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
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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Episdoe 193: Real Talk: Public Challenges with Invisible Disabilities
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
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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Episode 191: Fostered for Greatness
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode, we are honored to sit down with Mari Ramsey, whose inspiring journey began when he and his brother entered foster care at the age of 14. While many teens in his situation end up in group homes, Mari was fortunate to find a loving foster family where he could thrive. Through the challenges he faced, Mari discovered his passion for music, faith in God, and a calling to share his story with others. Join us as we listen to Mari’s heartfelt reflections on his experiences, the power of resilience, and how his love for music and faith shaped his path. Resource Links:...
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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
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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Episode 188: How Art Helps Build Resilience
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the concept of building resilience, particularly in children. We often hear about the importance of resilience, but what does it really mean? And more importantly, how can we help our kids develop this crucial skill? Resilience isn’t just about surviving challenges—it’s about learning to bounce back and thrive in the face of adversity. While there are many ways to nurture resilience, today, we’re focusing on a powerful and perhaps unexpected tool: art. Art can be a transformative medium for children, offering them a way to process...
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Episode 187: Behavior Interventions that Work for Us
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In our last episode, we shared how our family embraces summer adventures. This time, we're diving into the real struggles we face, not just in summer, but every day. Join us as we explore the challenges and interventions that work for us. We tackle road trips and outings, discussing how the struggle is real and how we manage in-car and outing behaviors, handling nighttime routines when you're the only adult or with another adult. We then shift our focus to home life, addressing challenges like out-of-control behaviors, unsafe car habits, dysregulation, and lack of sleep. We'll cover...
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Episode 186: Vacation Planning & Tips - Vehon Style
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: As summer blazes in Arizona, we’re constantly on the move, seeking cooler escapes to preserve our sanity. Traveling with a family of nine is no small feat, and we’ve gathered a treasure trove of tips and tricks to make it smoother. In this episode, we dive into Intentional Travel. Fresh from a recent timeshare presentation, we discuss the joys and challenges of discovering new experiences together and the importance of adventure in our family. We’ll share our favorite adventures and how we align them with our family goals. Next, in The Planning Behind the Fun, we break down the...
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In this episode we peel back the curtain and take a look into tribal foster care. Joining us are Brad and Karin Dahlman, a remarkable couple who have dedicated themselves to fostering children for many years. Through tribal foster care, they've opened their hearts and homes to dozens of kids, making an immeasurable impact on our community. Karin sits on the board of Foster Arizona, and Brad is one of those people we can call to rally troops or step into a problem. We absolutely love them and are really grateful we all get to learn from them today. Tune in as we dive deep into their incredible journey as foster parents and explore the vital role of tribal foster care in the lives of children. Join us for an inspiring and informative conversation that sheds light on the challenges and rewards of this vital work.
Resource Links:
The Importance of ICWA Foster Homes: A Personal Account | American Indian Policy Institute
For Families & Service Providers » NICWA
Foster a Future for American Indian Children | Arizona Department of Child Safety
Connect with us!
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast
Instagram: @FosteringVoices
Chapters:
00:09 - On Today's Episod
00:43 - Welcome
01:17 - Brad and Karin Dahlman
01:38 - Life Before Foster Care
02:27 - Deciding to Foster
04:01 - Answering the Call
04:21 - Adjusting to the Decision
06:17 - Tribal or Not?
08:27 - Overcoming Tribal Challenges
13:37 - Kill 'em with Kindness
15:07 - It's all About Relationships
16:45 - Let them Lead Us
18:29 - The Baby Book
19:59 - From Baby Book to Dad
20:16 - Packing the Children Up
22:28 - Losing a Child
24:17 - Can't do it for Yourself
24:55 - Stronger for It
25:55 - Never too Old
26:56 - Unexpected Blessings
28:11 - Being on the Same Page
30:15 - Changing Visions
31:57 - Misconceptions
32:58 - Starting Late
34:23 - 7 kids; 6 and Under
35:09 - You Can!
35:47 - The Takeaway
37:21 - Resources
38:52 - Connect with Us!
39:16 - Thank You!