Episode 125: Interview with DCS Community Liaison Rayetta Sanchez
Release Date: 10/26/2021
Episode 166: Journey to Becoming a Foster Parent
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode we delve into the transformative journey of becoming a foster parent. Join us as we sit down with Katie O’Dell, the passionate Executive Director of AZ127, a steadfast advocate for fostering life within a supportive community. AZ127 firmly believes that children require families, and families thrive with a strong support network. Together, we explore the profound steps, challenges, and rewards on the path to becoming a foster parent. Katie shares her invaluable insights, highlighting the vital role that community plays in this process. Tune in as we embark on this...
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Episode 165: Celebrating 10 Years of Impact
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Today is all about celebration as Foster Arizona turns 10 years old. Join us as we take a delightful trip down memory lane, reflecting on the invaluable lessons and heartwarming joys we've encountered throughout this incredible journey. In this special episode, we're honored to have Al Moore, one of our founding board members and the current board chair, as well as Ashley Shick, one of our earliest lead team volunteers and a dedicated board member. Their stories and insights will inspire you as we share our love and gratitude for these incredible individuals. Get ready for a heartfelt...
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Episode 164: All Things School - When you Need an Advocate
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: As we continue exploring the return to school season, today's discussion delves into a crucial topic. Join us as we sit down with Amanda Glass, an esteemed legal professional with a passion for advocating for children's rights. Amanda's journey, post-graduation from the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, led her to a groundbreaking Equal Justice Works fellowship at the Arizona Center for Disability Law, supported by Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Her impactful project focuses on enhancing accessibility to special education and mental health services for children...
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Episode 163: All Things School - IEP /504
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Join us in celebrating the return to school as we dive into an enlightening discussion on IEPs and 504s with the incredible Nancy Williams. Our guest, Nancy, brings a wealth of expertise to the table as the Executive Director of the Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents, an organization that has personally touched our lives. With a remarkable 30-year career in education, including roles as a special education teacher and administrator, Nancy's insights are invaluable. As a volunteer Surrogate Parent through the Department of Education, Nancy advocates passionately for...
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Episode 162: An Adoptee's Story - The Blessing; the Heartbreak
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this thought-provoking podcast episode, we delve into the world of adoption through the eyes of Mea Han Fajardo, an extraordinary international adoptee and the visionary behind FostAdopt Connections. Join us as we explore Mea's deeply personal journey and how she has transformed her experiences into a powerful platform, fostering meaningful opportunities and connections for children in foster care and group homes. Throughout the conversation, Mea opens up about the unique challenges and joys of being an adoptee, offering valuable insights that shed light on the intricacies of the...
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Episode 161: Real Talk - Self Care with Matthew Blades
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Matthew Blades is a familiar and friendly voice known to many in Arizona from the successful Matthew and Priscilla in the Morning show on Mix 96.9 FM. Matthew's own journey of battling physical and mental health challenges led him to step away from broadcasting and embark on a healing journey. Now, he sits in front of the podcast mic, hosting the insightful "Learn From Those Who Lived It" podcast, where he engages in conversations with individuals who have overcome unimaginable circumstances and found their path to healing. Matthew's commitment to spreading joy continues with his new...
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Episode 160: Real Talk - Parents of Foster Care
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: At just 25 years old, Lindsey found herself pregnant and the parent of two children in the custody of the Department of Child Safety. She endured a heartbreaking struggle with homelessness, residing in motels and even living on the streets, surrounded by others in similar desperate circumstances. Desperate for change, Lindsey discovered a lifeline—a housing program for pregnant women with substance use disorders. This pivotal moment led her to the Family Involvement Center, igniting her path to healing and the reunion of her fractured family. Now, Lindsey is an active force in her...
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Episode 159: The Way Home - How Kids Return to Their Families with Judge Colleen McNally
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In honor of national reunification month, in this episode we have a conversation with Judge Colleen McNally about what reunification means for kids and their families. Before retiring, Judge McNally served the people of Arizona for over 16 years in the Maricopa County Superior Court of Arizona. Since retiring, she has devoted her time and efforts to supporting families that have experienced the foster care system and continues to advocate for better systems in Arizona. Resource Links: Foster Arizona PO Box 20787 Mesa, AZ 85277 Connect with us! Facebook:...
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Episode 158: Recovery - Why Does it Work?
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: What comes to mind when you think about Recovery and Recovery spaces? Often the images that come to mind are uncomfortable and we think of these spaces as the last place we would ever want to be, but what if we told you that Recovery…Is For Everybody! Join us in a conversation as we talk to Jillian about her journey into recovery and why the room of recovery can be the most freeing, accepting. and healing space around. Resource Links: Chapter Markers: 00:01 - On Today's Episode 00:34 - Introduction 01:20 - Jillian's Story 05:19 - Enter Celebrate Recovery 05:47 - It Stuck 07:34...
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Episode 157: Real Talk: Substances (Mark’s Story)
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Today there are so many people, humans like you and me, struggling because of varying hurts, habits or hang-ups, and they may be at the end of their rope. Today we have a conversation with Mark as he shares his story on substances and addiction and how connection helped him get to his space of recovery. Trigger Warning: Today’s episode deals with topics including addiction and suicide ideation. We encourage you to be aware of yourself while listening to this episode and please take time to pause if needed and reach out for support if any of today’s topic affects you....
info_outlineJoin us for a great interview with Rayetta Sanchez, the Department of Child Safety's Community Liaison. She shares all the ways that we can all be involved in helping kids in foster care here in Arizona. We also discuss the big initiative they are working on right now called The Giving Tree. If you are a business, church, organization, or even a very generous person, you can get involved to make a big impact on many of Arizona's kids.
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
9:00 - Welcome Rayetta Sanchez!!
12:16 - What Are Some Ways We Can Help Kids?
16:36 - Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents
18:07 DCS's Giving Tree Program
21:20 - Get In Touch With Rayetta and DCS
22:07 - Supporting DCS
28:32 - Good Word Of The Day!!
34:00 - Thank Yous and Skinny Vanilla Lattes!
Links
Feeding The Mouth That Bites You: A Complete Guide to Parenting Adolescents and Launching Them Into the World
Get in touch with Rayetta Sanchez - [email protected]
You can email her to get more info, to help out, or to get your FREE Arizona State Parks pass (if you are a current foster family!)
To find a DCS office near you, go here!
Visit Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents to join, connect with other families, and receive free bikes and shoes as a foster and adoptive family, and so much more!
Good Word Of The Day
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18
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