ReStoried

In part two of our mini-series debriefing the movie The Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, I sit down with Corey Adkins, a current foster parent and board member at Hope Bridge, to gain his perspective on what Possum Trot means for us locally.

Corey shares his feelings about the church's complacency in America, questioning whether we're truly living out our faith beyond checking off boxes. We discuss the challenges and rewards of foster care, emphasizing that despite its difficulties, it is a calling we must embrace. 

Join us for an insightful and heartfelt discussion on the impact of community and faith in foster care.

Episode Highlights: 

• Corey’s Background & History with Foster Care 
• The Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot 
• Takeaways from the Movie 
• Foster Care is Hard 
• Leaning on your faith 

Find more on Guest:

• Subscribe to Corey & Bethany’s Podcast 
• Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot Trailer 

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Sign up for our Foster Parent Info Session 
• Visit Our Website 
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook 
• Foster Our Community Instagram 

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

In this episode of the ReStoried podcast, we begin a special mini-series on conversations about the movie "A Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot." 

Our guest is Jared Priset, pastor at Church of the Lakes. Pastor Jared and his wife have been dedicated foster parents for the past three years, living out their faith by leaning into the brokenness around them, just as Jesus did. 

We dig into the movie's impactful story, which has been instrumental in spreading awareness about foster care. Together, we discuss the key takeaways from the movie, emphasizing the importance of being close to the brokenhearted and stepping out of our comfort zones to make a difference. 

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on the power of compassion and the transformative journey of foster care.

Episode Highlights: 

• Pastor Jared’s Background Story 
• The Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot 
• Key Takeaways from the Movie 
• The importance of community and supportive roles in foster care 
• Being Close to the Brokenhearted 

Find more on Guest:

• Church of the Lakes 
• Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot Trailer 

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Sign up for our Foster Parent Info Session 
• Visit Our Website 
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook 
• Foster Our Community Instagram 

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

In Episode 37, we shared insights from a foster and adoptive family perspective in recognition of National Reunification Month. Today, we continue the conversation on reunification with Jamie Horey from our local county Children’s Services. 

Jamie, with her extensive experience as a worker, supervisor, and now Administrator over foster families, provides an in-depth overview of foster care, the role of family resource workers, and the importance of team collaboration in achieving reunification goals. We discuss how foster families can build positive relationships with caseworkers and how these relationships, along with parent-child visitations, increase reunification chances. Additionally, we examine whether maintaining connections with biological families contributes to the foster family shortage. 

Be sure to check the show notes for links to upcoming foster care informational events and our previous conversation on reunification!

Episode Highlights: 

• More about Jamie 
• What is reunification?
• Ways for Foster Parents to Build Relationships with Family Resource Workers
• The importance of communication 
• Support beyond Reunification 
• Recruitment 
• What is stopping families from Fostering? 

Find more on Guest:

• Stark County Foster Care And Adoption Information Meeting - August 6th
• Stark County Job & Family Services

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Listen to Episode 37 Here 
• Foster Care Info Night Link
• Visit Our Website 
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook 
• Foster Our Community Instagram 

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we sit down with Erin Conrad, a devoted mother, fitness expert, and active church member. Erin shares her background and professional journey, including her early life and education at Malone University and the life-changing encounter with God's love after the birth of her son Edison, making her a single mother. 

 She discusses the emotional and financial challenges of being a single mother, highlighting the constant balancing act of work, personal life, and raising an energetic son. The conversation touches on the resilience required to navigate these dual roles and the types of support single moms need, such as community and church support, emotional and mental health resources, and practical financial assistance.

 Erin offers insights into how listeners can support single moms through encouraging words, acts of kindness, and being present, supportive friends or community members. She also shares her hobbies and passions, including playing sports with Edison, enjoying outdoor activities, writing, reading, and the joy of good coffee. 

Erin talks about spreading the love of Jesus and living a life of faith, expressing her gratitude for her community and God's redeeming love, and reflecting on how these elements have been integral in her journey as a single mother.

Episode Highlights: 

• More on Erin’s Background Story 
• The struggles of being a Single Mother 
• Fear of Judgement in the Church 
• Supporting Single Moms 
• Showing Jesus to Single Moms

Find more on Guest:

• Find Erin on Instagram 
• Find Revival Grounds Coffee on Instagram 
• Annie. E. Casey Foundation 

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Single Mom Connection Form 
• Hope for Single Moms 
• Visit Our Website 
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook 
• Foster Our Community Instagram 

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

In this episode, we spotlight June as National Reunification Month and dive into the crucial role foster families play in the reunification process. Our discussion aims to encourage foster families to embrace their part in the team effort required for successful reunification. We'll provide an overview of foster care, emphasizing why reunification is the primary goal despite common misconceptions.

Many people struggle with the idea of children returning to their biological homes, but this is the cornerstone of foster care. Building relationships with caseworkers and biological families can seem daunting, yet it is essential for smoother, more effective reunification. These relationships not only improve outcomes for the children but also allow foster families to better advocate for the needs of both the children and their parents.

We stress the importance of unity and shared goals among all parties involved, with the child's safety as the ultimate priority and reunification as the next. 

One frequent challenge for foster families is feeling excluded from the team, which can lead to misunderstandings with caseworkers. We'll explore strategies for foster families to strengthen their rapport with caseworkers and ensure their advocacy is seen as supportive rather than obstructive.

Join us as we discuss how fostering collaboration and understanding can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.

Episode Highlights: 

• June is National Reunification Month 
• How Foster Parents Can Support Reunification 
• Being a part of the team 
• Being an advocate 
• Ways to support reunification

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Family Registration Form 
• Visit Our Website 
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook 
• Foster Our Community Instagram 

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

In this episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing two remarkable individuals from Pegasus Farm: Shelley Sprang, the Executive Director, and Audre Manners, the Equestrian Administrative Director. 

Pegasus Farm is dedicated to creating a supportive community that empowers individuals with diverse needs through therapeutic equestrian programs, vocational services, and recreational & social activities. They work with people with disabilities, anxiety, and trauma, using animal interactions as a healing tool. Additionally, Pegasus Farm employs adults with disabilities and operates a center to support military personnel and first responders. Excitingly, they are also in the process of launching a new Stable Moments program aimed at helping children in foster care. 

Tune in to learn more about their inspiring work and the positive impact they are making in their community!

Episode Highlights: 

• Introducing Shelley Sprang & Audre Manners 
• What is Pegasus Farm? 
• The History Behind Pegasus Farm 
• Equestrian Programs
• Adult Day Vocational Services
• Military & First Responders Center 
• The New Stable Moments Program 
• Why horses? 
• How to get involved with Pegasus 

Find more on Guest:

• Visit Pegasus Farm’s Website 

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.

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

In this episode, we sit down with Lewis Yoder and Andi Kadas from The Christ Foundation to discuss the exciting developments happening on Sunnyside. 

Our small town has been buzzing with curiosity about the big construction project, and we're thrilled to share that it’s the new Compassion Center. This center will serve as a collaborative hub for services, resources, and support for local non-profits and community organizations.

Decades in the making, the Compassion Center stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering a supportive and uplifting community. 

God has been faithful throughout this project, providing guidance and strength every step of the way. We can't wait to serve vulnerable children and families, offering them the support and resources they need to thrive. 

Stay tuned for more updates on the progress of this incredible project!

Episode Highlights: 

• What’s going on On Sunnyside? 
• Intro to Lewis, Andi, and Lisa 
• The Legacy of Jerry Moore & The Christ Foundation 
• Foster Care 
• Foster Villages 
• What is the Compassion Center? 
• Plans for the inside and outside of The Compassion Center 

Find more on Guest:

• The Christ Foundation 

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.

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

In this episode of the ReStoried Podcast, we have an insightful conversation with Matt Zook from Bethany Mennonite Church and Ross Miller from Evermore Community Church. 

As active partner churches of Hope Bridge, they discuss the crucial role of churches collaborating to spread the light of the gospel within the community. 

We also highlight the significance of church support for foster and adoptive families. Tune in as we explore how these partnerships are making a difference and hear about exciting plans to expand their work with Hope Bridge.

Episode Highlights: 

• Ross and Matt’s Background Stories 
• How Ross & Matt Met 
• Hope Bridge Partner Churches 
• Churched working together instead of against each other
• Care Communities 
• Churches Supporting Foster & Adoptive Families 

Find more on Guest:

• Bethany Mennonite Church
• Evermore Community Church 

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.

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

In this episode of the ReStoried Podcast, we interview Julie Halfhill, Carroll County's dedicated Family Support Specialist. 

Julie's unique perspective as an adoptive, foster, and biological mother fuels her unwavering commitment to family. Married to Seth for ten years, they raise their three children—ages 7, 4, and 1.5—on her grandparents' farm in Carroll County. 

Though she began her career as an RN, Julie found her true calling in supporting vulnerable children and families. She tirelessly assists foster and kinship families, ensuring they have the resources they need. Additionally, Julie builds meaningful connections with local churches and organizations, fostering a community-wide effort to support and raise awareness for those caring for vulnerable children. 

Tune in to hear Julie's inspiring story and learn how she is making a difference in Carroll County.

Episode Highlights: 

• Julie’s Story
• Extending Support to Carroll County 
• The Challenges of Foster Care in Carroll County 
• Kinship Care
• Comfort and Necessity Bags 
• Supporting Social Workers 

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Sign up to join our Foster Care Info Session 
• Visit Our Website 
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook 
• Foster Our Community Instagram 

Find More on Our Guest: 

• More Info on Common Ground Support Group for Kinship Caregivers in Carroll County 

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

In this episode of The ReStoried Podcast, we're privileged to hear the touching story of Stacey, a devoted foster and adoptive mom, and Asia, whose journey through addiction and mental health struggles led to her losing custody of her children. Stacey's path intersected with Asia's as she became the foster parent to Asia's kids, offering not just stability but a lifeline of support during her darkest moments. 

Through Stacey's unwavering guidance and encouragement, Asia found the strength to seek treatment and embark on a journey of recovery, with faith as her anchor. Their story underscores the profound impact of nurturing relationships with biological families in foster care. Stacey's role transcended mere caregiving to become a beacon of hope and stability for Asia. 

Today, Asia considers Stacey not just a friend but a mother figure, a testament to the transformative power of love and support. Together, Stacey and Asia now co-parent the children, showcasing the beautiful evolution of their relationship and the importance of unified caregiving in the journey of healing and redemption. 

Join us in this episode as we celebrate the resilience of the human spirit through Christ and the importance of connections in the journey of co-parenting and restoration.

Episode Highlights: 

• Stacey & Asia’s Background Story 
• Foster Care 
• Struggles with Addiction & Mental Health 
• Relationships with Bio Families 
• The importance of community 
• Living Life with a Blended Family 

Find more on Guest:

• Dwell Retreat 
• Sky Hope Recovery Program for Women 

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.

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto