The HOPEful Connection

Restoring Hope, LLC
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Welcome to the HOPEful connection! This is your resource to connect you to the disability community. We're your Restoring Hope, LLC podcast hosts Staci Owen, Whitley Lemon, and Danielle Coffey.

  1. From Host Home to Forever Family | Guest Kathy Jo Glenn with Co-Host Staci Owen

    3D AGO

    From Host Home to Forever Family | Guest Kathy Jo Glenn with Co-Host Staci Owen

    What starts as everyday life… can turn into a forever kind of calling. 🤍 In this episode of The HOPEful Connection, host Staci Owen sits down with Kathy Jo Glenn to share her 10+ year journey as a Host Home. From navigating Missouri’s unpredictable weather 😅 to building a home filled with belonging, growth, and purpose—this conversation is a real look at what it means to open your life to others. ✨ Creating family beyond blood ✨ Walking alongside individuals as they experience life for the first time ✨ The challenges, the beauty, and the lifelong commitment ✨ Why community support is everything Because they don’t know what they haven’t experienced yet… And sometimes, all it takes is someone willing to show them. Welcome to The HOPEful Connection. A podcast that connects you to the disability community. We're your hosts, Staci Owen, Whitley Lemon, and Danielle Coffey. #TheHOPEfulConnection #RestoringHope #HostHomes #CaregivingCommunity #DisabilitySupport #LifeTogether

    59 min
  2. A Lifeline to Natural Families | Guests Jeremy & Shon Morris with Co-Host Whitley Lemon

    APR 8

    A Lifeline to Natural Families | Guests Jeremy & Shon Morris with Co-Host Whitley Lemon

    Jeremy has been part of Restoring Hope’s respite services since 2023, and he’s got stories to tell! From coloring at Grandma Brenda’s, petting goats, watching Westerns, dancing to country music, and splashing in the pool — respite gives him joy, freedom, and new connections. His brother Shon shares how these services have brought balance and breathing room back to their family after years of full-time caregiving. A touching reminder that respite isn’t just a break — it’s hope and connection for everyone involved. If you'd like to know more about Restoring Hope's Respite Services, visit our website. https://www.werestorehope.com/out-of-home-respite Welcome to The HOPEful Connection podcast. A resource that connects you to the disability community! Were you're hosts, Danielle Coffey, Staci Owen, and Whitley Lemon.

    35 min
  3. Intentional Service in Community | Guest Julie Olsen with Co-Host Whitley Lemon

    MAR 5

    Intentional Service in Community | Guest Julie Olsen with Co-Host Whitley Lemon

    "Real change happens when we see people for who they are, invest intentionally, and let community become family." In this episode of The HOPEful Connection, Whitley Lemon talks with Julie Olson, Program Coordinator of Restoring Hope's Willow Springs Excel Day Program. Julie shares her journey from undergrad at SBU to leading a program built on purpose, inclusion, and intentional service. Highlights include prepping 250 surprise promo bags for Hannah Harper's hometown concert, securing a Rotary grant for a therapy pod with mock coffee shop role-play, deep ties with the Chamber of Commerce, downtown beautification, community garden expansion, and skill-building in cooking, budgeting, hygiene, and outings that spark joy and independence. Julie opens up about overcoming challenges through faith, person-centered support, and ongoing master's studies—proving everyone can excel with the right encouragement. This episode is for anyone passionate about: > Disability day programs and community inclusion > Faith-driven leadership and service > Building purpose through skill-building and advocacy > Advocating at Disability Rights Legislative Day Because real change starts when we show up, see people fully, and let community become family. Welcome to The HOPEful Connection! A podcast that connects you to the disability community. We're your hosts, Danielle Coffey, Staci Owen, and Whitley Lemon.

    50 min
  4. Heart of Social Work | Guest Aaron Harms with Co-Host Staci Owen

    FEB 25

    Heart of Social Work | Guest Aaron Harms with Co-Host Staci Owen

    In this episode of The HOPEful Connection, Staci Owen sits down with Aaron Harms to discuss behavioral supports, the honeymoon phase in placements, burnout prevention, and the growth of Restoring Hope’s Medical ISL programs. Aaron shares insights from years in mental health, his role on the behavioral team, and what it takes to build strong DSP teams that create real quality of life for the individuals they serve. This episode highlights teamwork, preparation, and meeting needs as they arise — all centered around belonging in community.

    50 min
  5. Living Out the Call of Caregiving | Guest Brandy Fajen with Co-Host Staci Owen

    FEB 11

    Living Out the Call of Caregiving | Guest Brandy Fajen with Co-Host Staci Owen

    What does it look like to truly see someone — and change a life in the process? In this episode, Staci Owen welcomes Host Home provider Brandy Fajen to share her powerful journey through foster care, adoption, and over seven years of serving individuals through Restoring Hope, LLC. Brandy talks honestly about faith, family buy-in, community support, and the reality of walking alongside individuals through trauma, growth, and transformation. From bucket list moments and first family vacations to navigating transitions and tough conversations, this episode is a real look at the heart behind Host Home care. This conversation is for anyone passionate about: • Foster care and Host Home services • Disability support and community living • Faith-driven service and caregiving • Building family beyond blood Because sometimes the most life-changing thing we can do… is simply show up and follow through. The HOPEful Connection is a podcast that connects you to the disability community. Co-Hosts Danielle Coffey, Staci Owen, and Whitley Lemon provide twice monthly episodes, ranging from host home and client testimonials, state-wide agency updates, and bringing on community members who are positively impacting the community Restoring Hope serves and partners with.

    58 min
  6. Trauma, Regulation, & Real Connection | Guest Josh Varner with Co-Host Whitley Lemon

    JAN 21

    Trauma, Regulation, & Real Connection | Guest Josh Varner with Co-Host Whitley Lemon

    "Every time you interact with someone, you're changing their brain." Josh Varner joins us to break down trauma in a way that’s practical, human, and usable for anyone working with kids, families, or communities. Drawing from his background as a college football coach, school counselor, and trauma-informed trainer, he explains how trauma shapes behavior and why connection is the foundation for healing. This conversation walks through fight, flight, and freeze responses, the power of regulated adults, and simple tools that actually work in real life. From schools and families to caregivers and community leaders, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a reminder that change happens through relationships, not quick fixes. . . 🛒 Shop for Josh's book: https://a.co/d/hUTNJoB ⛓️‍💥Hire Josh to speak at your next event: https://www.joshvarnerconsulting.com 👉 Watch more, listen, and subscribe to The HOPEful Connection: https://www.werestorehope.com/the-hopeful-connection-podcast #traumainformedcare #TraumaRecovery #traumaeducation #traumahealing #frontofbrainbackofbrain #fightflightfreeze #fosterhomes #educators #schools #kidschurch #neuroplasticity #rewirethebrain #relaxreconnectreteach #screentime #mentalhealth #joshvarnercounsulting #restoringhopellc #restoringhopepodcast #thehopefulconnection #onerelationshipatatime Welcome to The HOPEful Connection! A podcast resource that connects you to the disabilities community. We're your hosts, Danielle Coffey, Staci Owen, and Whitley Lemon. Find out more about Restoring Hope, LLC and all that we do at: www.werestorehope.com

    51 min
  7. Respite for Natural Families | Guest Ashleigh Barnett with Co-Host Staci Owen

    JAN 14

    Respite for Natural Families | Guest Ashleigh Barnett with Co-Host Staci Owen

    Respite Coordinator, Ashleigh Barnett joins us to walk through what respite and relief services really look like for individuals and families navigating long-term care. She explains the difference between in-home and out-of-home respite, how families get approved, what the timeline actually looks like, and why finding the right fit matters more than rushing the process. This conversation highlights the emotional side of caregiving, the trust families place in providers, and how these services help people stay connected while getting the support they need. This episode is especially helpful for families who feel overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or are simply trying to plan for the future with care and intention. Learn more about Restoring Hope at www.werestorehope.com/out-of-home-respite Welcome to The HOPEful Connection! A podcast resource that connects you to the disabilities community. We're your hosts, Danielle Coffey, Staci Owen, and Whitley Lemon. Find out more about Restoring Hope, LLC and all that we do at: www.werestorehope.com

    47 min
  8. Disabilities Outdoors | Guest JP Sell with Co-Host Whitley Lemon

    12/03/2025

    Disabilities Outdoors | Guest JP Sell with Co-Host Whitley Lemon

    What started as one promise to a friend has turned into thousands of life-changing moments on the water. JP from Fish-4-Tales shares how adaptive fishing, kayaking, and outdoor experiences help children, adults, and veterans with disabilities experience joy, dignity, and freedom. From hospital outreach to stories from Freedom Park, this conversation captures what belonging feels like—one moment at a time. . . Fish-4-Tales: https://www.facebook.com/Fish4Tales National Youth Fishing Association contact: 417-689-4066 Welcome to The HOPEful Connection! A podcast resource that connects you to the disabilities community. We're your hosts, Danielle Coffey, Staci Owen, and Whitley Lemon. Find out more about Restoring Hope, LLC and all that we do at: werestorehope.com.

    52 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the HOPEful connection! This is your resource to connect you to the disability community. We're your Restoring Hope, LLC podcast hosts Staci Owen, Whitley Lemon, and Danielle Coffey.

Information

  • Creator
    Restoring Hope, LLC
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The HOPEful Connection
  • Show Website
    The HOPEful Connection