Comfort Cases is thrilled to be working with the team from Amerigroup Georgia Families 360 on a powerful new initiative. Launched at the start of National Adoption Awareness Month, Comfort Cases and Amerigroup Georgia Families 360 are committing to get a Comfort Case(™) to every youth in foster care in the state of Georgia, finally ending the practice of black trash bags being given to youth who are entering or transitioning into foster care.

This first-of-its-kind initiative, https://comfortcases.org/press/amerigroup-georgia-leads-the-nation-in-providing-comfort-cases-to-every-child-in-georgia-foster-care/, showcases the power of collective action and sets an inspiring precedent for other states to follow. To learn more about this exciting and ground breaking program, and how you may be able to help, please click on https://comfortcases.org/amerigroupgatakeover/, or visit our website.

On today’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer speaks with Eshontee Rowe, a member of the Amerigroup Youth Advisory Board. This dynamic young woman sets the standard for what being a “Good Human” is all about.

Eshontee not only amplifies the voices of young people who have faced adversity but also actively engages in crafting solutions to enhance the lives of those presently affected by the system. Yet, her dedication extends beyond these roles. Eshontee also serves as a member of Foster Youth In Action's People Agenda Team, an international network of independent foster youth-led groups across the U.S. and Canada, where she diligently works to bring about positive change within the foster care community.

Rob and Eshontee’s conversation will truly motivate you to go out and get things done. We encourage you to share today’s podcast with your children and young colleagues. It’s people like Eshontee will truly change the world.

To learn more about Amerigroup, please visit https://www.myamerigroup.com/ga/georgia-home.html

To follow Eshontee’s journey on LinkedIn, please https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshontee-rowe

To learn more about Rob Scheer and Comfort Cases, and the Georgia Takeover Program, please visit us at: https://comfortcases.org/

If you have questions or comments about today’s episode, the foster care system, or how you might volunteer or donate to help youth in foster care, please write to us here: [email protected]

You can find previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/

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You may know the name Zion Clark, whose catchphrase is:

“You Don't Need Legs To Leave A Footprint On Earth”

Did you watch his documentary on Netflix? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRvGlB1-Ku8

Maybe you saw him on America’s Got Talent? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRA3t_9hX50

Or, you read his book, “Work With What You Got: A Memoir”, https://www.amazon.com/Work-What-You-Got-Memoir/dp/1536224219

Today, Rob Scheer speaks with this amazing All-American wrestler, MMA fighter, Guinness World Record holder, and an internationally acclaimed speaker who infuses humor, wit, powerful life lessons, and infectious energy into each and every presentation that he gives—allowing him to connect with audiences on a level that is undeniably unparalleled.

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Perhaps most importantly, he is singularly—and uniquely—ZION.

Standing at just over three feet tall and weighing 110 pounds, he competes against "able-bodied" athletes and has his eyes set on competing in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024.

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Born into the foster care system with a rare birth defect called Caudal Regression Syndrome that left him without legs, Zion has faced countless struggles that he has not only had to overcome to survive, but that he has learned to leverage in order to thrive at the highest levels against all odds.

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His overriding winning-mentality has made him an inspiration to millions of people around the world, and he is just getting started.

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Zion boasts over one million Instagram followers, two million followers on TikTok, and has amassed over 40 million YouTube views of his Guinness World Record achievement.

These are the 3 things Zion leveraged in order to create the life he has for himself. It’s through these you’ll be able to gain:

✅ A new perspective on life

✅ Confidence knowing you can accomplish what you set your mind to

✅ Freedom to live without limitations… with no excuses

You can learn more about Zion on his social media channels:

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

Instagram: @bigz97

Twitter: @bigz97

TikTok: @bigznoexcuses

For more information about Comfort Cases, or to listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit:

Website: https://comfortcases.org/

Podcast Archive: https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/

If you have any questions or comments about this episode, Comfort Cases, or if you have a suggestion for a guest for an upcoming episode, please write to us! [email protected].

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Social justice advocate Di Ciruolo is on a mission to shed light on these systematic injustices in the foster care system and provides a step-by-step approach to personal recovery and guidance for survivors and those who seek to support them in her new book, “Indomitable”,  a true story of how she survived foster care.

In today’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer and Di Ciruolo work together to highlight the flaws in the foster care system, and what can be done to FINALLY correct them, and help our most vulnerable youth.

Indomitable is a true story of foster care survival. With intentional wit and a healthy amount of self-reflection, Di Ciruolo invites explorers to find the places they can relate to while finding footing on the rungs to healing. Ciruolo shines a light on inner trauma, by offering encouragement and guidance for survivors and those who seek to support them.

From childhood to motherhood, Di Ciruolo takes readers through very personal and intensely heartbreaking experiences and creates a safe space for trauma survivors with Indomitable.

Other issues addressed in today’s powerful episode:

• The fake narratives surrounding foster care and the changes we can make as a community and society
• Trauma: how common it is to the human experience, and the outcomes of those foundational experiences in people's lives.
• Abuse: how abusers create a dual consciousness within their victims that leaves victims feeling responsible for their own abuse, and the shame they carry into adulthood as a result along with the very common outcomes we see from that.

Di is a “force of nature”. Here’s how you can learn more about her and “Indomitable”: 

Website: www.diciruolo.com

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

Twitter:https://twitter.com/diciruolo

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/diciruolo/

Tags: #indomitablexdi #becomingindomitable 

For more information about Comfort Cases, or to listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit:

Website: https://comfortcases.org/

Podcast Archive: https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/

If you have any questions or comments about this episode, Comfort Cases, or if you have a suggestion for a guest for an upcoming episode, please write to us!  [email protected].

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer speaks with Monica Pantoja, the dynamic Executive Director of the nsoro Educational Foundation.

Founded in 2005, The nsoro Educational Foundation believes not one young person aging out of our nation's foster care system should have to navigate the world alone. Our mission provides the access to and attainment of post-secondary education through a holistic scholarship that shepherds our youth to and through college, optimally positioning our graduates for an equitable transition into adulthood. Nsoro’s Scholarship Program “Fostering Futures” provides a certified executive coach and a mentor with evidence curriculum, anchored in four tenets: post-secondary credentials: emotional literacy, financial fluency, and workforce readiness. From essential gap funding for tuition, books, academic fees, to ensuring our scholar's housing stability and food security, nsoro’s Scholarship serves as a bridge from college to career.

Rob and Monica have an important discussion about our youth who've spent time in the foster care system and the barriers they face to achieving self-sufficiency and economic mobility, far greater than than first gen peers.

The Results: nsoro scholars:

435 college graduate to date

81% college graduation rate

70% are pursuing an advanced degree

98% have not been incarcerated

96% have not abused drugs or alcohol

78% have not been homeless

85% have developed and maintained a budget

To learn more about nsoro Foundation, please visit:

Website: nsoro Foundation: https://nsoro.foundation/

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

Instagram: @nsorofoundation 

Twitter: @nsoroFoundation 

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-nsoro-foundation-3825a9248/

To learn more about Rob Scheer and Comfort Cases, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/

If you have questions or comments about today’s episode, the foster care system, or how you might volunteer or donate to help youth in foster care, please write to us here: [email protected]

You can find previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer speaks with a true “angel”: Susan Ramirez, the founder of National Angels, a non-profit organization whose mission is “to walk alongside children, youth, and families in the foster care community by offering consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building, and mentorship.”

Now in 21 cities in 16 states, National Angels goal is to keep youth in foster care in one home before they are returned to their biological family or become a permanent part of that home by adoption.

As Susan notes in the interview: “Every child should have at least one healthy adult who knows the color of their eyes and the passions of their heart.” Because close to 50% of foster parents close their home in one year, on average children in foster care move 7 times every 2 years. Think about that. How does that set these youth up for success?

Susan and Rob discuss how foster care affects ALL of us as a society, and it is up to us ALL to do what we can to equip all youth to succeed. Otherwise, it can lead down the wrong path - as many of you know, 80% of all death row inmates were once in foster care. Close to 25% of those who have been part of “human trafficking” have been in foster care. Without support, those numbers will only grow.

National Angels will host a “Give-a-Thon” from November 21-28. All of us at Comfort Cases encourage you to consider making a donation to increase their national awareness and support. More information about this important event can be found HERE.

Follow National Angels:

Website: https://www.nationalangels.org/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nationalangels?fbcl...

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

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

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This true story will inspire you like none you may have ever heard. Rob Scheer interviews Katrina Mullen. You may have seen Katrina on The Today Show, or in People Magazine. This unassuming NICU (NeoNatal Intensive Care Unit) Nurse has received universal praise for how she stepped up where others would not.

As a neonatal nurse in a small Indiana hospital, she saw Shariya, a young mother sitting cribside of her 3 young babies she had just given birth to. This new mom, only 14 years old, was often alone, looking lost… and alone. Katrina would visit with Shariya, and try to give her advice and tips on how to care for her babies. Again, Shariya was just 14, in 8th grade, and the mother of triplets - and was virtually alone.

When Shariya was discharged from the hospital, Katrina gave her her phone number and told her to call whenever she wanted. Shariya took her up on this and Katrina often went to visit Shariya and her babies.

Soon, there was a health issue with one of her babies, and then DSS came and took her two others into care. Shariya asked if she could stay with Katrina. Katrina had 3 young children of her own, plus two adult children, but she immediately said yes, and engaged in all the classes necessary to become a foster parent.

So much more to tell about this amazing human being - and how she soon ended up adopting Shariya, and became the grandmother of three beautiful triplets. We know you will love this episode as much as we do.

To learn more about Katrina, Shariya and the family, you can visit her on social media:

Facebook: Katrina Mullen or Mullen.kat

Instagram: @kat_mullen23

TikTok: @kmullen23

Twitter/ X: @Katrinamullen23

To learn more about Rob Scheer and Comfort Cases, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/

If you have questions or comments about today’s episode, the foster care system, or how you might volunteer or donate to help youth in foster care, please write to us here: [email protected]

You can find previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/

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On today’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob speaks with Laura Foster Parent Partner, whose mission is to educate and support people about the foster care system. Often, new foster parents are not prepared for everything they need to know before their first children come to them.

Laura discusses how the “cracks of child welfare are deep”, from misplaced birth certificates to wrong names of the child, and without knowing the right types of questions to ask, you run the risk of not knowing these things and have to play catch up - which is not the situation a new foster parent - or their child - wants to be in!

In this insightful conversation, you will here:

What sweeping changes need to be made in the foster care system

What should be considered when setting up your home for a foster child

How every state has different rules and regulations and how that affects parents and youth

How we should be moving from “mandated reporting” to “mandated supporting”

You can learn more about Laura by visiting her here:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/foster.parenting

Website: https://www.fosterparentpartner.com/

Instagram: @foster.parenting

TikTok: @fosterparenting

YouTube: @foster.parenting

Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/influence...

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob interviews Dr. Kristin Hoffman, Ph.D., Chief Program Officer and Child Psychologist and Chelsea Henandez, LCSW, Clinical Director of the All Star Children’s Foundation.

The All Star Children’s Foundation, based in Sarasota, Florida uses a trauma-focused approach  through innovation, science and compassion.  They have an onsite campus, home to youth in foster care and their caregivers where they offer a number of evidence-based trainings to the community while emphasizing an understanding of trauma through a “trauma informed lens”.

With so many youth in foster care facing trauma, they don’t often get to someone who can help until it is much too late.  This is where All Star Children’s Foundation comes in and help the child make a shift away from trauma.

Rob shares with Kristin and Chelsea that “the moment a child enters the system, they should receive some form of therapy.” They discuss the disservice done to children with so many group homes are shut down and how their campus was developed to create a “lasting change” to work with them the moment they enter care to make the feel loved and capable.”

The All Star Children’s Foundation is also planning their first “State of the Mind Conference” on September 21 to help the community understand trauma and how it affects everyone around.  There will be many speakers on hand, including Rob!  For more information about the conference, please visit: https://www.stateofmind.org/

We know you’ll find today’s discussion full of useful and insightful information.  Please leave us a comment, and share with your friends and colleagues.

For more information about the All Star Children’s Foundation, please visit:

Website: www.allstarchildren.org

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/allstarchildren

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71017516/admin/feed/posts/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlUB5hOEElGeFBq8VbSL0g/featured

For more information about Comfort Cases, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/

Comments? Questions? Guest Suggestions? Please send them to: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Season 5 of Fostering Change! For those of you who are new to us: “Welcome!” And for our returning friends, “Welcome Back!”

Fostering Change is hosted by Rob Scheer, the founder of Comfort Cases, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote hope and dignity to youth in foster care.

We will post new episodes of Fostering Change every Tuesday on all of your favorite podcast channels, YouTube and on our Comfort Cases page (www.comfortcases/podcast). On the Comfort Cases page you can also find all of our previously aired episodes.

If you have comments about today’s amazing episode, or a suggestion for a guest, please email us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

Now, here’s a bit more background on Rob’s first interview this season, with Todd Parr:

Todd Parr is an international and New York Times best selling author. He’s written and illustrated more than 60 beautiful books for children. In fact, Rob has been reading Todd’s books to his children for years. A family favorite is It’s Okay to be Different : targeted to young children first beginning to read, this book will inspire kids to celebrate their individuality through acceptance of others and self-confidence–and it’s never too early to develop a healthy self-esteem.

As you’ll hear in the interview, Todd’s book The Family Book has been listed as, for some reason, one of the “most banned books” in the United States. “Whether you have two moms or two dads, a big family or a small family, a clean family or a messy one, Todd Parr assures readers that no matter what kind of family you have, every family is special in its own unique way.”

Todd’s latest book is The Monster Mac and Cheese Party. His books have received numerous awards and are available in 20 languages. He is the co-creator of the popular Daytime Emmy®-nominated animated TV series ToddWorld with Gerry Renert of SupperTime Entertainment, and several short films for Sesame Street have been based on Todd’s work. Todd has partnered with Target, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, Stouffer's, People magazine, and other companies and organizations to help people and animals, and to promote literacy. He lives in California with his adopted pit bulls.

Here’s where you can find more information about Todd Parr and his books:

Website: https://www.toddparr.com/

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/toddparr

For more information about Comfort Cases, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/

Comments? Questions? Guest Suggestions? Please send them to: [email protected]

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Thank you for joining us for our final “Best of Season 4” episode of Fostering Change. From all of us at Comfort Cases, we hope you had a wonderful summer and enjoyed revisiting some of our favorite episodes from this past season.

Next week, September 5, we will post the first episode for our new season.  Can you believe that we’re entering Season 5????  Neither can we!  We want to thank everyone: our guests and our listeners for all you do to make Fostering Change the #1 podcast for issues regarding foster care and adoption.

If you have suggestions for guests for our upcoming season, or comments on any of our shows, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Thank you again - now for a bit about today’s show!

In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Cody Renegar, Hairstylist, Author and Artist.Cody is a hairstylist, fine artist, and author of the memoir "Changing the Stars." He currently lives in California with his husband, Terry. He has a son, Levi, who, with his partner, Alaya, has given Cody three grandkids. Cody is the hairstylist of choice for many Hollywood entertainment industry celebrities and A-listers. Los Angeles is his main stage, although he also maintains a large clientele in Washington, D.C., and Arkansas. He is a cosmetologist and master barber with twenty-five years of experience with unique cutting styles and techniques; he is a former cutting director for Aveda and Bumble & Bumble, Minneapolis. Cody began his career in 1996 in Arkansas. He moved to José Éber Salon on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills in 2004, where he had the honor of working alongside José on the main floor and in his own private barber shop, working with many high-profile clients. Cody has been featured in the documentary film Hollywood to Dollywood and the book Rainbow Relatives. A talented artist, Cody's paintings hang in private collections around the world.

Story Key Notes:

🖐️ The power of hope, optimism, and resilience; how we are in charge of our own destiny (the foundation of Changing the Stars)

🖐️ Cody's experience in the foster care system and what he hopes to see change 

🖐️ Cody's career & personal evolution - Army, Father, Hair Stylist, Artist, Author

You can find out more about Cody by visiting:

Website: www.codyrenegar.com

Instagram: @hairbycodyrenegar (hair) & @codyrenegarart (art)

Facebook: @CodyRenegarOfficial (hair) & @artbycodyrenegar (art)

Tik Tok: @codyrenegar

Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/

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