Neighbourly

Care Journey | Radical Presence in Hard Places


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Skip The Dinner is CareImpact’s year-end Christmas campaign, a fundraising non-event. You keep your time, and you give from wherever you are.

Right now, every year-end gift or pledge is DOUBLED by a generous donor, so your giving goes twice as far to help strengthen CareImpact’s work with churches and community partners across Canada.

Give or pledge here: careimpact.ca/skip-the-dinner

Each donation will be matched before January 1, 2026.

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Description

How can radical presence transform trauma care?

Guest host, Tim Smith engages with Mel, an experienced foster mother and trauma care facilitator, to explore the power of empathy, grace, and consistency in caregiving. Mel shares her journey from fostering children in Ottawa to training others in the impactful methods she has learned, emphasizing the importance of understanding the needs behind behaviours. She underscores the role of the church and community in providing sustainable support, urging caregivers to balance self-care with their responsibilities. Through personal stories and profound insights, the conversation highlights the freedom found in shifting from a 'fix-it' mentality to truly being present with those in hard places.

Time Stamps

[04:45] Caring for children from traumatic backgrounds discussed.

[06:44] Started fostering 10 years ago to serve.

[11:11] Training enhanced trauma understanding and foster care perspective.

[14:33] Consistency and care helped children overcome trauma.

[19:24] Letting go for daughter's happiness and growth.

[22:20] Supporting emotional growth and understanding in children.

[25:51] Being mindful of snacks, water, and calm.

[30:27] Church must support struggling individuals effectively.

[32:11] Stay aligned with God's guidance, prioritize empathy.

Other Links

Join The CareImpact Podcast Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1PgzJWfkq9/

Reach out to us! https://neighbourlypodcast.ca

Email: [email protected]

About the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportal

DONATE! Help connect and equip more churches across Canada to effectively journey well in community with the most vulnerable: careimpact.ca/donate

Mentioned in this episode:

Skip The Dinner-Double Your Impact

Skip The Dinner is CareImpact’s year-end Christmas campaign, a fundraising non-event. You keep your time, and you give from wherever you are.

Right now, every year-end gift or pledge is DOUBLED by a generous donor, so your giving goes twice as far to help strengthen CareImpact’s work with churches and community partners across Canada.
Each donation will be matched before January 1, 2026.

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NeighbourlyBy CareImpact