Fostering Hope Podcast

Join us this week for a short update episode. We share some exciting news about our family and we give an update on the upcoming plans for the podcast.    Entrusted Conference (https://entrustednetwork.com/conference)

Have you ever thought of what are the right things to say to a foster or adoptive parent? In this episode we discuss just what are some of the questions and statements that may be a little uncomfortable for a foster or adoptive parent. Listen as we talk about some of the top questions we get as foster and adoptive parents. 

What is a CASA and how does their work impact foster kids and other at risk youth? This episode we are joined by Cary Love who is the volunteer coordinator for Norfolk CASA. She explains the role, impacts, and requirements for CASA volunteers. If you are interested in getting involved please reach out to her at carylove@norfolkcasa.com.

Sharing adoption stories are always our favorite! Join us this week as we interview Pastor David McBride and his wife Christina as they share their amazing journey. There is no doubt that the Lord's faithfulness was evident throughout the adoption of their beautiful daughter, Grace.   Also, information related to the 2019 Entrusted Conference can be found here.

This week we launch a series called Father's Corner which is centered around foster care and adoption from a male perspective. In this episode Aaron shares his experience as a foster and adoptive dad - the struggles, fears and joys. Our prayer is that this series will encourage men no matter where they are in their journey.   

This episode we share our top three reasons why we chose to become foster parents and why we continue to do it. Understanding your why is important when you run into challenges and disappointments on your foster care journey. We hope that this week's episode provides perspective and motivates you to define your "why".

This week we are chatting with Lauren Tremper, the founder of the Entrusted Network, about all the great things the network is doing including this year's Entrusted Conference. If you are interested in learning more or are already engaged in foster care and/or adoption, this conference is for you! Below are the details for how you can enter to win two free tickets. Enter the giveaway by: 1) Subscribing to our channel 2) Following us on Instagram 3) Liking us on Facebook 4) Leaving a rating on Apple Podcast or PodBean 5) Sharing a link to this episode on a social media platform. Each will count as one entry so the more you do, the more chances you have to win! We will announce the winner on September 4, 2019.  https://entrustednetwork.com/ Conference Registration Here!  

Every foster placement has an affect on you and your family. Join me this week as I discuss the impacts that I have experienced while welcoming a new placement. Our hope is that you feel encouraged and know that you are not alone in your experiences with adjusting to your new norm.

Thousands of kids every year "age out" of foster care and lack the skills to successfully make it in society. In this episode, Nick Gabriel shares what he is doing through his organizations Hope U and Skill Builders to help kids prepare for adult life. Every kid deserves a chance and it is organizations like these that make it happen.    Website: http://hope-u.org  Nick's Email Address: Ngabriel@hope-u.org  

This week we provide an update on our personal foster care journey. We are currently in the thick of it with two placements and lots of unknowns. Despite the challenges, inconvenience, and potential heartache ultimately these children are worth it!

Have you ever wondered what foster care is like from the perspective of a biological parent? Join us this week as we interview Mitch and Sarah as they share their redemptive story of sobriety and how they reunified with their daughter. This is a touching story that every foster parent or prospective foster parent should hear. 

In this episode we have Audra Bullock, the Director and President of Tidewater Friends of Foster Care, sharing with us about all of the amazing things her organization is doing for the foster care community. You don't have to foster a child to make a difference in a life. Listen this week and learn how you can get involved.    Tidewater Friends of Foster Care: https://tidewaterffc.org      

Join us this episode as Audra and Richard, the founders of Tidewater Friends of Foster Care, share their foster care journey. This wonderful couple has made a huge impact in the foster care community and this week we will learn where their passion started. Tidewater Friends of Foster Care: https://tidewaterffc.org

This episode we have Pat McKenna of the Virginia Beach Justice Initiative share about the connection between human trafficking and foster care. Though anyone can become a victim, statistics show that foster children are at a higher risk. What are the warning signs and how can we prevent children from becoming victims?   Virginia Beach Justice Initiative: https://www.vbji.org 

What makes an ideal foster parent? How should one define their success? Join us this week as we interview LaCora Harris from Norfolk Department of Human Services as she shares what success as a foster parent looks like.

Are you ready to become a foster parent? In this episode Karen Opie from Norfolk Department of Human Services shares their required process for becoming certified a foster parent. Even though each locality and state is different, this episode can provide a framework for the general process and requirements for certification.    Karen Opie, Resource Development Supervisor Karen.opie@norfolk.gov 757-664-7751

In this episode Lauren and Kevin Tremper who are pastors of Crossroads Church in Norfolk, Virginia, share their adoption journey. Their journey consists of not one but two adoptions through the foster care system. Listen to how the Lord's grace was evident throughout their story. Crossroads Church: http://www.crcnorfolk.com Entrusted Network: https://entrustednetwork.com

In our first episode we share about our foster care journey that started with a trip to our friend's wedding. We hope you enjoy as we revisit how we got to where we are today. Its been an interesting journey but we wouldn't change it for the world!

Welcome to the Fostering Hope Podcast! We hope you enjoy listening as we dive into the complexities of the foster care system and share our experience along with the experiences of other foster and/or adoptive families.