The HOPEful Connection

Restoring Hope, LLC
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Bimonthly

Welcome to the HOPEful connection! This is your resource to connect you to the disability community. We're your Restoring Hope, LLC podcast hosts Staci Owen, Whitley Lemon, and Danielle Coffey.

  1. 4d ago

    Front Door to Restoring Hope with Guest Angela Bullard & Co-Host Whitley Lemon

    What does it mean to be the “front door” of Restoring Hope? For more than 10 years, Angela Bullard has been part of the Restoring Hope team, and today she serves as our receptionist — often becoming the first voice someone hears when they call and the first person they meet when they walk through our Business Office doors. In this episode of The HOPEful Connection, co-host Whitley Lemon sits down with Angela to talk about the responsibility she feels in making sure people feel welcomed, heard and cared for from their very first interaction with Restoring Hope. Angela reflects on the tremendous growth and change she has witnessed during her time with the organization, from paper files and handwritten timesheets to new technology, new locations and a growing statewide presence. Through all of that change, she shares why she hopes Restoring Hope never loses the family-oriented culture and personal relationships at the heart of its work. We also get to know another side of Angela. Before returning home to the West Plains area, she pursued acting in Chicago, taught at Second City and even appeared in an episode of NBC’s Chicago Fire. She shares how her background in performance, teaching and art has shaped the way she communicates, connects with others and approaches her role today. And, of course, Angela and Whitley share a few laughs about the callers who have mistaken Angela’s famously deep voice for a man named “Angelo” — or, somehow, “David.” 🎭 UPDATE SINCE RECORDING: Angela also shares during the episode that she planned to audition for Mrs. Peacock in West Plains Playhouse’s upcoming production of Clue: On Stage. We’re excited to share that she got the role! Angela will appear as Mrs. Peacock when Clue: On Stage comes to the West Plains Civic Center October 23–November 1, 2026. Congratulations, Angela! 🦚 It’s a conversation about growth, creativity, communication, finding the right role for your gifts and remembering the people behind the work. Listen to this episode of The HOPEful Connection and get to know the welcoming voice behind so many first connections with Restoring Hope. Restoring Hope one relationship at a time.

    Front Door to Restoring Hope with Guest Angela Bullard & Co-Host Whitley Lemon

  2. Aug 26

    The Heart of a DSP - Guest April Chambers with Co-Host Whitley Lemon

    Welcome back to The HOPEful Connection, a podcast connecting you to the disability community! In this episode, co-host Whitley Lemon is joined by April Chambers (owner of April Dawn’s Life Care Services), a dedicated caregiver who has been with Restoring Hope for over five years. April’s caregiving journey spans nearly two decades, from nannying children on the autism spectrum in California and supporting her own family members, to helping open Restoring Hope’s very first medical ISL (Individualized Supported Living) in Lincoln, Missouri. Today, she balances her work as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with providing essential relief care for host homes. In this open and inspiring conversation, Whitley and April discuss: How a simple Facebook contest and a friend’s encouragement led April to Restoring Hope.The reality of working overnight shifts in a high-needs medical ISL and overcoming initial fears of medical equipment like G-tubes.Navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of caregiving—from standing by clients during hospital stays to witnessing "little miracles" like building independence, learning to self-feed, and walking rehabilitation.Memorable community adventures, including drive-through safaris and a trip to Branson!Why caregiving is about building a true family culture and how anyone with a heart for people can step into a DSP or relief care role.Advice for Future Caregivers: "Just try it out... you have no idea what kind of blessings you are going to bestow from that experience." 🔗 Links & Resources: Website: werestorehope.comConnect with us on social media or reach out to learn more about becoming a DSP or host home provider!

    The Heart of a DSP - Guest April Chambers with Co-Host Whitley Lemon

  3. Aug 12

    Fostering By Faith with Guest Kimberly Lowe & Co-Host Whitley Lemon

    In this inspiring episode of The HOPEful Connection, Whitley sits down with attorney, author, songwriter, and non-profit founder Kimberly Lowe for a powerful conversation about surrendering control and living every area of life for God’s glory. Kimberly shares her unique life story - from growing up in a teepee and coming to faith as a young girl, to navigating law school, discovering true grace after divorce, and starting her own law practice. She breaks down how dedicating just 10 minutes a morning to God bloomed into daily devotionals, over 40 original worship songs, and co-founding Fostering by Faith - a 2,000 sq. ft. boutique where local foster youth receive brand-new clothes, shoes, Bibles, and an empowering shopping experience built on dignity and love. In this episode, we discuss: Finding true purpose by doing everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31)Shifting from "check-the-box" religion to authentic daily surrenderHow God turned 10-minute morning devotions into books and 40+ original worship tracksThe story behind Fostering by Faith and creating a boutique-style shopping experience for foster kidsOvercoming burnout by recognizing God as the true owner of our work and ministriesHow local communities, volunteers, and tradespeople step up to support vulnerable youthResources & Links: Learn more about Fostering by Faith and Go Faith Strong: gofaithstrong.comFollow Fostering by Faith: https://www.facebook.com/FosterGraceByFaithListen to more episodes of The HOPEful Connection: werestorehope.com/the-hopeful-connection-podcast

    Fostering By Faith with Guest Kimberly Lowe & Co-Host Whitley Lemon

  4. Jul 15

    Foster Care & Joplin Triumphs with Darcie Silvers and show Co-Host Whitley Lemon

    What happens when a client finds the perfect environment to thrive? In this episode, host Whitely Lemon connects with Restoring Hope, LLC Program Manager Darcie Silvers to discuss a beautiful turnaround story in the Joplin region. Darcie also shares a massive personal update: she is officially starting her journey to become a licensed foster parent this August. We talk candidly about the foster care system's true goal—healing and reunification—and why leading with an open, attached heart is essential for a child's success. Plus, we break down practical ways you can support Darcie directly and get involved with essential local resources like Fostering Hope. In this episode, you’ll learn about: The Power of Placement: How a tailored host home environment allowed a Joplin client to completely blossom.Reframing Attachment: Why staying guarded hurts foster children, and how to embrace the goal of family reunification.Building the Village: A guide to supporting Darcie's foster care setup and diving into Joplin-area resources like Fostering Hope's Caring Closet.Links & Support Resources: Follow Darcie's Journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dsilvers.86Support Darcie's Foster Home Launch (GoFundMe): https://gofund.me/0ad057612Fostering Hope Website & Caring Closet: https://www.fostering-hope.com/Restoring Hope, LLC Website: https://www.werestorehope.com

    Foster Care & Joplin Triumphs with Darcie Silvers and show Co-Host Whitley Lemon

  5. Jun 30

    Bridging the Gap: Expanding Our Impact with the Children’s Division Contract

    In this episode of The Hopeful Connection, host Daniel Coffey sits down with Staci Owen to discuss a major, exciting evolution happening at Restoring Hope. While Restoring Hope currently provides support to children in the foster care system through the Department of Mental Health (DMH) contract, strict criteria often mean many youth in need fall through the cracks. Staci shares the vision behind Restoring Hope’s journey toward securing a direct contract with the Children’s Division, starting with Therapeutic Foster Care in early 2027. Tune in to learn how this contract will expand their impact, provide vital resources for kids stuck in limbo, and offer incredible new flexibility for current and future host homes. Key Takeaways from This Episode: Filling the System Gaps: Why a direct Children’s Division contract is necessary for kids whose needs or IQ levels don't strictly fit existing DMH criteria.What is Therapeutic Foster Care? How this individualized, trauma-informed service mirrors the host home model while accommodating different health and behavioral needs.The Reality of Foster Care Today: Addressing the critical shortage of therapeutic placements that leaves youth waiting in offices, hotels, and hospitals.What This Means for Host Homes: How current host homes can choose to remain exactly as they are or become dual-contracted to expand their support.The Road to 2027: The timeline for licensing, process development, and looking forward to the first official placements.Stay Tuned! If you are a host home interested in getting involved with Therapeutic Foster Care, keep an eye out for updates. More detailed information on the transition and application processes will be shared by Fall.

    Bridging the Gap: Expanding Our Impact with the Children’s Division Contract

  6. Jun 24

    Rooted in Resilience — R3 Conference 2026 with Staci Owen & Whitley Lemon

    Welcome back to The HOPEful Connection! In this episode, host Staci Owen is joined by Restoring Hope's own Whitley Lemon to announce that registration for our annual r3 Conference is officially live. Taking place September 11th and 12th, 2026 at Camp Barnabas in Purdy, Missouri, this year's event is evolving into an optional, fully inclusive two-day experience. Best of all? It remains completely free for our caregivers, team members, clients, and—new this year—natural children of our caregivers (ages 7+). Stacy and Whitley dive deep into: The true meaning of r3: Reach, Restore, Repeat.How caregiver feedback shaped this year's exciting changes, including the Friday night decompress session featuring karaoke, swimming, and an ice cream truck.A preview of keynote speaker Josh Varner’s upcoming trauma-informed sessions on behavior management and caregiver mental health.The logistical details of client and child registration to ensure a safe, preference-based camp experience for all abilities.If you need a weekend to network, discover tighter connections, and reignite your passion for the incredible work you do every single day, listen to this episode and get registered before the deadline! Important Dates & Links: Registration Deadline: June 30, 2026Conference Dates: September 11–12, 2026Registration Link: werestorehope.com/about-our-services/r3 (Note: Separate registrations are required for each caregiver, client, team member, and child).Contact: For registration questions or specific accommodation requests, please email the conference committee via the links on our website.

    Rooted in Resilience — R3 Conference 2026 with Staci Owen & Whitley Lemon

  7. May 27

    More Than a Shirt | Guest Katelyn Hellmer with Co-Host Danielle Coffey

    Can a custom t-shirt serve as a stepping stone to a dream career? This week on The HOPEful Connection, host Danielle Coffey catches up with Katelyn Hellmer to discuss InclusiviTee, a brand-new custom apparel business operating out of Nixa, Missouri. Discover how individuals supported by Restoring Hope are taking full ownership of every step of the business—learning graphic design, mastering commercial heat presses, and managing digital shipping logistics. Danielle and Katelyn talk about the daily operations of the shop, the magic of simple workplace accommodations, and how they are actively breaking down community stigmas to pave the way for inclusive, competitive employment. Want to support the crew or place a custom order? Bulk business orders, event merchandise, and individual custom designs are available! Check out their premium options (including customer favorites like Bella Canvas and Comfort Colors). Find the shop by visiting the Restoring Hope website and navigating to the InclusiviTee Shopify store. Got questions or want a custom quote? Reach out directly via the inquiry page or email the team today! https://www.werestorehope.com/worksemploymentservices

    More Than a Shirt | Guest Katelyn Hellmer with Co-Host Danielle Coffey

  8. May 13

    Finding a Voice at the Capitol: Disability Rights Legislative Day Recap

    When decisions are made at the state level, it is vital that the people most affected have a seat at the table. In this episode of The HOPEful Connection, Danielle Coffey is joined by Emma Odell (Buffalo Excel Program Coordinator) and Kayla Shoop (Warsaw Excel Coordinator) to discuss their experiences taking clients to the Missouri State Capitol. The team shares behind-the-scenes insights into Disability Rights Legislative Day, exploring the logistical challenges of navigating a crowded Capitol and the emotional breakthroughs of clients who realized their opinions truly matter. Key topics include: The Power of the Rally: How the energy of the crowd helps individuals feel seen and included.Advocacy vs. Anxiety: Practical tips used by staff to help clients manage overstimulation while still participating in democracy.The Budget Battle: A look at how personal stories influenced the conversation around Missouri’s waiver services and budget restorations.Gratitude in Action: Why the team returned for a second day to hand-deliver thank-you notes to supportive legislators.Join us for a conversation about empowerment, the importance of "staying hopeful," and the beauty of seeing a client blossom into a self-advocate. About the Podcast: The HOPEful Connection connects you to the disability community through authentic stories and expert insights. Hosted by Staci Owen, Whitley Lemon, and Danielle Coffey. #TheHOPEfulConnection #DisabilityAdvocacy #MissouriPolitics #ExcelPrograms #RestoringHope

    Finding a Voice at the Capitol: Disability Rights Legislative Day Recap
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to the HOPEful connection! This is your resource to connect you to the disability community. We're your Restoring Hope, LLC podcast hosts Staci Owen, Whitley Lemon, and Danielle Coffey.

Information

  • Creator
    Restoring Hope, LLC
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The HOPEful Connection
  • Show Website
    The HOPEful Connection