The Miracle Hill Podcast

If you've ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at Christmastime at Miracle Hill Ministries, this episode is for you.

On this episode, Ryan is joined by Chief Development Officer Jacob Edmisten and their conversation centers around what the holidays look like for our staff and guests.

This season can be difficult for many experiencing homelessness or addiction because often these individuals are alienated from family and friends. Here at Miracle Hill Ministries, we take time to make sure our guests feel supported and loved and are reminded of the true reason for the season: Jesus Christ.

If you would like to specially partner with us during this season, visit miraclehill.org/holidays.

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Brenda Parks, VP of Miracle Hill Children's Ministries joins Ryan again for this special Q&A episode. 

Here is a sampling of questions covered on this episode: 

• What happens to children who have special needs and are experiencing homelessness? 
• What is insecure attachment and how does that play out with children experiencing homelessness?
• How does DSS and Miracle Hill address the issue of people with "ulterior motives"?
• What should I do if I see a child in homelessness?
• Why does Miracle Hill need to raise money for foster care?

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Ryan is joined by David White, founder and CEO of Fostering Great Ideas; view their website here.

As the saying goes, "blood is thicker than water." So what happens when sibling groups enter the foster care system?

The reality is, many sibling groups become separated from each other when they are removed from their homes. This separation only adds to the trauma the children are experiencing. That's why Fostering Great Ideas facilitates a program called Sib-Link. The goal of Sib-Link is to reunite siblings with each other and help create pathways for relationship, even in the middle of a crisis.

Helping children and teens stay connected to their family of origins (when that connection is safe and permittable) can help reduce the negative impact of a very tumultuous situation.

Don't miss the important dialogue covered on this episode.

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On this episode, Sandy and Ryan discuss a new endeavor for Miracle Hill Ministries: a children's book!

Sandy has authored "Isabelle's Invisible Neighbor," a children's book that helps educate the younger members of our society on the reality of homelessness. Through this conversation, Sandy explains the story behind this book and shares how God worked in her heart to grow a love for the underprivileged and hurting in the Upstate.

Although this book is geared towards children, its message rings true for any reader, regardless of age.

So..."who is your invisible neighbor?"

Jesus said, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Matt. 22:39b)

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Kelly is Miracle Hill's educational advocate for teens in foster care with Miracle Hill. Kelly understands the vast landscape of resources available to teens and young adults in the Foster Care system. Her job is to help identify which resources would be helpful to these teens and guide them through the process of utilizing the resources.

For a teen and young adult that chooses to stay in Foster Care, DSS offers many resources including basic training (like budgeting), college tuition scholarships, and other avenues that help a teen transition to independent, successful living. However, it can be hard for a teenager to choose to stay within a system that feels binding to them; often, these teens can't wait to be "free."

Yet, the relationships that many of these teens are able to build with foster parents, case workers, and other social workers, can help create stability within their lives and encourage them to stay within the Foster Care system and tap into the plethora of resources that can help aid them as they enter adulthood.

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Greenville County Public Schools defines homelessness as "a lack of permanent housing resulting from extreme poverty, or, in the case of unaccompanied youth, the lack of a safe and stable living environment."

Irene is the Homeless Education Liaison & McKinney-Vento Project Coordinator with Greenville County Schools. On this episode, she sits down with Ryan and discusses in-depth the resources provided for children experiencing homelessness in the school district, including strategies for identifying this population and offering resources to help these students be successful.

When a child or teen is experiencing homelessness, getting good grades and paying attention in class is not their first priority. However, school in general can be a great asset to these students because it can be a constant their life.

It is Irene's heart that students experiencing homelessness within the Greenville County School District are identified and cared for to the best of everyone's ability. 

Yet, there are many barriers for these students to overcome.

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Heather and her husband said yes to God's tug on their hearts to foster. When they opened their home to a little baby girl named Daisy, they were overjoyed. Yet, Heather was keenly aware that there was a biological mother who lost her little girl on the other side of Daisy.

As Heather cared for Daisy, she supported the idea of Daisy and her mother, Gina, being reunified, but Gina couldn't shake her addiction, causing the reality of reunification to become less clear.

In the turmoil of court dates, visitations, and general ups and downs, Heather began to wonder if God would place Daisy in their home permanently.

Heather listened for God's voice and ultimately rested in His timing. She kept herself from trying to "get involved" in the decision.

Today, Heather testifies that God's way is best, and that He works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform...

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Gina struggled with alcohol abuse from an early age. Eventually, her life spiraled out of control and she began using hard drugs.

When she found out she was pregnant with her first child, Daisy, she had hope. But her pregnancy couldn't save her.

During Daisy's delivery, Gina tested positive for illegal substances, causing Daisy to enter SCDSS custody. Gina longed to be a good mother, but struggled to shake her addiction.

Shortly after losing Daisy, Gina was unexpectedly pregnant again. "This time," she thought, "I'm going to stay clean." However, once again, Gina couldn't shake the drugs.

When Gina gave birth a second time she again lost custody her daughter, Grace.

Gina was determined to follow through the process, get clean. and get her two children back. Yet, she lacked support.

But for Gina, support eventually came from an unlikely source...

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Evelyn has a big heart. When she heard that a little baby girl needed a home, she and her husband decided to take the leap of faith and open their doors.

When Grace was born she was in bad shape. Her mother, Gina, used drugs throughout her pregnancy, resulting in a lot of medical concerns for Grace.

Evelyn remembers going into the hospital to meet Grace and seeing Gina. Before Gina could see her, Evelyn ducked out of the way. Evelyn didn't want anything to do with Gina.

But God had other plans...

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You don't want to miss this miniseries, titled "Grace: A Complicated Journey."  

The next three episodes will chronicle the complex story of three women: Evelyn, Gina, and Heather. These women's stories intersect into one narrative, connected by the same two children, Daisy and Grace.

This one story brings the threads of addiction, foster care, adoption, reunification, and reconciliation into one beautifully, complicated tapestry of grace - knit together by God Himself.

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