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

Matt Darrah: Executive Director Panhandle Orphan Care Network
  • 3.7 (3)
  • KIDS & FAMILY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Autism Isn’t Something to Fix: A Conversation with Sam Mitchell

    3D AGO

    Autism Isn’t Something to Fix: A Conversation with Sam Mitchell

    The prevalence and increasing diagnosis rates of autism, now at 1 in 33.Personal journey and lived experiences of Sam Mitchell from childhood with autism.Recognizing signs and cues of autism in children, including repetitive behaviors, social cue misunderstandings, and sensory sensitivities.Practical strategies for supporting children on the spectrum, including therapy options like ABA and the importance of routine and predictability.Challenges and misconceptions about autism — including the myth that autism is a disease to be fixed.Tips for foster families: identifying autism early, supporting during meltdowns, and creating inclusive environments.The range of abilities among individuals with autism, from non-speaking to self-sufficient adults.The importance of giving people with autism a fair chance in education and employment.How awareness and understanding can shift societal perception and promote acceptance.Resources & Links:Autism Rocks and Rolls PodcastAutism Rocks and Rolls Official WebsiteSupporting Autism in the WorkplaceABA Therapy ExplainedConnect with Sam Mitchell:TwitterLinkedInPanhandle Orphan Care Network – Consider donating to provide placement packagesCollege Solutions LLC – For college funding support

    41 min
  2. From Surviving to Leading: Jazlyn’s Story One Year Later

    MAY 5

    From Surviving to Leading: Jazlyn’s Story One Year Later

    Jazlyn shares her inspiring journey from trauma and instability to stability and advocacy. She discusses the importance of trauma-informed care, community support, and fostering independence for youth aging out of foster care. Key Topics: Trauma-informed care and its impact The importance of community and support systems Fostering independence and resilience in youth Advocacy for systemic change in foster care https://www.panhandleorphan.org/ Fostering Independence: https://www.fosteringindependence.org/ Texas Network of Youth Services -TNOYS: https://tnoys.org/ Sponsor: Ennis Inspections (806) 672-1928 https://www.ennisinspections.com/

    54 min
  3. Empathy and Healing with Cadence Theiss

    APR 28

    Empathy and Healing with Cadence Theiss

    This episode dives into the powerful journey of Cadence, a foster care survivor, and her insights on healing, belonging, and supporting vulnerable children. Tune in for authentic stories and practical ways to make a difference in foster care. Keynotes: Cadence's personal foster care and adoption story, including early trauma and reunificationThe importance of stability, reassurance, and love for children in foster careHow CASA advocates and placement packages impact children's livesThe emotional and spiritual journey of healing from traumaWays foster families and communities can provide safety and belongingThe significance of empathy, understanding, and ongoing supportHow experiences shape perspectives on foster care, advocacy, and policyPractical advice for foster parents: creating a safe space, being transparent, and showing unconditional loveThe role of community programs and initiatives like Moses Closet and placements packagesCadence’s journey to becoming a board member and her passion for helping children https://www.panhandleorphan.org/ Sponsor: Falcon Ridge IT (806)410-0246 https://falconridgeit.com

    51 min
  4. Inside the System: Truths About Foster Care, Caseworkers, and Advocacy With Lance Hillsinger

    APR 21

    Inside the System: Truths About Foster Care, Caseworkers, and Advocacy With Lance Hillsinger

    The conversation covers Lance's experience with foster care, his role in the child welfare system, the challenges faced by caseworkers and foster parents, the process of filing cases, the impact of caseloads on caseworkers, and the importance of foster parent education and legal considerations. Lance also addresses misconceptions about foster care and the financial aspects of the system. The conversation delves into the challenges of the child welfare system, including the impact of the ICWA law, excessive paperwork, turnover and burnout in social work, the importance of foster parents and advocates, and the role of religious and spiritual support in child welfare. Takeaways Foster Care MisconceptionsCaseworker Challenges Challenges of the Child Welfare SystemImpact of ICWA LawExcessive Paperwork and Administrative BurdenTurnover and Burnout in Social WorkImportance of Foster Parents and AdvocatesReligious and Spiritual Support in Child Welfare https://www.panhandleorphan.org/donation Sponsor: College Solutions LLC - Angie Grimm https://www.collegesolutionsllc.com/ Lance Hillsinger: https://www.lancehillsinger.net/ Book- In Place of the Parent: Inside Child Protective Services https://a.co/d/0iAtpGbp

    1 hr
  5. Breaking Cycles: Deanna Culver’s Journey of Hope and Healing

    APR 14

    Breaking Cycles: Deanna Culver’s Journey of Hope and Healing

    Dive into the profound story of Deanna Culver as she shares her experience growing up in foster care, battling personal trauma, and finding hope through faith and resilience. This episode emphasizes healing, forgiveness, and the importance of understanding the unseen struggles of children in foster care. Main Topics:Personal trauma and its impact on identity and relationshipsThe cycle of abuse and methods to break freeThe role of faith and hope in healing from past woundsInsights for foster parents: building trust and creating safe spacesRecognizing and addressing mental health struggles associated with trauma https://www.panhandleorphan.org/ Sponsor: BNI Lone Star Leaders Chapter https://bniwesttexas.com/en-US/index

    1h 1m

  6. APR 7

    Holding Space for Hurt Kids (And the Adults Raising Them) with Janet Hamilton

    In this insightful interview, Janet Hamilton shares her journey of healing from emotional neglect, understanding trauma, and helping foster and adoptive families. Discover practical insights on emotional boundaries, early childhood development, and how to support children with trauma. Resources: Gabor Maté's Books and Talks - https://www.gabormate.com/ Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) by Dr. Karen Purvis - https://www.tbri.org/ The Connected Child by Dr. Karen Purvis - https://www.amazon.com/Connected-Child-Dr-Karen-Purvis/dp/1934490224 Janet Hamilton's Website - https://janethamilton.com/ Connect with Janet - https://connectwithjanet.com/ guest links Website - https://janethamilton.com/ Podcast - https://theanomalifactor.com/ https://www.panhandleorphan.org/

    22 min

  7. MAR 31

    Healing Through Trauma with Heather Ford

    In this episode, Heather Ford shares her powerful story of navigating foster care, experiencing abuse, and working through her trauma to find healing. Her journey highlights the importance of resilience, therapy, self-awareness, and community in overcoming life's darkest moments. https://www.panhandleorphan.org/ Sponsor: Impact Laser Mobility and Recovery (806) 646-6437 https://www.impactamarillo.com/ Heather Ford’s book: The Barbie Pink Walls That Kept My Secrets of AbuseInstagram: religiouscultsurvivor1006TikTok: @religiouscultsurvivor1006Email: heathermford89@gmail.com

    1h 9m
  8. Finding Identity Through Adversity: Jeffrey Badders

    MAR 24

    Finding Identity Through Adversity: Jeffrey Badders

    In this episode, Matt Darrah speaks with Jeffrey Batters, who shares his powerful journey from a challenging childhood in foster care to a fulfilling career in hospice care. Jeffrey discusses the impact of his early experiences on his identity, the importance of forgiveness, and how he transformed his life through faith and resilience. He emphasizes the significance of community, the role of family, and offers advice for both foster children and parents. Jeffrey's story is one of hope, healing, and the power of personal growth. Takeaways: Caring for others in hospice is a passion, not just a job. Life is about experiences, lessons, and memories. Forgiveness is essential for personal healing. You must believe in yourself to be believed in by others. The past does not define your future; you can build a new blueprint. Faith and spirituality can guide you through tough times. Everyone has a unique gift to offer the world. You can choose to live in courage or fear. Invest in yourself, even when others do not. Community and connection are vital for healing. https://www.panhandleorphan.org/ Sponsor: Goosehead Insurance- Allison Link (806)553-3656 https://www.goosehead.com/Allison-Link

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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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