The Foster Friendly Podcast

Courtney Williams, Brian Mavis, Travis Vangsnes
  • 5,0 (23)
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  • CHAQUE SEMAINE
The Foster Friendly Podcast

Welcome to The Foster Friendly Podcast. We’re bringing foster care closer to home by sharing stories from the front lines. We're talking with former foster youth, foster parents and others who are finding unique and powerful ways to dramatically improve the experiences and outcomes for kids in foster care. The Foster Friendly podcast is brought to you by America’s Kids Belong, a nonprofit that helps kids in foster care find belonging in both family and community.

  1. We Don't Age Out of Needing a Family: Teens in Foster Care with Tracee Rudd

    -1 H

    We Don't Age Out of Needing a Family: Teens in Foster Care with Tracee Rudd

    In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams interview Tracy Rudd, State Director of Colorado Kids Belong. Tracy shares her journey into foster care advocacy, the importance of recruiting foster parents, and the impact of the I Belong Project-which connects children in foster care awaiting adoption to families.  The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of adopting teenagers, the significance of building a support system for foster families, and the need for systemic change in the foster care system. Tracy emphasizes the importance of community involvement and encourages listeners to open their hearts to foster care and adoption.

    49 min
  2. A Lively Foster Care Conversation with Focus on the Family’s Dr. Sharen Ford

    8 JANV.

    A Lively Foster Care Conversation with Focus on the Family’s Dr. Sharen Ford

    In this episode of the Fosterer Friendly podcast, Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams engage with Dr. Sharen Ford, a nationally recognized child welfare consultant with over 30 years of experience and Director of Foster Care and Adoption at Focus on the Family. Dr. Ford discusses the significance of public-private partnerships in foster care. Dr. Ford also shares her extensive experience and insights on how collaboration between faith-based organizations and government agencies can lead to better outcomes for children in the foster care system.  The conversation covers the roles of state and private agencies, the importance of community involvement, and the challenges faced by faith-based families in fostering.  Learn more about Focus on the Family's Foster Care and Adoption Program.

    41 min
  3. Foster Care 101: Things You Don’t Need to Do to Be Foster Parents

    2 JANV.

    Foster Care 101: Things You Don’t Need to Do to Be Foster Parents

    In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian, Travis, and Courtney discuss the realities of foster parenting, focusing on what foster parents don't need to do. They share personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of embracing imperfection, learning from failures, and providing stability for children in foster care. The conversation highlights the balance between generosity and realism, encouraging foster parents to create a nurturing environment without overwhelming children with excess.  In this conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of foster care, emphasizing the importance of making informed decisions, understanding placement dynamics, and the challenges of adhering to traditional norms like birth order. They highlight the necessity of family support, the impact of past trauma on foster parents, and the reality that one does not need to be a savior or a stay-at-home parent to foster effectively. The discussion aims to debunk common myths and encourage potential foster parents to take the next steps in their journey. Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.

    43 min
  4. The Importance of Water Safety Lessons for Kids in Foster Care with Sarah Boyd

    27/12/2024

    The Importance of Water Safety Lessons for Kids in Foster Care with Sarah Boyd

    In this episode, Travis and Courtney are joined by Sarah Boyd from Aqua-Tots. Aqua-Tots offers swimming lessons for children of all ages and abilities, with a focus on preventing drownings and building confidence. Sarah shares stories of how their program has made a life-saving impact on children and provided peace of mind for parents. Whether it's learning basic water survival skills or refining stroke techniques, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools aims to instill a lifelong love of swimming while prioritizing safety. She emphasizes the need for accessibility and the role businesses can play in supporting foster families. Courtney and Travis encourage other businesses to become foster friendly and provide opportunities for children in foster care. Learn more about Aqua-Tots Swim Schools.

    26 min
  5. Caring for Yourselves Better as a Foster Family with Rebecca Harvin and Stacy Lasonde

    18/12/2024

    Caring for Yourselves Better as a Foster Family with Rebecca Harvin and Stacy Lasonde

    In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes discuss the critical issues surrounding foster care, particularly the high rate of burnout among foster parents. They are joined by Rebecca Harvin and Stacy Lasonde, who share their experiences and insights on the importance of support systems for foster families. The conversation highlights the creation of Haven Retreats, Rebecca's nonprofit organization aimed at providing therapeutic retreats for foster and adoptive caregivers. The discussion delves into the emotional challenges faced by foster parents, the significance of addressing grief, and the need for community support, especially for biological children in foster families. Stacy shares personal stories of finding support from Haven (as a foster mom) as well as how Haven has provided support, rest, and encouragement to her whole family. The episode concludes with aspirations for expanding Haven's reach to support more families across the nation. LEARN MORE about Haven Retreats: Stats cited in this episode on foster parent attrition:

    40 min
  6. Foster Mom Inspiring Her City to Better Support Families with Cayela Moody

    11/12/2024

    Foster Mom Inspiring Her City to Better Support Families with Cayela Moody

    In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams engage with Cayela Moody, a passionate advocate for foster care and community support. Cayela shares her journey as a foster adoptive parent and her efforts to establish a foster-friendly community in Jacksonville, Florida. The conversation highlights the importance of support systems for foster families, the motivations behind choosing foster care, and the role of businesses in creating a supportive environment for foster families. Cayela emphasizes that even after closing their foster home, there are still opportunities to contribute to the foster care community through advocacy and mentoring. In this conversation, Cayela also discusses her efforts to support foster families in Jacksonville through the Foster Friendly initiative. She highlights the importance of community support, resource accessibility for caregivers, and the vision for a collaborative future in foster care. Cayela emphasizes the need for businesses to engage with foster families and the significance of providing resources to ease the burden on caseworkers. The conversation concludes with encouragement for individuals interested in fostering and advocating for children in care. Learn more about Foster Friendly Communities.

    41 min
  7. A Field of Dreams for Foster Care with Savannah Bananas Co-Owner Emily Cole

    04/12/2024

    A Field of Dreams for Foster Care with Savannah Bananas Co-Owner Emily Cole

    In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian and Travis welcome Emily Cole, co-owner of the Savannah Bananas, who shares her journey in fostering and the creation of their nonprofit, Bananas Foster. The conversation explores the joy of building a community, the emotional connection to foster care, and the importance of optimism in facing challenges. The three discuss the pressing issues within the foster care system, including the need for a waitlist of foster families, the challenges faced by current foster families, and innovative solutions to improve retention rates.  Emily and Jesse have overcome so many obstacles in the creation and ongoing growth of the Savannah Bananas and so much of their mindset to innovate and not be afraid to try new things impacts ideas and dreams with their nonprofit. Emily discusses the mindset of 'prehab' versus 'rehab' and how they aim to change the narrative around foster care by celebrating families at their games.  The Savannah Bananas are known for their brand of fun and lightheartedness, and these are qualities the Coles bring to Bananas Foster as they seek to inspire people all around the country to support foster families or become a foster family. The Savannah Bananas currently have a wait list of 3 million to get tickets to their games and Emily has a vision for seeing a wait list for foster families ready to help kids in need. They explore the role of Bananas Foster in raising awareness and support for foster care, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and education. Emily shares insights on how they are working to create a supportive network for foster families, including initiatives like potassium care baskets and connecting with local organizations. Find out all the ways you can get involved supporting the mission of Bananas Foster.

    37 min
  8. How to Best Navigate the Holidays as a Foster Family with Bethany Hall

    27/11/2024

    How to Best Navigate the Holidays as a Foster Family with Bethany Hall

    In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis and Courtney, along with guest Bethany Hall, discuss the complexities of navigating the holidays for children in foster care. They explore the emotional challenges, the importance of managing expectations, and strategies for preparing both parents and extended family for the unique dynamics that arise during this time. The conversation emphasizes the need for trauma-informed approaches and the significance of creating supportive environments for children. This conversation delves into the complexities of navigating holidays for families involved in foster care. It highlights the emotional challenges faced by children, the importance of preparing them for new experiences, and the need for understanding from extended family members. The speakers share personal anecdotes and practical strategies for creating a supportive environment during the holidays, emphasizing the significance of cultural heritage and empowering birth families. The discussion also touches on the role of education in fostering awareness and compassion within the community. Visit Chosen.care to learn how Chosen’s services and training can make a difference in your family’s life.

    46 min
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À propos

Welcome to The Foster Friendly Podcast. We’re bringing foster care closer to home by sharing stories from the front lines. We're talking with former foster youth, foster parents and others who are finding unique and powerful ways to dramatically improve the experiences and outcomes for kids in foster care. The Foster Friendly podcast is brought to you by America’s Kids Belong, a nonprofit that helps kids in foster care find belonging in both family and community.

Informations

  • Création
    Courtney Williams, Brian Mavis, Travis Vangsnes
  • Années d’activité
    2024 - 2025
  • Épisodes
    28
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © America's Kids Belong, 2024
  • Site web de l’émission
    The Foster Friendly Podcast

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