The HOPEful Connection

Restoring Hope, LLC
  • 5.0 (4)
  • 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. Bridging the Gap: Expanding Our Impact with the Children’s Division Contract

    Jun 30

    Bridging the Gap: Expanding Our Impact with the Children’s Division Contract

    In this episode of The Hopeful Connection, host Daniel Coffey sits down with Staci Owen to discuss a major, exciting evolution happening at Restoring Hope. While Restoring Hope currently provides support to children in the foster care system through the Department of Mental Health (DMH) contract, strict criteria often mean many youth in need fall through the cracks. Staci shares the vision behind Restoring Hope’s journey toward securing a direct contract with the Children’s Division, starting with Therapeutic Foster Care in early 2027. Tune in to learn how this contract will expand their impact, provide vital resources for kids stuck in limbo, and offer incredible new flexibility for current and future host homes. Key Takeaways from This Episode: Filling the System Gaps: Why a direct Children’s Division contract is necessary for kids whose needs or IQ levels don't strictly fit existing DMH criteria.What is Therapeutic Foster Care? How this individualized, trauma-informed service mirrors the host home model while accommodating different health and behavioral needs.The Reality of Foster Care Today: Addressing the critical shortage of therapeutic placements that leaves youth waiting in offices, hotels, and hospitals.What This Means for Host Homes: How current host homes can choose to remain exactly as they are or become dual-contracted to expand their support.The Road to 2027: The timeline for licensing, process development, and looking forward to the first official placements.Stay Tuned! If you are a host home interested in getting involved with Therapeutic Foster Care, keep an eye out for updates. More detailed information on the transition and application processes will be shared by Fall.

    18 min
  2. Rooted in Resilience — R3 Conference 2026 with Staci Owen & Whitley Lemon

    Jun 24

    Rooted in Resilience — R3 Conference 2026 with Staci Owen & Whitley Lemon

    Welcome back to The HOPEful Connection! In this episode, host Staci Owen is joined by Restoring Hope's own Whitley Lemon to announce that registration for our annual r3 Conference is officially live. Taking place September 11th and 12th, 2026 at Camp Barnabas in Purdy, Missouri, this year's event is evolving into an optional, fully inclusive two-day experience. Best of all? It remains completely free for our caregivers, team members, clients, and—new this year—natural children of our caregivers (ages 7+). Stacy and Whitley dive deep into: The true meaning of r3: Reach, Restore, Repeat.How caregiver feedback shaped this year's exciting changes, including the Friday night decompress session featuring karaoke, swimming, and an ice cream truck.A preview of keynote speaker Josh Varner’s upcoming trauma-informed sessions on behavior management and caregiver mental health.The logistical details of client and child registration to ensure a safe, preference-based camp experience for all abilities.If you need a weekend to network, discover tighter connections, and reignite your passion for the incredible work you do every single day, listen to this episode and get registered before the deadline! Important Dates & Links: Registration Deadline: June 30, 2026Conference Dates: September 11–12, 2026Registration Link: werestorehope.com/about-our-services/r3 (Note: Separate registrations are required for each caregiver, client, team member, and child).Contact: For registration questions or specific accommodation requests, please email the conference committee via the links on our website.

    22 min
  3. More Than a Shirt | Guest Katelyn Hellmer with Co-Host Danielle Coffey

    May 27

    More Than a Shirt | Guest Katelyn Hellmer with Co-Host Danielle Coffey

    Can a custom t-shirt serve as a stepping stone to a dream career? This week on The HOPEful Connection, host Danielle Coffey catches up with Katelyn Hellmer to discuss InclusiviTee, a brand-new custom apparel business operating out of Nixa, Missouri. Discover how individuals supported by Restoring Hope are taking full ownership of every step of the business—learning graphic design, mastering commercial heat presses, and managing digital shipping logistics. Danielle and Katelyn talk about the daily operations of the shop, the magic of simple workplace accommodations, and how they are actively breaking down community stigmas to pave the way for inclusive, competitive employment. Want to support the crew or place a custom order? Bulk business orders, event merchandise, and individual custom designs are available! Check out their premium options (including customer favorites like Bella Canvas and Comfort Colors). Find the shop by visiting the Restoring Hope website and navigating to the InclusiviTee Shopify store. Got questions or want a custom quote? Reach out directly via the inquiry page or email the team today! https://www.werestorehope.com/worksemploymentservices

    38 min
  4. Finding a Voice at the Capitol: Disability Rights Legislative Day Recap

    May 13

    Finding a Voice at the Capitol: Disability Rights Legislative Day Recap

    When decisions are made at the state level, it is vital that the people most affected have a seat at the table. In this episode of The HOPEful Connection, Danielle Coffey is joined by Emma Odell (Buffalo Excel Program Coordinator) and Kayla Shoop (Warsaw Excel Coordinator) to discuss their experiences taking clients to the Missouri State Capitol. The team shares behind-the-scenes insights into Disability Rights Legislative Day, exploring the logistical challenges of navigating a crowded Capitol and the emotional breakthroughs of clients who realized their opinions truly matter. Key topics include: The Power of the Rally: How the energy of the crowd helps individuals feel seen and included.Advocacy vs. Anxiety: Practical tips used by staff to help clients manage overstimulation while still participating in democracy.The Budget Battle: A look at how personal stories influenced the conversation around Missouri’s waiver services and budget restorations.Gratitude in Action: Why the team returned for a second day to hand-deliver thank-you notes to supportive legislators.Join us for a conversation about empowerment, the importance of "staying hopeful," and the beauty of seeing a client blossom into a self-advocate. About the Podcast: The HOPEful Connection connects you to the disability community through authentic stories and expert insights. Hosted by Staci Owen, Whitley Lemon, and Danielle Coffey. #TheHOPEfulConnection #DisabilityAdvocacy #MissouriPolitics #ExcelPrograms #RestoringHope

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

    Apr 22

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
See All (25)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 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
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The HOPEful Connection
  • Show Website
    The HOPEful Connection