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

Matt Darrah: Executive Director Panhandle Orphan Care Network
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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. 1d ago

    Holding Space: Navigating Trauma, Self-Awareness, and Grief | Trauma Series Part 4

    Holding Space: Navigating Trauma, Self-Awareness, and Grief | Trauma Series Part 4 What happens when caring for someone else’s trauma begins to affect you, too? In Part 4 of our Trauma Series, Matt Darrah continues his conversation with Hannah Doggett, PhD in Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, exploring vicarious trauma, emotional self-awareness, and anticipatory grief. This episode is especially relevant for foster and adoptive families, caseworkers, counselors, advocates, first responders, and anyone who regularly supports people walking through trauma. Vicarious trauma can develop through repeated exposure to the traumatic experiences of others—and recognizing the signs is an important part of caring for yourself while continuing to care for others. Matt and Hannah also discuss anticipatory grief, something many foster families experience while loving a child they know may eventually leave their home. Grief doesn’t always begin after a loss. Sometimes it begins while you're waiting, wondering, and preparing for what may come. In this episode: What vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress can look likeThe difference between burnout and trauma-related compassion fatigueWhy foster parents, caseworkers, counselors, advocates, and first responders may be especially vulnerableHow self-awareness can help you recognize when something is changingThe role of emotional intelligence and self-regulationPractical tools like journaling, therapy, emotional labeling, reflective listening, and taking intentional breaksUnderstanding anticipatory grief in foster carePreparing support systems before you reach a point of crisisWhy asking for help is a sign of awareness—not failureOne of the biggest reminders from this conversation: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking a break, accepting respite, leaning on your community, and asking for help can be essential when you spend so much of your life caring for others. And above all, there is hope. Trauma does not have to have the final word. ☕ All Things Foster is a place for coffee, connection, and community. Thank You to Our Episode SponsorA special thank you to Falcon Ridge IT for sponsoring this episode! Falcon Ridge IT provides personalized IT support, cybersecurity, cloud services, and other technology solutions while focusing on building relationships with the people and organizations they serve. Learn more: https://falconridgeit.com/ About Panhandle Orphan Care NetworkPanhandle Orphan Care Network supports children entering foster and kinship care through customized Placement Packages that help meet their immediate needs. Learn more about our mission, support Placement Packages, or get involved at: https://www.panhandleorphan.org/ 🎙️ Hosted by Matt Darrah Executive Director, Panhandle Orphan Care Network This podcast is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional mental health care or diagnosis.

  2. Oct 13

    Diagnoses, Labels, and Living Beyond Them | Trauma Series Part 3

    Diagnoses, Labels, and Living Beyond Them | Trauma Series Part 3You are not your diagnosis. In Part 3 of our 5-part Trauma Series, Matt Darrah is joined again by Hannah Doggett, PhD in Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, for an important conversation about mental health diagnoses, the labels that can come with them, and what it means to live beyond those labels. A diagnosis can be helpful. It can give us language for what we're experiencing, guide treatment, and help us better understand ourselves or the children in our care. But a diagnosis should never become an identity. Matt and Hannah discuss several trauma- and stress-related disorders, including PTSD, acute stress disorder, adjustment disorder, reactive attachment disorder, and disinhibited social engagement disorder. They also explore why trauma can look very different in children than it does in adults—and why behavior may sometimes be communicating something deeper. In This Episode:Why you are not your diagnosisThe difference between a diagnosis and an identityHow labels can help—and how they can hurtPTSD and other trauma- and stress-related disordersWhy trauma may present differently in childrenComorbidity and overlapping diagnosesThe importance of getting a second opinion when neededAdvocating for yourself and the children in your careFinding the right therapist and treatment approachPerson-first, strength-based languageResilience, recovery, and hope after traumaOne of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is simple: a diagnosis is information about you—not the definition of you. There is hope. Healing is possible. And no diagnosis gets the final word on who you are. ⚠️ Please note: This episode is intended for education and conversation, not self-diagnosis. If you have concerns about your mental health or a child's mental health, seek guidance from a qualified professional. Thank You to Our Episode SponsorA special thank you to Sundy Sharp with AMC Mortgage for sponsoring Part 3 of our Trauma Series. Sundy is an Amarillo-based residential mortgage lender who serves clients throughout Texas and specializes in helping first-time homebuyers begin their journey toward generational wealth. 🏡 Learn more or connect with Sundy: https://amcmtg.com/ssharp/ About All Things FosterAll Things Foster is a place for coffee, connection, and community, brought to you by Panhandle Orphan Care Network. POCN works throughout the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle to support children entering foster and kinship care and the families caring for them. 💙 Learn more or support our mission: https://www.panhandleorphan.org/ Like, share, and subscribe to help us connect more foster, adoptive, and kinship families with encouragement, education, and resources.

  3. Oct 6

    Nature vs. Nurture and the Epigenetics of Trauma | Trauma Series Part 2

    Nature vs. Nurture and the Epigenetics of Trauma | Trauma Series Part 2Can trauma be passed from one generation to the next? And how much of who we are is shaped by our genetics versus our environment? In Part 2 of our Trauma Series, Matt Darrah is joined again by Hannah Doggett to explore nature vs. nurture—and why the answer isn't one or the other. It's both. Hannah breaks down the fascinating world of epigenetics and explains how trauma can influence the way genes express themselves without actually changing our DNA. They also explore research surrounding intergenerational trauma and how the experiences of one generation can continue to affect the generations that follow. In this episode:Why trauma involves both nature AND nurtureWhat epigenetics means and how trauma can affect gene expressionHow trauma may be passed across generationsThe impact of early childhood experiences and attachmentHow behavior, language, silence, and family dynamics can transmit traumaWhy self-awareness matters for parents and caregiversHow community and environment can influence healingThe role of neuroplasticity in recoveryWhy telling our stories can be an important part of healingFor foster, kinship, and adoptive families, understanding these concepts can help us look beyond a child's behavior and consider the experiences, relationships, and environments that have shaped them. Most importantly, this conversation reminds us that biology is not destiny. Healing is possible. Through supportive relationships, healthy environments, community, and appropriate intervention, the brain has an incredible ability to adapt and change. Thank You to Our Episode SponsorA special thank you to BNI Lone Star Leaders for sponsoring this episode and for their continued generosity and support of Panhandle Orphan Care Network. BNI Lone Star Leaders brings local business professionals together to build relationships, share referrals, and help one another grow. Matt shares in this episode how much this group has supported POCN and other organizations throughout the community. Learn more about BNI Lone Star Leaders About All Things FosterAll Things Foster is a place for coffee, connection, and community. Through honest conversations, practical resources, and real stories, we hope to better equip foster, kinship, and adoptive families—and the communities that surround them. Panhandle Orphan Care Network supports children and families throughout the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle, including through Placement Packages that provide essentials, comfort, and a reminder to children entering care that they are seen, valued, and loved. Learn more, volunteer, or support our mission: https://www.panhandleorphan.org/ 👍 Like this episode 💬 Share it with someone who needs to hear it 🔔 Subscribe to All Things Foster so you don't miss Part 3 of our Trauma Series. Next in the series: Diagnoses, Labels, and Living Beyond Them

  4. Sep 29

    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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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!

  7. 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.

  8. 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!

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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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