ReStoried Hope Bridge/Adkins Media Co.

What is the difference between dragging your biological family through the muck and mire of foster care versus leading them through it well? 


If you are a foster or adoptive parent, more than likely, you know what we are talking about when it comes to facing some adversity from the people who love you when you first share the news that you are becoming Foster Parents. Although it can sometimes be disheartening, we believe there is a way to confidently lead your family through this journey while mirroring the love of Jesus to those around you. 


In today’s episode, you are getting a sneak peek into one of our breakout sessions from the Mobilize Ohio Conference titled “Dragging vs. Leading.” Our panel is made up of four women who collectively have a wealth of experience and knowledge from all different perspectives of the foster care journey. 


We hope the wisdom shared throughout this episode will give you the strength and knowledge to find a group of people who get you, even if you are still waiting for the people who love you to get on board. 


We encourage you to keep pressing forward on God’s calling on your life despite any challenges you may face; you are touching more lives than just the kiddos who walk through your door. 




Episode Highlights: 
Initial reactions of biological families to foster care Hesitation from bio family in regard to foster care The Positive Impact of Foster Care on Your Biological FamilyThe challenges of Biological children in Foster Care Finding your why 


Find more on Guest:
Find Rhonda's Children's Books on Foster Care Find Bethany’s Podcast 



Find More on Hope Bridge:
Visit Our Website Follow us on InstagramFollow us on Facebook Foster Our Community Instagram 


This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

In this episode, we're privileged to hear the remarkable story of Christa Carrero and her family as they embark on a journey of fostering and healing. Over the past 11 years, Christa, her supportive husband, and their five courageous daughters have welcomed 35 children into their hearts and home through foster care.
 
Christa emphasizes that fostering has been a collaborative effort within her family, with her husband's hard work, loving support, and their daughters' innate commitment to loving the vulnerable. Their fostering journey led them to realize the critical need for support for foster, adoptive, birth, and kinship families, prompting the launch of H.O.P.E.-full Pastures in September 2020.
 
Inspired by Christa's own healing experience with a horse during her teenage years, H.O.P.E.-full Pastures aims to offer hope to vulnerable children in their community through animal-assisted interventions. Christa's program matches children who have faced hardship with animal companions and community mentors, or "Pasture Pals." The program promotes healing and restoration of the child's spirit through a holistic curriculum encompassing animal learning, trust-building, responsibility, and faith-based principles.
 
Moreover, H.O.P.E.-full Pastures extends support to the entire family, offering mentorship to parents and childcare for siblings, recognizing the importance of embracing families as a whole.
 
Join us as we dive into Christa Carrero's inspiring journey of fostering hope, healing, and transformation, showcasing the profound impact of love and support in creating brighter futures for children and families in need.


Episode Highlights: 
Christa’s Family Adoption Foster Care Animal-assisted interventionsAll about H.O.P.E.-full Pastures Therapeutic Farm Sensory Barn  
Find more on Guest:
All about H.O.P.E.-full Pastures Therapeutic Farm Meet Christa Love Stretched Life by Jillana Goble  
Find More on Hope Bridge:
Visit Our Website Follow us on InstagramFollow us on Facebook Foster Our Community Instagram  
This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

In this episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of Lisa Dickson, a former foster youth turned advocate. Lisa's early experiences in the foster care system shaped her dedication to improving outcomes for others like her. As a founding member of the Foster Care Alumni of America and Alumni of Care Together Improving Outcomes Now (ACTION Ohio), Lisa's commitment to advocacy is evident. 
We discuss the challenges youth aging out of foster care face, a topic close to Lisa's heart. She currently serves as Communications Chair for ACTION Ohio and co-facilitator of the OHIO Youth Advisory Board. Lisa's work extends to educational initiatives, such as Ohio Reach, where she aims to increase college enrollment and graduation rates among foster care youth. 


As lead facilitator of the annual Thanksgiving Together events for young people in and from foster care, Lisa fosters a sense of community and support. Through her resilience and determination, Lisa continues to make a lasting impact, offering hope and support to those who have shared similar experiences.



Episode Highlights: 
Statistics on Youth Aging Out of Foster Care Developmental gaps and delays in FFYACTION OhioOhio Youth Advisory Board Thanksgiving Together Mentorship Practical Ways to Get Involved 

Find more on Guest:
Join our mailing list!Suits for SuccessDonate to the Birthday Blessing Bundles2024 Menu of Ways to Help Foster YouthDiagram by Lisa Dickson 

Find More on Hope Bridge:
Visit Our Website Follow us on InstagramFollow us on Facebook Foster Our Community Instagram 

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Welcome to the ReStoried Podcast. In this episode, Brian shares his journey navigating the delicate balance between clarity and courage in life's pivotal decisions. From grappling with cancer to reuniting with former foster children and making tough church choices, he’s often found himself yearning for crystal-clear direction amidst the uncertainty.
In conversations about foster care, Brian has often heard people share the sentiment of "one day" without actually taking the leap. Fear and doubt often hold people back, leaving them frozen in indecision. But amidst the turmoil, he has discovered unexpected blessings and unwavering community support, reminding him of the power of courage and trust.


Scripture has guided Brian’s journey, emphasizing the importance of courageous obedience over exhaustive clarity (1 John 3:16-18; Joshua 1:6–9; Proverbs 3:5–6). Like David facing Goliath, he’s learned that faithfulness often means stepping forward with trust, even when the path ahead is murky.


In conclusion, Brian’s experiences have taught him that God values our willingness to step out in faith, even when the way forward is uncertain. Through fostering vulnerable children, he’s witnessed firsthand the transformative power of courage and obedience, both in the family’s lives and in his. Join Brian as he reflects on the profound intersection of clarity and courage in our journey of faith and purpose.


Episode Highlights: 
Announcements  of upcoming eventsStepping out in courage Being a “one-day” familyGetting stuck in fear Scripture Supporting Courage Brian’s Story 

Links from this episode:
Mobilize OHDads' BBQ Event with Jason Johnson and Darien KarenbauerPastors' and Ministry Leaders' WorkshopChild Welfare Professionals & Non-Profit Leader Workshop

Find More on Hope Bridge:
Visit Our Website Follow us on InstagramFollow us on Facebook Foster Our Community Instagram 

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

In this episode, we're joined by Brannon Marshall, the pastor of North Canton Chapel, and Judy, the director of family life. Their perspectives provide valuable insights into the churches' role in supporting foster families. 
Brannon’s deep involvement in our community offers valuable insights, while Judy brings her perspective from witnessing the journeys of foster and adoptive families in our congregation. We reflect on Jason Johnson's powerful quote, "We are not all called to do the same thing, but we can all do something," and discuss practical ways churches can translate awareness into meaningful action. 


We explore common reasons churches hesitate to get involved and offer strategies to overcome these barriers. We emphasize the importance of moving towards brokenness rather than shying away from it. From building supportive communities to offering tangible resources, we discuss concrete steps churches can take to make a positive impact. 


Amidst the multitude of ministries competing for attention and resources, we examine how to discern and prioritize support for vulnerable families within our church's mission. Finally, we address pastors and ministry leaders, offering practical guidance on initiating efforts to support foster families within their congregations.



Episode Highlights: 
Introduction to Brannon Marshall & Judy McClintockCompassion fatigue in the churchA message to Lead Pastors What Can We Do as a Church to Support Foster Families? Everyone Can Do Something 

Find more on Guest:
North Canton Chapel

Find More on Hope Bridge:
Register for Mobilize Ohio 2024Register for the Pastor & Ministry Leaders WorkshopVisit Our Website Follow us on InstagramFollow us on Facebook Foster Our Community Instagram 
This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Welcome to another episode of The ReStoried Podcast! 


In today's conversation, we sit down with Crystal, a devoted Christ-follower, wife, mother, counselor, and friend. Crystal's journey is one of deep passion and purpose, centered around connecting others with God's transformative power and unwavering presence. With a background in women's ministry and Christian Education, she has dedicated herself to helping others navigate life's challenges through biblical counseling. 


As the founder of Spirit & Strength, a Christ-centered weight training ministry, Crystal has authored numerous studies and conferences on topics ranging from authentic faith to engaged parenting. However, her profound dedication to fostering connections and bringing beauty from ashes truly shines through. With a particular focus on women, anxiety, and adoption, Crystal's heart for counseling is evident in her desire to see lives transformed by the gospel. 


In this episode, we are going to focus on the reality of raising a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder. As an adoptive mom, Crystal has first-hand experience in raising a child who struggled with this disorder. 


Join us as we dive into her experiences, insights, and the miraculous ways she witnesses God's grace at work in foster care and adoption.



Episode Highlights: 
All about Crystal & her backgroundWhat is Reactive Attachment Disorder? Raising a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder Practical tips for Self-Care Practical tips for raising a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder 

Find more on Guest:
Please Pass the Mustard Seeds WebsiteField Stone Counseling 

Find More on Hope Bridge:
Visit Our Website Follow us on InstagramFollow us on Facebook Foster Our Community Instagram 

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.