences

    🎙️ THE TRAUMA SERIES IS BACK Last year, we released a special series on trauma—and the conversations were simply too valuable not to share again. Over the next several episodes, we’re revisiting the All Things Foster Trauma Series, taking a deeper look at trauma, how it affects the brain and body, and what foster and adoptive families can learn to better understand the children in their care. In this episode, Matt Darrah sits down with Hannah to start with an important question: What’s the difference between stress and trauma? They break down topics including: • Acute vs. chronic stress • Positive stress vs. distress • Big “T” and little “t” trauma • Why trauma can look different from person to person • Fight, flight, freeze, and the often-overlooked fawn response • How trauma and chronic stress can affect the body • Why safe, stable, consistent adults matter • The importance of becoming trauma-informed • Why seeking support for stress and trauma should be normalized One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that trauma isn’t always one dramatic, easily identifiable event. Our experiences—and how we perceive and respond to them—matter. And throughout this series, we want families to remember one important message: there is hope. Healing is possible, and understanding trauma can help us better support the children and families we love. ☕ All Things Foster is a place for coffee, connection, and community. ❤️ THANK YOU TO OUR EPISODE SPONSOR: DESIGNS BY NOTEWORTHY Designs by Noteworthy is an Amarillo-based creative marketing studio helping local businesses grow through thoughtful, personalized branding, social media, and marketing strategies. 📞 (806) 881-4325 📧 orders@designsbynoteworthy.com 🌐 designsbynoteworthy.com 💙 CONNECT WITH PANHANDLE ORPHAN CARE NETWORK Want to learn more about POCN, our Placement Package Program, or ways you can support children and families in foster and kinship care across the Texas Panhandle? 🌐 www.panhandleorphan.org If you heard this series when it originally aired, we invite you to listen again. If you missed it the first time, now is the perfect time to join us. The Trauma Series is back. Let’s keep learning together.

  2. Sep 22

    Single, Not Alone: Saying Yes to Foster Care | Part 2

    Single, Not Alone: Saying Yes to Foster Care | Part 2In Part 2 of our conversation with Abby and Ashlynn, we go deeper into what it really looks like to foster as a single mom—the community it takes, the heartbreak that comes with loving children well, and why saying yes is still worth it. Abby and Ashlynn share honestly about the support systems they’ve built around themselves and their children. They talk about the importance of having people who understand foster care, show up when things get difficult, help with meals and childcare, and simply stay when life gets messy. We also talk about one of the hardest parts of foster care: loving a child deeply while knowing you may have to say goodbye. Abby shares the heartbreak of saying goodbye to children she loved as her own and how those experiences changed her forever. Together, Abby and Ashlynn challenge one of the phrases foster parents hear so often: “I could never foster because I would love them too much.” Their response? That’s exactly the kind of love these kids need. In this episode, we discuss: Why being a single foster parent doesn’t mean fostering aloneBuilding a community that truly understands foster carePractical ways others can support foster familiesParenting children whose behaviors are rooted in traumaSupporting biological families and reunificationThe grief that can come when a placement endsWhy loving a child “too much” is never a reason not to fosterKnowing when a placement may not be the right fitWhy you don’t have to foster to make a differenceThe importance of saying yes even when the future is uncertainHow placement packages provide more than “stuff”—they provide support, dignity, comfort, and hopeWhy foster care is ultimately kingdom workWhether you're considering becoming a foster parent, supporting someone who already fosters, or simply wondering how you can make a difference, Abby and Ashlynn offer an honest reminder: not everyone is called to foster, but everyone can do something. Episode SponsorA special thank you to Dr. Robin Ure and Power Within Chiropractic for sponsoring this episode and supporting the mission of Panhandle Orphan Care Network. Power Within Chiropractic offers a gentle, precise approach to chiropractic care using the Activator Method, helping patients address back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, joint pain, mobility issues, and overall wellness. Learn more: https://powerwithinamarillo.com/ Connect with Panhandle Orphan Care NetworkLearn more about how you can support children in foster care, foster families, and kinship families throughout the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle: https://www.panhandleorphan.org/ 🎙️ All Things Foster A place for coffee, connection, and community. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share so more people can join the conversation about foster care and discover how they can make a difference.

  3. Sep 15

    Single, Not Alone: Saying Yes to Foster Care | Part 1

    Single, Not Alone: Saying Yes to Foster Care | Part 1What does it really look like to say yes to foster care as a single mom? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Matt sits down with Abby and Ashlynn, two single foster moms who share the very real highs, heartbreaks, challenges, and unexpected blessings that come with opening their homes to children in foster care. They talk about where their desire to foster began, receiving those first placement calls, suddenly becoming parents overnight, and learning that being a single foster parent doesn't mean doing foster care alone. Abby shares what it was like to say yes to a sibling group of three for her very first placement, while Ashlynn talks about becoming a foster mom at just 21 years old and eventually saying yes to caring for a teenager. They also get candid about the parts of foster care people don't always see—the sleepless nights, navigating trauma and behaviors, advocating for children at school, saying goodbye, supporting biological families, and building a community of people who truly understand. One message comes through loud and clear: There's a difference between doing foster care single and doing foster care alone. In this episode: Why Abby and Ashlynn chose to foster as single womenTheir first placement experiencesThe importance of keeping siblings together when possibleWhy foster parenting requires a strong support systemHow trauma can affect children of every age—even babiesBuilding a community of single foster momsWays people can support foster families without becoming foster parentsThe heartbreak of loving a child and having to say goodbyeWhy reunification support mattersWhat they would tell someone who says, “I could never foster because I'd love them too much”Their advice for other single adults considering foster careEpisode SponsorA special thank you to Dr. Robin Ure with Power Within Chiropractic for sponsoring this episode and for supporting Panhandle Orphan Care Network and the families we serve. Power Within Chiropractic offers a gentle, precise approach to chiropractic care using the Activator Method, without aggressive twisting or cracking. Learn more about Power Within Chiropractic: https://powerwithinamarillo.com/ Connect with Panhandle Orphan Care NetworkLearn more about our work supporting children and families throughout the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle: https://www.panhandleorphan.org/ ☕ All Things Foster — a place for coffee, connection, and community. Don't miss Part 2 of Abby and Ashlynn's story!

  4. Sep 8

    WIC: The Foster Care Resource You Might Be Missing

    WIC: The Foster Care Resource You Might Be MissingWhat exactly is WIC—and did you know children in foster care may qualify regardless of their foster family's income? In this episode of All Things Foster, host Matt Darrah sits down with Shantel Elser, who has worked with WIC for 35 years, to unpack a resource that many foster and kinship families may not realize is available to them. WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children, but the program goes far beyond helping families purchase food and formula. Shantel explains how WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, referrals, resources, and age-specific nutritional benefits for children up to age five. For foster families, one of the biggest takeaways is simple: bring your placement papers! When DFPS is the managing conservator, a foster child can qualify financially for WIC without the foster family's household income being considered. Shantel walks Matt through what families need to bring, how to make an appointment, and why contacting WIC as soon as a child is placed can make the process much easier—especially when an infant requires formula. In this episode:• What WIC is and what the program provides • How WIC differs from other food assistance programs • Why foster children may qualify regardless of foster-family income • What foster parents should bring to their first WIC appointment • How WIC can help with infant formula, including specialty formulas • Why families should mention specialty formula needs when scheduling • Nutrition education and breastfeeding support available through WIC • How the MyWIC app can make shopping easier • What happens to WIC benefits when a child changes placements • Why foster parents should contact WIC as soon as possible after receiving a placement • Resources and referrals available beyond food assistance Whether you're a foster parent, kinship caregiver, caseworker, or someone supporting families involved in foster care, this episode is packed with practical information worth sharing. WIC ResourcesLearn more about the City of Amarillo WIC program and available services: https://www.amarillo.gov/wic/ As Shantel emphasizes in the episode, if you're unsure whether you or a child in your care qualifies, reach out and ask. Don't assume you aren't eligible. Thank You to Our Episode SponsorA huge thank you to Pullman Diesel Truck Service & Repair for sponsoring this episode and for supporting Panhandle Orphan Care Network and children and families across the Texas Panhandle. 📍 2600 Pullman Rd, Amarillo, TX 79118 📞 (806) 335-1311 When you depend on your diesel truck to get the job done, you need people you can depend on to keep it running. We're grateful for local businesses like Pullman Diesel that not only serve our community but invest back into it. About Panhandle Orphan Care NetworkPanhandle Orphan Care Network works to support children and families impacted by foster care throughout the Texas Panhandle through placement packages, resources, community partnerships, and more. Learn more, get involved, volunteer, or support our mission: https://www.panhandleorphan.org/ ☕ All Things Foster — a place for coffee, connection, and community. Be sure to like, subscribe, comment, and share this episode with a foster or kinship family who may not know these resources are available.

  5. Sep 1

    Family Is Determined by Who Stays

    Family is Determined by Who Stays | Chrissa BowlesWhat makes a family? Sometimes it’s biology. Sometimes it’s kinship, foster care, or adoption. And sometimes, as Chrissa Bowles says, “Family isn’t always determined by how a child comes into your life. Sometimes it’s determined by who stays.” In this episode of All Things Foster, Matt Darrah sits down with Chrissa Bowles for an honest conversation about motherhood, kinship care, adoption, and what it really means to say “yes” to a child who needs someone. Chrissa became a mom at 17, but she never imagined where motherhood would eventually take her. Years later, an unexpectedly quiet house led her toward foster parenting. Before she could even finish the process, she was asked to take in a two-and-a-half-month-old baby boy who would eventually become her son through adoption. Years later, another unexpected message changed her family again when she brought home a three-day-old baby girl through a CPS kinship placement. This time, Chrissa experienced the difference a supportive community can make, including receiving a Placement Package from Panhandle Orphan Care Network. Chrissa also shares an important perspective for anyone considering foster or kinship care: the decision affects the entire family. From biological and adult children to spouses, everyone needs a voice and an understanding of the realities that can come with opening your home. This conversation goes beyond the beautiful adoption-day pictures. It’s about paperwork, appointments, uncertainty, sacrifice, changing family dynamics, accepting help, and continuing to show up. In This EpisodeChrissa’s journey from teenage motherhood to adoptionKinship care and unexpected placementsBringing home a baby with little preparationThe difference community support can makeReceiving a POCN Placement PackageHow foster care and adoption affect the entire familyWhy communication with your children mattersThe realities behind adoption-day picturesLearning to accept helpWhy family can be determined by who staysConnect with ChrissaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrissa.bowles Panhandle Orphan Care NetworkLearn more, get involved, or donate: https://www.panhandleorphan.org/ Episode Sponsor: Classic CleaningA special thank you to Classic Cleaning and Shauna and her team for supporting All Things Foster and Panhandle Orphan Care Network. Learn more: https://classiccleaning101.com/ Classic Cleaning — You can’t beat a classic. ☕ All Things Foster — a place for coffee, connection, and community. Hosted by Matt Darrah, Executive Director of Panhandle Orphan Care Network and Host of All Things Foster. Like, subscribe, and share this episode!

  6. Aug 25

    Proving You're Going to Stay

    Miranda’s Foster Care Story: Proving You're Going to StayWhat does it really look like to open your home to teenagers in foster care? In this episode of All Things Foster, we sit down with Miranda to hear her family’s journey from considering foster care to welcoming three siblings into their home and ultimately becoming a forever family. Miranda and her husband didn’t enter foster care looking for babies or young children. From the beginning, they felt drawn to teenagers—kids who needed someone in the stands at their games, someone to encourage them, and most importantly, someone who would keep showing up. Miranda shares what it was like welcoming their oldest son home after he had spent nearly two years separated from his sisters, including time in a residential treatment center. She remembers how uncertain those first days were—and how something as simple as picking him up from school became an opportunity to build trust. On his first day, he called repeatedly just to make sure she would actually be there. As Miranda puts it, “They’re not proving anything to you. You’re proving to them that you’re gonna stay.” We also talk honestly about the realities of foster parenting: navigating licensing and paperwork, learning how trauma can present itself, balancing four kids at four different schools, supporting extracurricular activities, protecting a marriage through difficult seasons, and learning that sometimes what adults label as a “behavior” may actually be fear. Throughout their journey, Miranda and her husband made it a priority to let their kids simply be teenagers. Their pictures went on the walls. Friends came over. They participated in sports, took family trips, celebrated birthdays, ate dinner together, and built traditions. Foster care wasn't meant to become their identity—family was. In this episode:Why Miranda and her husband chose to foster teenagersWelcoming a teen home from an RTCReuniting siblings who had been separatedHelping teens experience a sense of normalcyWhy consistency matters when building trustThe difference between trauma responses and typical teenage behaviorNavigating foster care paperwork, appointments, and regulationsSupporting teens through sports, friendships, school, and milestonesHow foster care challenged and strengthened Miranda’s marriage and faithTheir two-year journey toward adoptionMiranda’s encouragement for families who are considering fosteringIf foster care has been on your heart, Miranda has one simple encouragement: stop waiting for everything to be perfect. Your home, finances, and life don't have to be perfect to make a difference. Episode SponsorThis episode of All Things Foster is sponsored by HVAC MD, providing residential and commercial heating and air conditioning services throughout the Texas Panhandle. HVAC MD has also been a generous supporter of Panhandle Orphan Care Network and the foster families we serve. Learn more or schedule service: https://hvacmdtx.com/ Connect with Panhandle Orphan Care NetworkLearn more about foster care, supporting foster families, and getting involved with POCN at https://panhandleorphan.org/. All Things Foster is a place for coffee, connection, and community as we share real stories from the foster care community. :::

  7. Aug 18

    I Could Never Foster... Until I Did with Heather Cook

    What if the biggest difference between someone who fosters and someone who doesn't is simply saying "yes"? In this episode of All Things Foster, Matt sits down with Heather Cook to share her honest and encouraging foster care journey. Heather opens up about how a conversation nearly ten years ago planted a seed that eventually led her family to become licensed foster parents. She talks candidly about the licensing process, receiving their very first placement, the joys and heartbreaks of fostering, and why community makes all the difference. Whether you've considered fostering, know someone who has, or simply want to learn more about supporting children and families, this episode offers a realistic, hope-filled look at what foster care can be. In This EpisodeHow one conversation planted the seed to fosterWaiting for the "right time" to become foster parentsWhat the licensing process is really likeReceiving their first foster placementWhy no one is ever fully prepared for their first placementThe emotional reality of loving children who may leaveCommon misconceptions about foster careThe importance of community and support for foster familiesPractical ways anyone can make a difference—even if fostering isn't for themMemorable Quote"I could never do that... that's what I said too, until I did." — Heather Cook Resources Mentioned❤️ Support Panhandle Orphan Care Network Every child entering foster care deserves dignity, comfort, and hope. Your generosity helps provide placement packages filled with essentials like clothing, diapers, blankets, Bibles, teddy bears, books, toys, and more for children entering foster care across the Texas Panhandle. Donate here: 👉 https://www.panhandleorphan.org/donation Episode Sponsor🎨 Two Sisters' Studio Looking for a unique way to bring people together? Two Sisters' Studio brings the paint party to you! They offer guided painting experiences for: BusinessesCorporate eventsTeam buildingChurch groupsPrivate partiesCommunity eventsNo artistic experience required—they provide all the supplies and instruction. Learn more or book a class: 👉 https://www.2sistersstudio.com/ Connect with Panhandle Orphan Care Network🌐 Website: https://www.panhandleorphan.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PanhandleOrphanCareNetwork Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panhandleorphancarenetwork Enjoying the Podcast?If this episode encouraged you, please: Subscribe to All Things FosterLeave a 5-star reviewShare this episode with someone who has considered fostering or wants to support foster familiesTogether, we can build a stronger community for children and families across the Texas Panhandle.

  8. Aug 11

    When The Interview Ends, The Healing Begins (Part 3 of 3)

    Show NotesWhen the Interview Ends, Healing Begins | Part 3 of Our Bridge Series What happens after a child tells their story? In the final episode of our three-part series with The Bridge Children's Advocacy Center, we explore the critical next step: healing. Host Matt Darrah sits down with Bobbi Britto, LPC-S, Clinical Director of The Bridge, and Heather, an LPC Associate, to discuss how trauma-informed counseling helps children and families move from crisis to hope. They also share how The Bridge is addressing the shortage of trauma counselors by training the next generation of mental health professionals to serve the Texas Panhandle. In this episode, you'll learn:Why specialized trauma counseling mattersWhat happens after a forensic interviewHow abuse impacts the entire family—not just the childThe importance of supporting non-offending caregivers and siblingsHow The Bridge is training future trauma counselorsWhy healing requires relationships, safety, and communityThe vision for expanding counseling services across the Texas PanhandleHow healing today can change generations tomorrowEpisode SponsorA special thank you to Sundy Sharp with AMC Mortgage for sponsoring this episode! Whether you're purchasing your first home or looking to refinance, Sundy specializes in helping families throughout Texas navigate the mortgage process with confidence. 📞 Call or Text: 806-683-0313 🌐 https://www.buywithsundy.com 🏠 https://amcmtg.com Learn More🌉 The Bridge Children's Advocacy Center https://bridgecac.org ❤️ Panhandle Orphan Care Network https://www.panhandleorphan.org Support children entering foster care by becoming a Placement Package Partner: $100/month provides clothing for a child entering foster care$50 provides a case of diapers$10 provides a new outfit for a child in needIf you found this series helpful, please: 👍 Like the video 💬 Leave a comment 📤 Share it with someone who works with children or families 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that strengthen families and protect children #TheBridgeCAC #ChildAdvocacy #TraumaHealing #FosterCare #ChildAbusePrevention #TexasPanhandle #AllThingsFoster #PanhandleOrphanCareNetwork #HopeAfterTrauma #HealingBegins

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All Things Foster is a place for foster families to learn about resources that are available to them, as well as a place to have community and connection through this difficult calling.

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