The Defender Podcast Lifeline Children's Services

In this episode of the Defender podcast, we honor Birth Mother's Day. Dr. Rick Morton welcome listeners into a special conversation featuring one of Lifeline's Pregnancy Counselors, Lauren Eddie, along with two remarkable birth mothers. Together, they discuss the significance of Birth Mother's Day, sharing personal insights, emotions, and reflections on the courageous decision these two women made to choose adoption. Join us as we celebrate their love, strength, and the profound impact of their choices.
GUESTS
Lauren Eddie joined the Lifeline team in January of 2018, where she serves as Pregnancy Counselor Supervisor. Hailing originally from New Orleans, LA, she pursued her undergraduate studies in social work at Mississippi College before furthering her education at The University of Alabama for graduate school. Lauren's views her work as both a calling and a ministry, relishing the opportunity to express love and care for clients, inspired by the love of Christ. 
Brooke and Amanda are two birth mothers who embarked on their pregnancy and adoption placement journey with Lifeline by their side.

HOST
Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.

CO-HOST
Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCES
Birth mothers are some of the most brave and selfless women we will ever meet. We want to surround these women with holistic care when they enter our doors. The Well is an fund that helps meet the physical needs of women in unexpected pregnancies. It allows our pregnancy counselors to not only walk with women through their pregnancy but to also help them cover rent, utilities, medical costs, food, transportation, and many other needs throughout their pregnancy, hospital stay, and after.  When we care for and meet physical needs, we also have opportunities to share about Christ and the hope and freedom of His gospel. Give to The Well fund, and help us care fully for women we serve. 

Pregnant? Considering Adoption? Lifeline Pregnancy Counseling offers free, confidential, and no-pressure services to help YOU decide if adoption is right for you and your baby.

LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES
The mission of Lifeline Children’s Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples. 

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In this episode of "The Defender Podcast," we explore the synergy of therapeutic integration. Lifeline's very own, Angela Mains, talks with host Dr. Rick Morton to uncover how blending modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and somatic experiencing fosters holistic healing. Join us as we navigate the pathways to wellness, revealing the transformative power of integrated therapeutic approaches.

GUEST
Angela Mains, MA, LPC-S, TBRI® Practitioner, Registered Play Therapist, joined Lifeline’s team in December 2012. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Family Science from Anderson University, a Master’s Degree in Licensed Professional Counseling from Liberty University, and a certificate in Play Therapy from Capella University. Angela primarily works with attachment and trauma in children, adolescents, and adults, as well as helping people with anxiety, grief, depression, anger, marriage and parenting support. She is a fully certified Theraplay® Therapist, utilizes Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), is a Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained, Certified Theraplay® Trainer, and a Prepare/Enrich Facilitator and Seminar Director. Angela has also been blessed to be able to train in Corrective Attachment Therapy (CAT) with Dr. Terry Levy of the Evergreen Psychotherapy Center. Angela is passionate about attachment and is excited to work with families who have welcomed adopted and foster children into their homes with the hope that God will use her as a vessel of healing in their lives.

HOST
Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.

CO-HOST
Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCE
After 41 years of experience serving children and families (and having families of our own), we know the value of counseling. We also know the end goal of counseling isn’t to “fix” a problem but to help us develop as healthier individuals and families. Living in a world marred by sin, we will encounter trauma, loss, grief, and difficulties. God has gifted and skilled counselors to help us process those times so we can heal, help others, and live for the utmost glory of God. 
We are grateful for our counseling team at Lifeline and the way they serve families. If you would like to partner with us to help more families on the path to healing, visit LifelineChild.org to learn more about becoming a monthly donor. 

LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES
The mission of Lifeline Children’s Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples. 

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The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
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In this episode of the Defender Podcast, hosts Herbie Newell and Rick Morton engage in a discussion on Child Abuse Prevention with guest Julie Lowe, a highly experienced author, speaker, and counselor. With over two decades of expertise in counseling and advocacy for vulnerable children, Julie offers invaluable insights into the nuanced understanding of child abuse, highlighting lesser-known forms that often evade detection. As April marks Child Abuse Prevention Month, the conversation pivots to the significance of awareness and proactive measures, with Julie outlining specific actions individuals and communities can take to combat this pressing issue. Drawing from her dual roles as a counselor and foster and adoptive parent, Julie delves into recognizing signs and indicators of child abuse and provides practical guidance on addressing concerns effectively. 

GUEST
Julie Lowe is an author, speaker, and counselor. She holds an MA in counseling from Biblical Theological Seminary, is a licensed professional counselor with over twenty-five years of counseling experience, and is a registered play therapist supervisor. Julie served as a faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) for over 20 years and has lectured and taught at Missio Seminary and Westminster Theological Seminary.

Julie and her husband, Greg, live in the Philadelphia, PA area and have five children. They have served for over 20 years as foster and adoptive parents.

HOST
Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.

CO-HOST
Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCE
Promo: Families Count At Lifeline, we want to empower families with education, resources, and support. Parents who are struggling to keep their family together are vulnerable to making decisions that affect their children negatively. Many parents also don’t know how to parent in a healthy way. That’s why we partner with local churches for Families Count. 
Families Count is a family restoration and preservation ministry that partners with the local church to provide parenting courses for vulnerable families in the foster care system or who are at risk of entering it. By helping parents develop a more healthy family, we help prevent child neglect and abuse. 
You can help make families stay together in a healthy way when you partner with us. Visit LifelineChild.org/Donate to learn more about becoming a monthly donor or see our show notes for more details.

LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES
The mission of Lifeline Children’s Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples. 

FOLLOW US
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

In this episode, host Rick Morton is joined by Ann Maura Hinton to delve into the transformative power of Camp Empower, Lifeline's trauma-informed day camp designed to serve children with academic, relational, and emotional differences. With Camp Empower's focus on equipping children with social, emotional, and cognitive development skills, Ann Maura shares insights into its evolution and impact over the past six years. Through heartfelt anecdotes and testimonials, they illuminate the profound connections forged between campers, buddies, and families, all reflecting the fingerprints of God's love and grace in action. As they extend a warm invitation for participation and collaboration, they envision Camp Empower not just as a summer camp, but as a catalyst for building inclusive, supportive communities rooted in compassion and understanding for vulnerable children and families everywhere.
GUEST
Ann Maura serves as the Program Director at Bridge Educational Services, joining the team in August 2017. With over 25 years of teaching experience across diverse settings and disabilities, she is dedicated to facilitating positive outcomes for families in need. Certified as a Cognitive Developmental Therapist, Ann Maura holds both a master's and undergraduate degree in Special Education from the University of Tennessee. Her passion for learning drives her constant exploration of innovative approaches to support individuals facing challenges, striving to bridge the gap from frustration to hope. Residing in Madisonville, TN, Ann Maura is a devoted wife and mother of three, cherishing quality time spent with her family.

HOST
Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.

CO-HOST
Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCE
Summer camp has been a staple in the lives of children for generations. We want to expand the opportunity for children to experience camp through Camp Empower. 

Camp Empower is a trauma-informed day camp designed to serve children with academic, relational, and emotional differences in a fun camp environment. Camp Empower uses hands-on tools and techniques from trained staff to help children implement social-emotional and cognitive developmental skills.  It’s also designed to equip parents and caregivers as well as the campers. 

Click here to register for a Camp Empower event. You can help make camps accessible for families when you partner with us. Visit our website to learn more about becoming a monthly donor. 

LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES
The mission of Lifeline Children’s Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples. 

FOLLOW US
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

In this episode of the Defender Podcast, host Rick Morton delves into the transformative power of play in parenting with guest, Ann Maura Hinton. They explore how playful engagement with children not only fosters joy and connection but also aids in cognitive development and emotional well-being. Drawing from personal experiences and scientific insights, they discuss the importance of mirroring and adapting to children's preferred modes of play, even when it diverges from our own inclinations. Through anecdotes and reflections, they highlight the profound impact of play on learning, neuroplasticity, and relational dynamics within families. Emphasizing the need to trust in God's grace and provision, they encourage parents to approach challenges with a playful spirit, fostering deep connections and facilitating growth in their children.

GUEST
Ann Maura serves as the Program Director at Bridge Educational Services, joining the team in August 2017. With over 25 years of teaching experience across diverse settings and disabilities, she is dedicated to facilitating positive outcomes for families in need. Certified as a Cognitive Developmental Therapist, Ann Maura holds both a master's and undergraduate degree in Special Education from the University of Tennessee. Her passion for learning drives her constant exploration of innovative approaches to support individuals facing challenges, striving to bridge the gap from frustration to hope. Residing in Madisonville, TN, Ann Maura is a devoted wife and mother of three, cherishing quality time spent with her family.

HOST
Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.

CO-HOST
Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCE
Summer break can be a great time to let Bridge Educational Services help you and your child maintain learning and structure over the summer.  Bridge tutors can help your child prepare for the next school year while engaging in fun, purposeful activities that can improve areas such as focus, comprehension, and decision-making skills.  Bridge Educational Services will customize a plan for you and your child.  See our show notes for more information. You can help bring hope to families through Bridge when you partner with us. Visit LifelineChild.org to learn more about the impact of being a monthly donor.  

LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES
The mission of Lifeline Children’s Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples. 

FOLLOW US
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

In this special Easter episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the significance of Holy Week amidst their own family traditions and memories. Through these anecdotes, they underscore the central message of Easter—the sacrificial love of Christ and the hope it brings. Amidst laughter and cherished memories, they emphasize the daily importance of remembering the gospel and its transformative power in their lives and the lives of those around them. Join them as they celebrate the resurrected Lord and invite listeners to embrace the hope of the gospel in their own lives.

HOST
Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.

CO-HOST
Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCES
With Easter approaching this weekend, we wanted to highlight a new resource for families that help open up conversation about our identity in Christ.
Whose Am I? is a bilingual (Spanish/English) children’s book that shares true life experiences about adoption, redemption, and finding our identity in Christ.Because it is written for children and parents together, this book provides opportunities to discuss difficult topics, such as abandonment and identity.
We believe this book could be an excellent resource for any foster or adoptive families as well as those who would like more insight into helping others find their identity in Christ. Visit our Amazon store to purchase a book for yourself or more as gifts.

LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES
The mission of Lifeline Children’s Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples. 

FOLLOW US
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify