ReStoried

In this episode of The ReStoried Podcast, we dive deep into the often-overlooked struggles faced by single mothers, particularly in the realm of finances. Our guest, Aisha Taylor, a single mom of twins and author of “Navigating the “Impossible”: A Survival Guide for Single Moms From Pregnancy Through the First Year of Motherhood,” shares her personal journey of resilience and empowerment. 

Aisha, drawing from her corporate and personal finance background, provides valuable insights into the financial hurdles single moms encounter and offers practical strategies for navigating these challenges. We discuss the importance of community support and how churches and local communities can offer assistance to single mothers, not only in terms of financial aid but also emotional encouragement and empowerment. Tune in to learn how we can all play a role in supporting single moms and their families. 

Connect with Aisha Taylor through her website, YouTube, or Instagram (linked below) for more empowering content. 

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of resilience and restoration on The ReStoried Podcast.

Episode Highlights: 

• Statistics about Single Mother Households
• All about Aisha Taylor 
• Aisha’s Book: Navigating the Impossible: A Survival Guide for Single Moms from Pregnancy through the First Year of Motherhood
• Financial Struggles as a Single Mom
• The impact of trauma on finances
• Being stuck in the cycle of poverty 
• Ways to support Single Moms 
• Breaking Stereotypes of Single Moms 

Find more on Guest:

• Aisha’s Book: Navigating the Impossible: A Survival Guide for Single Moms from Pregnancy through the First Year of Motherhood
• Aisha’s Website 
• Instagram @‌fnphenomenal

Help Support a Single Mom: 

• Single Mom Referral Form 
• Meal train for Single Mom’s Support Group
• Purchase an item from our Amazon Wishlist for The Single Mom’s Program 
• Mentorship application for our Single Mom’s Program 
• Learn More about Our Single Mom’s Program 

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 

If you were at Mobilize Ohio last year, then this week’s guest will be familiar to you! 

In today’s episode of The Restoried Podcast, we are welcoming Jason Johnson. Jason is a writer and speaker who encourages families and equips church and organizational leaders on their foster care and adoption journeys.

He currently serves as the National Director of The Pure Religion Project with Christian Alliance for Orphans. In his work, he develops resources, coaches leaders, and teaches in a variety of contexts on church-based ministry structures, organizational leadership, and strategy. He is also a sought-after speaker for churches, retreats, conferences, and events for foster and adoptive parents, as well as for those considering getting involved.

Prior to his work at CAFO, Jason spent 14 years in church staff ministry, including planting and pastoring a church in Houston. It was there that his family's foster care journey began.

Jason and his wife, Emily, live in Texas with their daughters. He has authored four books: Reframing Foster Care, Everyone Can Do Something, The ALL IN Curriculum, and Effectively Engaging Churches. You can find many of his resources at www.jasonjohnsonblog.com

We are thrilled to announce that Jason will be joining us again for Mobilize Ohio 2024! We are so excited to learn more from Jason and his valuable insight!

Episode Highlights: 

• Jason’s Story 
• Mobilize Ohio 2024 
• Dad’s Bbq
• Equipping Churches to Support Vulnerable Families in Foster Care
• Community/Connection
• Who should come to Mobilize Ohio 2024? 

Find more on Guest:

• Jason’s Website 
• Jason’s Books

Find Jason On: 

• IG 
• Facebook 
• YouTube
• Twitter
• Indeed
• CAFO Website 
• Pure Religion Project

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• REGISTER FOR MOBILIZE OHIO HERE 
• Register for the Pastor’s Workshop
• Register for the Dad’s Bbq 
• 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 

If you were part of the Mobilize Ohio experience last year, get ready for a familiar face! We're thrilled to welcome back the dynamic Jillana Goble – an advocate, author, and all-around powerhouse who left a lasting impression as a Mobilize Ohio speaker.

Jillana is a mother to five remarkable children who have significantly influenced and molded her. She is affectionately called "Mom" by each one of them. Alongside her husband, they have redefined the conventional image of a traditional family, weaving children and their families from challenging circumstances into their close-knit circle. Some become part of the family briefly, while others find a lasting place for a lifetime.

Recognizing parenting as sacred work, she profoundly respects every family responsible for loving and nurturing children from difficult backgrounds through foster care. In her heart, no one is overlooked, and her sincerest aspiration is to provide encouragement, inspiration, and unwavering support to all those navigating the unique journey of caring for and loving children from hard places.

Episode Highlights: 

• Intro to Jillana and her family 
• How Jillana got into Foster Care
• Reconnecting with a Foster Child years later
• Fostering Relationships with Biological Parents 
• Fetal Alcohol Disorders 

Find more on Guest:

• Jillana’s Website 
• Jillana’s Books
• Find Jillana on Instagram 
• Find Jillana on Facebook
• Trying Differently Rather Than Harder Book 

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 

Welcome back to The ReStoried Podcast! 

Today, we are joined by Tania Paredez and Bethany Adkins. Both of these women have valuable experience and knowledge in navigating the challenges of the foster care system. Specifically, in today’s episode, we highlight the importance of preserving sibling relationships in Foster Care. 

Keeping siblings together in foster care is of great importance as it helps maintain the crucial bonds and relationships that exist between brothers and sisters. Siblings share a unique and profound connection that provides emotional support, stability, and a sense of identity. Placing them together in foster care ensures that they can navigate the challenges of being separated from their biological family with the comfort of familiar faces and shared experiences. This continuity in relationships can mitigate the trauma associated with entering foster care, promoting a sense of security and belonging. 

Moreover, when siblings are kept together, they are more likely to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially, as they can provide mutual encouragement and companionship during a period of upheaval and uncertainty. Ultimately, prioritizing the preservation of sibling bonds in foster care not only contributes to the well-being of each individual child but also reinforces the foundation for healthy family dynamics and future relationships. Unfortunately, in more than 65% of cases,  siblings are being separated from each other, adding to the trauma they’ve already experienced. 

Today, Tania shares her own heart for sibling relationships and how God has used that heart to impact members of her own biological family and beyond.

Check out this episode to learn more about sibling relationships in foster care and practical ways you can fight for what is right for these children. 

Episode Highlights: 

• The importance of sibling relationships in foster care 
• Fighting for what’s right 
• Fostering/adopting from a Tribal family 
• An encouragement on persistence 
• Laws about sibling separation 
• Parentification

Find more on Guest:

• Tania’s Email: [email protected] 
• Find Bethany on Instagram 

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 

Did you know that if a teen in foster care isn’t welcomed in by a foster care family, they could potentially be sent to stay at a local detention center? 

That was the case for one of our guests today, Darien Karenbauer. After being in and out of foster care, two failed adoptions, and nowhere to call home, Darien was sent to live at the local detention center so that he could have a bed and roof over his head. 

Joining Darien today is his adopted mother, Maranda Karenbauer. Maranda and her husband are foster and adoptive parents who adopted Darien as a teenager. 

The statistics surrounding teens in foster care facing challenges in finding stable placements are a cause for concern. According to various studies, a significant number of teenagers within the foster care system experience difficulty in securing permanent and supportive homes. These challenges often result in higher rates of instability, as teens may move between multiple placements or age out of the system without finding a long-term family environment. 

The lack of suitable placements for teens in foster care can have detrimental effects on their emotional well-being, educational attainment, and overall life outcomes. 

We encourage you to check out this episode as Darien and Maranda address the common misconceptions about fostering teenagers and provide us all with hope and encouragement that stepping out of your comfort zone isn’t always easy, but it is worth it. 

We are thrilled to announce that both Darien and Maranda will be speaking at our Mobilize Ohio Event! Make sure to register for Mobilize Ohio (linked below) so that you can hear more of their story! 

Episode Highlights: 

• Learning more about Darien and Maranda 
• Fostering and adopting teens 
• Debunking fears around fostering teens 
• Common Misconceptions
•  Sibling relationships in foster care

Find more on Guest:

• Follow Maranda on IG 
• Follow Darien on IG
• The Archibald Project’s Video: Teen Adoption Film: Take A Chance On Me
• Bair Foundation’s Video: Darien's Story

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• REGISTER FOR MOBILIZE OH 2024 HERE
• 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 

Today, we are so excited to be in conversation with another one of our Speakers who will be with us at our Mobilize Ohio 2024 event. 

We are joined by Blake Boyer, who is a Christian Social Worker. Blake’s mission is to help Christians as they foster/adopt and mentor Social Workers as they navigate the Child Welfare System. 

In this episode, Blake discusses the challenges of the Child Welfare System as a whole and specific struggles that Social Workers usually face. She offers practical tips and words of encouragement for all those involved in the Foster Care System. We can trust God's plan even though we can’t always see the big picture. 

Episode Highlights: 

• Blake’s Background
• Mobilize Ohio 
• Challenges for Social Workers 
• Setting Boundaries as a Social Worker 
• Blake’s Passion for Change 
• Encouragement for Foster Families and Social Workers 

Find more on Guest:

• Blake’s Instagram
• Blake’s Blog 

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Visit Our Website 
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook 
• Foster Our Community Instagram 
• Learn more about Mobilize OH!

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 

Today, you are getting a sneak peek into the life of Stephanie Ellison, one of our speakers for the Mobilize Ohio Event!

Join us as we dive into the remarkable journey of Stephanie Ellison. Despite a very challenging early life marked by homelessness, parental incarceration, maternal addiction, and foster care, Stephanie's narrative is not one of defeat but of triumphant resilience. 

Battling PTSD from her past, Stephanie embarked on a healing journey that has led her to become a successful speaker and author, driven to guide others in adopting healthy coping mechanisms on their own paths to recovery. Today, Stephanie's story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, urging listeners to persevere through challenges with the promise of healing and renewal on the horizon. 

For more insights, stay tuned for updates on the Mobilize Ohio Conference, where Stephanie will share further wisdom!

Episode Highlights: 

• All about Stephanie Ellison 
• Coping with trauma 
• Dealing with homelessness 
• Going in and out of foster care as a child 
• Fighting for her life at 15
• Emancipation 
• The journey to healing 
• Getting adopted as an adult 
• Postpartum Depression
• Stephanie’s Book- Always Forever 
• Survivor’s Guilt 

Find more on Guest:

• Stephanie’s Book- Always Forever
• Stephanie’s Non-Profit’s Website 
• Fostering Hope Podcast 
• Stephanie’s Blog
• Stephanie’s Instagram 
• Stephanie’s Facebook

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Visit Our Website 
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook 
• Foster Our Community Instagram 
• Sign up to be the first to know about all things Mobilize OH. Coming April 12-13, 2024.

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 

If you truly want to help a child- you must first start by supporting the Mama.

In this episode, we have the privilege of engaging in a meaningful interview with the women from the Mentor Mom Ministry at Louisville Church, which explores the vital topic of supporting single moms. 

These incredible women have made it their mission to provide assistance, guidance, and a strong support system for single mothers. Diving into their personal motivations and experiences, our conversation explores the diverse ways these women contribute to the well-being of single moms, from offering practical advice to creating meaningful connections within communities. 

Our hope is that you will gain valuable insights into the impact of collective support, learning about the various ways these women have uplifted and empowered single mothers. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that highlights the positive change that can be achieved when women come together to champion the resilience and success of single moms.

Episode Highlights: 

• Mentor Mom Program 
• How it started
• What does the program do weekly?
• Teaching Life Skills 
• Reinforcing Single Mom's View on Who They Are in Christ 
• The greatest challenges for Single Moms 
• Self Care in Ministry 

Find more on Guest:

• The Mentor Mom’s Ministry meets weekly at Louisville Church of Christ every Wednesday from 5:30-7:30 pm. Dinner is provided, as well as childcare for the kids. 

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 

Have you ever wondered how Foster Our Community and Hope Bridge work together?

Welcome back to another episode of ReStoried! Today, we're discussing the incredible journey of our two organizations – Foster Our Community and Hope Bridge. Join us as we share some really exciting news about the merging of Foster Our Community with Hope Bridge, and discover the “why” behind our decision!  

Throughout this episode, we'll explore our shared vision, collaborative efforts, and the collective impact that will emerge when these two organizations combine forces. From building bridges of hope to strengthening communities, we'll celebrate the spirit of unity and discuss the remarkable stories that unfold when like-minded groups come together. 

Although each “funnel” of Hope Bridge may be focusing on different niches, we are all doing the kingdom work of helping vulnerable families. We are stronger together. 

Episode Highlights: 

• Foster Our Community Merging with Hope Bridge
• Church Engagement
•  Breakdown of the HopeBridge Programs 
• Prevention, Intervention, Restoration
• Following God’s Calling 
• Questions you may have about the merge
• Mobilize Ohio 

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Visit Our Website 
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook 
• Foster Our Community Instagram 
• Give Butter Link

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 

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.

In the world of foster care, there can be a lot of darkness and discouragement, unfortunately. However, with it being Christmas, in today’s episode, we want to share some hope with our success stories and shed some positive light on all the amazing things that are being done to support these vulnerable families. We are each sharing our story of Impact and reflecting on some amazing stats featuring how HopeBridge was able to connect the community and churches to help support those in need throughout the year. We are amazed at what God has done through our non-profit in just one short year, and we eagerly wait to see what all He still has in store for us. 

So join us in the episode to come and see what God has done through HopeBridge this year!  

Episode Highlights: 

• Favorite Christmas Movies
• A year in review!
• Come and see what God has done at HopeBridge this year 
• Sharing our impact stories from the year 
• Care Communities 
• End of Year Giving 

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Visit Our Website 
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook 
• Foster Our Community Instagram 
• Get Your End of Year Impact Card Here

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