In this inspiring episode, we explore a powerful story of redemption through an interview with Bethany, a dedicated foster mom, and Jaliyah, the biological mother of Bethany's former foster children. Their journey has been marked by many challenges, but their unwavering commitment to each other has led to a heartwarming reunion.

Jaliyah worked incredibly hard to regain custody of her children, showing immense dedication and perseverance throughout the process. Bethany's intentional effort to maintain a supportive relationship with Jaliyah played a crucial role in this family’s story. Her consistent presence and encouragement were vital in helping Jaliyah achieve her goal of reuniting with all her children.

This episode underscores the significant impact that positive relationships between foster and biological families can have on the well-being of children. Tune in to hear how Bethany and Jaliyah’s shared dedication has paved the way for healing and togetherness, and learn why maintaining these connections, when safe, can be so beneficial for everyone involved.

Episode Highlights:

• How Bethany Got Started in Foster Care
• Jaliyah’s Childhood & Upbringing
• Forming Relationships with Biological Families
• Going against the grain
• Reunification & Redemption

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

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We’re excited to kick off a new series, “Hear Their Stories and Know Their Names,” dedicated to highlighting individual stories within the foster care, adoption, and kinship communities.

In this series, we aim to rewrite the narrative by sharing powerful stories of redemption and hope. By putting names and faces to these stories, we not only recognize the deep need for support in this space but also glorify God for the redemptive and successful outcomes, even in the midst of challenges.

These stories are a testament to how God turns ashes into beauty, inspiring and encouraging others along the way. Stay tuned as we shine a light on these amazing people and their incredible journeys.

Episode Highlights:

• Our New Series: Hear Their Stories and Know Their Names
• Sharing vs. Exploiting
• People in the Bible Sharing Stories
• The Beauty of sharing your story
• The Power of Names

Find More on Hope Bridge/Links From This Episode:

• Vulnerable Youth Birthday Blessings
• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

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In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Julia Fabich, a dedicated educator and passionate advocate for children. Julia grew up in a single-parent household in Ashland, Ohio, an experience that deeply influenced her desire to give back to her community. She has been teaching elementary students in the Canton City School District for ten years and holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, with aspirations to advance into school administration as a principal.

Beyond her role as an educator, Julia is a single foster mom with her first placement, embodying her commitment to making a difference in children’s lives. She actively contributes to her community at Church of the Lakes, where she helps host the Care and Connect Support Group and leads the Family Advocacy Ministries, aiming to develop care communities within the church. Julia also serves as a Co-Director of Royal Family Kids Camp, drawing from her six years of experience as a counselor. Her unwavering love for Jesus and children shines through in all her endeavors.

Tune in to hear Julia share her inspiring journey and the impactful work she is doing in her community!

Episode Highlights:

• Growing up in a Single-Parent Home
• Finding inspiration to give back
• Ten years as an elementary school teacher
• Embracing foster motherhood and her first placement
• Hosting the Care and Connect Support Group at Church of the Lakes
• Leading Family Advocacy Ministries and building care communities
• The impact of faith and a deep love for children
• Balancing roles as a teacher, foster mom, and community leader
• Connecting personal and professional experiences to fostering and ministry

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

• Church of the Lakes
• Royal Family Kids Camp

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Sign up for the 5k Here!

In this heartfelt episode, Nicole sits down with her two kids, Greyson and Chy’Anna, alongside her husband, Johnny, to share their family’s inspiring journey. Both Greyson and Chy’Anna were adopted by Nicole and Johnny, and together, they open up about their experiences, challenges, and the love that binds them as a family.

Tune in for an intimate conversation that highlights the beauty of adoption and the unique bond they all share.

Episode Highlights:

• Getting to know Greyson & Chy’Anna
• Adoption
• Importance of Sibling Relationships
• Maintaining relationships with biological families
• Looking at Life Through a New Lens

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Sign up for the 5k Here!

In this episode of the ReStoried Podcast, we're joined by Carley Anne Barnes, a biological and adoptive mom, former foster mom, and high school teacher. With her unique experience raising kids with special needs and supporting children with IEPs and gifted learners, Carley shares valuable insights on how to start the school year off on the right foot.

Join us as we dive into a thoughtful conversation centered on back-to-school strategies for foster, adoptive, and kinship care families who may face unique challenges. Carley shares practical tips on how to effectively advocate for your child’s needs in the school system, no matter where they fall on the learning spectrum.

Whether you're navigating IEPs, managing school transitions for children with trauma, or ensuring your gifted child gets the support they need, this episode is full of advice to help you and your family have a successful school year.

Tune in and get ready to feel empowered in your role as an advocate for your child’s education!

Episode Highlights:

• Carley Anne Barnes’ foster, biological, and adoptive mom journey.
• Tips for starting the school year off on the right foot.
• Advocating for children with special needs, from IEPs to gifted programs.
• Navigating unique challenges for foster, adoptive, and kinship care families.

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Sign up for the 5k Here!

In this episode, we interview Mike Davidson, who shares his experience as a full-time kinship caregiver for his seven grandchildren, aged 1 to 15. Mike talks about the challenges and rewards of balancing his dual roles as a father to his son and a caregiver to his grandkids. He discusses how Hope Bridge has supported him by providing a home and other resources, and he reflects on his belief that "God always makes a way."

Join us for an inspiring conversation about family, faith, and resilience.

Episode Highlights:

• What is Kinship Care?
• Mike’s Kinship Story
• Hope Bridge’s Support for Mike’s Family
• God always makes a way

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Sign up for the 5k Here!

In this episode of ReStoried, we sit down with Nik and Becky Schweikert, who recently made a life-changing decision to sell their house in Carroll County, located just a few blocks from Children's Services.

Feeling called, Nik accepted a coaching position in Georgia, taking their family of four far from where they had envisioned spending the rest of their lives. Their home was sold to The Christ Foundation and Hope Bridge, transforming it into a resource center for foster families. This new central hub will provide essential resources, a physical space for bag assembly, visitations, emergency placements, and a clothing closet, supporting foster families in their time of need.

Join us as we explore their inspiring journey and the profound impact they’re making on the foster care community.

Episode Highlights:

• All about Nik and Becky
• Nik accepting a new position in Georgia
• Following God’s Calling on Your Life
• Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
• Bringing Hope Bridge to Carroll County
• Having a Physical Location for Foster Care Resources in Carrolton

Links From Episode:

• Listen to Julie’s Episode Here

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Sign up for the 5k Here!

In the concluding episode of our "Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot" movie debriefing series, we have a conversation with Katie Schrock, a passionate advocate for foster families.

Katie discusses her experiences supporting these families by nannying and working with Hope Bridge. This practical episode explores how you can get involved with Hope Bridge and support the foster care community without becoming a foster parent.

Learn about the various volunteer opportunities and support roles available to help foster families thrive!

Episode Highlights:

• Katie’s Background Story
• Debriefing The Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot
• How to do Foster Care without Doing Foster Care
• Volunteering to Support Foster Families
• The Importance of Community
• The Compassion Center

Links from this Episode:

• Become a part of our Volunteer Network
• Listen to Katie’s First Episode
• Part 1 and Part 2 of our Possum Trot Series
• Schedule 1 on 1 Time with a Hope Bridge Team Member
• How to Get Involved in Foster Care Without Becoming a Foster Parent Flyer

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Sign up for the 5k Here!