Open Homes Initiative Podcast

Open Homes Initiative
  • 5.0 (1)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Your story matters. This podcast exists to tell the stories of changed lives in the Foster Care system - to put names and faces to numbers and statistics. Open Homes Initiative's goal is to be a bridge between foster families and local churches in West Texas and available resources. And by telling these stories and raising awareness, we hope you see that you can help these foster kids by doing something as simple as making a meal for a foster family. Follow along to hear how God is moving through foster families who are doing teh hard work of loving these kiddos.

Episodes

  1. 12/05/2025

    What Happens When You Bring a Foster Child into Your Family?

    In this episode of the Open Homes Initiative podcast, hosts Justin and Chelsea sit down with their teenage daughter, Jolly, for an honest conversation about the realities of foster care from a family’s perspective. Together, they explore what it means to open your home—and your heart—to children in need, sharing both the joys and the challenges that come with fostering.Key highlights from this episode include:• The family’s journey as foster parents and the impact on their biological children.• Jolly’s unique perspective on growing up in a foster family.• Honest discussion about the joys and challenges of welcoming foster siblings.• Stories of attachment, goodbyes, and the emotional realities of foster care.• Reflections on how fostering has shaped empathy, compassion, and family values.• Addressing common questions: “How does fostering affect your own kids?” and “Is it worth getting too attached?”• The importance of going “all in” and embracing both the hard and beautiful moments.• The family’s experience stepping away from and returning to fostering.• Encouragement and practical wisdom for families considering foster care or supporting those who do.Whether you’re considering foster care, supporting a foster family, or simply curious about the impact it can have, this episode offers heartfelt stories, practical insights, and a reminder that every story matters.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction & The Tagline00:54 Welcome to the Open Homes Initiative Podcast01:12 Meet the Hosts and Family01:49 Jocelyn's Perspective on Foster Care03:51 First Experiences with Foster Care06:50 Sharing Space & Family Dynamics08:36 Memorable Foster Placements12:00 The Challenges of Fostering13:17 Balancing Biological and Foster Children13:52 Teaching Kids About the Real World14:56 Fostering's Impact on Perspective18:46 Advice for New Foster Families20:47 The Future of Fostering26:15 The Importance of Attachment27:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    28 min

  2. 11/25/2025

    From Foster Care to Family: The Journey of Open Hands and Open Hearts

    When Sunny was just three days old, she was placed with Landon and Sarah, a foster family with open hearts and a deep sense of calling. Despite already having four biological children, they welcomed Sunny as their own, instantly feeling a profound connection and love. As the months passed, the family navigated the emotional highs and lows of foster care, including the uncertainty of reunification and the challenges of building trust with Sunny’s biological mom, Hannah, during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.What began as a foster placement soon blossomed into something much more. Through honest conversations, shared struggles, and a commitment to what was best for Sunny, both families broke down barriers and formed a unique, blended family. Even after Sunny was reunited with her biological mom, the bond remained unbreakable—celebrating holidays together, supporting each other through life’s ups and downs, and redefining what it means to be family.This episode is a testament to the power of open hands, open homes, and open hearts. It’s about loving deeply, letting go, and discovering that family can be forged in the most unexpected ways.Chapters:[00:00:00] Intro[00:01:00] Meet the Families & Their Calling to Foster Care[00:05:00] The First Placement: Saying Yes and Letting Go[00:10:00] Welcoming a Newborn: The Story of “Sunny”[00:15:00] Navigating Foster Care During COVID[00:20:00] Building a Relationship with Bio Mom[00:30:00] The Power of Open Hands: Trusting the Process[00:40:00] Reunification: Letting Go and Staying Connected[00:50:00] Becoming One Family: Holidays, Support, and Growth[01:00:00] Reflections & Advice for Future Foster Parents[01:05:00] Closing Thoughts & How to Get InvolvedIf this story moved you, please like, subscribe, and share. Visit the Open Homes Initiative website or follow us on Facebook to connect, share your story, or learn how you can support families in foster care.#FosterCare #Adoption #Family #OpenHomesInitiative #Podcast

    27 min

  3. 11/04/2025

    Bridging the Gap Between Foster Families, The Church, and Available Resources

    Welcome to the Open Homes Initiative Podcast, Episode 0! In this episode, we share our journey as foster parents, the mission behind Open Homes Initiative, and how you can get involved in supporting foster, kinship, and adoptive families.What You’ll Learn:The heart and mission of the Open Homes InitiativeReal stories and experiences from foster and adoptive familiesThe challenges and rewards of fosteringHow local churches and communities can make a differencePractical ways anyone can support children and families in the foster systemChapters:[00:00:00] Introduction and Awkward Beginnings[00:00:10] Mission of the Podcast[00:00:59] Meet the Hosts: Justin and Chelsea[00:01:24] Our Foster Journey Begins[00:02:00] Starting the Foster Closet[00:02:15] Moving to a Bigger Home[00:03:31] First Steps into Fostering[00:03:51] Life with Foster Kids[00:05:05] Podcast Goals and Vision[00:09:01] Why Open Homes Initiative?[00:12:35] Support Groups and Community Impact[00:15:58] Recruiting and Retaining Foster Families[00:21:38] Expanding Our Impact[00:21:54] Partnering with Local Churches[00:22:47] Recruitment and Community Awareness[00:23:21] Foster Care Ministries[00:24:49] The Importance of Story[00:25:26] God's Plan and Human Stories[00:27:02] Challenges and Faith in Foster Care[00:27:42] Support Systems and Community Involvement[00:31:07] Future Goals and Vision[00:34:26] Ways to Get Involved[00:40:38] Conclusion and Call to ActionIf you’re interested in learning more, getting involved, or supporting foster families, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or visit our website. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to help spread awareness!FosterCare #OpenHomesInitiative #Podcast #Adoption #CommunitySupport

    41 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

Your story matters. This podcast exists to tell the stories of changed lives in the Foster Care system - to put names and faces to numbers and statistics. Open Homes Initiative's goal is to be a bridge between foster families and local churches in West Texas and available resources. And by telling these stories and raising awareness, we hope you see that you can help these foster kids by doing something as simple as making a meal for a foster family. Follow along to hear how God is moving through foster families who are doing teh hard work of loving these kiddos.

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