ReStoried

In this special episode of Restoried, we’re coming together as the four directors of HopeBridge to launch something that is deeply personal to us: our new campaign and heart posture, “For the One.” This conversation is really about what has been forming in us for a long time—how we see people, how we do ministry, and how we stay anchored in the middle of work that can often feel overwhelming in scale. 

We talk about how easy it is to slip into a “numbers mindset,” especially in the nonprofit and foster care world, where outcomes, stats, and impact reports often take center stage. But over and over again, we come back to this truth: our work has never been about reaching everyone at once—it’s about being faithful to the one person in front of us. One child. One mom. One family. And ultimately, the One who leads it all—Jesus. 

As we share, we reflect on how Jesus consistently modeled this for us in Scripture—stopping for the one, noticing the overlooked, and restoring individuals in deeply personal ways. That same heart is what we want to shape everything we do at HopeBridge: how we show up with churches, how we support foster families, how we care for single moms, and how we love each other as a team. 

At the core of this conversation is a shared conviction: we are not called to fix everything or everyone—we are called to faithfully respond to the one God places in front of us. And in doing so, we reflect the heart of Jesus, who sees, knows, and loves each of us fully. 

This episode is our way of launching the “For the One” campaign, but more than that, it’s an invitation—to slow down, to be present, and to believe that one act of obedience can carry eternal weight. 

Episode Highlights:  

• Foster Care Awareness Month 
• For the One Campaign 
• Foster Care 
• Adoption  
• Faith  
• Our Heart Posture at Hope Bridge  

Find More on Hope Bridge: 

• Visit Our Website  
• Follow us on Instagram 
• Follow us on Facebook  

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

In this episode of Restoried, Brian Troyer discusses the power of scripture memorization as a key practice for spiritual formation. Moving beyond simply studying the Bible, he emphasizes how hiding God’s Word in our hearts transforms the way we think, respond, and live. Through personal stories, Brian shares how scripture became a source of strength, truth, and real-life change during both challenging parenting seasons and his cancer journey.

This episode is both an encouragement and a challenge to intentionally memorize and meditate on God’s Word, allowing it to shape your heart and guide you through everyday life and difficult seasons.

Episode Highlights:  

• Spiritual Formation 
• Memorizing Scripture  
• Spiritual Discipline 

Find More on Hope Bridge: 

• Visit Our Website  
• Follow us on Instagram 
• Follow us on Facebook  

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

In this episode, we’re taking time to reflect on some of our favorite takeaways from Mobilize Ohio 2026. Every year, we’re amazed by the way God shows up in this space, and this year was no different. 

Our theme was Surrounded, and it was powerful to see each speaker bring that to life through their own stories and experiences. It all came together in a way that felt both grounding and deeply encouraging. 

We hope everyone who attended left feeling refreshed and re-energized to continue stepping into this kingdom work. And if you weren’t there, this episode is a great way to hear some of our key takeaways from the day.  

If you were with us, we’d love to hear what stood out to you and what you’re still carrying with you. 

Episode Highlights:  

• Mobilize Ohio 2026 Reflections 
• Stacking Stones  
• Surrounded  
• The Hills Are Full  
• Encouragement for Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Families  

Find More on Hope Bridge: 

• Contact a Staff Member  
• Register for our 4th Annual Benefit Dinner  
• Listen to our Episode with Ryan North  
• Listen to our Episode with Reuben West 
• Listen to our Episode with Trisha White Priebe 
• Visit Our Website  
• Follow us on Instagram 
• Follow us on Facebook  

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, this episode of Restoried highlights the incredible impact of volunteers at Hope Bridge and the vital role they play in supporting foster families, single moms, and vulnerable children. While not everyone is called to foster, we are all called to care, and Hope Bridge gives people tangible ways to step into that calling. Simply put, this work would not be possible without the faithful, consistent presence of volunteers who give their time, talents, and resources to serve others. 

You’ll hear firsthand from Matt, a dedicated volunteer, as he shares what inspired him to step in, how serving aligns with his faith, and the joy he’s found in building meaningful relationships with the kids and families he serves. 

This episode also explores the many practical ways you can get involved, whether through childcare, mentorship, transportation, meals, or even leveraging your unique skills or resources. If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference, this conversation is a reminder that everyone can do something. When we choose to care for the vulnerable in our community, even the smallest step can create a lasting impact. 

Episode Highlights:  

• Volunteer Appreciation Month  
• Volunteer opportunities 
• Everyone can help  
• Consistency builds impact  
• Use your gifts  
• Small acts matter  

Find More on Hope Bridge/Links from this episode: 

• Volunteer Form  
• Join the Bridge  
• Comfort & Care Bag Amazon Wishlist  
• Empower U Meal Train  
• Louisville Single Mom Support Group Meal Train 
• Visit Our Website  
• Follow us on Instagram 
• Follow us on Facebook  

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and in this episode of Restoried, we sit down with author, speaker, and advocate Stephanie Ellison to talk about the realities of child abuse, especially the parts we don’t always see.  

Stephanie shares pieces of her own story growing up in instability, navigating trauma, and learning how those experiences shaped her as both a child and an adult. She helps us understand how kids cope in different ways, some becoming quiet and unseen, others acting out, both responses rooted in survival.  

We also talk about how complex abuse really is, how generational cycles play a role, and why compassion matters, not just for kids, but for struggling families too. This conversation is a reminder that we don’t have to do something big to make a difference. Sometimes, being a safe, consistent presence is enough to change a child’s life.  

If you’ve ever wondered how to recognize signs of abuse or how you can help, this episode will both challenge and encourage you. 

Episode Highlights:  

• Child Abuse Prevention Month  
• Abuse isn’t always visible  
• Kids cope in different ways  
• Trauma shapes behavior deeply  
• Small actions make big impact  
• Safe people change lives 

Find more on Guest: 

• Listen to Stephanie’s Previous Restoried Episode Here 
• 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  

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

In this episode of Restoried, we’re talking about Sabbath, what it actually looks like in real, everyday life. It’s not just about taking a day off, but about creating a rhythm of stopping, resting, delighting, and spending time with God. 

We get into how Sabbath can sometimes feel rigid or unrealistic, but how it can actually become something really freeing and life-giving. Even small, intentional shifts, like unplugging from your phone or slowing down enough to connect with the people around you, can bring a sense of peace back into your home and your week. 

At the end of the day, Sabbath is a gift, not a rule, and it doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. 

Episode Highlights:  

• Sabbath is intentional, not legalistic  
• Start Sabbath with realistic rhythms  
• Rest is an act of trust  
• Remove distractions, deepen connection  
• Small rhythms transform your home 

Find More on Hope Bridge/Links from this episode: 

• Sabbath for Families PDF
• Visit Our Website  
• Follow us on Instagram 
• Follow us on Facebook  

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

In this episode, we are having a conversation on a powerful concept many child welfare workers feel but don’t always have language for: moral injury. 

We unpack the difference between simple burnout and the deeper, soul-level injury that happens when we know what compassionate, ethical care should look like, yet are forced to operate inside systems that often make that impossible.  

We reflect on how this plays out across social work, foster care, and kinship care, where both workers and families can feel powerless, conflicted, and even complicit while trying to do the right thing. 

This is a heavy but important conversation for those serving in helping professions, and we end by encouraging those carrying these burdens, naming that moral injury is real, and reminding you that ultimate justice and restoration belong to God. 

Episode Highlights:  

• Social Work Appreciation Month  
• Moral Injury  
• The Weight of Child Welfare  
• Soul Care  

Find More on Hope Bridge/Links from this Episode: 

• Follow The Christian Social Worker on Instagram 
• Follow Socialworkaholic on Instagram   
• The Legacy Scholarship from The Christ Foundation  
• Visit Our Website  
• Follow us on Instagram 
• Follow us on Facebook 

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

In honor of Social Work Appreciation Month, we’re resharing one of our earlier conversations with Blake Boyer.

Blake is a Christian social worker whose passion is encouraging and equipping believers who are fostering, adopting, and supporting children and families involved in the child welfare system. She also mentors social workers as they navigate the challenges of this important work.

In this episode, Blake shares honestly about the realities of the child welfare system and the unique pressures social workers often face. She offers practical encouragement for those serving on the front lines and reminds us that even when the work is hard and the outcomes aren’t always visible, God is still at work.

Whether you are a social worker, foster or adoptive parent, or someone who cares about children and families in crisis, this conversation is a powerful reminder that faith, perseverance, and community matter in this work.

Episode Highlights: 

• Blake’s Background
• 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

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 Kirsten Smith, Summit County Coordinator for Hope Bridge, to hear her incredible journey as a mother of nine adopted children from foster care. Kirsten shares openly about her family’s story, beginning with her and her husband Josh navigating infertility and feeling God’s call toward adoption. She reflects on bringing home sibling groups, the challenges of raising children from trauma, and the unexpected ways God has provided for their family, including a miraculous gift of a bigger home and navigating her own health struggles with thyroid cancer. 

Kirsten also opens up about the ongoing challenges of parenting a child with serious mental health needs, including multiple inpatient psychiatric stays, and how her faith has sustained her through seasons of uncertainty, grief, and fear. She emphasizes the importance of trusting God’s plan, embracing His timing, and stepping into foster care and adoption even when the path feels overwhelming.  

This episode is full of hope, honesty, and encouragement for anyone involved in foster care, adoption, or walking a season of unexpected trials. 

Episode Highlights:  

• From infertility to adoption 
• Raising kids from trauma 
• God’s unexpected provision 
• Faith through health struggles 
• Navigating mental health challenges 
• Trusting God’s plan 
• Encouragement for foster parents 

Find more on Guest: 

• Support Kirsten’s Son in Funding His Residential Treatment 
• In the Room by Maverick City Music 
• Lifesong for Orphans  

Find More on Hope Bridge: 

• Chat with a Hope Bridge Staff Member 
• Visit Our Website  
• Follow us on Instagram 
• Follow us on Facebook  

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto 

On this episode of Restoried, Mel sits down to talk with Jen Zwick and Cat Tortola about hope, faith, and transformation. Cat isn’t just a graduate of the Hope Bridge Single Moms Program; she’s now the Single Mom Program’s coordinator, helping other single moms navigate life, growth, and family. She shares her journey from feeling stuck and overwhelmed to finding support, community, and confidence through Hope Bridge. 

Cat shares about her experience moving into transitional housing, stepping into church for the first time, getting baptized, and even partnering with Habitat for Humanity to rehab her own home. Along the way, Cat learned practical life skills, discovered her potential, and gained the confidence to take bold steps forward. She also shares her hopes for the future: mentoring other single moms and creating a space where they feel truly seen, heard, and supported. 

If you’re looking for inspiration or want to see how community and God’s faithfulness can change lives, this episode is for you. Whether you’re a single mom looking for support or just want to see hope in action, tune in to hear how you can get involved, get connected with Hope Bridge, or cheer for these amazing women on their journey. 

Episode Highlights:  

• Meet Cat!  
• Overcoming fear and doubt 
• Embracing community support 
• Growth through guidance 
• Faith-fueled transformation 
• Empowerment for single mom 

Find More on Hope Bridge/Links from this Episode: 

• Single Mom Connection Form  
• Empower U March 
• Visit Our Website  
• Follow us on Instagram 
• Follow us on Facebook  

Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training

Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto