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Episode 166: Journey to Becoming a Foster Parent

Fostering Voices Podcast

Release Date: 09/26/2023

Episode 198: New Year - New You? show art Episode 198: New Year - New You?

Fostering Voices Podcast

Summary: Happy New Year, and welcome to 2025! While the start of a new year often brings talk of resolutions, research from Pew shows that 70% of Americans skip them—mostly because they’re too easy to break. So, how can we approach personal growth in a way that truly sticks? In this episode, we explore realistic ways to make incremental changes toward the life you envision. Joining us are Toni and James McSwain, parents of six sons and founders of Divine Movement, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping individuals with the tools and mentorship needed to achieve their goals. Toni, a certified...

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Fostering Voices Podcast

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Episode 196: Community Impact: Jenny's Story show art Episode 196: Community Impact: Jenny's Story

Fostering Voices Podcast

Summary: In this episode of our mini-series on the transformative power of community support, we dive into another inspiring story of connection and resilience. Last week, we heard from Joseph, who shared how the community shaped his journey from foster care to adulthood. This week, we’re thrilled to continue the conversation with Jenny Montgomery. Jenny brings a wealth of experience as someone who has dedicated her professional life to supporting children and families in the community. But her perspective is especially meaningful because she’s also been on the receiving end of that...

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Episode 195: Community Impact: Joseph’s Story show art Episode 195: Community Impact: Joseph’s Story

Fostering Voices Podcast

Summary: Welcome to our podcast mini-series, where we dive into the transformative power of community support. Join us as we explore how fostering connections can truly change lives. To kick things off, we’re thrilled to welcome Joseph Layton to the show. Joseph has been a vital part of Foster Arizona’s housing initiative for over a year and a half, working tirelessly toward his goals and aspirations.  Guided by host Ashley, a dedicated Foster Arizona board member and longtime advocate, we’ll uncover the inspiring journey of someone who’s making big strides toward a brighter...

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Episode 194: Refugee and International Foster Care in Arizona show art Episode 194: Refugee and International Foster Care in Arizona

Fostering Voices Podcast

Summary: Welcome to today’s episode, where we dive into the important and often misunderstood topic of refugee and international foster care in Arizona. Misinformation around this issue tends to spread, especially around election seasons, making it hard to separate fact from fiction. Our goal is to shed light on the realities of refugee and international foster care and to offer you practical ways to support those involved. We’re thrilled to welcome two special guests to help us unpack this topic: Erin Pelley and Adan Benitez. Together, we’ll explore the unique challenges and inspiring...

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Fostering Voices Podcast

Summary: In this episode, released during Invisible Disability Awareness Week, we shine a light on the often-overlooked challenges of living with invisible disabilities. We share our personal experiences navigating a world where assumptions are based on what can be seen. From expectations about how a child should behave to judgments about what adults are capable of, these perceptions can create unintentional barriers for those with invisible disabilities. Join us as we explore how our interactions and assumptions affect others and discuss what it might look like to shift our approach. How can...

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Episode 192: Now What? How to Support Your LGBTQ Youth show art Episode 192: Now What? How to Support Your LGBTQ Youth

Fostering Voices Podcast

Summary: In this episode, we’re diving into an essential conversation about the role we all play—parents, caregivers, and community members—in supporting the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth. Even if you don’t feel this is directly relevant to your life, we encourage you to listen. Statistically, more than one in five Gen Z adults and one in ten millennial adults identify as LGBTQ+. Youth who identify as LGBTQ+ are at a significantly higher risk for homelessness, substance abuse, trauma, and suicide, with even greater risks for those who’ve experienced the foster care system. These youth...

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Fostering Voices Podcast

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Episode 190: Real Talk: Group Homes in Arizona show art Episode 190: Real Talk: Group Homes in Arizona

Fostering Voices Podcast

Summary: In today’s episode, we dive into the world of group homes for children in foster care. When family or foster families aren't an option, group homes become the next step for many kids. But what is life really like inside these homes? We’re joined by Shevaun Sullivan, Director of Group Home Relations at OCJ Kids, who shares her insights from years of experience. Shevaun discusses the day-to-day realities for kids in these environments and highlights the crucial role the community plays in supporting their well-being. If you’ve ever wondered how group homes function or how you can...

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Episode 189: Learning & Growing Together - On Location @ FC Training Day show art Episode 189: Learning & Growing Together - On Location @ FC Training Day

Fostering Voices Podcast

Summary: Join us on location at Central Christian Church in Glendale, Arizona, for Foster Arizona’s semi-annual Foster Cooperative Training. This episode is packed with insightful talks from experts dedicated to empowering caregivers and community champions. Discover valuable knowledge and practical tools to better support the children who need us most. As we learn and grow together, we enhance our ability to make a meaningful impact in their lives. Tune in to be inspired and equipped to show up with greater purpose and compassion. Resource Links: Connect with us! Email:...

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More Episodes

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 inspiring journey, discovering the power of love, compassion, and unity in building a brighter future for children in need.

Resource Links:

https://az127.org/

Foster & Adopt

Foster Cooperative

 

Connect with us!

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

Instagram: @FosteringVoices

Web: www.fosterarizona.org

 

Chapters:

00:08 - On Today's Episode

00:35 - Welcome Katie O'Dell!

01:03 - Katie's Story

04:12 - Invisibility in Our Own Community

05:58 - What Happens to the Invisible?

07:23 - Advocating for the Invisible

09:15 - The Stereotype of The Invisible

10:03 - Mobilizing Faith Communities

11:27 - Families Need Communities

13:51 - Fostering is Hard

14:59 - Wrap Around Care Community

17:10 - Lonliness in America

18:05 - Offering Care

19:08 - We are "Judgy" People

21:28 - We can Change our Communities

22:44 - Walking the Talk

26:55 - Foster Parents are Real People

28:00 - Take the Next Step

30:03 - Anyone can Step Up

31:14 - It will Change Your Life!

31:58 - Every Little Thing Counts!

33:31 - The Takeaway

33:48 - Step Into Caring for the Vulnerable

34:31 - Resources

35:19 - Start Asking Questions

36:02 - Join the Conversation!

36:30 - Thank You!