ReStoried

Hope Bridge/Adkins Media Co.
  • 5.0 (21)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 13H AGO

    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  Join us for our Annual Benefit Dinner!

    35 min

  2. 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  Join us for our Annual Benefit Dinner!

    57 min

  3. MAR 30

    126. Spiritual Formation: The Gift of Sabbath

    In this episode of Restoried, we’re talking about Sabbath, what it actually looks like in real, everyday life. It’s not just about taking a day off, but about creating a rhythm of stopping, resting, delighting, and spending time with God.  We get into how Sabbath can sometimes feel rigid or unrealistic, but how it can actually become something really freeing and life-giving. Even small, intentional shifts, like unplugging from your phone or slowing down enough to connect with the people around you, can bring a sense of peace back into your home and your week.  At the end of the day, Sabbath is a gift, not a rule, and it doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.  Episode Highlights:   Sabbath is intentional, not legalistic  Start Sabbath with realistic rhythms  Rest is an act of trust  Remove distractions, deepen connection  Small rhythms transform your home  Find More on Hope Bridge/Links from this episode:  Sabbath for Families PDFVisit Our Website  Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook  Join us for our Annual Benefit Dinner!

    41 min

  4. MAR 23

    125. Beyond Burnout: Moral Injury in Social Work

    In this episode, we are having a conversation on a powerful concept many child welfare workers feel but don’t always have language for: moral injury.  We unpack the difference between simple burnout and the deeper, soul-level injury that happens when we know what compassionate, ethical care should look like, yet are forced to operate inside systems that often make that impossible.   We reflect on how this plays out across social work, foster care, and kinship care, where both workers and families can feel powerless, conflicted, and even complicit while trying to do the right thing.  This is a heavy but important conversation for those serving in helping professions, and we end by encouraging those carrying these burdens, naming that moral injury is real, and reminding you that ultimate justice and restoration belong to God.    Episode Highlights:   Social Work Appreciation Month  Moral Injury  The Weight of Child Welfare  Soul Care     Find More on Hope Bridge/Links from this Episode:  Follow The Christian Social Worker on Instagram Follow Socialworkaholic on Instagram   The Legacy Scholarship from The Christ Foundation  Visit Our Website  Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Join us for our Annual Benefit Dinner!

    48 min

  5. MAR 16

    124. Replay- Encouragement for Child Welfare Workers with Blake Boyer

    In honor of Social Work Appreciation Month, we’re resharing one of our earlier conversations with Blake Boyer. Blake is a Christian social worker whose passion is encouraging and equipping believers who are fostering, adopting, and supporting children and families involved in the child welfare system. She also mentors social workers as they navigate the challenges of this important work. In this episode, Blake shares honestly about the realities of the child welfare system and the unique pressures social workers often face. She offers practical encouragement for those serving on the front lines and reminds us that even when the work is hard and the outcomes aren’t always visible, God is still at work. Whether you are a social worker, foster or adoptive parent, or someone who cares about children and families in crisis, this conversation is a powerful reminder that faith, perseverance, and community matter in this work. Episode Highlights:  Blake’s BackgroundChallenges for Social Workers Setting Boundaries as a Social Worker Blake’s Passion for Change Encouragement for Foster Families and Social Workers  Find more on Guest: Blake’s InstagramBlake’s Blog  Find More on Hope Bridge: Visit Our Website Follow us on InstagramJoin us for our Annual Benefit Dinner!

    33 min

  6. MAR 9

    123. A Life Wrecked for the Gospel: Kirsten Smith’s Adoption Journey

    In this episode, we sit down with Kirsten Smith, Summit County Coordinator for Hope Bridge, to hear her incredible journey as a mother of nine adopted children from foster care. Kirsten shares openly about her family’s story, beginning with her and her husband Josh navigating infertility and feeling God’s call toward adoption. She reflects on bringing home sibling groups, the challenges of raising children from trauma, and the unexpected ways God has provided for their family, including a miraculous gift of a bigger home and navigating her own health struggles with thyroid cancer.  Kirsten also opens up about the ongoing challenges of parenting a child with serious mental health needs, including multiple inpatient psychiatric stays, and how her faith has sustained her through seasons of uncertainty, grief, and fear. She emphasizes the importance of trusting God’s plan, embracing His timing, and stepping into foster care and adoption even when the path feels overwhelming.   This episode is full of hope, honesty, and encouragement for anyone involved in foster care, adoption, or walking a season of unexpected trials.    Episode Highlights:   From infertility to adoption Raising kids from trauma God’s unexpected provision Faith through health struggles Navigating mental health challenges Trusting God’s plan Encouragement for foster parents   Find more on Guest:  Support Kirsten’s Son in Funding His Residential Treatment In the Room by Maverick City Music Lifesong for Orphans    Find More on Hope Bridge:  Chat with a Hope Bridge Staff Member Visit Our Website  Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook  Join us for our Annual Benefit Dinner!

    56 min

  7. MAR 2

    122. Single Mom, Full Circle: Cat’s Journey with Hope Bridge

    On this episode of Restoried, Mel sits down to talk with Jen Zwick and Cat Tortola about hope, faith, and transformation. Cat isn’t just a graduate of the Hope Bridge Single Moms Program; she’s now the Single Mom Program’s coordinator, helping other single moms navigate life, growth, and family. She shares her journey from feeling stuck and overwhelmed to finding support, community, and confidence through Hope Bridge.  Cat shares about her experience moving into transitional housing, stepping into church for the first time, getting baptized, and even partnering with Habitat for Humanity to rehab her own home. Along the way, Cat learned practical life skills, discovered her potential, and gained the confidence to take bold steps forward. She also shares her hopes for the future: mentoring other single moms and creating a space where they feel truly seen, heard, and supported.  If you’re looking for inspiration or want to see how community and God’s faithfulness can change lives, this episode is for you. Whether you’re a single mom looking for support or just want to see hope in action, tune in to hear how you can get involved, get connected with Hope Bridge, or cheer for these amazing women on their journey.    Episode Highlights:   Meet Cat!  Overcoming fear and doubt Embracing community support Growth through guidance Faith-fueled transformation Empowerment for single mom   Find More on Hope Bridge/Links from this Episode:  Single Mom Connection Form  Empower U March Visit Our Website  Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook  Join us for our Annual Benefit Dinner!

    38 min

  8. FEB 23

    121. Spiritual Formation: Practicing Pilgrim Feast

    In this episode of Restoried, Brian and Anne revisit the spiritual formation practice of Pilgrim Feast, a rhythm inspired by the biblical feasts where God’s people gathered to remember His faithfulness and celebrate together. Pilgrim Feast invites families to reframe vacations and special time away as gifts from God; moments to worship, reconnect, and intentionally celebrate His goodness.  Anne shares how her family prayerfully planned a focused trip with their four older children after a long fostering season, choosing unplugged time in the mountains to reconnect and reflect on God’s faithfulness. Brian shares about his family’s trip to Missouri and how shifting their mindset, seeing vacation as God’s generosity rather than something earned, changed the experience.  They acknowledge the realities of parenting, tight budgets, and blended family dynamics, encouraging listeners to lower expectations of perfection and focus on connection. Pilgrim Feast does not have to be expensive or elaborate. It can be a staycation, a weekend getaway, or even a single intentional day marked by rest, favorite foods, tech boundaries, and meaningful conversation.  The challenge is simple: dream about it, pray about it, put it on the calendar, and trust God to restore your family through celebration.  Episode Highlights:   Celebrate God’s faithfulness. Receive rest as a gift. Choose connection over perfection. Intentional > expensive. Pray, plan, calendar it.   Links from this Episode:  Pilgrim’s Feast with Young Kids  Register for Mobilize Ohio 2026 Register for the Pastor + Ministry Leaders Brunch    Find More on Hope Bridge:  Visit Our Website  Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook  Join us for our Annual Benefit Dinner!

    34 min
See All (129)

Trailer

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Hope Bridge/Adkins Media Co.
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    129
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 ReStoried
  • Show Website
    ReStoried

You Might Also Like