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. 13 DE ABR.

    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. 6 DE ABR.

    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. 9 DE MAR.

    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
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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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