Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics and is for mature audiences only.

In this powerful season finale, I, your host Nancy Mogy, share my story of survival, resilience, and finding my voice. From enduring abuse and feeling alone as a child to becoming an advocate and microphone for foster youth, this episode is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can rise. You are never alone—your story matters, and your voice deserves to be heard.

https://www.thefutureisfoster.com/

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Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of sexual abuse, suicidal ideation, and self-harm.

In one of our most inspiring episodes yet, Elvira Laguna opens up about her journey from surviving a traumatic childhood in the foster system to becoming a fearless advocate for change. Her unwavering resilience and passion for helping others have turned her into a force for good, proving that no one’s past defines their future. Elvira’s optimism is contagious, and her story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, we can all rise above even the toughest circumstances.

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This week, we’re joined by Mijan Owens, a former foster youth who has transformed her experiences into a powerful message of hope. Now a devoted mother, singer, and advocate for at-risk youth, Mijan shares her incredible journey of overcoming obstacles, from navigating the foster system to battling homelessness and facing teen pregnancy. She also speaks candidly about her role in caring for her special needs brother and how each challenge strengthened her resolve to uplift others through her passion for music. Tune in to hear Mijan’s inspiring story of defying the odds and why she believes in the power of perseverance. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for motivation and a reminder that giving up is never an option.

Join The Future Is Foster Community: https://www.thefutureisfoster.com/

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This week, we’re honored to share an incredibly powerful and heartfelt interview with Arius Davis, a transgender woman who navigated the complexities of the foster care system during her teen years. Arius bravely recounts her journey through multiple foster homes, her discovery of self-identity, and the importance of advocacy for the LGBTQ community within the foster system.

This episode is not just a story of resilience, but a beacon of hope for anyone feeling marginalized or alone. Arius's journey is a testament to the power of finding your true self and the importance of a supportive community. Whether you’re connected to the foster care system, the LGBTQ community, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in now and let Arius’s story empower you!

https://www.thefutureisfoster.com/

https://www.raiseachild.org/

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In this heartwarming episode, we welcome Maggie Bolhman and her foster-to-adopt son, Charlie. With over 20 years of dedicated service in nonprofit leadership, Maggie embraced a new chapter in her life: motherhood. As a single mother planning to foster, she faced unique challenges, including caring for a 3-week-old baby in the NICU. Fifteen years later, Maggie and Charlie share their inspiring story of love, resilience, and transformation. Tune in to discover how they are now advocating for foster parents and children, and changing the world's perception of the word FOSTER. Join us for an inside scoop on their incredible journey and the impactful work they are doing today.

https://www.thefutureisfoster.com/

https://www.piecebypiece.org/

https://www.raiseachild.org/

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TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses topics of rape and sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised.

This week joining us is birth mother and foster care advocate Amy Bernardino. Through struggling to find her voice as a teenager, she has dedicated her life to fighting the stigmas on foster youth, adoption and the LGTBQ community. Join us as we hear how the life changing moments in Amy’s life led her to being an adoption advocate and pioneer in the non profit sector. 

0:00 Introduction to The Future Is Foster Podcast

01:06 Meet Amy Bernardino: Foster Youth Advocate

02:05 Amy's Childhood and Family Dynamics

03:41 The Journey of Adoption and Foster Care

06:21 Facing Trauma and Finding Strength

13:34 Open Adoption: A Lifelong Connection

18:37 A Second Chance at Motherhood

23:43 Advocating for Foster Youth and LGBTQ Community

30:37 Conclusion and Call to Action

Join The Future Is Foster Community:

https://www.thefutureisfoster.com/

Let’s Talk:

[email protected]

National Sexual Assault Hotline:

800.656.HOPE (4673) 

Planned Parenthood:

800.230.7526

Learn More About RaiseAChild:

https://www.raiseachild.org/

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This week, we are joined by Michael Bowler, an award-winning author, educator, children's rights advocate, and foster-to-adopt father. Starting his career as a teacher, Michael uplifted kids with disabilities and used his passion for writing to show young people they are not alone in their struggles. When he's not writing, Michael mentors youth with Big Brothers Big Sisters and volunteers in the juvenile justice system in Los Angeles, ensuring everyone he meets feels heard, seen, and supported. As an author, Michael's goal is to empower teens, emphasizing that "we're better off doing what's right rather than what's easy.

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In this episode we welcome Mark Daley, social activist, entrepreneur, and foster-turned-adoptive father. Mark is the founder of One Iowa, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ equality organization, and TheFosterParent.com, a national platform connecting families with foster organizations. Mark shares insights from his book, "Safe: A Memoir of Fatherhood, Foster Care, and the Risks We Take for Family." Join us as he and his partner Jason navigate the emotional journey of foster care, adoption, and the bittersweet moments of reunification. Discover the challenges, joys, and lessons learned about sacrifice, acceptance, and timing in parenthood.

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This episode Nancy sits down with Abby Rubtsova, a fellow former foster youth adopted at 17. They discuss their unique and shared experiences within the foster system, highlighting the UCLA Fostering PhotoVoices Project and the impact of photography in sharing their stories. Abby recounts her journey through multiple foster homes, battling the system, and fighting for a connection with her siblings. Since her life changing adoption, Abby has dedicated her life to empowering other foster youth to share their stories and promote positive judicial change to leave the foster system better than when she entered it. 

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In this exciting debut episode, host Nancy Mogy sits down with Jonathan Fitzgarrald, a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, to discuss his journey toward achieving something he never thought possible—becoming a father. Bonding over shared experiences of redefining family through love and resilience, Jonathan and Nancy explore their journeys through the foster care system and the fulfillment of being part of the families they always wanted.

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