ReStoried

Hope Bridge/Adkins Media Co.

What kind of stories come to mind when you think of foster care? Many stories are filled with heartbreak, pain, and sorrow. But what if we could step in and see them turned into stories of hope? Hope Bridge is on a gospel-led mission to transform the foster care landscape in Ohio. We're here to raise awareness and empower churches and communities to step into action by supporting vulnerable children and families in their local communities. We’re certainly not the Author of these stories, and it’s true that we can't change the past, but we are called to be key characters in THE story that God has written for His creation. His is a story of redemption and restoration, a story of HOPE. In this podcast, we will share how we link arms with churches, county workers, foster families, and those in the community to rewrite the narrative for vulnerable children and families. We’ll be shining a light on stories of hope, redemption, and transformation and sharing practical ways that you can step in and get involved.  Subscribe now, and together, let's make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Welcome to "ReStoried," a podcast by Hope Bridge.

  1. 2D AGO

    131. For the One: Seeing People Like Jesus Does

    In this special episode of Restoried, we’re coming together as the four directors of HopeBridge to launch something that is deeply personal to us: our new campaign and heart posture, “For the One.” This conversation is really about what has been forming in us for a long time—how we see people, how we do ministry, and how we stay anchored in the middle of work that can often feel overwhelming in scale.  We talk about how easy it is to slip into a “numbers mindset,” especially in the nonprofit and foster care world, where outcomes, stats, and impact reports often take center stage. But over and over again, we come back to this truth: our work has never been about reaching everyone at once—it’s about being faithful to the one person in front of us. One child. One mom. One family. And ultimately, the One who leads it all—Jesus.  As we share, we reflect on how Jesus consistently modeled this for us in Scripture—stopping for the one, noticing the overlooked, and restoring individuals in deeply personal ways. That same heart is what we want to shape everything we do at HopeBridge: how we show up with churches, how we support foster families, how we care for single moms, and how we love each other as a team.  At the core of this conversation is a shared conviction: we are not called to fix everything or everyone—we are called to faithfully respond to the one God places in front of us. And in doing so, we reflect the heart of Jesus, who sees, knows, and loves each of us fully.  This episode is our way of launching the “For the One” campaign, but more than that, it’s an invitation—to slow down, to be present, and to believe that one act of obedience can carry eternal weight.    Episode Highlights:   Foster Care Awareness Month For the One Campaign Foster Care Adoption  Faith  Our Heart Posture at Hope Bridge   Find More on Hope Bridge:  Visit Our Website  Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook

    32 min
  2. APR 13

    128. Volunteer Where You Are, With What You Have

    In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, this episode of Restoried highlights the incredible impact of volunteers at Hope Bridge and the vital role they play in supporting foster families, single moms, and vulnerable children. While not everyone is called to foster, we are all called to care, and Hope Bridge gives people tangible ways to step into that calling. Simply put, this work would not be possible without the faithful, consistent presence of volunteers who give their time, talents, and resources to serve others.  You’ll hear firsthand from Matt, a dedicated volunteer, as he shares what inspired him to step in, how serving aligns with his faith, and the joy he’s found in building meaningful relationships with the kids and families he serves.  This episode also explores the many practical ways you can get involved, whether through childcare, mentorship, transportation, meals, or even leveraging your unique skills or resources. If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference, this conversation is a reminder that everyone can do something. When we choose to care for the vulnerable in our community, even the smallest step can create a lasting impact.    Episode Highlights:   Volunteer Appreciation Month  Volunteer opportunities Everyone can help  Consistency builds impact  Use your gifts  Small acts matter    Find More on Hope Bridge/Links from this episode:  Volunteer Form  Join the Bridge  Comfort & Care Bag Amazon Wishlist  Empower U Meal Train  Louisville Single Mom Support Group Meal Train Visit Our Website  Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook

    35 min
  3. APR 6

    127. Be the Safe Place: A Conversation for Child Abuse Prevention Month with Stephanie Ellison

    April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and in this episode of Restoried, we sit down with author, speaker, and advocate Stephanie Ellison to talk about the realities of child abuse, especially the parts we don’t always see.   Stephanie shares pieces of her own story growing up in instability, navigating trauma, and learning how those experiences shaped her as both a child and an adult. She helps us understand how kids cope in different ways, some becoming quiet and unseen, others acting out, both responses rooted in survival.   We also talk about how complex abuse really is, how generational cycles play a role, and why compassion matters, not just for kids, but for struggling families too. This conversation is a reminder that we don’t have to do something big to make a difference. Sometimes, being a safe, consistent presence is enough to change a child’s life.   If you’ve ever wondered how to recognize signs of abuse or how you can help, this episode will both challenge and encourage you.     Episode Highlights:   Child Abuse Prevention Month  Abuse isn’t always visible  Kids cope in different ways  Trauma shapes behavior deeply  Small actions make big impact  Safe people change lives   Find more on Guest:  Listen to Stephanie’s Previous Restoried Episode Here Stephanie’s Book- Always Forever Stephanie’s Non-Profit’s Website  Fostering Hope Podcast  Stephanie’s Blog Stephanie’s Instagram  Stephanie’s Facebook   Find More on Hope Bridge:  Visit Our Website  Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook

    56 min
5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

What kind of stories come to mind when you think of foster care? Many stories are filled with heartbreak, pain, and sorrow. But what if we could step in and see them turned into stories of hope? Hope Bridge is on a gospel-led mission to transform the foster care landscape in Ohio. We're here to raise awareness and empower churches and communities to step into action by supporting vulnerable children and families in their local communities. We’re certainly not the Author of these stories, and it’s true that we can't change the past, but we are called to be key characters in THE story that God has written for His creation. His is a story of redemption and restoration, a story of HOPE. In this podcast, we will share how we link arms with churches, county workers, foster families, and those in the community to rewrite the narrative for vulnerable children and families. We’ll be shining a light on stories of hope, redemption, and transformation and sharing practical ways that you can step in and get involved.  Subscribe now, and together, let's make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Welcome to "ReStoried," a podcast by Hope Bridge.

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