In this episode, Mel talks with Community Coach Supervisor Dana Caldwell about the important task of engaging the community as a ministry. Without community engagement, the church would not be in proximity with those who are in need or are socially isolated.

Dana shares how she finds herself in family preservation and some of the lessons she has learned along the way! In this episode you can also find talk about balancing the "supply and demand" of church and community engagement, resource fairs, and engaging hospital systems.

We hope you enjoy!

This episode was recorded on a snow day in mid-December, and has been held to be played while the MVM staff is at the Upstream Collaborative Conference. Today's episode is a series of conversations with the Krause boys -- Decker, Ryden, and Jay -- as well as Hope Marshall. Topics of conversation include "tickle tackle", Christmas, and some of the "hards" of welcoming other kids into your home.

We hope that you have as much fun listening to this as we did recording it!

In this episode, Melody talks with Phil about her family's journey into the family preservation realm.

In this episode, Phil and Mel talk about potatoes. They also talk about the Family Vitality Spectrum, a new resource developed by Columbus local, Tom Edwards, in order to see families from preserving to flourishing.

In this episode, Phil and Mel talk about MVM core values, focusing on the value of 2026 -- shepherding.

Click here to access the Lament Packet:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wp47zpWfMHH1SZN52mZmfvWTnr4Ncww8/view?usp=sharing

In the second of a two part conversation with Ken Norwood, this episode covers all things Upstream Collaborative -- the Mission, core values, the conference, as well as how to get connected.

Use the link to sign up for the 2026 Upstream Collaborative Conference from Feb 4-6!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unshakable-upstream-collaborative-2026-national-conference-tickets-1228250814249?aff=oddtdtcreator

In the second of a two part series on lament, Ali Watson talks with Ministry Lead Jess Seed about her experience with lament. In this episode, they cover the some of the highs and lows of the ministry, the importance of suffering, and finding healing in the Church.

In this episode, Phil and Mel sit down with MVM staff member Ali Watson to discuss the oft-neglected practice of lament. They articulate lament's place in the work of family preservation, recommend resources, and provide practical steps to better lament as a church community.

In this episode, Phil and Mel chat with Caroline Hoover. Caroline and John are a host family from Contrast Church, and in this episode Caroline shares wisdom and memories through their experiences in building relationship; from host family to friends. 

We hope you enjoy hearing from Caroline as much as we did!

Relationship is important!!! In this episode, Phil and Mel discuss the importance of building relationships with the families that we are coming alongside of, and share tips for how to do so in the holiday season!