The Miracle Hill Podcast

On this episode, Ryan sits down with Diane Turner, a trauma-informed Care-Coordinator at Miracle Hill Ministries.

Diane dives into the weeds of trauma and how children who experience a variety of traumas are thus impacted. There are many tools used by SCDSS, case workers, care coordinators, and other social workers to help define and recognize trauma. One example of these tools is the ACE test, which stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences test (click here to learn more).

The point of testing for and understanding trauma is not to assign negative labels to an individual, but to better understand what resources would be most pertinent for their healing process. The pairing and offering of resources to children in Foster Care is part of Diane's job and something she's very passionate about.

Trauma affects one's spiritual, physical, and mental health. Trauma often causes the brain to be stuck in "survival mode," which traditionally makes it difficult for a person to connect and trust with others and live a vibrant life.

Experiencing some level of trauma is a reality for any child who has lived in homelessness or is taken into the Foster Care system. However, there is always hope. Children are resilient, and when officered the right care, children are able to live happy, whole lives.

Other resources:
The Body Keeps the Score, click here.
Reframing Foster Care, click here.
SC Foster Parent Association, click here.
National Child Abuse Prevention, click here.

Email [email protected] to get in touch with us.

Miracle Hill Ministries:
Website
Instagram
Facebook

Although children in Foster Care are often though of as "experiencing homelessness" to some degree, there are also children who live in emergency shelters with a parent or guardian.

At Miracle Hill Ministries, we provide emergency shelter options for women with children in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Cherokee counties. Samantha Littlejohn oversees the women and children in Miracle Hill's Cherokee County Rescue mission, and she sits down with Ryan to share her perspective on some of the experiences of children in care at Miracle Hill.

What are some of the reasons a mom would enter emergency shelter with her child or children? Samantha shares that many women are fleeing abusive relationships, struggle with mental illness, lack parenting skills, and/or are fighting substance abuse. There are many contributing factors to why someone needs help and enters emergency shelter living.

At Miracle Hill Ministries, it is important that we offer the love and support of Christ to each of our guest, including any child in care. Samantha shares on this episode what that often looks like and how shelter living with children presents unique challenges for a caretaker and a child to overcome.

Email podcast@miraclehill.org to reach out to us. 

Miracle Hill Ministries:
Website
Instagram
Facebook

On this episode, Ryan is joined by Jocelyn Gibson, the Placement Services Director at SC Department of Social Services.

In the discussion of the experience of homelessness with children, it is important to understand the role of SCDSS. DSS offers many resources, in conjunction with Foster Care, that work towards reunification and stability within a family of origin, whenever possible.

SCDSS's Placement Services is often what people initially think of when they consider DSS. However, there are many other avenues through which the Department of Social Services offers assistance, including adult protection, prevention, child care services, and family support services.

Miracle Hill Ministries is thankful for the partnership we share with SCDSS. If you'd like to know more about SCDSS, visit their website here.

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, contact the SCDSS 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-888-CARE4US.

Miracle Hill Ministries:
Website
Instagram
Facebook 

On this first episode of "Season 3: The Experience of Children and Homelessness," Ryan sits down with Miracle Hill’s VP of Children’s Ministries, Brenda Parks. Brenda’s career has touched children in foster care for many years. In her current role, Brenda supervises Miracle Hill’s Children's Ministry division, which includes the Foster Care Community in Pumpkintown. 

Brenda shares the ups and downs of what she sees on a daily basis. On one hand, Miracle Hill is blessed to work with a multitude of wonderful foster parents who make daily sacrifices to care for the most vulnerable in our society. But on the other hand, there are not enough families for the children in foster care in South Carolina. For example, the need for individuals willing to open their homes to sibling groups or teens is great. Brenda shares that Miracle Hill team members have sadly needed to split up sibling groups simply because there is no one available to take them in. 

At Miracle Hill Ministries, we are excited for the ways that God is working in the Upstate community to be the hands and feet of Christ to these children, but we are also burdened. We hope to see more people answering the call to foster care. 

If you’re curious about the ins-and-outs of Miracle Hill’s Children's Ministry Program, or maybe you feel a slight tug on your heart, and you wonder if it could be God, then listen to this episode with open hands. Foster care is not for everyone. But maybe it’s for you. 

“But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”

Luke 18:16 ESV

Reach out to us with questions or comments: [email protected].

Miracle Hill Ministries:
Website
Instagram
Facebook

Why talk about Children and Homelessness for Season 3 of Miracles from the Hill Podcast?

Miracle Hill Ministries is South Carolina’s largest provider of homelessness services. When many people think about “homelessness,” they often think of the experience of an adult. However, many children also experience homelessness, either through the foster care system or because their guardians are not stably housed. A child who experiences any level of homelessness adds trauma to their life. How can someone recover from childhood trauma? What is the trajectory of these children without housing? How does Miracle Hill help children experience homelessness? What is foster care? And what does DSS say about the lack of foster homes? 

If you are interested in any of the above questions, this season is for you. 

On this introductory episode, Ryan is joined by Jacob, Miracle Hill’s Chief Development Officer to discuss why the topic of children experiencing homelessness is crucial for anyone who wants to understand the homelessness landscape more deeply.

Children experience homelessness. The picture isn’t glamorous, but the stories need to be told. 

Season 3 on Miracles from the Hill Podcast will cover general foster care awareness, feature guests from community partners, educate listeners on childhood trauma, share inside information about children in emergency shelters, and many more topics.

Also, stay tuned for a 3-part miniseries that will drop in the middle of this season. “Grace: A Complicated Journey” will tell one story from three different perspectives – a foster mom, a birth mom, and an adoptive mom – all connected to the same two children. 

In short, we believe Season 3 is important because Jesus cared about children. 

If you want to grow in your understanding of what children experiencing homelessness often go through, then follow along as we journey together. 

“And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

Matthew 10:42 ESV

Reach out to us with questions or comments: [email protected].

Miracle Hill Ministries:
Website
Instagram
Facebook

Jennifer Fouse Sheorn is the Pastor and Director of Trinue Mercy Center, a church and ministry in the Greenville area that provides a radical welcome.

"Triune Mercy Center is a non-denominational church in Greenville, SC that ministers alongside those in need. [Their] mission is to share Christ’s love by meeting physical needs and providing life-changing opportunities for the disadvantaged" (Triune's website).

When a person is living on the streets, survival mode is what "drives the brain." Often, the first thing on that person's mind is not church attendance, or at the very least, it can be hard to focus on one's spiritual health when their physical health is suffering. At Triune Mercy Center, things like food, mental health counseling, medical and legal aid, and other resources are offered right alongside the opportunity to worship in a traditional church setting. Triune hopes that as hurting people receive care for their physical needs, they will also be willing to allow their spiritual condition to be changed by Jesus' love.

On this episode, Jennifer and Ryan's conversation ranges from Triune's church philosophy to dialogue on the biggest issues facing the homeless community in the Upstate.

Interacting with someone who is currently experiencing homelessness can feel awkard and messy. But, God doesn't call us to stay in the comfortable.

If you'd like to know more about the ministry of Triune, visit their website: triunemercy.org.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12

Miracle Hill Ministries:
Website
Instagram
Facebook

United Housing Connection believes that "everyone deserves an address."

On this episode, Ryan sits down with Chief Executive Officer at United Housing Connections, Lorain Crowl, to dive into the heart of this organization. 

United Housing Connections is on a “mission to connect people at-risk for or currently experiencing homelessness with safe, sustainable and affordable homes. To that end, we build and manage affordable housing for low-income people and provide prevention and housing programs. Ultimately, we envision an Upstate SC where all people have the opportunity to live in a safe, sustainable and affordable home” (from United Housing Connections website).

Affordable housing is a major issue in the Upstate of South Carolina. Although each person’s story is complicated, many people who are or have experienced homelessness would attest to the fact that a lack of affordable housing contributed to their situation. As Ryan often says in regard to the problem of homelessness: “we need more exits.”

There are no easy solutions to the housing crisis. Lorain and Ryan discuss ideas and current programs that help those experiencing homelessness work towards stable and secure housing. 

For more information visit Unitedhousingconnections.org.

"God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land." Psalm 68:6

Reach out to us with questions or comments: [email protected].

Miracle Hill Ministries:
Website
Instagram
Facebook

"Uplifting humanity through the dignity of work:" that's the tagline for the Jobs for Life program.

For many men in Greenville Rescue Mission (GRM), the Jobs for Life program, under the leadership of Ron, has been an avenue of growth and a path towards stability. Although everyone's story is different, people who have experienced homelessness often lack a clear work ethic, which can lead to a vicious cycle of job-instability and poverty.

The Jobs for Life curriculum gives GRM guests the opportunity to sit down and contemplate what it means to be a "good employee," and how they can personally set reasonable, achievable goals for their own career path. This program also provides one-on-one mentorship relationships for each person in the program. These mentors are various people from the community who come alongside the Jobs for Life participants in companionship and help to further solidify an understanding of work.

On this episode, Ron and Ryan discuss in-depth the various aspects of Jobs for Life as well as why a program on the dignity of work is vital for the men at Greenville Rescue Mission.

Click here to learn more about Jobs for Life. 

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24

If you would like to see a specific question addressed on the Miracles from the Hill Podcast or want to connect with us, reach out by emailing [email protected].

Miracle Hill Ministries:
Website
Instagram
Facebook

As the old adage goes, "it takes a village." In the Upstate of South Carolina, there are a variety of organizations and ministries working to provide aid, resources, and hope for people experiencing homelessness. The Greenville Homeless Alliance provides a platform for leaders of these organizations to come together. As GHA's website states:  "[The Greenville Homeless Alliance]  utilizes a common agenda, common progress measures, coordination of mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication and support of the partnership through a host organization to achieve a collective impact."

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Susan McLarty, Greenville Homeless Alliance Director. Together, they discuss more deeply the complications and issues of homelessness, the mission of Greenville Homeless Alliance, Miracle Hill's partnership with GHA, and the power of advocacy.

 Greenville Homeless Alliance strives to  "educate, advocate, collaborate, and innovate."

The voice is powerful. Real change is possible when advocates unite together to speak up and work towards a better reality for the hurting and isolated in their communities.

Click here to view "Homelessness White Paper"
Click here to view other research and reports.
Click here to view GHA's website.


Blessed is the one who considers the poor!
In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him;
Psalm 41:1

If you would like to see a specific question addressed on the Miracles from the Hill Podcast or want to connect with us, reach out by emailing [email protected].

Miracle Hill Ministries:
Website
Instagram
Facebook