Fostering Change

Rob Scheer
  • 4.9 (39)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Fostering Change with Rob Scheer Hosted by Comfort Cases founder Rob Scheer, this inspiring podcast shares powerful stories of resilience, compassion, and community. Each week, Rob sits down with guests who are making a difference in the foster care system — from former foster youth and foster parents to advocates, authors, and celebrities whose lives have been touched by foster care. With warmth, humor, and heart, Rob leads conversations that remind us all how dignity, hope, and love can change a child’s life forever. 💙 Have a story to share or a question for Rob? 📧 Email: info@comfortcases.org Follow us on social media: @comfortcases Learn more at comfortcases.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Breaking the Silence: Menstrual Health, Dignity, and the Power of Partnership with Yvonne Esipila

    2D AGO

    Breaking the Silence: Menstrual Health, Dignity, and the Power of Partnership with Yvonne Esipila

    As Fostering Change continues through Season 7, this episode dives into an urgent but often unseen issue: menstrual and postpartum poverty, and how it impacts girls in foster care and communities around the world. Rob Scheer sits down with Yvonne Esipila Patron, Co-Founder and CEO of the PATESI Foundation, an organization working globally to ensure women and girls have the dignity, resources, and education they deserve. In 2025, Comfort Cases and PATESI began a powerful partnership to make sure no girl entering foster care faces her first night without essential menstrual supplies. Through this collaboration, PATESI donates up to 10,000 emergency menstrual kits each year, included in Comfort Cases® backpacks for girls ages eight and up — providing dignity, protection, and confidence during moments of deep transition. Together, Rob and Yvonne unpack why menstrual poverty remains invisible, why postpartum poverty continues long after childbirth, and why involving men and boys is key to ending stigma and driving real change. Episode Highlights • The global impact of menstrual poverty and why it’s rarely discussed • How entering foster care can make menstruation even more stressful for young girls • What the Comfort Cases × PATESI partnership delivers each year • Why postpartum poverty deserves national attention • How male allyship strengthens long-term solutions About the Guest Yvonne Esipila Patron is the Co-Founder and CEO of the PATESI Foundation, a global nonprofit dedicated to ending menstrual and postpartum poverty. With a background in public health and sustainable development, she has spent her career advancing reproductive health equity, youth empowerment, and community-driven solutions. Connect with PATESI 🌐 Website: www.patesifoundation.org 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/patesifoundation 📸 Instagram: @patesifoundation 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 min
  2. Solving the Foster Parent Shortage with StepStone Family & Youth Services

    FEB 3

    Solving the Foster Parent Shortage with StepStone Family & Youth Services

    As Fostering Change continues into the new year, this episode tackles one of the most urgent issues facing child welfare today: the national shortage of foster parents and what it means for children who need safe, stable homes. Rob Scheer is joined by Kelsey Davis, National Director of Foster Parent Recruitment, and Stacy Brindley, National Treatment Director at StepStone Family & Youth Services. Together, they explore why fewer families are stepping forward, how misconceptions about fostering hinder progress, and why supporting foster parents is essential to better outcomes for children. With more than 343,000 children in foster care and fewer than 200,000 licensed foster homes nationwide, this conversation goes beyond the numbers. Kelsey and Stacy share how StepStone approaches recruitment differently, centers trauma-informed care, and treats the entire family as part of the healing process. Episode Highlights This episode explores why the foster parent shortage continues to grow and how it directly impacts children who need consistency and belonging. The discussion challenges common myths about fostering, explains why recruitment messaging must change, and emphasizes that strong outcomes depend on strong support for foster parents. Listeners also hear why trauma-informed care must include the whole family, not just the child, and how communities can get involved with StepStone through volunteering, respite support, and national initiatives beyond fostering. As Rob notes, “We must get more qualified families to support our youth in foster care.” And as Kelsey reminds us, fostering works best when families know they are not doing it alone. About the Guests Kelsey Davis is the National Director of Foster Parent Recruitment at StepStone Family & Youth Services. A former Title I educator with an MBA in Marketing, she leads national strategies to recruit, train, and retain foster families through people-centered, community-driven outreach. Stacy Brindley is StepStone’s National Treatment Director and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 30 years of experience. She has worked across residential treatment, therapeutic foster care, independent living, and in-home services, and now leads trauma-informed and evidence-based practices nationwide. Learn More Website: https://www.stepstoneyouth.com/ 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    22 min
  3. A Soft Place to Land: How Isaiah 117 House Is Transforming Removal Day for Children in Crisis

    JAN 27

    A Soft Place to Land: How Isaiah 117 House Is Transforming Removal Day for Children in Crisis

    In this powerful episode, Rob Scheer sits down with Lindsay Lendyak, South Carolina State Director for Isaiah 117 House, to talk about one of the most overlooked moments in foster care: Removal Day. Instead of children waiting for hours in government offices, Isaiah 117 House creates a warm, home-like space where kids can exhale, eat a meal, change into clean clothes, and feel safe while caseworkers find placement. Lindsay shares why this model is a true game changer for children, foster families, and social workers alike, and how South Carolina is rapidly expanding its footprint. What You Will Hear in This Episode * What Removal Day really looks like, and why so many youth remember it as the hardest day of their lives * How Isaiah 117 House replaces a cold, adult-centered setting with comfort, dignity, and stability * The heart of the model: trauma-informed volunteers providing steady, calm presence during a chaotic moment * How community support builds a stronger system around children and the professionals serving them * South Carolina growth updates, including York County and new houses coming soon Quotes to Highlight * Lindsay on why this matters: “Nearly all of them recount removal day as the worst day of their lives.” * Lindsay on the mission: “We can fix how foster care begins for our kids.” * Lindsay on what kids experience at Isaiah 117 House: “It’s a yes… For a kid who’s lived a life of nos, that is a game changer.” * Lindsay on why the system needs community: “Every single person should help a child in foster care. Full stop.” South Carolina Updates * York County opened September 2025 * Greenville County expected to open early spring 2026 * Horry County fundraising begins February 2026 * Lexington County kickoff coming early 2026 Why This Episode Matters This conversation is a reminder that children enter foster care because of choices other people made, and that the first hours of care should not add trauma. Isaiah 117 House proves that a better beginning is possible, and it starts with community saying yes to dignity. Links and Ways to Connect Main Website: https://isaiah117house.com/York County Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isaiah117houseyorkcoscYork County Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaiah117houseyorkcosc LinkTrees:York County: https://linktr.ee/isaiah117houseyorkcoscGreenville County: https://linktr.ee/isaiah117housegreenvillesc Horry County: https://linktr.ee/isaiah117househorrycosc 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
  4. What’s OK? Helping Youth Navigate Boundaries, Sexting, and Cyber Safety with Jenny Coleman

    JAN 20

    What’s OK? Helping Youth Navigate Boundaries, Sexting, and Cyber Safety with Jenny Coleman

    As Fostering Change continues into the new year, this episode tackles one of the most urgent — and evolving — challenges facing young people today: staying safe, informed, and supported in a digital world. Rob Scheer is joined by Jenny Coleman, a nationally recognized expert in child welfare and abuse prevention, and a former foster parent whose work is grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience. Jenny serves as Director of Stop It Now!, a national organization focused on preventing child sexual abuse through education and early intervention. She also leads What’s OK?, a first-of-its-kind online platform and free helpline where teens and young adults can anonymously ask questions about relationships, boundaries, sexting, consent, and online behavior — without fear or shame. In this conversation, Jenny helps parents, caregivers, and educators better understand how to talk with young people about tough topics — especially as AI-generated and non-consensual images become an increasing form of peer-driven harm. Episode Highlights Youth Safety in the Digital AgeHow sexting, cyberbullying, and online exploitation are changing — and what adults need to know. New & Alarming TrendsWhy recent data shows a sharp rise in AI-generated inappropriate images targeting teens, most often created and shared by peers. What’s OK?How this research-backed platform empowers youth ages 14–21 to ask honest questions and get reliable guidance. What Caregivers Can DoPractical steps for parents and caregivers, including how to respond, stay connected, and support youth without judgment. A Foster Care PerspectiveWhy trauma-informed, prevention-focused conversations are especially critical for foster and adopted youth. About Jenny Coleman Jenny Coleman, MA, LMHC, has spent more than 30 years working in child welfare as a clinician, educator, and prevention advocate. She is the Director of Stop It Now! and leads What’s OK?, an innovative online resource for youth navigating questions about sexual behavior, consent, and boundaries. A former foster parent and longtime foster care trainer, Jenny brings a compassionate, prevention-centered approach to keeping young people safe. Resources Stop It Now!: www.stopitnow.orgWhat’s OK?: www.whatsok.org ✨ Why This Episode MattersThis episode is a reminder that prevention starts with conversation. When young people have access to trustworthy information — and adults willing to listen without judgment — safety and resilience follow. 🎧 Fostering Change continues next week with another powerful conversation. Thank you for being part of a community committed to protecting, educating, and supporting young people — especially when the topics are hard, but the stakes are high. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 min
  5. Turning Tassels, Changing Futures: Shanté Elliott Is Redefining Education for Kids in Foster Care!

    JAN 13

    Turning Tassels, Changing Futures: Shanté Elliott Is Redefining Education for Kids in Foster Care!

    As we continue an exciting new year of Fostering Change, this episode centers on possibility — what happens when lived experience, research, and belief in young people come together to rewrite outcomes. This week, Rob Scheer is joined by Dr. (Candidate) Shanté Elliott, a learning scientist, social innovator, and founder of TasselTurn — an organization reimagining how children in foster care and students experiencing housing insecurity move through school, graduation, and the transition to adulthood. Having experienced foster care herself, Shanté brings rare and powerful insight to her work. She blends academic research, technology, and deep empathy to help children in foster care not only stay in school, but truly see themselves as capable, worthy, and supported. What began in 2020 with a $300 grant has grown into a nationally recognized platform connecting young people with coaching, mentorship, and meaningful incentives tied to educational milestones. Now a PhD candidate at Northwestern University, Shanté has been recognized as a Forbes Changemaker, L’Oréal Paris Woman of Worth, and Echoing Green Fellow, with her work featured in Forbes, The Imprint, and Reader’s Digest. In this conversation, she shares how education — when paired with trust and opportunity — can become a powerful pathway to stability, confidence, and economic mobility for children in foster care. 🎧 Episode Highlights Education & Foster Care The real barriers children in foster care face in completing high school and navigating what comes next — and why traditional systems often fall short. The TasselTurn Model How personalized coaching, milestone-based incentives, and digital tools keep children in foster care engaged and supported. Tech for Good Using technology to track progress, close equity gaps, and create accountability that centers student success. Lived Experience as Leadership How Shanté’s own foster care journey informs her research, innovation, and belief in changing — not “beating” — the odds. Why It Matters The long-term impact of investing in education as a tool to disrupt cycles of poverty and instability for children in foster care. Shanté Elliott is a learning scientist, social entrepreneur, and founder of TasselTurn — a national platform supporting children in foster care and students experiencing housing insecurity through key educational milestones. A former child in foster care and first-generation college graduate, she is currently a PhD candidate at Northwestern University, where her research focuses on educational identity and narrative. Since launching TasselTurn in 2020 with just $300, Shanté has built a nationally recognized organization rooted in the belief that young people deserve more than survival — they deserve systems designed for their success. 🔗 Connect with Shanté & TasselTurn Website: www.tasselturn.org Instagram: @tasselturn LinkedIn: TasselTurn ✨ Why This Episode Matters This conversation is a powerful reminder that when we stop asking children in foster care to overcome broken systems — and instead commit to changing those systems — futures shift. Shanté Elliott isn’t just turning tassels; she’s helping young people step into adulthood with confidence, support, and real opportunity. 🎧 Fostering Change continues next week with another powerful conversation as Season 7 unfolds. Thank you for listening, believing, and being part of a community that shows up for children in foster care — not just in words, but in action. If you have questions or a guest suggestion, please reach out to our producer at dthalberg@comfortcases.org. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    23 min
  6. Leading with H.O.P.E.: Building Resilience in Youth, Families, and Classrooms with Dr. Brandi Kelly

    JAN 6

    Leading with H.O.P.E.: Building Resilience in Youth, Families, and Classrooms with Dr. Brandi Kelly

    Happy New Year from all of us at Fostering Change! We hope you had a joyful holiday season filled with rest, connection, and moments that centered what matters most. As we step into 2026 together, we’re excited to continue bringing you meaningful conversations that uplift, educate, and inspire. Season 7 is already shaping up to be one of our most impactful yet — and we’re thrilled to kick off the year with today’s guest. 🎙 Introduction This week, Rob Scheer is joined by Dr. Brandi Kelly, an award-winning educator, licensed clinical social worker, leadership coach, and founder of Spark HOPE Edu. For more than 20 years, Dr. Kelly has served children and families as a school social worker, principal, and superintendent, always guided by her belief in the transformative power of H.O.P.E. — Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence. Her approach blends emotional wellness, compassionate leadership, and practical tools that empower students — especially those experiencing trauma, foster care, or instability — to build resilience and recognize their inherent worth. Through Spark HOPE Edu and her coaching programs, Dr. Kelly now equips caregivers, educators, and community leaders to create environments where every child feels safe, supported, and capable of thriving. Her message is the perfect way to begin a new year: intentional, uplifting, and rooted in the belief that we can all lead with hope. Main Topic / Theme How Dr. Kelly’s H.O.P.E. framework cultivates resilience, emotional wellness, and confidence in children — particularly those who have experienced trauma — by equipping the adults who support them to lead with compassion, clarity, and purpose. Key Discussion Points Resilience Through H.O.P.E. How Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence help youth overcome adversity and build self-worth. Education + Healing Why collaboration between educators, caregivers, and social workers is essential for children in foster or kinship care. Leadership for Youth Helping children see themselves as leaders regardless of their circumstances. Coaching for Connection Dr. Kelly’s January 2026 six-week cohort designed to help adults strengthen resilience and relational skills using the H.O.P.E. model. Guest Bio Dr. Brandi Kelly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, award-winning educator, and founder of Spark HOPE Edu. Over her two-decade career, she has served as a school social worker, principal, and superintendent — earning multiple leadership awards. Her H.O.P.E. framework (Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, Excellence) provides a roadmap for helping youth—and the adults who guide them—build resilience and belonging. She is the author of Lead with H.O.P.E. and host of the Lead with HOPE podcast. Connect with Dr. Kelly Website: www.sparkhopeedu.com Facebook: @LTW24 Instagram: @leadwithhope.23 LinkedIn: Dr. Brandi Kelly ✨ A New Year Note from Fostering Change As we launch into 2026, we want to thank you — our listeners — for being part of this powerful community. We hope your holiday season was restful and meaningful, and that this new year brings purpose, possibility, and renewed hope. We’re excited to continue this incredible Season 7 journey with you. Fostering Change returns next Tuesday with another inspiring conversation as we work together to support children, families, and caregivers across the country. Here’s to a year of compassion, courage, and making a difference — one story, one act, and one child at a time. Happy New Year, and thank you for being GOOD HUMANS. 🎉 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    26 min
  7. Fostering the Village: Supporting Caregivers to Transform Child Outcomes with Becky Santoro

    12/30/2025

    Fostering the Village: Supporting Caregivers to Transform Child Outcomes with Becky Santoro

    As we close out an extraordinary year of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer welcomes Becky Santoro, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Foster Village Charlotte — a nonprofit reshaping foster care by focusing on the people raising and supporting children every day: foster, kinship, and birth families. A former educator and foster parent herself, Becky witnessed firsthand how overwhelmed and isolated caregivers can feel. She also saw something powerful: children thrive when the adults caring for them are supported, equipped, and connected. That realization led her to co-found Foster Village Charlotte in 2018 — a community-driven model that has since expanded nationwide through a growing network of Foster Village affiliates. Today, Becky and her team not only serve families across the Charlotte region, but also coach and mentor emerging affiliates across the U.S., helping communities build their own “village” of wraparound care. From practical resources to emotional connection to dignified, trauma-informed visitation spaces, Foster Village is reimagining what it means to care for children by caring for the caregivers who love them. 🎙️ In This Episode, Rob and Becky Discuss: • Why Foster Village exists and how it bridges gaps between foster, kinship, and birth families • The powerful connection between caregiver support and positive child outcomes • The Connection Cottage — a trauma-informed, dignified visitation center helping families reconnect • How Foster Village Charlotte coaches and mentors new affiliates nationwide • The Foster the Movement year-end funding campaign supporting urgent needs into 2026 • What resilience, compassion, and community look like in action — and what gives Becky hope for the future This uplifting conversation is the perfect way to wrap up 2025 — rooted in gratitude, connection, and the reminder that we build stronger futures when we build them together. 👤 Guest Bio Becky Santoro is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Foster Village Charlotte, an organization providing holistic support for foster, kinship, and birth families. Since 2018, Becky has grown Foster Village Charlotte into a cornerstone of community care while mentoring new Foster Village affiliates across the country. Her work strengthens families, builds community, and empowers children to thrive. 🔗 Connect with Foster Village Charlotte 🌐 Website: https://www.fostervillagecharlotte.org 💙 Foster the Movement Year-End Campaign: https://www.fostervillagecharlotte.org/foster-the-movement-2025 📘 Facebook: Foster Village Charlotte 📸 Instagram: @fostervillagecharlotte 💼 LinkedIn: Foster Village Charlotte 🎄 From Our Family to Yours — Happy New Year! As we celebrate this holiday season, we wish you a New Year filled with hope, compassion, and community. Thank you for listening, sharing, and helping raise awareness for children and families impacted by foster care. ✨ Fostering Change returns next Tuesday as we continue an incredible Season 7. More powerful conversations. More inspiring leaders. More reminders of the change we can create together. Until then — thank you for being GOOD HUMANS. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    23 min
  8. From Foster Care to a Billion-Dollar Brand: Carolyn Aronson’s Journey of Resilience and Reinvention

    12/23/2025

    From Foster Care to a Billion-Dollar Brand: Carolyn Aronson’s Journey of Resilience and Reinvention

    As we head into Christmas week, Fostering Change brings you an extraordinary story of resilience, determination, and transformation. Rob Scheer is joined by Carolyn Aronson, founder and CEO of It’s A 10 Haircare — one of the most successful Latina-owned beauty brands in the world. Carolyn’s journey began in foster care, where she learned independence, grit, and perseverance at a young age. From those early experiences, she built a career as a hairstylist and salon owner before creating a single product that would change the beauty industry forever. Today, It’s A 10 Haircare is a billion-dollar global brand, selling more than 10 million bottles annually in over 130 countries, and inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs. Beyond her business success, Carolyn is a devoted philanthropist whose generosity supports foster care organizations, youth empowerment, LGBTQ+ advocacy, disaster relief efforts, and workforce development programs. Her message is simple yet powerful: success isn’t measured only by what you build — but by how you give back. In this inspiring conversation, Rob and Carolyn explore how her time in foster care shaped her vision, the creation and growth of an iconic global brand, and why purpose and philanthropy remain central to her work. In this episode, Rob and Carolyn discuss: How Carolyn’s early experiences in foster care fueled her ambition and compassion The creation and explosive growth of It’s A 10 Haircare Building a billion-dollar company rooted in authenticity, quality, and empowerment High-profile collaborations with DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Travis Kelce, Tyson Beckford, and more Her commitment to philanthropy — from pandemic aid to wildfire relief to youth empowerment The upcoming 20th anniversary of It’s A 10 in 2026 Carolyn’s forthcoming book on beauty, confidence, and perseverance About Carolyn Aronson Carolyn Aronson is a self-made Latina billionaire, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. After navigating the foster care system, she built It’s A 10 Haircare into a global beauty powerhouse now valued at over $1 billion. Her Rewind It 10 men’s line has earned national attention through celebrity collaborations, and she has donated millions in products and funding to causes nationwide. Carolyn continues to inspire through her message of grit, generosity, and reinvention. Connect with Carolyn: 🌐 Website: www.itsa10haircare.com 📸 Instagram: @itsa10ceo 🎄 From all of us at Fostering Change, we wish a very Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, and a joyful and peaceful holiday season to all. 🎙️ Don’t miss our final episode of 2025, airing next week — a special year-end conversation you won’t want to miss. 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share. Your support helps us continue lifting up stories that inspire real change. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 min
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4.9
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

Fostering Change with Rob Scheer Hosted by Comfort Cases founder Rob Scheer, this inspiring podcast shares powerful stories of resilience, compassion, and community. Each week, Rob sits down with guests who are making a difference in the foster care system — from former foster youth and foster parents to advocates, authors, and celebrities whose lives have been touched by foster care. With warmth, humor, and heart, Rob leads conversations that remind us all how dignity, hope, and love can change a child’s life forever. 💙 Have a story to share or a question for Rob? 📧 Email: info@comfortcases.org Follow us on social media: @comfortcases Learn more at comfortcases.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Rob Scheer
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    287
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Comfort Cases
  • Show Website
    Fostering Change

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