Together by AGCI

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On Together by AGCI we share the stories that connect us to people, allowing us to see the value of the most vulnerable children and families. We explore what it means to be from a hard place and what we can all do to literally change the world. Whether we tell the stories of families empowered to stay together, the stories of adoptive families coming together, or the stories of all of us working together for the sake of children and families in need, we hope you will join us as we march toward a brighter future… together.

Dayn Arnold & Madi Salvati


    • Nov 16, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 36m AVG DURATION
    • 91 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Together by AGCI

    How This Adoptive Family Trusted God's Calling

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2023 37:14


    Today we're chatting with AGCI adoptive parents Jake and Kaitlyn Hoermann. Jake and Kaitlyn adopted their sweet son, Martin, from Bulgaria earlier this year. You don't want to miss their inspiring story of following God's call to bring their son home.

    The Trauma-Informed Approach that is Changing Lives Around the World

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2023 49:41


    We are so excited about our conversation with Amanda Purvis, consultant with the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University and AGCI Board member. At KPICD, her main focus is instructing systems, organizations, and professionals working with children who have experienced trauma, in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®). In addition to her incredible work with TBRI at KPICD, Amanda is the mother of five children, three of whom joined their family through adoption.This is a heartwarming episode filled with hope and the life-changing impacts of TBRI that Amanda has witnessed firsthand.

    How Sponsorship Works

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2023 27:49


    Today we're talking about all things sponsorship! I was lucky enough to chat with Amanuel Roba, AGCI's Associate Director of Sponsorship about this important program and the truly life-changing impact it can have on children and families. AGCI's one to one sponsorship in Ethiopia is truly unique and is a simple way for people to have a direct impact on children in need. If you would like to sponsor a child, it's easy to get started! Just head to our website and make a difference in a child's life for just $40 a month! https://www.allgodschildren.org

    Supporting Children Through Medical Encounters

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2023 41:41


    No matter where you are at in your parenting or grandparenting journey, this episode is a must listen. We are joined by educator and Certified Life Specialist, Keeley Machen, talking through how we can best support and empower our children as they overcome medical encounters.

    AGCI's Work in The Philippines

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2023 27:02


    We are so excited to be chatting today with Sarah, our Philippines Programs Officer, and Taylor, our Asia and Europe Program Director. Taylor and Sarah are hard at work building AGCI's programs in the Philippines that will impact children and families for generations to come.We are so inspired by their heart and dedication for this lifechanging work and we know you will be too. 

    The Impact of Adoption on Marriage & Family Relationships

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2023 44:16


    Meet Residents of Our Independence Program Home

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2023 39:05


    Today, we had the honor of chatting with some of our favorite people all the way from Bogota, Colombia! Angie and Taty are residents at AGCI's Independence Program Home and are incredible young women who are working towards their college degree while enrolled in AGCI's Independence Program. We are also joined by Wendy, who is part of AGCI's team and providing some support in the translation department—Angie and Taty are both native Spanish speakers so we extra impressed that they were willing to join us today—in English!This is a fun episode and gives you a little bit of an inside look of life at the Independence Program Home and the amazing work made possible through the support of people like you.

    On Being a Dad

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 41:23


    Today, our co-host Marisa Butterworth has an honest, funny, and vulnerable chat with her husband Jesse Butterworth about his journey being a biological and adoptive dad to their three kids and all that he has been working on as a father. Listen in to find out all that he has learned over the years.

    What Do You Wish Your Parents Knew When They Adopted You?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2023 38:41


    Today we're chatting with the incredible Genet Roba. In this episode Genet shares her adoption story and what it was like to be adopted from Ethiopia as an older child. This episode is a must listen for anyone in the adoption community or thinking about becoming an adoptive parent. Genet's story is filled with miracles and she has so much wisdom to share!

    God's Complete Guide to Parenting

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2023 50:02


    Pastor Neely McQueen is the Co-Lead Pastor of Overlake Church in Redmond, WA and has led for over 25 years in the church and parachurch organizations. She is a wife and mom to three young adults and today, she is going to share about what she's learned about parenting after years of Biblical study. 

    The Work of the House of Hope Ethiopia

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 39:16


    Hear more about the incredible work that our team in Ethiopia is doing at the All God's Children International and Tim Tebow Foundation House of Hope. We are joined by a very special guest, one of our Child & Family Social workers, Hosseana Solomon, to share about her experiences at our reunification home and what she hopes for the future of Ethiopia and Africa.

    How is God Calling You To Help?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2023 27:05


    Today, we have the honor of talking to Pastor Doug Frazier. In addition to being the pastor at Living Hope Church, Doug is also married to AGCI President, Hollen Frazier and has had a front row seat to this work for decades.  We're talking about God's heart for children in need, suffering, and how to get quiet and discern where the Lord is calling you. I really enjoyed our conversation and hope it challenges you to step up and care for those in need. 

    god lord god calling living hope church
    Inside an Institution

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2023 35:04


    Co-host Melissa Rush was recently in Ethiopia and had the opportunity to visit an Ethiopian Institution for the first time. Due to rules, we cannot photograph or video anything that we see but listen in as Melissa does a beautiful job explaining what she saw, experienced, and how it impacted her. 

    Introducing Cycle Breakers

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2023 33:56


    We are up to some really exciting stuff these days and wanted to share with you about a new way for YOU to be involved in breaking the cycle for vulnerable children around the world! AGCI's Jep Robertson (you may also know him from Duck Dynasty and Duck Family Treasure) and Campbell Haug share about why they do this work and how you and your family can be involved in seeing real lasting healing in the world around you. 

    How Parents Can Be the Best Advocates for their Kids: IEP Advocacy/Navigation

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2023 22:12


    Today, we're chatting with Special Education Coach Jessica Monteverde. Jessica has a master's degree in education and in-classroom experience as well as experience working with parents and professionals navigating IEPs for the children in their care.  Links to resources:http://understood.orghttp://pacer.orghttp://readingrockets.orghttps://schoolchoiceweek.com/how-to-continue-your-iep-if-you-start-homeschooling/Spedhomeschool.comhttps://www.wrightslaw.com/

    A Door Made For Me – A Conversation With Tyler Merritt, Author of Children's Book, “A Door Made For Me"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2023 53:39


    How To Create Connected Foster and Adoptive Families

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2023 38:36


    Today, we're chatting with Dr. Jana Hunsley about how to create connected foster and adoptive families. Dr. Hunsley is an Assistant Professor of instruction at University of Texas Dallas and studies family trauma, adoptive sibling support, and adoption therapeutic interventions. She is also the Executive Director of Project 1025, which offers effective resources to create connected foster and adoptive families. Dr. Hunsley has a unique perspective—she studies family systems and experienced the effects of adoption first hand when her parents adopted her 7 youngest siblings. 

    Celebrating the Miracles of 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2023 29:49


    Today, we're celebrating all of the AGCI miracles of 2022! I can't think of anyone more equipped to speak to this than AGCI President, Hollen Frazier. We're chatting about all that God provided, answered prayers, and what's next for 2023. 

    Celebrating Adoption in 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2023 38:46


    Ethical adoption is a huge part of who we are as an organization and this year we have seen so much change and growth. Join us as we take a look at what adoption looked like in 2022, celebrate all of the miracles, and find out how we can be praying for 2023.   

    The Best Gifts Ever

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2022 67:56


    Of all the gifts to receive, we can't think of anything better than your child coming home. Adoption is a journey full of ups and downs, but today, we get to celebrate kids coming home, the absolute BEST GIFTS EVER! 

    Understanding Sensory Needs

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2022 62:22


    We're back with another mind-blowing episode with Jill Crewes, MSW, AGCI's Director of US Child Advocacy Services. Jill is an adoptive mom and has decades of experiences working within the child welfare system and foster/adoption community. This episode literally blew my mind. You don't want to miss Jill explain sensory needs and how it impacts kids and adults. She also offers a ton of practical tools for caregivers of children with sensory processing needs. Don't miss this! 

    Adoption Month Miracles

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2022 44:46


    Today we're chatting with AGCI adoptive parents Lisa and Nick. Nick and Lisa adopted their adorable son William from Colombia earlier this year and their beautiful story is inspiring. If this story tugs on your heart, this is the perfect time to begin your adoption journey. This November we're celebrating Adoption Month with a $500 adoption grant. These grants are available for families who complete an application for one of AGCI's international adoption programs by 11/30 and go under contract by 12/31. 

    Abandonment History and Impact on Future Behavioral Needs

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2022 70:07


    We're back with another enlightening conversation with Jill Crewes, MSW, AGCI's Director of US Child Advocacy Services! Jill is an adoptive mom and has decades of experience working within the child welfare system and foster/adoption community. This might be our favorite episode to date. Jill and Melissa dove into Abandonment History and its Impact on Future Behavioral Needs and how this affects children. This is a must-listen for anyone who cares for kids from hard places.  

    Understanding Chronological Age vs Developmental Age

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2022 56:03


    Age is nothing but a number...particularly when it comes to understanding chronological age vs. developmental age. AGCI's Director of US Child Advocacy Services, Jill Crewes, MSW, explains the difference between these two often conflated subjects and dives into how this can manifest for children. Jill is an adoptive mom and has decades of experience. Working within the child welfare system and foster/adoption community.

    Adoptive Moms Visit the House of Hope

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2022 30:08


    We have the opportunity to meet AGCI Ethiopia adoptive moms Kerri Dawson and Camille Bendick. They have recently returned from visiting the Tim Tebow Foundation &AGCI House of Hope in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Today we get to hear stories about what they experienced, all they learned, and why they believe this home will make a positive difference in the beautiful country of Ethiopia.

    ethiopia addis ababa house of hope tim tebow foundation adoptive moms
    House of Hope's One - Year Anniversary

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2022 41:25


    We feel so incredibly blessed to be celebrating the one-year anniversary of the official opening of the AGCI & Tim Tebow FoundationHouse of Hope in Ethiopia! In the last year, the House of Hope has served 34girls and successfully reunified 14 girls with their families. On today's episode, we get to talk to AGCI'sEthiopia Program Director, Angelyn Salyer, and hear stories about the difference the House of Hope is making in the lives of the girls it serves, local communities, and the country as a whole. Here's to another year of God doing big things!

    Why This Work Matters With Jep Robertson

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2022 46:54


    Melissa and Marisa are joined by a very special guest—Jep Robertson! You might know Jep from Duck Dynasty fame but we know him for his incredible heart for vulnerable children and families. In today's episode, Jep shares why AGCI's work matters to him on a personal level, and how the people he's met and the stories he's watched unfold have changed the trajectory of his life.

    The Healing Hearts Project

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2022 45:43


    An estimated 2 million children in Colombia are victims of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse and neglect each year but our AGCI Colombia team and family preservation partners are working every day to provide life-saving therapy for children who have survived sexual violence. We are joined today by AGCI's Latin America Executive Director, Andrea Leon. She shares about what they are currently seeing in Colombia, how this impacts kids and families and tells stories of lives changed. Because of the generosity and support of so many, children are finding hope, healing, and joy after surviving sexual violence.

    Surviving the First Year Home: Advice For Adoptive Families.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2022 52:17


    Adoption is beautiful. It's also really, really hard. For many families, the first year home is particularly challenging. Our very own Marisa Butterworth welcomed her third child home through adoption just over 10 years ago. In today's episode, Marisa shares her tips for surviving the first year home. If you're IN IT right now, take a deep breath—the first step to surviving a trying time is to give yourself some grace!

    What to Know Before You Go

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2022 46:14


    There is a definite art to traveling to the developing world and who better to hear from than locals! Whether you're in the adoption process or planning a trip to another part of the world, AGCI's Stefania Montaña and HectorChacon have you covered with everything from how to prepare, what questions to ask, and what food to try if you ever find yourself in their native countries of Colombia andEcuador. They are a wealth of important information, and you don't want to miss this fun episode!

    What does it mean to be a waiting child?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2022 55:36


    Today we're chatting with AGCI's Director of Adoption: Latin America and the Caribbean, SamMoore. We are so excited to share our conversation about waiting children. We dove into every aspect of this important topic, including what it means for a child to be classified as waiting, and the incredible hope that we have for these amazing kids.

    We Just Got Back From Colombia. It Was Lifechanging.

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Jun 30, 2022 48:53


    Today Together by AGCI co-hosts Marisa Butterworth and Melissa Rush are talking about our recent travels to Colombia. After several years away it was such a gift to be back with our Colombia team and see the kids and life-changing work firsthand. It was also at times, really really hard.  We hope you enjoy our open, honest conversation. Spoiler: we both cry a little bit so thank you in advance for your grace.  If you'd like to get involved in AGCI's life-changing work, please reach out to us! There are so many ways that you can make a difference for kids. 

    A Father's Day Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2022 43:19


    Description: In honor of Father's Day, adoptive dad David Maibach shares with us about the joys of becoming a father through adoption. He shares some of his family's journey, what he's most proud of, and his best advice for any new or future adoptive dads. You don't want to miss this inspirational episode. 

    David Randall

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2022 44:56


    Do you have children struggling with challenging behaviors? Are you a foster or adoptive parent and feel at your wits end? There is so much hope in our conversation with David Randall, AGCI's Director of Social Services. In this episode, we're talking about all things TBRI—what it is, how to begin implementing it, and why it's an incredibly powerful tool for caregivers.  If this is your first introduction to TBRI, I know you're going to want to know more! Families Are Forever, an incredible online learning platform for parents, has classes specifically on TBRI. 

    What is TBRI?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2022 44:56


    Do you have children struggling with challenging behaviors? Are you a foster or adoptive parent and feel at your wits end? There is so much hope in our conversation with David Randall, AGCI's Director of Social Services. In this episode, we're talking about all things TBRI—what it is, how to begin implementing it, and why it's an incredibly powerful tool for caregivers. If this is your first introduction to TBRI, I know you're going to want to know more! families are Forever, an incredible online learning platform for parents has classes specifically on TBRI.

    How to Bless an Adoptive Family

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2022 18:08


    There are so many ways to bless an adoptive family, no matter where they are at in the process. Listen in as parents from all over the country share how God used everyday people to help in big ways. 

    Motherhood For an Adoptive Mom of 6

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2022 28:34


    Today, we're talking about all things mom. This Mother's Day episode is a celebration of moms everywhere. Whether you're an adoptive mom, bio mom, mom-to-be, or praying that motherhood is part of your journey, this episode is a celebration of you! In this episode, we chatted with Brook, AGCI's adoptive mother 6 about her motherhood journey.

    The Spiritual Calling of Our Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2022 27:24


    AGCI President Hollen Frazier shares a bit about how AGCI was founded by herfamilyand shares her own personal calling. Join us in taking an inspiring look at the Spiritual Calling of AGCI and how our team navigates where we serve and what God has for us next

    Why is adoption so expensive?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2022 25:35


    Have you ever wondered why adoption can be so expensive? We chatted with AGCI's Director of Adoption, Sam Moore, to break down the cost of adoption. In this episode, we dive into why adoption costs what it does and all of the important pieces that go into ensuring that children receive the care they need and families are prepared to parent them.

    Is Adoption Ethical?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2022 35:15


    As a child-centered orphan care ministry, we are deeply dedicated to ensuring that everything we do is in the best interest of the children we serve—even when it's not the easiest. We'll be the first to say it—adoption should never be our first choice for children. At AGCI, it never is. While adoption is beautiful, it's also inherently traumatic. It's the result of deep loss—the adopted child will not grow up in their first family. We chatted with AGCI's Director of Adoption, Sam Moore, about the complexities and ethics of adoption.

    Post Adoption Depression

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2022 32:19


    Post adoption depression is extremely common but rarely discussed. While up to 32% of adoptive parents struggle with this condition, stigma and lack of information and support can make post adoption depression feel incredibly isolating. Our very own Marisa Butterworth struggled with post adoption depression after her daughter, Harper, came home from Ethiopia. In this enlightening episode, Marisa shares her journey and offers resources for parents navigating post adoption depression.

    How We Know Where We're Needed—A Deep Dive into AGCI's International Programs

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2022 40:19


    We chatted with AGCI's VP of International Programs, Kiersten Luginbill, about how AGCI knows where we're needed next. If you've ever wondered how we decide what countries to serve in and what programs to implement, this is the episode for you! 

    Integrating Your Child's Birth Country and Culture Into Your Family

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2022 34:37


    God makes families in such vibrant ways and when a family opens themselves up to adopt, they are often opening their lives up to another culture as well. We spoke with adoptive mom and passionate advocate, Erica Manz to talk about her family's inspiring journey to adoption and how their entire family has opened the hearts to their children's culture and country. 

    Advocating for Your Kids Within the School System

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2022 47:59


    We spoke with Dr. Sarah Yee about how to advocate for your adopted and biological kids within the public school system. Dr. Yee is a former K-8 educator and currently serves on the education team at the Center for Equity and Inclusion in Portland, OR. Tune in and listen today. 

    Bio Kids and Adoption—How to Prepare or Start the Healing Journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2022 52:49


    Bringing a new child into your family—however you do it—is never easy. Often, this transition is particularly difficult for “resident” children. We chatted with Gail Heaton, Founder of Suddenly Siblings about how to make this transition a little easier. Whether you're preparing to bring a child home, or your adoption was finalized a decade ago, you don't want to miss this enlightening episode. 

    Turning Heartbreak Into Community Advocacy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2021 32:42


    After visiting a government run orphanage in Ethiopia, God took Jesse's personal heartbreak for the kids he met and opened him up to share the need with his immediate community and beyond. This week, learn about how becoming an adoptive father ended up leading to an entire movement. We hope that this story inspires you today. 

    The AGCI & Tim Tebow Foundation House of Hope

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2021 25:38


    The AGCI & Tim Tebow Foundation House of Hope has opened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and we get to hear about the home, why AGCI opened it, who it serves, and how we think that this home and model of care will bring hope and healing to vulnerable children and families both in Ethiopia, and all around the world. We hope you will tune in to find out how together, we can create pathways to faith, family, and independence for those in desperate need. 

    Adopting an Older Child and Honoring Their Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2021 45:01


    Adoption requires adoptive parents to hold space for a lot of unknowns and adopting an older child can often add another layer of complexity. Thankfully, we can learn from other parents and Jacqui has so much wisdom to offer to this conversation. We are so excited for you to hear a bit about the Gustafson family's adoption story and how they have been intentional in championing their children's unique stories through every stage of their lives. 

    Special Needs Advocate and AGCI Adoptive Mom Ashley Felts

    Play Episode Play 52 sec Highlight Listen Later Nov 4, 2021 37:14


    November is National Adoption Month! We are celebrating by sharing the stories of AGCI adoptive families. Ashley and Stan Felts followed God's call to adopt their daughter from the Philippines—even when they didn't know how all the pieces were going to come together. Adoption has completely transformed the Felts family! Listen to their story of tremendous faith and obedience—we know you'll be inspired.

    Special Report Ethiopia

    Play Episode Play 59 sec Highlight Listen Later Oct 21, 2021 24:13


    Ethiopia is a country in crisis after being hit with the Covid crisis, locust infestation, and now a war. Tune in now for a special update from AGCI's Angelyn Salyer, the Ethiopia Program Director, on what is going on in Ethiopia and how AGCI has been able to help vulnerable children and families throughout the country because of our partners and their continued support. Tune in and find out more about our new Child Advocacy Center, the AGCI & Tim Tebow Foundation House of Hope, and how you can be praying and supporting this work.

    What I've Learned From Teaching Kids With Disabilities

    Play Episode Play 40 sec Highlight Listen Later Oct 7, 2021 28:29


    October is Disability Awareness Month! To celebrate, we chatted with Washington State 2020 Teacher of the Year, Amy Campbell! Amy's focus is special education, advocacy, and inclusion. Tune in and learn more about how you can better advocate for children living with disabilities.

    teacher washington state disabilities teaching kids disability awareness month amy campbell

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