Change The Story

Tracie Jefferson joins us on the podcast today!

President of Keeping Kids Safe, Tracie joins us on the podcast to share new information on outcomes from the Keeping Families Together Act and how she believes shifting our focus to 'child first' rather than 'parent first' in our laws will better shape our future as a state and the future of thousands of children's lives.

Thank you, Tracie, for the work you are doing in Washington state and for joining us on the podcast today!

For more information on Keeping Kids Safe, please visit https://keeping-kids-safe.org

#fostercare #keepingkidssafe #washingtonstate #childsafety
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Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/

Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. 

Want to help support the mission? Become a monthly donor! Whatever you can give helps us keep this work going: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-make-a-difference-19214

For updates, follow us and the work we are doing on our social media channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fosteringchangewa
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fosteringchangewa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fosteringchangewa

Want to catch up on the whole story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and our YouTube channel.

Representative Chris Corry joins us on the podcast this week!

In today's episode, Jessica and Rep. Corry discuss the changes they've seen in Washington since 2018, bills that were implemented differently than originally presented and the impact it made, how to get involved even when you feel your vote doesn't matter, and what it will really take to change Washington state around.

Representative Corry, thank you so much for your time and the great work you are doing in Olympia!

To our listeners, we want you to be aware:
If you are already registered, early voting is happening NOW!
From now until November 2nd, you can head to your local polling place and cast your vote.

If you are not yet registered to vote, you can register in person up until November 3rd.

General Election is on NOVEMBER 3rd. You have until 8pm this day to deposit your ballot in an official drop box.

Your voice matters. Your vote does matter. And you can help make the change you want to see in Washington state.

For more information on registration or polling locations, please visit https://www.vote411.org

#vote #yourvotematters #voting #washingtonstate #fostercare

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Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/

Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. 

Want to help support the mission? Become a monthly donor! Whatever you can give helps us keep this work going: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-make-a-difference-19214

For updates, follow us and the work we are doing on our social media channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fosteringchangewa

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fosteringchangewa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fosteringchangewa

Want to catch up on the whole story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and our YouTube channel.

Andrea Suarez joins us on the podcast today!

Since 2020, Andrea has been serving our communities in the form of picking up trash in public areas. This small humble act led to uncovering heartbreaking facts about our communities - gallon buckets full of discarded needles, rotting food, drugs, and horrifically, on occasion, people who had passed away and their bodies discarded.

Andrea realized there was more to be done. This small act became a bigger organization, We Heart Seattle, that has not served Washington for the past 6 years with volunteers, informational videos, social media campaigns, partnerships with other non-profits, and advocacy for changing policy.

In today’s episode, we talk about the beginnings of We Heart Seattle, the changes that Andrea wants to see in our city, what she wishes all citizens knew, and what she believes will help end the homelessness and drug crisis facing Washington today.

Thank you, Andrea, for the work that you have done and for humbly serving our city!

#seattle #washington #seattlewashington #homelessness #drugcrisis

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Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/

Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. 

Want to help support the mission? Become a monthly donor! Whatever you can give helps us keep this work going: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-make-a-difference-19214

For updates, follow us and the work we are doing on our social media channels:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fosteringchangewa
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fosteringchangewa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fosteringchangewa

Want to catch up on the whole story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and our YouTube channel.

Kristine Moreland joins us on the podcast today!

Kristine is the Executive Director of The More We Love, an organization dedicated to providing safety, support, and connection for women and families facing homelessness, domestic violence, human trafficking, addiction, and exploitation here in Washington state. They also operate Pathways Inn, a 24/7 Women's and Children's Crisis Healing Center, alongside continued street outreach, advocacy, and practical support.

In this episode, Kristine shares about her own upbringing- growing up with a father who was a drug addict and the moment she found him on the streets. She shares about the moment that officially drew her into this work, the terrible things she's seen, as well as the incredible stories of recovery and hope. Her message to everyone is this:

You truly do not have to do this alone.

Human trafficking is rampant. It is happening every day, every hour, every minute- and it's here in our backyards. Homelessness and addiction are vicious cycles that keep people down, break their bodies, hearts, and spirits, and ruin lives. This, alongside domestic violence and exploitation, are impacting citizens in our state, and more importantly- creations of God.

So many stay in these situation simply because THEY HAVE NO WHERE ELSE TO GO. The More We Love is part of the solution.

Thank you, Kristine, for the incredible work that you are doing and for being part of the solution.

Resources Mentioned:
The More We Love-
https://www.themorewelove.org/

Key To Change necklace-
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/merch-for-our-mission

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Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/

Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. 

Want to help support the mission? Become a monthly donor! Whatever you can give helps us keep this work going: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-make-a-difference-19214

For updates, follow us and the work we are doing on our social media channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fosteringchangewa

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fosteringchangewa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fosteringchangewa

Want to catch up on the whole story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and our YouTube channel.

#humantraffickingawareness #washingtonstate #themorewelove #fostercare #childwelfare

Sarah Strode joins us on the podcast today!

After recently being in the news for a nearly $80 million lawsuit against Washington state, Sarah joins us on the podcast again to share how life has been since and the changes her and her husband were hoping to see in policies from suing the state.

She chats with us about raising Bubby and Matilda (who joins us on the podcast), the terrible events that lead to them being in her care, what she wishes lawmakers knew about drug-affected children and children being left in dangerous conditions at home, and how she knows that, despite outside voices trying to dissuade her, fostering and adoption children with intense medical challenges is exactly what she is meant to be doing.

Thank you, Sarah, for your incredible love and care for these children and your boldness in doing what is right.

Resources Mentioned--
Washington Defender app
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/washington-defender/id6736606391

'Key to Change' necklace
https://fosteringchangewa.org/merch-1

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Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/

Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. 

Want to help support the mission? Become a monthly donor! Whatever you can give helps us keep this work going: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-make-a-difference-19214

For updates, follow us and the work we are doing on our social media channels:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fosteringchangewa
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fosteringchangewa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fosteringchangewa

Want to catch up on the whole story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@fosteringchangewa)

#sarahstrode #fostercare #washingtonstate #dcyf #adoption

Art Dahlen from Battlefield Addiction joins us on the podcast today!

A former addict himself, Art and his wife created Battlefield Addiction with the mission of helping families navigate addiction and the challenges facing youth and young adults today. Using a Family-First approach, they teach families how to take action—reconnect, reengage, and guide their loved ones into full recovery and independence. Since its founding in 2014, Art has helped thousands find recovery from addiction.

In this episode, Art shares with us how a healthy environment is essential to sober living, the real meaning of "tough love", how asking more of people is actually a way of showing love and inspires people to do more for themselves as well, and what he would change in our government to bring real help to those suffering with addiction (hint: it isn't providing clean needles and lock boxes).

Tune in for an incredible episode and leave a comment below with your favorite stand out moment 💚

Thank you, Art, for the incredible work you're doing in Washington state and for fighting for true recovery and freedom for so many. We appreciate you!

Resources Mentioned--
Battlefield Addiction Website:
https://www.battlefieldaddiction.com

Battlefield Addiction Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/BattlefieldAddiction

Key To Change Necklace:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/merch-for-our-mission

#soberliving #soberlife #fostercare #washingtonstate #policymatters

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Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/

Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. 

Want to help support the mission? Become a monthly donor! Whatever you can give helps us keep this work going: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-make-a-difference-19214

For updates, follow us and the work we are doing on our social media channels:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fosteringchangewa
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fosteringchangewa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fosteringchangewa

Want to catch up on the whole story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and our YouTube channel.

Welcome to Season 2, everyone!

Travis Couture joins us on the podcast today. We cover this past legislative session and the disappointing losses for those fighting for an improvement in child welfare in Washington State along with the improvements he's fighting to make (that include bypassing Olympia and working with local governments), what citizens who want to see change can do in the meantime, and what the implementation of these current laws have continued to do to families in our state.

You won't want to miss it!

Resources Mentioned:
Defender App
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/washington-defender/id6736606391

Child Fatality Reports
https://dcyf.wa.gov/practice/oiaa/reports/child-fatality/child-welfare

#childwelfare #washingtonstate #fostercare #adoption #childsafety

....................................................................................

Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/

Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. 

Want to help support the mission? Become a monthly donor! Whatever you can give helps us keep this work going: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-make-a-difference-19214

For updates, follow us and the work we are doing on our social media channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fosteringchangewa

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fosteringchangewa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fosteringchangewa

Want to catch up on the whole story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and our YouTube channel.

"It takes a village" is something we so often hear, but how often do we see it truly lived out?

Sherry Mott joins us on the podcast today to share how she and her community did just that!

After seeing a real need in her local county for supportive wraparound care - people needing safe homes, supportive and loving friends and families, generous hearts - Sherry sought out a resource that would bring that true care to her city. Or, more so, God sought out Sherry.

With "happenstance" after "happenstance" connecting her to Safe Families, there was no more denying that God was bringing this resource to Sherry in order for her to share it with others. She believes this is the resource that Washington has been waiting for, and we have to agree!

Tune in to hear more about just how God wove this story together, what Safe Families is all about, and how you can bring Safe Families to your community and start caring for families in need practically & generously.

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Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/

You can learn more about our history, our mission, or make a donation to sponsor an episode.

Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. 

To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: 

Instagram: @fosteringchangewa 

TikTok: @fosteringchangewa 

Facebook: Fostering Change WA

Want to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and on our YouTube channel.

#church #fostercare #washingtonstate #podcast

Alexis joins us on the podcast today!

Five years ago, Alexis found herself in the middle of an unplanned pregnancy. She wanted to keep the baby and felt like her deepest dream was coming true - getting to be a mom to a baby girl. But as the pregnancy went on, the biological father left the picture and her family disowned her for having an unplanned pregnancy. She found herself struggling with no support around her. Not wanting to give up the life of her child and wanting to find a way to stay together, she found Safe Families, a nationwide organization that is dedicated to providing wraparound care for families that are struggling.

Through this organization, she met Jessica, who helped take care of baby Natalia and helped give Alexis the opportunity to get back on her feet. As time went on, Alexis realized that it would be very difficult to take care of Natalia and made the hardest decision of her life: asking Jessica to consider adopting her baby.

In this episode, we'll dive deeper into the full story, Alexis' own adoption background, where she and Natalia are now, and how God, the ultimate Grand Weaver, truly used it all for good. We hope you'll tune in :)

Thank you, Alexis, for choosing life, for choosing sacrificial love, and for your courage. You are an inspiration to so many. God bless you!

#unplannedpregnancy #fostercare #adoption 

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Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/

You can learn more about our history, our mission, or make a donation to sponsor an episode.

Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives. 

To follow us, see clips from the show, and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: 

Instagram: @fosteringchangewa 

TikTok: @fosteringchangewa 

Facebook: Fostering Change WA

Want to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and on our YouTube channel.

Justin Peterson joins us on the podcast today!

Justin helped plant Table Community Church, a church based in Oregon that, from the very beginning, wanted to practice radical, biblical hospitality in their city.

When they reached out to community members to hear what it was the community was actually needing, safe homes for struggling families consistently came up. Justin then heard about Safe Families, a national organization that helps gives churches that practicals and resources for hosting families and really being the wrap around care that so many families were desperately needing. Safe Families works to be a preventative resource so that foster care actually does not end up being needed.

Justin shares with us how this became a part of their church DNA, what the last 10 years have looked like, and what how he hopes it can impact more families across the country.

Thank you Justin and Table Community Church for truly being the "hands and feet of Jesus" and caring for your community with generous and sacrificial love and hospitality!

#fostercare #adoption #church #hospitality

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Want to know more about Fostering Change WA? Visit our website: https://fosteringchangewa.org/

You can learn more about our history, our mission, or make a donation to sponsor an episode.

Our mission is to make a real change in Washington state for those most vulnerable. Through this channel, we aim to give a voice to the voiceless, share the stories of those who often go unseen, and inspire people to make a difference. We want views and comments to become action that will save lives.

To follow us and the work we are doing, check out our social media channels: 

Instagram: @fosteringchangewa 

TikTok: @fosteringchangewa 

Facebook: Fostering Change WA

Want to catch up on the story? All our 'Change The Story' episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, and on our YouTube channel.