Fostering Change: Recent Episodes
Rob Scheer
Comfort Cases founder Rob Scheer hosts this inspiring show about how communities can come together to bring dignity and hope to children in the foster care system. Guests will include former youth in foster care, foster parents, celebrities touched by the foster care system, child welfare advocates, and everyday people working to improve the lives of kids in care. Rob brings a sense of positivity and humor to his conversations. If you have a story to tell as it relates to foster care or any questions, please email fosteringchange@comfortcases.org. And please follow Comfort Cases @comfortcases.
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As August begins, our Best of Fostering Change series continues with one of Season 7’s most popular and heartfelt conversations.
Rob welcomes back his good friend Peter Mutabazi—author, speaker, foster and adoptive father, and founder of Now I Am Known. Known to many as the “Foster Dad Flipper,” Peter has welcomed more than 40 children into his home and adopted three.
In this powerful conversation, Peter discusses his book, Love Does Not Conquer All, and shares an honest look at foster parenting and the deep commitment required to help children heal from trauma. He reminds us that while love is essential, healing also requires patience, consistency, trust, and the willingness to keep showing up—day after day.
Episode Highlights
• Why love alone isn’t enough—and what children in foster care truly need to heal
• How practical life skills can help children build confidence and independence
• The importance of every child having at least one trusted adult in their corner
• Why families should receive support before children enter foster care
• Navigating the heartbreak of saying goodbye—and maintaining meaningful relationships afterward
Looking Ahead
Only four more Best of Fostering Change episodes remain before we launch Season 8 this fall under our new name: Comfort Cases UnPacked.
You can expect the same meaningful conversations, inspiring guests, and unwavering commitment to children and families—now entering an exciting new chapter. We can’t wait to share it with you!
Connect with Peter Mutabazi
Website: https://petermutabazi.com
Organization: Now I Am Known
Book: Love Does Not Conquer All, available wherever books are sold
Facebook: Peter Mutabazi
Instagram: @fosterdadflipper
Thank You for Listening
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, follow, comment, and share the podcast. Your support helps us reach more people, raise awareness, and continue these important conversations about foster care, adoption, and child welfare.
Thank you for listening—and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As our Best of Fostering Change series continues, we're revisiting an important conversation about a topic that's too often overlooked—but can have a profound impact on girls experiencing foster care.
Rob is joined by Yvonne Esipila Patron, Co-Founder and CEO of the PATESI Foundation, a global nonprofit working to end menstrual and postpartum poverty through education, access, and empowerment.
This episode also highlights the meaningful partnership between Comfort Cases and the PATESI Foundation. Through this collaboration, every Comfort Cases backpack distributed to girls ages 11 and older includes an emergency menstrual kit, helping ensure that no girl has to face menstruation without the basic products, dignity, and confidence she deserves.
Conversation Highlights
Why menstrual poverty remains an overlooked global issue
The unique challenges girls in foster care face during times of transition
How the Comfort Cases and PATESI partnership is making a tangible difference
Why postpartum poverty deserves greater awareness
The important role men and boys play in breaking stigma and supporting lasting change
Looking Ahead
There's much more to come.
This fall, we'll return with all-new episodes featuring inspiring guests and meaningful conversations—along with a new name for the podcast, which we'll announce very soon. Same mission. Same commitment to children and families. An exciting new chapter begins this September.
Connect with the PATESI Foundation
Website: https://www.patesifoundation.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patesifoundation
Instagram: @patesifoundation
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our Best of Fostering Change series continues with an unforgettable conversation featuring Susan Chesnutt—a family law attorney, former child abuse investigator, and former foster youth whose life has come full circle through advocacy and service.
Susan has experienced the child welfare system from nearly every perspective. Raised in foster care herself, she later investigated child abuse cases for Florida's Department of Children and Families before earning her law degree and dedicating her legal career to representing children and families. Today, through The Chesnutt Law Firm and her podcast, From Foster Care to Family Law, she works to make the child welfare system more compassionate, transparent, and effective.
Conversation Highlights
How Susan's own foster care experience shaped her career in child welfare law
What really happens during a child protective services investigation—and what families should know
Why empathy and trauma-informed advocacy are essential in family law
The importance of protecting both children's safety and families' rights
Susan's vision for a child welfare system rooted in compassion, accountability, and healing
Looking Ahead
We're enjoying revisiting these memorable conversations throughout the summer, but there's even more ahead.
This fall, we'll return with all-new episodes featuring inspiring guests and important conversations—under a new podcast name we'll announce very soon. We can't wait to share what's next, so stay tuned!
Connect with Susan Chesnutt
Website: https://thechesnuttlawfirm.com
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week's Best of Fostering Change episode brings back one of our most powerful and personal conversations from Season 7.
We look back to September, at Rob's powerful conversation with Dr. Danisha Keating—author, speaker, educator, and former foster youth whose remarkable journey is one of resilience, healing, and hope.
At just 16 years old, Danisha was removed from her home, separated from her eight siblings, and given just five minutes to pack her belongings into a trash bag. Rather than allowing that moment to define her, she reclaimed her story—eventually earning her Ph.D., becoming the guardian of five of her younger siblings, and dedicating her life to helping others heal from trauma and find their own voice.
Conversation Highlights
Dr. Keating's journey from foster care to earning her Ph.D.
Healing from trauma and learning to reclaim your own story
The importance of finding your voice while honoring the stories of others
The challenges foster youth face in navigating systems that often tell their story for them
Why education became the foundation for hope, healing, and opportunity
Looking Ahead
All-new episodes return this fall with more inspiring guests and meaningful conversations.
While our mission remains the same, the podcast will soon have a new name that better reflects where we're headed. We'll be announcing all the details in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
Connect with Dr. Danisha Keating
Website: https://danishakeating.com
Instagram: @drdanishakeating
Facebook: Danisha Keating
YouTube: The Dr. Danisha Keating Show
TikTok: @drdanishakeating
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Throughout July and August, we're revisiting some of our favorite conversations from Season 7 as part of our Best of Fostering Change series.
This week's featured episode originally aired during the 2025 holiday season and showcases an extraordinary story of resilience, determination, and reinvention.
Carolyn Aronson, founder and CEO of It's A 10 Haircare, shares her remarkable journey from experiencing foster care as a child to building one of the world's most successful beauty brands. Today, It's A 10 Haircare is a global company valued at more than $1 billion, with products sold in more than 130 countries.
Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Carolyn is a passionate philanthropist whose work supports youth, foster care organizations, LGBTQ+ initiatives, disaster relief efforts, and workforce development. Her story is a powerful reminder that our past does not define our future—and that success is measured not only by what we achieve, but by how we lift others along the way.
Conversation Highlights
Carolyn's journey from foster care to founding a billion-dollar global company
Building It's A 10 Haircare through authenticity, perseverance, and innovation
How her childhood experiences shaped her leadership and philanthropy
The importance of giving back and creating opportunities for others
Lessons on resilience, entrepreneurship, and believing in yourself
Looking Ahead
All-new episodes will return this fall with more inspiring guests and meaningful conversations.
While the mission remains the same, the podcast will soon have a new name that better reflects where we're headed. We'll be announcing all the details in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
Connect with Carolyn Aronson
Website: https://www.itsa10haircare.com
Instagram: @itsa10ceo
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As we wrap up Season 7 of Fostering Change, we’re joined by Kym Renner, President and CEO of the RennerVation Foundation and a longtime leader in child welfare and public service.
With more than 25 years of experience in Los Angeles County’s child welfare system, Kym brings a powerful perspective at the intersection of public policy, foster care, and community-based support. Alongside her brother, Jeremy Renner, she co-founded the RennerVation Foundation to create opportunities and meaningful support for foster and at-risk youth throughout Nevada.
This conversation is especially meaningful for Comfort Cases. Earlier this year, we partnered with the RennerVation Foundation for a Packing Party and community event in Lake Tahoe. Later this summer, Rob will spend time at Camp RennerVation meeting directly with campers and hearing about their experiences in foster care.
Together, these moments reinforce a simple truth: the best solutions begin by listening to young people themselves.
Conversation Highlights:
Why foster youth must have a voice in shaping the programs designed to support them
How public systems and community organizations can work together to create better outcomes
The impact of Camp RennerVation and the Foundation’s Pave Your Way program
Building meaningful support that feels accessible, welcoming, and relevant to young people
Why collaboration between nonprofits can create lasting change for youth in foster care
A Special Season Finale Message:
This episode marks the conclusion of Season 7 of Fostering Change.
Beginning next week and continuing throughout the summer, we’ll be revisiting some of our favorite conversations from this past season in a special “Best Of” series.
We’ll also be releasing our special six-part investigative series:
The F Word: America’s Foster Care Crisis
This limited series takes an honest look at some of the biggest challenges facing child welfare today while highlighting real solutions and practical ideas for reform. Featuring former foster youth, advocates, attorneys, policymakers, and frontline professionals, The F Word explores where the system is falling short and what we can do to help fix it.
Finally, we’re excited to announce that when we return with brand-new episodes in September, the podcast will have a new name:
Comfort Cases UnPacked
Same mission. Same meaningful conversations. Same commitment to children and families.
Just a new name that better reflects what we’ve always done: unpacking the issues, challenges, and solutions surrounding foster care and child welfare.
We can’t wait to share Season 8 with you.
Learn More:
Website: https://www.rennervationfoundation.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rennervationfoundation
Instagram: @officialrennervationfoundation
TikTok: @officialrvfoundation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rennervationfoundation/posts/
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Last week, we celebrated Father's Day with a special conversation between Rob and his son, Tristan. This week, we're continuing that theme with a powerful discussion about what it means to show up for young people who need someone in their corner.
Rob is joined by Corey McKinney, a speaker, mentor, author, and former foster parent whose life has been dedicated to helping young people navigate some of life's toughest challenges.
Through his work with the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program and other youth-focused initiatives, Corey has spent more than three decades encouraging young people to overcome obstacles, believe in themselves, and build brighter futures. But some of his most meaningful lessons came through foster parenting.
In his book Foster Dad, Corey shares the joys, challenges, heartbreaks, and unexpected rewards of opening your home to a child in need. More importantly, he shares what can happen when a young person experiences consistency, encouragement, and unconditional support.
This is a conversation about mentorship, fatherhood, foster care, and the life-changing impact of simply being present.
Conversation Highlights
What inspired Corey to become a foster parent
The experiences that led him to write Foster Dad
The joys and challenges of opening your home to youth in foster care
Why attachment and connection are worth the risk
The importance of consistency and showing up for young people
How mentoring and foster parenting often intersect
Remaining connected to former foster youth long after placement ends
Why positive adult relationships can change the trajectory of a young person's life
About Corey McKinney
Corey McKinney is a professional speaker, mentor, author, and former foster parent dedicated to helping young people overcome gun violence, bullying, and peer pressure. A former Division I basketball player and longtime mentor with the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program, Corey has spent more than 35 years working with youth. He is the author of Coach Daryl's Colts and Foster Dad, inspired by his experiences as both a mentor and foster parent.
Why This Episode Matters
One of the most common questions prospective foster parents ask is: "What if I get attached?"
Corey's answer is simple: that's the point.
Children and youth in foster care need adults who are willing to invest in them, encourage them, and remain present through both good and difficult moments.
This conversation reminds us that foster parenting is not about being perfect. It's about being available. It's about showing up consistently and creating relationships that can last long after a placement ends.
Whether you're a foster parent, mentor, coach, teacher, or simply someone who cares about young people, Corey's story demonstrates the profound difference one committed adult can make.
🎧 Thank you for listening to Fostering Change. Join us next week for another conversation focused on creating brighter futures for youth experiencing foster care.
Connect with Corey McKinney
Website: www.coreymckinney.net
Facebook: CoreyMcKinney
Instagram: @TheCoreyMcKinney
TikTok: @TheCoreyMcKinney
LinkedIn: Corey McKinney
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As Father's Day approaches, this week's episode of Fostering Change is one of our most personal conversations yet.
For years, listeners have heard Rob Scheer share his family's story through the lens of a former foster youth, adoptive father, advocate, and founder of Comfort Cases. This week, he sits down with his youngest son, Tristan, for an honest and heartfelt conversation about family, foster care, belonging, and the journey they've shared together.
Tristan joined the Scheer family as an infant, alongside his older brother, Greyson, instantly transforming the family from two children to four. Today, at 17 years old, he's a high school junior, an accomplished football and track athlete, and a young man beginning to think about college, adulthood, and the future ahead.
Together, father and son reflect on growing up in a family built through foster care and adoption, what it was like being surrounded by advocacy and public service, and how Tristan defines family, belonging, and home.
More than a Father's Day episode, this is a conversation about love, resilience, healing, and the lasting impact of showing up for one another.
Conversation Highlights
Tristan's perspective on growing up in the Scheer family
What it means to be part of a family formed through foster care and adoption
Growing up around Comfort Cases, advocacy, and public service
The values Rob and Reece worked to instill in their children
How family is built through commitment, consistency, and love
Lessons learned from fatherhood, family, and shared experiences
Athletics, college aspirations, and Tristan's hopes for the future
Why belonging matters at every stage of life
Why This Episode Matters
This conversation reminds us that foster care is not ultimately about systems, policies, or paperwork.
It's about people.
It's about children finding stability, growing into young adults, building relationships, and creating futures for themselves.
As Father's Day arrives, we also recognize that families come in many forms. Some young people have traditional fathers in their lives. Others are guided by foster fathers, adoptive fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, mentors, coaches, teachers, or caregivers who step forward when they're needed most.
And many are still searching for that connection.
To all those who show up, stay present, and help a young person know they matter: Happy Father's Day.
And to every young person experiencing foster care, may this conversation remind you that family is not defined by biology alone. Family is built through love, commitment, and the people who choose to stay.
🎧 Thank you for listening to Fostering Change. Join us next week for another powerful conversation focused on creating brighter futures for youth experiencing foster care.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who gets to tell the story of adoption?
For generations, adoption narratives have often been shaped by agencies, systems, and families. But increasingly, adoptees themselves are taking ownership of those stories and offering perspectives that are more complex, nuanced, and deeply personal.
This week on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by acclaimed author, educator, and activist Shannon Gibney, whose award-winning memoir, The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be, explores transracial adoption, identity, race, belonging, and the lifelong process of understanding where we come from.
As an adoptee, Shannon brings lived experience to a conversation that challenges assumptions and invites listeners to think more deeply about identity, voice, and perspective. Together, Rob and Shannon explore how adoption stories evolve over time, why adoptee voices matter, and what it means to reclaim ownership of one's own narrative.
This is not a conversation about simple answers. It's a conversation about listening, understanding, and making space for experiences that have too often been left out of the discussion.
Conversation Highlights
How adoption narratives are evolving to include more adoptee-centered perspectives
The unique complexities of transracial adoption and identity formation
Why race, culture, and belonging remain important parts of the adoption conversation
How Shannon uses "speculative memoir" to explore memory, identity, and possibility
What it means for adoptees to reclaim and tell their own stories
Why listening to lived experience strengthens conversations about adoption and foster care
About Shannon Gibney
Shannon Gibney is an award-winning writer, educator, and activist whose work explores race, identity, family, and adoption. She is the author of several acclaimed books, including The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be: A Speculative Memoir of Transracial Adoption, which received a Michael L. Printz Honor and a Minnesota Book Award.
In addition to her writing, Shannon teaches at Minneapolis College and was named Educator of the Year in 2023. Her work encourages readers and audiences to engage thoughtfully with questions of identity, belonging, and social justice.
Connect with Shannon Gibney
🌐 Website: Shannon Gibney
📧 Email: shannongibney@gmail.com
Closing Thought
Identity is not a destination. It is a lifelong journey.
This conversation reminds us that adoption is not a single event but an experience that continues to shape people across a lifetime. By listening to adoptee voices, we deepen our understanding of belonging, family, and the many ways people make sense of their own stories.
🎧 Join us next week for another powerful conversation as Fostering Change continues to explore the people, ideas, and experiences shaping the future of foster care and adoption.https://youtu.be/k8YuD5iw_uE
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
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What happens to a child when they grow up in foster care… and no one ever comes for them?
Not when they’re five.
Not when they’re ten.
Not even when they’re fifteen.
This week on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Jennifer Pinder, Executive Director of You Gotta Believe!, an organization that has spent the last 30 years proving that it is never too late for a young person in foster care to have a permanent, loving family.
As an adoptee herself, Jennifer brings both lived experience and professional leadership to this conversation — helping challenge the harmful belief that older youth are “too old” for adoption or permanency.
Together, Rob and Jennifer discuss why older youth are so often overlooked, the emotional realities of aging out of foster care alone, and how You Gotta Believe! is redefining what family can look like for teenagers and young adults in care.
At the center of this conversation is a simple but powerful truth: every child deserves belonging, commitment, and someone who will show up for them — no matter their age.
Conversation Highlights
Why do thousands of youth age out of foster care each year without permanent family connections
The misconceptions and fears that prevent many families from considering older youth adoption
How You Gotta Believe! focuses exclusively on permanency for older youth in foster care
Why lived experience matters in leadership, advocacy, and building trust with young people
What permanency and belonging truly mean for youth who have spent years in the system
About Jennifer Pinder
Jennifer Pinder is the Executive Director of You Gotta Believe!, a nonprofit dedicated to finding permanent families for older youth in foster care. Since joining the organization in 2020, she has led efforts in advocacy, communications, fundraising, and strategic growth as the organization celebrates its 30th anniversary.
An adoptee herself, Jennifer brings a deeply personal connection to the organization’s mission and works alongside a team that includes many individuals with lived experience in child welfare.
Connect with Jennifer & You Gotta Believe!
🌐 Website: You Gotta Believe!
📸 Instagram: @jennifer_yougottabelieve
💼 LinkedIn: Jennifer Pinder LinkedIn
Closing Thought
Family is not about perfection.
It is about commitment. Consistency. Showing up.
This conversation is a reminder that no young person should leave foster care believing they are unwanted or forgotten — and that it is never too late for someone to belong.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As National Foster Care Awareness Month comes to a close, this episode of Fostering Change focuses on something deeply important: what happens when organizations stop working in silos and start working together for young people.
This week, Rob Scheer is joined by two Los Angeles-based leaders making a meaningful impact in the lives of youth connected to foster care: Beth Ryan, Executive Director & Founder of Stepping Forward LA, and Jorie Das, Executive Director of Friends of the Children Los Angeles.
Together, their organizations are helping young people navigate some of the most difficult transitions imaginable — aging out of foster care, finding stability, building community, and creating long-term support systems rooted in consistency and trust.
Beth Ryan’s work through Stepping Forward LA focuses on youth transitioning out of foster care, with programs centered around mentorship, housing support, internships, workforce readiness, and a first-of-its-kind app designed by and for foster youth.
Jorie Das leads Friends of the Children Los Angeles, which provides long-term professional mentorship to youth facing systemic barriers through a unique 12+ year commitment model focused on stability, prevention, and long-term success.
Throughout the conversation, Rob, Beth, and Jorie explore how collaboration between nonprofits can strengthen outcomes for youth — and why consistent relationships remain one of the most powerful tools for healing and success.
Episode Highlights
Why aging out of foster care remains one of the biggest challenges facing young adults
How mentorship and long-term relationships improve outcomes for youth
The importance of nonprofit collaboration instead of competition
How Los Angeles reflects both the scale of the foster care crisis and the opportunity for innovation
Why Foster Care Awareness Month must lead to meaningful action and engagement
About the Guests
Beth Ryan is the Executive Director & Founder of Stepping Forward LA, a nonprofit supporting youth aging out of foster care through mentorship, housing support, workforce development, and community-based solutions. As the organization approaches its 10-year anniversary, Stepping Forward LA continues expanding its impact across Los Angeles.
Jorie Das is the Executive Director of Friends of the Children Los Angeles, an organization providing long-term professional mentorship to youth facing systemic barriers. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded across Los Angeles County, helping youth and caregivers through a prevention-focused model built on consistency and trust.
Key Questions from This Episode
What prompted the creation of Stepping Forward LA and Friends of the Children Los Angeles?
What are the biggest challenges youth face when aging out of foster care?
Why does long-term mentorship matter so much?
How can nonprofits collaborate more effectively to support youth?
What role do community, housing, and workforce development play in long-term stability?
How can people move beyond awareness and take meaningful action?
Connect with the Guests
Stepping Forward LA
🌐 Website: Stepping Forward LA
📸 Instagram: @steppingforwardla
Friends of the Children Los Angeles
🌐 Website: Friends of the Children Los Angeles
📸 Instagram: @friendsla
Closing Thought
Real change rarely happens alone.
This conversation is a reminder that when organizations, mentors, communities, and advocates work together, young people experience something powerful: consistency, connection, and the belief that they are not navigating life alone.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Christie Werts, a former foster youth, Army veteran, author, and adoptive mother whose life has come full circle through foster care.
Christie shares her journey in her book, Life’s Sad Story, God’s Love Story, tracing a path from childhood trauma and separation to healing, compassion, and building a family of her own.
This is an especially emotional conversation for Rob, who reflects openly on the painful experience of his own mother leaving him and his siblings — and the lasting impact that loss has had throughout his life.
Together, Rob and Christie explore how childhood trauma shapes identity, how healing can emerge in unexpected ways, and what it means to return to the foster care system — not as a child, but as a parent determined to create something different.
At the center of Christie’s story is compassion: a decision to foster and later adopt her husband’s ex-wife’s child in order to keep siblings connected and together.
And by the end of the conversation, Christie leaves listeners with a message that becomes the emotional heartbeat of the episode: this is ultimately a love story — about God, healing, and hope.
As Christie shares:
“There’s a love story ahead of you. And it’s gonna be ok.”
Episode Highlights
Christie’s journey from foster youth to foster and adoptive parent
The emotional impact of childhood separation and abandonment
How trauma and healing can exist side by side
A remarkable decision to keep siblings together through adoption
The role of faith, compassion, and second chances in rebuilding family
About the Guest
Christie Werts is a former foster youth, Army veteran, author, speaker, and mother of five whose life has come full circle through foster care and adoption. After experiencing trauma in the system as a child, she later returned to foster care as a parent, ultimately adopting a child connected to her own family.
Through her book, Life’s Sad Story, God’s Love Story, Christie shares a deeply personal journey of resilience, faith, healing, and compassion.
Key Questions from This Episode
What inspired you to write Life’s Sad Story, God’s Love Story?
How did your childhood experiences in foster care shape your life?
What led you to step back into foster care as a parent?
How did the decision to adopt your husband’s ex-wife’s child come about?
What did healing look like for you over time?
How have kindness and compassion shaped your family today?
What message do you hope listeners take from your story?
Connect with Christie
📱 TikTok:
@Cjthemom5
📘 Facebook / Instagram:
Christie Werts
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by David Sussillo, a neuroscientist, author, and former youth who experienced a childhood marked by instability, poverty, and time in group homes.
His story begins in environments many children in foster care and group settings know all too well — uncertainty, trauma, and systems that don’t always provide the support they should. But his story doesn’t end there.
Through a combination of resilience, critical intervention, and moments where someone stepped in, David found a path forward. Today, he is a leading neuroscientist who has worked at Stanford, Google, and Meta, studying the very thing that shaped his life: the human brain.
His memoir, Emergence, is not just a story of survival — it is a powerful reminder of what can happen when even one opportunity changes the trajectory of a child’s life.
This conversation challenges us to ask a difficult but necessary question: how many children are out there right now, just one moment away from a different future?
Episode Highlights
Growing up in instability, poverty, and group home environments
How trauma shapes memory, identity, and development
The role of mentors, teachers, and small interventions
From survival to success in neuroscience and research
Reflecting on resilience, loss, and the paths not taken
About the Guest
David Sussillo is a neuroscientist, author, and adjunct professor at Stanford University. After a childhood marked by instability and time in group homes, he earned a PhD in computational neuroscience from Columbia University and has worked at leading institutions, including Google Brain and Meta.
His memoir, Emergence: A Memoir of Boyhood, Computation, and the Mysteries of Mind, tells the story of his journey from trauma to transformation.
Key Questions from This Episode
What led you to write Emergence now?
What was it like to revisit your childhood experiences through writing?
How did you navigate growing up in group homes and unstable environments?
Who were the people who helped change your path?
What role did small moments or opportunities play in your journey?
How do you reflect on your success alongside those who didn’t have the same outcome?
What would you say to a young person facing similar challenges today?
Closing Thought
Sometimes it doesn’t take everything changing — it takes one moment, one person, one opportunity.
And for a child navigating instability, that can be the difference between surviving and becoming something far beyond anyone's expectations.
Connect with David
🌐 Website:
https://www.davidsussillo.com
🐦 Twitter/X:
https://x.com/SussilloDavid
🔗 LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-sussillo-736a1290/
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode kicks off National Foster Care Awareness Month — a time not just to reflect, but to act.
On today’s Fostering Change, Rob Scheer welcomes back Laura, The Foster Parent Partner, a therapeutic foster parent, mentor, and now author of First-Time Fostering, releasing May 12.
This conversation focuses on a question many people ask, but far fewer answer: what does it actually take to become a foster parent?
Not the idea of it — the reality.
Laura brings practical, real-world insight into what fostering looks like day to day, what new foster parents need to understand, and how to move from thinking about it to stepping into it. As a returning guest, she builds on her previous conversation with Rob to go deeper into the emotional, logistical, and human side of fostering.
As we begin National Foster Care Awareness Month, this episode serves as a starting point for those considering how they can be part of the solution.
Episode Highlights
Why National Foster Care Awareness Month should lead to action, not just recognition
The gap between thinking about fostering and actually saying yes
What foster parenting really looks like day to day
Common fears and misconceptions that hold people back
How support, mentorship, and community make fostering possible
About Laura
Known as The Foster Parent Partner, Laura is a therapeutic foster parent, content creator, and mentor who supports individuals navigating the foster care journey. Through her platform, she helps new foster parents move through the licensing process and prepare for their first placement with confidence.
Her new book, First-Time Fostering, is a practical, honest guide designed to equip future foster parents with the tools, expectations, and clarity needed to take that first step.
Key Questions from This Episode
What inspired you to write First-Time Fostering — and who is it for?
What makes this book different from others about foster care?
Why does Foster Care Awareness Month matter, and how should people respond?
What are the biggest fears that stop people from fostering?
What does fostering really look like on a daily basis?
What role does community play in helping foster parents succeed?
What should someone do if they’re on the fence right now?
Closing Thought
Awareness is only the beginning. What matters is what comes next.
Foster care doesn’t need more observers — it needs more people willing to step in, show up, and say yes.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Jennifer Griffith, author of Both Sides of Then: Finding Love After Abandonment and host of the About Your Mother podcast.
This conversation centers on a deeply personal and universal question: how much of who we become is shaped by the relationship we have—or don’t have—with our mother?
Jennifer’s memoir explores abandonment, generational trauma, and the search for understanding and connection. While her story is not rooted in foster care, the themes resonate deeply. Many children in foster care experience separation from their biological parents, particularly their mothers, making this conversation especially relevant to identity, belonging, and emotional development.
Together, Rob and Jennifer explore how early relationships shape us, how patterns are passed down, and how telling the truth about our stories can open the door to healing and transformation.
Episode Highlights
How maternal relationships influence identity and self-worth
The lasting emotional impact of abandonment and separation
Understanding and breaking cycles of generational trauma
Why storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing
How these themes connect to the experiences of youth in foster care
About the Guest
Jennifer Griffith is an author, speaker, and host of the About Your Mother podcast, where she explores the stories that shape identity and relationships. Her debut memoir, Both Sides of Then: Finding Love After Abandonment, examines generational trauma, resilience, and the lasting influence of family history. Through her work, she encourages others to better understand their past and find meaning in the connections that define them.
Key Questions from This Episode
What did writing your story teach you about understanding where we come from?
Why is the “mother story” such a powerful lens for identity?
What does healing look like when relationships are complicated or absent?
How do early experiences of separation shape a child’s sense of self?
Where does healing begin for someone carrying a difficult family story?
Connect with Jennifer
🌐 Website: https://byjennifergriffith.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byjennifergriffith/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byjennifergriffith/
Closing Thought
Understanding where we come from doesn’t always give us easy answers — but it can give us clarity. And sometimes, that clarity is the first step toward healing, growth, and a different path forward.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer welcomes back Jodi Grinwald, founder of Today is the Day, co-founder of Applaud Our Kids Foundation, and author of the new book Today is the Day: LIVE IT!.
Jodi is a returning guest to the podcast, and we’re excited to continue this important conversation around opportunity, connection, and impact.
Jodi’s work is grounded in a simple but powerful idea: if the table doesn’t exist, build it — and make sure others have a seat.
Her new book, Today is the Day: LIVE IT!, expands on that philosophy, encouraging readers to take action, lead with purpose, and create meaningful impact in their own lives and communities.
👉 Learn more and purchase the book: https://todayisthedayliveit.com/live-it
This episode also builds on a recent crossover conversation — Rob was a guest on Jodi’s podcast, Today is the Day Changemakers.
🎧 Watch Rob’s episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1rN8EtfTJM&t=501s
Through Applaud Our Kids, Jodi is helping children gain access to music, dance, and acting programs that might otherwise be out of reach. While her work is not exclusively focused on foster care, the connection is clear. Children experiencing instability or hardship often miss out on opportunities that build confidence, identity, and a sense of belonging.
This conversation explores what it means to create those opportunities — and why access, connection, and creative expression can change the trajectory of a child’s life.
Episode Highlights
What it means to “build the table” and create opportunities for others
Why access to the arts can be transformational for children
The role of connection in building confidence and long-term impact
How purpose can drive action, even when the path is unclear
Why opportunity and exposure matter for youth facing hardship
About the Guest
Jodi Grinwald is a leadership and connection strategist, speaker, and founder of Today is the Day Changemakers—a global platform and podcast that reaches listeners in more than 135 countries. She helps organizations strengthen the connections that power performance, shape culture, and accelerate growth.
She is also the co-founder and CEO of the Applaud Our Kids Foundation, expanding access to performing arts education for children ages 7–18.
Jodi is the author of Today is the Day: LIVE IT! along with 30 other leadership voices. The book is a powerful reflection on courage, leadership, resilience, and connection—calling individuals to step into purpose, create opportunity, and lead with intention.
Key Questions from This Episode
What does “build the table” mean, and how can people apply it in their own lives?
Why is access to the arts so important for children and youth?
How can programs like Applaud Our Kids support children experiencing instability?
What role does creative expression play in identity and confidence?
How can someone take the first step toward making a difference?
About Applaud Our Kids Foundation
The Applaud Our Kids Foundation provides access to performing arts education for children ages 7–18, helping them build confidence, discipline, and a sense of identity through creative expression.
Connect with Jodi
🌐 Websites:
TodayistheDayLiveIt.com
ApplaudOurKids.org
📸 Instagram:
@todayisthedayliveit
@applaudourkids
🔗 LinkedIn:
Jodi Grinwald
📘 Facebook:
Today is the Day Live It
Applaud Our Kids
Closing Thought
Creating change doesn’t always require building something new — sometimes it means opening a door that should have been open all along. This episode is a reminder that when we create space for young people to explore who they are, we help shape who they can become.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Katy Encalade, President and CEO of Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions, who has spent more than two decades helping to create and support families.
Katy brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to this conversation. She has been a foster parent, an egg donor, and a surrogate — offering a rare view across multiple paths of supporting children and building families. Her experience as a foster mom serves as a meaningful bridge, grounding this conversation in the realities of child welfare while expanding the lens to include other ways people can step in to help.
While Fostering Change often focuses on foster care, adoption, and permanency, this episode broadens that perspective. Katy encourages listeners to consider that there are many ways to support children and families — whether by opening your home, helping someone become a parent by choosing to be a surrogate or egg donor, or finding other ways to show up with compassion and responsibility.
Episode Highlights
How foster care, surrogacy, and egg donation connect through a shared purpose of supporting children and families
The importance of lived experience, including Katy’s time as a foster parent
Why stability, care, and belonging remain central across all family-building paths
The role of ethics, transparency, and trust in family-building work
Encouraging people to explore different ways they can help support children and families
About the Guest
Katy Encalade is the President and CEO of Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions, an organization that has helped create more than 2,000 families worldwide. A former foster parent, egg donor, and surrogate, she brings both personal experience and professional expertise to her work. Katy has spent more than two decades advocating for ethical, transparent, and relationship-driven approaches to family-building, previously served as Board Chair of the Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy, and now serves as Board Chair of Families Out Loud.
Connect with Katy
🌐 Website: www.CreateAHappyFamily.com
📘 Facebook: Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions
📸 Instagram: @createahappyfamily
🎵 TikTok: @createahappyfamily
🔗 LinkedIn: Katy Encalade
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Mordy Kurtz of The Boxery, a company that demonstrates how even behind-the-scenes business operations can play a meaningful role in supporting children in foster care.
At Comfort Cases, partnerships are essential. The Boxery has been a valued partner, providing boxes and shipping materials that help deliver Comfort Cases to children across the country. While this support may not always be visible, it is critical to ensuring that essential items reach youth who need them.
Mordy leads marketing and growth at The Boxery, bringing creativity and purpose to an industry often viewed as purely transactional. Through initiatives like Givebox, the company is demonstrating how businesses can integrate giving into their everyday operations and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
This conversation explores how companies of any size or industry can align their operations with purpose and become active participants in supporting causes like foster care.
Episode Highlights
The role of operational partnerships in supporting nonprofit impact
How The Boxery contributes to Comfort Cases through logistics and infrastructure
Bringing creativity and brand voice to a traditional industry
The importance of customer-focused, solution-driven marketing
How initiatives like Givebox integrate giving into everyday business operations
About the Guest
Mordy Kurtz leads marketing and growth at The Boxery, where he focuses on creative branding, customer-first marketing, and building systems that help businesses operate more effectively. With more than 15 years of experience, including work with nonprofits, he brings a purpose-driven approach to business and is helping expand The Boxery’s impact through initiatives like Givebox.
About the Partnership
The Boxery supports Comfort Cases by providing essential packaging and shipping materials for nationwide distribution. This partnership highlights the importance of infrastructure and logistics in delivering resources to children experiencing foster care.
Connect & Learn More
🌐 Website: theboxery.com
📘 Facebook: The Boxery
📸 Instagram: @theboxery
🐦 X (Twitter): @TheBoxery
🧵 Threads: @theboxery
🎵 TikTok: @theboxery
🔗 LinkedIn: Mordy Kurtz | The Boxery
📧 Email: marketing@theboxery.com
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by leaders and advocates working directly with young people transitioning out of foster care: Sarah Baumgartner of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Brian Robinson of Kids’ Voice of Indiana, and Princess Martinez Casanova, a foster youth leader and member of the Youth Impact Board at Kids’ Voice.
For Comfort Cases, partnerships have always been central to the mission. The organization’s first corporate Packing Parties began in Indiana with Elevance Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in 2008. Since then, Anthem has remained a longstanding partner, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to corporate responsibility and to supporting children and youth experiencing foster care.
Today, that commitment continues through collaboration with Kids’ Voice of Indiana, working together to raise the voice of youth transitioning out of foster care by creating resources, providing transition support, and expanding opportunities for education and career advancement.
As Foster Care Awareness Month approaches in May, this conversation highlights the importance of recognizing the needs of young people preparing to age out of the system — and the role partnerships play in helping them build strong, independent futures.
Episode Highlights
The importance of supporting youth as they transition out of foster care
How corporate partnerships can expand resources and opportunities for young people
The role of Kids’ Voice of Indiana in advocating for older youth and preparing them for independence
The impact of mentorship, advocacy, and youth voice in shaping better outcomes
Real-life success stories, including pathways to higher education and career development
About the Guests
Sarah Baumgartner is the Older Youth Case Manager on the Foster Care Team at Anthem Indiana Behavioral Health Services. She brings more than 20 years of experience in mental health, including residential treatment, school-based counseling, and private practice. Her work focuses on supporting older youth as they transition from foster care to adulthood.
Brian Robinson is the Director of Older Youth Initiatives for Kids’ Voice of Indiana. With more than 25 years of experience working with children and families, including serving as a Guardian ad Litem since the early 1990s, he centers his work on preparing older youth in foster care for independence.
Princess Martinez Casanova is a bilingual education advocate, foster youth leader, and member of the Youth Impact Board at Kids’ Voice of Indiana. After immigrating from Mexico as a teenager and entering foster care at fourteen, she is now attending DePauw University on a full scholarship, studying Education Studies and Spanish, and advocating for foster youth and immigrant communities.
About the Work
The collaboration between Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Kids’ Voice focuses on:
Transition support for youth aging out of foster care
Elevating youth voice and advocacy
Expanding access to education and career pathways
These efforts reflect a shared commitment to helping young people move from foster care into adulthood with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Connect & Learn More
Kids’ Voice of Indiana: https://kidsvoicein.org/
Facebook: @AnthemMedicaid
Instagram: @anthembcbs
X (Twitter): @AnthemBCBS
LinkedIn: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield – Medicaid Health Plans
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Karen Segal, founder of Photo Safe, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting what many children in foster care often miss: photographs and personal memories.
For most families, childhood photos are a given. They capture milestones, friendships, and the small moments that help us understand who we are and where we come from. But for many children experiencing foster care, frequent moves and disrupted connections mean those memories are rarely preserved.
Photo Safe was founded to close that gap. Through a network of volunteer photographers, the organization has provided more than 60,000 professionally taken and framed photographs to youth connected to foster care and their families.
At the heart of Photo Safe’s work is a commitment to safety and confidentiality. Every image is securely archived and preserved so children can access their memories safely now and decades into the future.
In this conversation, Rob and Karen explore why photographs matter for identity, how preserving childhood moments can help young people build a sense of belonging, and why something as simple as a picture can become a powerful anchor in a child’s life.
Episode Highlights
Why childhood photographs play a vital role in identity and emotional development
The often-overlooked reality is that many youth in foster care grow up without documented memories
How Photo Safe protects images through secure archival systems and strict confidentiality
The lasting emotional impact of framed photographs and preserved milestones
How preserving memories helps youth maintain a connection to their own story
About the Guest
Karen Segal is the founder of Photo Safe, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving childhood photographs for youth in foster care. After a 30-year career in financial technology with firms including Merrill Lynch, Citigroup, and Barclays, she now serves as a Quality Executive at Ernst & Young. Through Photo Safe’s volunteer network of photographers, the organization has provided more than 60,000 framed photographs to children and families connected to foster care while maintaining rigorous standards of privacy, security, and long-term archival preservation.
Connect with Photo Safe
🌐 Website: www.photosafe.org
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/photosafe.org
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by his friend, Pedro Andrade, an Emmy Award–winning journalist, producer, and global storyteller whose work explores identity, culture, and what it truly means to be a family.
Pedro is the host and producer of the HBO Max documentary series Somewhat Familiar, which follows Pedro and his husband as they adopt a baby and travel the world exploring how families are formed across cultures and communities.
One episode of the series is especially meaningful to the Fostering Change community. Episode five featured Rob Scheer and the Scheer family, offering an honest look at foster care, adoption, and what permanency can look like in real life.
In this conversation, Rob and Pedro revisit that experience and explore how storytelling can expand our understanding of family, bring visibility to foster care, and inspire more compassionate conversations about belonging.
Episode Highlights
How media and storytelling can redefine traditional ideas of family
Why foster care stories deserve a place in global conversations about belonging
Pedro’s experience of becoming a parent and how it shaped his perspective on adoption
What the Scheer family story revealed about permanency and resilience
The role of documentaries in shifting public understanding and reducing stigma
About the Guest
Pedro Andrade is an Emmy Award–winning journalist, producer, and global storyteller known for his work exploring culture, identity, and human connection. He is the host and producer of the HBO Max documentary series Somewhat Familiar, which follows Pedro and his husband as they navigate adoption while exploring family structures around the world. Through his work, Pedro highlights diverse stories of belonging and invites audiences to see family through a wider, more compassionate lens.
Connect with Pedro
📸 Instagram: @pedroandradeTV
🎬 Series: Somewhat Familiar with Pedro Andrade on HBO Max
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this episode of Fostering Change Podcast, Rob Scheer is joined by Temple Lentz — nonprofit CEO, local elected official, and debut novelist — for a thoughtful conversation about what happens when the systems designed to protect vulnerable families don’t always work the way they’re supposed to.
Temple is the author of the novel Not Quite Home, which explores the cracks in America’s social service safety net. While the book is fiction, its themes are grounded in real-world experience. Having worked both inside nonprofit leadership and as an elected official, Temple brings a rare systems-level perspective to the conversation.
Together, Rob and Temple discuss the gap between policy and lived reality, how well-intentioned systems can sometimes cause unintended harm, and why storytelling may be one of the most powerful tools we have to illuminate the need for reform.
Episode Highlights
• Why systems meant to help families often fall short
• The unintended consequences of well-intentioned policies
• What people misunderstand about how social service systems actually function
• Why fiction can humanize policy failures more effectively than reports and data
• How civic engagement and storytelling can open doors to meaningful reform
About the Guest
Temple Lentz is a nonprofit CEO, local elected official, and debut novelist. She earned a BA from the University of Chicago and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Claremont Lincoln University. Her writing has appeared in outlets including the Portland Mercury, Vancouver Business Journal, Live Wire! Radio, New City Chicago, and the Windy City Times.
Her first novel, Not Quite Home, examines the human impact of systemic gaps within America’s social safety net.
Connect with Temple
🌐 Website: templelentzbooks.com
📘 Facebook: Temple Lentz
📸 Instagram: @gototemple
🐦 X/Twitter: @gototemple
🧵 Threads: @gototemple
🔗 LinkedIn: Temple Lentz
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer sits down with Dr. Liz DeBetta — an award-winning writer, educator, and solo performance artist whose work explores adoption, trauma, identity, and healing through storytelling.
Dr. Liz is the founder of Migrating Toward Wholeness, a trauma-informed, arts-based healing framework, and the author of Adult Adoptees and Writing to Heal. Her work centers on an often-overlooked truth: adoption isn’t a moment — it’s a lifelong identity journey.
This conversation is especially meaningful for Rob, who reflects on his own experience adopting his son Alex, who joined the Scheer family at 18 and was formally adopted at 22 — a powerful reminder that belonging and permanency have no age limit.
Together, Rob and Dr. Liz explore how adults navigate adoption-related grief and identity, why healing can unfold later in life, and how storytelling becomes a transformative tool for reclaiming voice and wholeness.
Episode Highlights
Late and adult adoption as meaningful and transformative
How writing and embodied storytelling support trauma integration
What “wholeness” means for identities shaped by early loss
The role adoptive families play in supporting adult adoptees over time
About the Guest
Dr. Liz DeBetta is an award-winning writer, educator, and solo performance artist whose work focuses on adoption, trauma, and identity through narrative expression. She is the founder of Migrating Toward Wholeness™, the author of Adult Adoptees and Writing to Heal, and the creator of the acclaimed one-woman show Un-M-Othered, which examines adoption and patriarchy through embodied storytelling. Holding a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies, she blends research, lived experience, and art to support healing and identity integration.
Connect with Dr. Liz
🌐 Website: www.lizdebetta.com
📘 Facebook: Dr. Liz DeBetta
📸 Instagram: @dr.liz.debetta
🎵 TikTok: @dr.liz.debetta
🔗 LinkedIn: Liz DeBetta, Ph.D.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode of Fostering Change was originally scheduled to air in March — but after recording, Rob Scheer felt the conversation was too important to wait. He personally requested that it be released early so listeners could hear it as soon as possible.
Rob is joined by Rachel Bruno, a Nashville-based author, speaker, and advocate whose deeply personal experience with the child welfare system ignited a powerful call for accountability and reform.
After her children were unlawfully removed by child protective services, Rachel found herself confronting a system where parental rights, due process, and family integrity are often overlooked. Instead of staying silent, she fought back — ultimately securing a seven-figure civil rights settlement and emerging as a leading national voice for families facing similar injustices.
Rachel is the author of Fractured Hope: A Mother’s Fight for Justice and founder of Giver of Light, an organization dedicated to supporting families navigating child welfare involvement. Together, Rob and Rachel discuss hope after trauma, the urgent need for accountability, and why lived experience must guide ethical, child-centered reform.
Episode Highlights
• How one mother’s fight sparked national conversations about reform
• What families experience when due process is ignored
• Accountability and justice within child welfare
• How Giver of Light supports families in crisis
• Why lived experience belongs at the center of policy change
📘 Book Recommendation
Rob strongly recommends Rachel’s book:
Fractured Hope: A Mother’s Fight for Justice — a powerful firsthand account that exposes the realities families face inside the child welfare system and why reform is urgently needed.
👉 Get the book directly from Rachel:
https://rachelbruno.com/book/
Purchasing directly supports her advocacy and helps amplify voices too often unheard.
About the Guest
Rachel Bruno is an author, speaker, and advocate for parental rights. Her lived experience navigating the child welfare system made her a national leader in reform. After securing a civil rights settlement for the unlawful removal of her children, she authored Fractured Hope and founded Giver of Light. She continues to serve in leadership and advisory roles, promoting family integrity, accountability, and ethical child welfare practices.
Connect with Rachel & Giver of Light
🌐 Website: www.thegiveroflight.org
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/rachelbrunospeaks
📸 Instagram: @rachelbrunospeaks
🐦 X/Twitter: @bruno.rachel
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachelbruno
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nonprofits exist to serve people — not paperwork.
But too often, outdated financial systems slow growth, strain leadership, and pull focus away from mission-driven work.
This week on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer sits down with Stephen Garten, Founder & CEO of Charity Charge, a Public Benefit Corporation built exclusively to support the financial needs of nonprofit organizations.
Stephen launched Charity Charge in 2015 after recognizing a widespread problem: nonprofits were forced to rely on banking and financial tools never designed for how they actually operate. Today, Charity Charge serves more than 3,000 nonprofits nationwide, offering nonprofit-specific credit cards, bookkeeping and compliance tools, gift cards, and over $60 million in working capital — empowering leaders to focus on impact instead of infrastructure.
Rob and Stephen also reflect on their recent crossover conversation, following Rob’s appearance on Stephen’s podcast, The Charity Charge Nonprofit Spotlight, where they continued discussing leadership, transparency, and sustainability in the social sector.
🎧 Watch or listen to Rob’s interview here:
https://www.charitycharge.com/nonprofit-resources/rob-scheer-comfort-cases/
Episode Highlights
• Why traditional banking often fails nonprofit organizations
• How Charity Charge was built specifically for mission-driven leaders
• The connection between financial transparency and donor trust
• Lessons learned from supporting thousands of nonprofits nationwide
• What it takes to build long-term sustainability without losing sight of mission
About the Guest
Stephen Garten is the Founder and CEO of Charity Charge, a Public Benefit Corporation providing financial infrastructure built exclusively for nonprofits. Since launching in 2015, Charity Charge has supported more than 3,000 organizations, delivered over $60 million in working capital, and granted more than $1 million through the Charity Charge Foundation.
His work has been featured by Forbes, Fast Company, and The Today Show, and he hosts The Charity Charge Nonprofit Spotlight, highlighting nonprofit and social impact leaders across the country.
Connect with Charity Charge
🌐 Website: www.charitycharge.com
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/CharityCharge
📸 Instagram: @charitycharge
🐦 X/Twitter: @charitycharge
🔗 LinkedIn: Charity Charge
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As Fostering Change continues through Season 7, this episode dives into an urgent but often unseen issue: menstrual and postpartum poverty, and how it impacts girls in foster care and communities around the world.
Rob Scheer sits down with Yvonne Esipila Patron, Co-Founder and CEO of the PATESI Foundation, an organization working globally to ensure women and girls have the dignity, resources, and education they deserve.
In 2025, Comfort Cases and PATESI began a powerful partnership to make sure no girl entering foster care faces her first night without essential menstrual supplies. Through this collaboration, PATESI donates up to 10,000 emergency menstrual kits each year, included in Comfort Cases® backpacks for girls ages eight and up — providing dignity, protection, and confidence during moments of deep transition.
Together, Rob and Yvonne unpack why menstrual poverty remains invisible, why postpartum poverty continues long after childbirth, and why involving men and boys is key to ending stigma and driving real change.
Episode Highlights
• The global impact of menstrual poverty and why it’s rarely discussed
• How entering foster care can make menstruation even more stressful for young girls
• What the Comfort Cases × PATESI partnership delivers each year
• Why postpartum poverty deserves national attention
• How male allyship strengthens long-term solutions
About the Guest
Yvonne Esipila Patron is the Co-Founder and CEO of the PATESI Foundation, a global nonprofit dedicated to ending menstrual and postpartum poverty. With a background in public health and sustainable development, she has spent her career advancing reproductive health equity, youth empowerment, and community-driven solutions.
Connect with PATESI
🌐 Website: www.patesifoundation.org
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/patesifoundation
📸 Instagram: @patesifoundation
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As Fostering Change continues into the new year, this episode tackles one of the most urgent issues facing child welfare today: the national shortage of foster parents and what it means for children who need safe, stable homes.
Rob Scheer is joined by Kelsey Davis, National Director of Foster Parent Recruitment, and Stacy Brindley, National Treatment Director at StepStone Family & Youth Services. Together, they explore why fewer families are stepping forward, how misconceptions about fostering hinder progress, and why supporting foster parents is essential to better outcomes for children.
With more than 343,000 children in foster care and fewer than 200,000 licensed foster homes nationwide, this conversation goes beyond the numbers. Kelsey and Stacy share how StepStone approaches recruitment differently, centers trauma-informed care, and treats the entire family as part of the healing process.
Episode Highlights
This episode explores why the foster parent shortage continues to grow and how it directly impacts children who need consistency and belonging. The discussion challenges common myths about fostering, explains why recruitment messaging must change, and emphasizes that strong outcomes depend on strong support for foster parents.
Listeners also hear why trauma-informed care must include the whole family, not just the child, and how communities can get involved with StepStone through volunteering, respite support, and national initiatives beyond fostering.
As Rob notes, “We must get more qualified families to support our youth in foster care.” And as Kelsey reminds us, fostering works best when families know they are not doing it alone.
About the Guests
Kelsey Davis is the National Director of Foster Parent Recruitment at StepStone Family & Youth Services. A former Title I educator with an MBA in Marketing, she leads national strategies to recruit, train, and retain foster families through people-centered, community-driven outreach.
Stacy Brindley is StepStone’s National Treatment Director and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 30 years of experience. She has worked across residential treatment, therapeutic foster care, independent living, and in-home services, and now leads trauma-informed and evidence-based practices nationwide.
Learn More
Website: https://www.stepstoneyouth.com/
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this powerful episode, Rob Scheer sits down with Lindsay Lendyak, South Carolina State Director for Isaiah 117 House, to talk about one of the most overlooked moments in foster care: Removal Day.
Instead of children waiting for hours in government offices, Isaiah 117 House creates a warm, home-like space where kids can exhale, eat a meal, change into clean clothes, and feel safe while caseworkers find placement. Lindsay shares why this model is a true game changer for children, foster families, and social workers alike, and how South Carolina is rapidly expanding its footprint.
What You Will Hear in This Episode
-
What Removal Day really looks like, and why so many youth remember it as the hardest day of their lives
-
How Isaiah 117 House replaces a cold, adult-centered setting with comfort, dignity, and stability
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The heart of the model: trauma-informed volunteers providing steady, calm presence during a chaotic moment
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How community support builds a stronger system around children and the professionals serving them
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South Carolina growth updates, including York County and new houses coming soon
Quotes to Highlight
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Lindsay on why this matters: “Nearly all of them recount removal day as the worst day of their lives.”
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Lindsay on the mission: “We can fix how foster care begins for our kids.”
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Lindsay on what kids experience at Isaiah 117 House: “It’s a yes… For a kid who’s lived a life of nos, that is a game changer.”
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Lindsay on why the system needs community: “Every single person should help a child in foster care. Full stop.”
South Carolina Updates
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York County opened September 2025
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Greenville County expected to open early spring 2026
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Horry County fundraising begins February 2026
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Lexington County kickoff coming early 2026
Why This Episode Matters
This conversation is a reminder that children enter foster care because of choices other people made, and that the first hours of care should not add trauma. Isaiah 117 House proves that a better beginning is possible, and it starts with community saying yes to dignity.
Links and Ways to Connect
Main Website: https://isaiah117house.com/York County Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isaiah117houseyorkcoscYork County Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaiah117houseyorkcosc
LinkTrees:York County: https://linktr.ee/isaiah117houseyorkcoscGreenville County: https://linktr.ee/isaiah117housegreenvillesc
Horry County: https://linktr.ee/isaiah117househorrycosc
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As Fostering Change continues into the new year, this episode tackles one of the most urgent — and evolving — challenges facing young people today: staying safe, informed, and supported in a digital world.
Rob Scheer is joined by Jenny Coleman, a nationally recognized expert in child welfare and abuse prevention, and a former foster parent whose work is grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience.
Jenny serves as Director of Stop It Now!, a national organization focused on preventing child sexual abuse through education and early intervention. She also leads What’s OK?, a first-of-its-kind online platform and free helpline where teens and young adults can anonymously ask questions about relationships, boundaries, sexting, consent, and online behavior — without fear or shame.
In this conversation, Jenny helps parents, caregivers, and educators better understand how to talk with young people about tough topics — especially as AI-generated and non-consensual images become an increasing form of peer-driven harm.
Episode Highlights
Youth Safety in the Digital AgeHow sexting, cyberbullying, and online exploitation are changing — and what adults need to know.
New & Alarming TrendsWhy recent data shows a sharp rise in AI-generated inappropriate images targeting teens, most often created and shared by peers.
What’s OK?How this research-backed platform empowers youth ages 14–21 to ask honest questions and get reliable guidance.
What Caregivers Can DoPractical steps for parents and caregivers, including how to respond, stay connected, and support youth without judgment.
A Foster Care PerspectiveWhy trauma-informed, prevention-focused conversations are especially critical for foster and adopted youth.
About Jenny Coleman
Jenny Coleman, MA, LMHC, has spent more than 30 years working in child welfare as a clinician, educator, and prevention advocate. She is the Director of Stop It Now! and leads What’s OK?, an innovative online resource for youth navigating questions about sexual behavior, consent, and boundaries. A former foster parent and longtime foster care trainer, Jenny brings a compassionate, prevention-centered approach to keeping young people safe.
Resources
Stop It Now!: www.stopitnow.orgWhat’s OK?: www.whatsok.org
✨ Why This Episode MattersThis episode is a reminder that prevention starts with conversation. When young people have access to trustworthy information — and adults willing to listen without judgment — safety and resilience follow.
🎧 Fostering Change continues next week with another powerful conversation.
Thank you for being part of a community committed to protecting, educating, and supporting young people — especially when the topics are hard, but the stakes are high.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As we continue an exciting new year of Fostering Change, this episode centers on possibility — what happens when lived experience, research, and belief in young people come together to rewrite outcomes.
This week, Rob Scheer is joined by Dr. (Candidate) Shanté Elliott, a learning scientist, social innovator, and founder of TasselTurn — an organization reimagining how children in foster care and students experiencing housing insecurity move through school, graduation, and the transition to adulthood.
Having experienced foster care herself, Shanté brings rare and powerful insight to her work. She blends academic research, technology, and deep empathy to help children in foster care not only stay in school, but truly see themselves as capable, worthy, and supported.
What began in 2020 with a $300 grant has grown into a nationally recognized platform connecting young people with coaching, mentorship, and meaningful incentives tied to educational milestones.
Now a PhD candidate at Northwestern University, Shanté has been recognized as a Forbes Changemaker, L’Oréal Paris Woman of Worth, and Echoing Green Fellow, with her work featured in Forbes, The Imprint, and Reader’s Digest. In this conversation, she shares how education — when paired with trust and opportunity — can become a powerful pathway to stability, confidence, and economic mobility for children in foster care.
🎧 Episode Highlights
Education & Foster Care
The real barriers children in foster care face in completing high school and navigating what comes next — and why traditional systems often fall short.
The TasselTurn Model
How personalized coaching, milestone-based incentives, and digital tools keep children in foster care engaged and supported.
Tech for Good
Using technology to track progress, close equity gaps, and create accountability that centers student success.
Lived Experience as Leadership
How Shanté’s own foster care journey informs her research, innovation, and belief in changing — not “beating” — the odds.
Why It Matters
The long-term impact of investing in education as a tool to disrupt cycles of poverty and instability for children in foster care.
Shanté Elliott is a learning scientist, social entrepreneur, and founder of TasselTurn — a national platform supporting children in foster care and students experiencing housing insecurity through key educational milestones. A former child in foster care and first-generation college graduate, she is currently a PhD candidate at Northwestern University, where her research focuses on educational identity and narrative.
Since launching TasselTurn in 2020 with just $300, Shanté has built a nationally recognized organization rooted in the belief that young people deserve more than survival — they deserve systems designed for their success.
🔗 Connect with Shanté & TasselTurn
Website: www.tasselturn.org
Instagram: @tasselturn
LinkedIn: TasselTurn
✨ Why This Episode Matters
This conversation is a powerful reminder that when we stop asking children in foster care to overcome broken systems — and instead commit to changing those systems — futures shift. Shanté Elliott isn’t just turning tassels; she’s helping young people step into adulthood with confidence, support, and real opportunity.
🎧 Fostering Change continues next week with another powerful conversation as Season 7 unfolds. Thank you for listening, believing, and being part of a community that shows up for children in foster care — not just in words, but in action.
If you have questions or a guest suggestion, please reach out to our producer at dthalberg@comfortcases.org.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Happy New Year from all of us at Fostering Change! We hope you had a joyful holiday season filled with rest, connection, and moments that centered what matters most. As we step into 2026 together, we’re excited to continue bringing you meaningful conversations that uplift, educate, and inspire. Season 7 is already shaping up to be one of our most impactful yet — and we’re thrilled to kick off the year with today’s guest.
🎙 Introduction
This week, Rob Scheer is joined by Dr. Brandi Kelly, an award-winning educator, licensed clinical social worker, leadership coach, and founder of Spark HOPE Edu. For more than 20 years, Dr. Kelly has served children and families as a school social worker, principal, and superintendent, always guided by her belief in the transformative power of H.O.P.E. — Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence.
Her approach blends emotional wellness, compassionate leadership, and practical tools that empower students — especially those experiencing trauma, foster care, or instability — to build resilience and recognize their inherent worth. Through Spark HOPE Edu and her coaching programs, Dr. Kelly now equips caregivers, educators, and community leaders to create environments where every child feels safe, supported, and capable of thriving.
Her message is the perfect way to begin a new year: intentional, uplifting, and rooted in the belief that we can all lead with hope.
Main Topic / Theme
How Dr. Kelly’s H.O.P.E. framework cultivates resilience, emotional wellness, and confidence in children — particularly those who have experienced trauma — by equipping the adults who support them to lead with compassion, clarity, and purpose.
Key Discussion Points
Resilience Through H.O.P.E.
How Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence help youth overcome adversity and build self-worth.
Education + Healing
Why collaboration between educators, caregivers, and social workers is essential for children in foster or kinship care.
Leadership for Youth
Helping children see themselves as leaders regardless of their circumstances.
Coaching for Connection
Dr. Kelly’s January 2026 six-week cohort designed to help adults strengthen resilience and relational skills using the H.O.P.E. model.
Guest Bio
Dr. Brandi Kelly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, award-winning educator, and founder of Spark HOPE Edu. Over her two-decade career, she has served as a school social worker, principal, and superintendent — earning multiple leadership awards. Her H.O.P.E. framework (Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, Excellence) provides a roadmap for helping youth—and the adults who guide them—build resilience and belonging. She is the author of Lead with H.O.P.E. and host of the Lead with HOPE podcast.
Connect with Dr. Kelly
Website: www.sparkhopeedu.com
Facebook: @LTW24
Instagram: @leadwithhope.23
LinkedIn: Dr. Brandi Kelly
✨ A New Year Note from Fostering Change
As we launch into 2026, we want to thank you — our listeners — for being part of this powerful community. We hope your holiday season was restful and meaningful, and that this new year brings purpose, possibility, and renewed hope.
We’re excited to continue this incredible Season 7 journey with you. Fostering Change returns next Tuesday with another inspiring conversation as we work together to support children, families, and caregivers across the country.
Here’s to a year of compassion, courage, and making a difference — one story, one act, and one child at a time.
Happy New Year, and thank you for being GOOD HUMANS. 🎉
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As we close out an extraordinary year of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer welcomes Becky Santoro, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Foster Village Charlotte — a nonprofit reshaping foster care by focusing on the people raising and supporting children every day: foster, kinship, and birth families.
A former educator and foster parent herself, Becky witnessed firsthand how overwhelmed and isolated caregivers can feel. She also saw something powerful: children thrive when the adults caring for them are supported, equipped, and connected. That realization led her to co-found Foster Village Charlotte in 2018 — a community-driven model that has since expanded nationwide through a growing network of Foster Village affiliates.
Today, Becky and her team not only serve families across the Charlotte region, but also coach and mentor emerging affiliates across the U.S., helping communities build their own “village” of wraparound care. From practical resources to emotional connection to dignified, trauma-informed visitation spaces, Foster Village is reimagining what it means to care for children by caring for the caregivers who love them.
🎙️ In This Episode, Rob and Becky Discuss:
• Why Foster Village exists and how it bridges gaps between foster, kinship, and birth families
• The powerful connection between caregiver support and positive child outcomes
• The Connection Cottage — a trauma-informed, dignified visitation center helping families reconnect
• How Foster Village Charlotte coaches and mentors new affiliates nationwide
• The Foster the Movement year-end funding campaign supporting urgent needs into 2026
• What resilience, compassion, and community look like in action — and what gives Becky hope for the future
This uplifting conversation is the perfect way to wrap up 2025 — rooted in gratitude, connection, and the reminder that we build stronger futures when we build them together.
👤 Guest Bio
Becky Santoro is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Foster Village Charlotte, an organization providing holistic support for foster, kinship, and birth families. Since 2018, Becky has grown Foster Village Charlotte into a cornerstone of community care while mentoring new Foster Village affiliates across the country. Her work strengthens families, builds community, and empowers children to thrive.
🔗 Connect with Foster Village Charlotte
🌐 Website: https://www.fostervillagecharlotte.org
💙 Foster the Movement Year-End Campaign:
https://www.fostervillagecharlotte.org/foster-the-movement-2025
📘 Facebook: Foster Village Charlotte
📸 Instagram: @fostervillagecharlotte
💼 LinkedIn: Foster Village Charlotte
🎄 From Our Family to Yours — Happy New Year!
As we celebrate this holiday season, we wish you a New Year filled with hope, compassion, and community.
Thank you for listening, sharing, and helping raise awareness for children and families impacted by foster care.
✨ Fostering Change returns next Tuesday as we continue an incredible Season 7.
More powerful conversations. More inspiring leaders. More reminders of the change we can create together.
Until then — thank you for being GOOD HUMANS.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As we head into Christmas week, Fostering Change brings you an extraordinary story of resilience, determination, and transformation.
Rob Scheer is joined by Carolyn Aronson, founder and CEO of It’s A 10 Haircare — one of the most successful Latina-owned beauty brands in the world.
Carolyn’s journey began in foster care, where she learned independence, grit, and perseverance at a young age. From those early experiences, she built a career as a hairstylist and salon owner before creating a single product that would change the beauty industry forever. Today, It’s A 10 Haircare is a billion-dollar global brand, selling more than 10 million bottles annually in over 130 countries, and inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Beyond her business success, Carolyn is a devoted philanthropist whose generosity supports foster care organizations, youth empowerment, LGBTQ+ advocacy, disaster relief efforts, and workforce development programs. Her message is simple yet powerful: success isn’t measured only by what you build — but by how you give back.
In this inspiring conversation, Rob and Carolyn explore how her time in foster care shaped her vision, the creation and growth of an iconic global brand, and why purpose and philanthropy remain central to her work.
In this episode, Rob and Carolyn discuss:
How Carolyn’s early experiences in foster care fueled her ambition and compassion
The creation and explosive growth of It’s A 10 Haircare
Building a billion-dollar company rooted in authenticity, quality, and empowerment
High-profile collaborations with DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Travis Kelce, Tyson Beckford, and more
Her commitment to philanthropy — from pandemic aid to wildfire relief to youth empowerment
The upcoming 20th anniversary of It’s A 10 in 2026
Carolyn’s forthcoming book on beauty, confidence, and perseverance
About Carolyn Aronson
Carolyn Aronson is a self-made Latina billionaire, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. After navigating the foster care system, she built It’s A 10 Haircare into a global beauty powerhouse now valued at over $1 billion. Her Rewind It 10 men’s line has earned national attention through celebrity collaborations, and she has donated millions in products and funding to causes nationwide. Carolyn continues to inspire through her message of grit, generosity, and reinvention.
Connect with Carolyn:
🌐 Website: www.itsa10haircare.com
📸 Instagram: @itsa10ceo
🎄 From all of us at Fostering Change, we wish a very Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, and a joyful and peaceful holiday season to all.
🎙️ Don’t miss our final episode of 2025, airing next week — a special year-end conversation you won’t want to miss.
🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share. Your support helps us continue lifting up stories that inspire real change.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on Fostering Change, Rob welcomes a cherished friend and longtime champion of Comfort Cases — actress, producer, author, and foster care advocate Jen Lilley.
While millions know Jen from her work in television and film, her most meaningful role has been off-camera: as a foster and adoptive mother deeply committed to supporting children and families in crisis. Jen recently served as emcee for the 2025 Fostering Futures Gala — her second time hosting Comfort Cases’ signature event — and continues to use her platform to elevate foster care awareness nationwide.
In this heartfelt conversation, Rob and Jen dive into themes of faith, courage, storytelling, and the transformational impact fostering has had on Jen’s life. They also explore her book, Wake Up Your Faith, and her upcoming 2026 release, Called to Foster?
In this episode, Rob and Jen discuss:
• Why Jen remains deeply committed to Comfort Cases and the foster care community
• Her book Wake Up Your Faith and the message she hopes readers embrace
• Called to Foster?, a forthcoming guide for prospective foster parents
• What fostering and adopting two children taught her about love, patience, and identity
• How Jen balances motherhood, advocacy, and a thriving entertainment career
• The responsibility and privilege of using her platform to inspire compassion
• Practical encouragement for anyone considering fostering or adoption
⸻
Guest Bio
Jen Lilley is an award-winning actress, producer, author, and passionate child welfare advocate. She has appeared in an Academy Award–winning film, starred in multiple Emmy-winning series, and featured in a wide range of beloved movies. Off-screen, Jen is a devoted mother to two children adopted from foster care and a powerful voice for families navigating the child welfare system. She is the author of Wake Up Your Faith and the upcoming Called to Foster?, arriving May 2026. Jen is also a treasured supporter of Comfort Cases and recently served as emcee for the 2025 Fostering Futures Gala.
⸻
Connect with Jen
Website: www.jenlilley.com
Facebook: facebook.com/JenLilleyOfficial
Instagram: @Jen_Lilley
X (Twitter): @Jen_Lilley
🎧 After you listen, please like, comment, and share the episode to help us continue raising awareness for children in foster care.
📅 New episodes of Fostering Change drop every Tuesday.
Questions or guest suggestions? Email dthalberg@comfortcases.org
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As we move deeper into the holiday season, Fostering Change continues to shine a light on the small acts of kindness that create powerful, lasting impact. This week, Rob Scheer sits down with his longtime friend Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) — a nonprofit built on one simple mission: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.”
What started in 2012, when Luke built a single bed for a family in need, has grown into a global movement. Today, SHP has 400+ chapters across 46 states and 4 countries, and has delivered nearly 300,000 beds to children who would otherwise be sleeping on the floor.
As Luke shares:
“When I found out a child was sleeping on a pile of clothes, it changed me. I realized I could sit there and do nothing, or I could get my feet on the ground and build another bed.”
SHP empowers communities to take action by building beds locally, training new chapters, and helping neighbors come together through service — proving that every community can solve this issue in its own backyard.
In this episode, Rob and Luke discuss:
How one small idea grew into a global movement
The often unseen crisis of child bedlessness
SHP’s “Humans Helping Humans” approach to volunteerism
What it takes to start a chapter in your own community
Why staying focused on a simple mission fuels sustainable growth
Luke’s story is a powerful reminder that transformative change often begins with a single decision to help someone else.
👉 Learn more & get involved:
Website: www.shpbeds.org
Facebook: facebook.com/SHPLuke
Instagram: instagram.com/lukemickelson
X: x.com/ShpLuke
🎧 After listening, please like, comment, and share the episode so more people can join the mission to ensure no child in your town sleeps on the floor.
For guest suggestions or questions, email dthalberg@comfortcases.org.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Dionna Carter, founder of the Foster Teen Christmas Outreach, an initiative that began in 2019 and has now raised more than $1.3 million in gift cards for teens in foster care. As Dionna explains, “Teens are often forgotten during the holidays — everyone wants to buy toys for the little kids, but teens also want to feel included and seen.”
What started with one county has grown into a statewide movement, driven by simple generosity and community partnership. Each year, thousands of youth receive gift cards that offer dignity, autonomy, and a reminder that their community cares.
Dionna also leads the Foster Hope Holiday Fest, happening Sunday, December 7 in Columbus, Ohio — a resource fair designed to support youth preparing to age out of foster care. “We wanted to be a bridge,” Dionna shares, “because so many teens lose support networks as they age out. This event shows them that help is available.”
In this episode, Rob and Dionna discuss:
How a small idea grew into a statewide giving movement
Why gift cards matter for teens in foster care during the holidays
The impact of the Foster Hope Holiday Fest and how the community can participate
How listeners anywhere can start similar outreach efforts in their own counties
Dionna’s message is simple and powerful: “Even if you impact one youth, it is so worth it.”
Learn More & Support:
Foster Hope Holiday Fest – December 7, Columbus, OH
https://onedotchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3054175
Website: www.dionnacarter.com
Instagram: @FlyAndShyyy
Facebook: Dionna Carter
LinkedIn: Dionna Carter
🎧 After you listen, please like, comment, and share the episode to help spread hope and support to teens who need it most this holiday season.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
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As we close out National Adoption Awareness Month, Fostering Change honors the advocates, parents, and changemakers who work to ensure every child waiting in foster care finds a permanent, loving family.
This week, host Rob Scheer welcomes back Marcy Bursac, nationally recognized adoption advocate, author, podcast host, and adoptive mom. After adopting siblings from foster care, Marcy founded The Forgotten Adoption Option, developed free tools used by over 12,000 prospective parents, and launched a national reading program to help normalize adoption conversations in schools.
Her new book, It’s Okay to Talk About Adoption, invites people to open their hearts and conversations—because when we talk about adoption, we help waiting children find families faster.
In this episode, Rob and Marcy explore:
Why conversations matter
“There are more than 100,000 children in U.S. foster care waiting for adoption—and many adults do not know adoption from foster care is often free. Awareness can change outcomes.”
The Forgotten Adoption Option
How her nonprofit breaks down barriers and helps families navigate adoption with clarity and confidence.
Her new book
“We need to give people permission to talk about adoption—without fear, stigma, or shame.”
Marcy’s message is powerful:
“Every time someone starts a conversation about adoption, a waiting child or sibling group moves one step closer to a permanent family.”
Book Release Update
It’s Okay to Talk About Adoption is now available in audiobook and eBook formats. Paperback pre-orders are open through January 15, 2026.
Purchase links:
Kindle: https://bit.ly/4oDvifp
BookBaby: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/it%E2%80%99s-okay-to-talk-about-adoption
Audiobook available on Apple Books, Google Play, Chirp, eStories, Hoopla, OverDrive, and Everand.
Learn More
Website: www.forgottenadoptionoption.org
Instagram: @marcybursac | @forgottenadoptionoption
After listening, please like, comment, and share our podcast. Your support helps expand the conversation and bring awareness to the thousands of children waiting in foster care.
As we conclude National Adoption Awareness Month, we invite you to keep talking—in your homes, schools, and communities. Every conversation helps move a child closer to belonging.
New episodes release every Tuesday. Questions, comments, or guest suggestions: dthalberg@comfortcases.org
Thank you for listening and for being a good human.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As Fostering Change continues our celebration of National Adoption Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the voices reshaping what adoption looks like in America—and making it more equitable, inclusive, and accessible for all families.
This week, host Rob Scheer sits down with Becky Fawcett, founder of Helpusadopt.org, a national nonprofit adoption grant program helping thousands of families overcome the financial barriers to adoption. What began in Becky’s New York City apartment in 2007 has grown into a multimillion-dollar organization that has transformed countless lives—and this month, Helpusadopt.org celebrates its 18th anniversary.
Becky’s own adoption journey—welcoming her daughters Jane and Brooke—inspired a lifelong commitment to changing a system that makes building a family so difficult for so many. Her mission is simple and powerful: every child deserves a loving, permanent home, and no parent should be prevented from adopting because of cost.
In this inspiring conversation, Rob and Becky discuss:
• The personal story behind Helpusadopt.org—and how one mother’s vision became a national movement for adoption equality.
• The staggering financial realities of adoption and how these costs prevent too many children from finding homes.
• What it means for Helpusadopt.org to reach its 18-year milestone—and how its impact continues to grow across all 50 states.
• The importance of inclusion and diversity in adoption: “Love makes a family—not money, not zip codes, not who you love or where you come from.”
• How you can help ensure that more families can adopt—and that every child waiting for a home has the chance to thrive.
Becky’s story reminds us that changing the world doesn’t always start in a boardroom. Sometimes, it begins at a kitchen table—fueled by love, determination, and the belief that every child deserves a family.
👉 Learn more about Becky Fawcett & Helpusadopt.org:
Website: www.helpusadopt.org
Facebook: facebook.com/helpusadopt.org
Instagram: @helpusadopt
TikTok: @helpusadopt
LinkedIn: Helpusadopt.org
🎧 Enjoying the episode?
Please like, comment, and share the podcast! Your support helps us reach more listeners who want to learn about these important topics.
New episodes of Fostering Change drop every Tuesday.
Questions, comments, or guest suggestions? Email us at: dthalberg@comfortcases.org
As we continue through National Adoption Awareness Month, visit comfortcases.org to learn more about our mission, our partnerships, and how you can make a difference—because when we invest in families, we invest in a brighter future for every child.
Thank you for listening—and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This November, Fostering Change continues our special series for National Adoption Awareness Month, celebrating families formed through adoption and raising awareness about the unique needs of children in foster and kinship care.
Throughout the month, we’re spotlighting extraordinary advocates, educators, and parents who are helping every child feel safe, seen, and supported.
We also invite you to join Comfort Cases’ 2nd Annual “Coats for a Cause” Drive, hosted by CNN’s Laura Coates.
Our goal is to collect 500 brand-new coats for youth in need this winter.
Every coat donated provides warmth, dignity, and comfort to a child or teen who needs it most.
Learn more and get involved at: https://www.comfortcases.org/lauracoates
🎙️ This Episode: Featuring Laura Adams, Founder & President of iCARE4 Adoptive And Foster Families (iCARE4AAFF)
With more than 30 years in education and nonprofit leadership—and as the mother of four daughters, including two adopted internationally—Laura Adams is on a mission to ensure that every school is equipped to meet the emotional and learning needs of adoptive, foster, and kinship children.
Through iCARE’s professional development programs and her innovative Connection Kits™, Laura is helping educators build trauma-informed, healing-centered schools where connection leads to confidence—and where children not only learn but thrive.
💬 In This Conversation:
• The urgent need for trauma-informed professional development in schools
“Adopted, foster, and kinship children make up nearly 15% of our classrooms, yet most educators have never received any formal training on how to support them.”
• Why connection—not compliance—is the foundation for learning
“Children who feel safe and seen are children who can learn.”
• How Connection Kits™ are transforming classrooms nationwide
• The power of collaboration between schools, families, and child welfare professionals
“When we work together, we create communities of belonging—and connected, we thrive.”
Laura’s insights remind us that healing often begins in the classroom.
By equipping teachers with shared language and the right tools, we can build schools that don’t just educate—but nurture.
🌐 Connect with Laura Adams & iCARE4AAFF
Website: https://icare4aaff.org
Facebook: https://facebook.com/iCARE4AAFF
Instagram: https://instagram.com/icare4aaff
LinkedIn: Laura Adams – iCARE4AAFF
🎧 After you listen:
Like, comment, and share this episode! Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue spreading awareness about these vital topics.
📅 New episodes every Tuesday — subscribe so you never miss an inspiring story.
Questions, comments, or guest suggestions?
Email us at dthalberg@comfortcases.org
💙 Thank you for listening — and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to the first episode of Fostering Change for National Adoption Awareness Month—a month dedicated to celebrating families formed through adoption and raising awareness of the thousands of children still waiting for their forever homes. As we move toward National Adoption Day on November 22, we’ll be sharing special conversations all month long.
We also invite you to visit comfortcases.org to explore how Comfort Cases is celebrating this important month through meaningful partnerships and programs—including our 2nd Annual “Coats for Comfort” Coat Drive, ensuring every child in foster care has warmth, dignity, and hope this winter.
Today, our host Rob Scheer welcomes back one of our favorite guests, Peter Mutabazi—author, speaker, and founder of Now I Am Known. Many of you know Peter as the “Foster Dad Flipper,” a man who has opened his home and heart to more than 40 foster children and adopted three. He joins us again to talk about his brand-new book, Love Does Not Conquer All, a raw and beautiful reflection on the realities of foster care, parenting children with trauma, and learning that love—while powerful—is only the beginning.
In this deeply moving episode, Rob and Peter discuss:
How to love children for who they truly are, not who we hope they’ll become.
Why every child needs at least one adult they can call, depend on, and trust.
How to prepare kids for independence by teaching life skills—“Every foster parent should give their kids the tools to survive when they’re on their own: laundry, banking, cooking, confidence.”
The importance of empathy and connection—“Empathy isn’t in our DNA,” Rob shares. “It must be taught.”
Peter’s wish for the system: “I wish I could foster a family before a child is taken—mentor parents the way we mentor kids. Imagine the change if we did for parents what we do in foster care.”
How to handle the heartbreak of goodbyes when a child leaves your home: “Be the uncle. Stay in their life. Don’t disappear.”
This conversation reminds us that parenting, in all its forms, is an act of courage, consistency, and unconditional care. And don’t miss the end—there’s a heart-warming surprise you’ll want to experience for yourself.
👉 Learn more about Peter Mutabazi and his mission:
Website: petermutabazi.com
Book: Love Does Not Conquer All (available wherever books are sold)
Organization: Now I Am Known
Facebook: Peter Mutabaz
Instagram: @fosterdadflipper
🎧 After you listen to this episode, please remember to “like” and comment and also share our podcast. We look to you—our loyal listeners—to help us grow our audience so more people can listen and learn about these vital topics.
And remember: we’re back every Tuesday with a new episode of Fostering Change. If you have questions, comments, or guest suggestions, please email us at dthalberg@comfortcases.org.
As we celebrate National Adoption Awareness Month, we invite you to honor the families who open their hearts and homes—and to remember the thousands of children still waiting for theirs. Together, we can make sure every child knows they are seen, valued, and loved.
Thank you for listening—and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
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Advisory: This episode includes sensitive discussion about addiction, family estrangement, and emotional loss.
This week on Fostering Change, host Rob Scheer welcomes back two dear friends — Julie and David Bulitt — for one of the most personal and moving conversations of the season. Rob and his husband Reece have known the Bulitts for many years, and their honesty, humor, and heart have made them audience favorites.
Julie is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 30 years of experience in family therapy, and David is a leading family-law attorney in the D.C. metro area who has spent decades helping parents and children navigate painful transitions. Together, they’ve raised four daughters, built nearly 40 years of marriage, co-authored two acclaimed books (The Five Core Conversations for Couples and Secrets of Strong Couples), and co-host the podcast Conversations for Couples.
In this emotional and thought-provoking episode, Rob, Julie, and David explore what it means to lose a child while they’re still alive — to addiction, estrangement, or emotional distance — and how families can begin to heal.
Topics discussed include:
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Ambiguous loss: Grieving a child who is still living and learning to coexist with that pain.
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Addiction and family systems: How substance use can fracture relationships, redefine love, and challenge every parent’s hope.
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Parenting through heartbreak: “We can love our children fiercely and still have to let go,” Julie shares. “Healing doesn’t mean forgetting — it means finding peace with what is.”
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Balancing love and self-protection: “You reach a point where love also means protecting yourself and your family from chaos,” David reflects.
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Hope beyond the silence: Grace, therapy, and community as pathways to reconnection.
This episode is a testament to honesty, empathy, and the complicated beauty of parenthood. If you or someone you love is struggling with a similar loss, may this conversation offer comfort and understanding.
👉 Learn more about Julie & David Bulitt:Website: www.thebulitts.comPodcast: Conversations for CouplesFacebook: @TheBulittsInstagram: @thebulittsTikTok: @thebulitts
🎧 After you listen, please like, comment, and share this episode so more families can discover stories of resilience, hope, and healing.
We’re back every Tuesday with a new episode of Fostering Change.
Have a guest suggestion or feedback? Email us at dthalberg@comfortcases.org.
Next week, we kick off our National Adoption Awareness Month series — celebrating families built through love and the thousands of children still waiting for theirs.
Thank you for listening — and for being a GOOD HUMAN. 💙
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
⚠️ Advisory: This episode includes discussion of child abuse and family trauma.
Welcome to this week’s episode of Fostering Change, where host Rob Scheer speaks with Susan Chesnutt — a family law attorney, child welfare advocate, and former foster youth based in Vero Beach, Florida.
Susan’s journey is one of resilience and purpose. After growing up in the foster care system, she became a child abuse investigator for Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF), then earned her law degree and founded The Chesnutt Law Firm, focusing exclusively on child welfare and family law. She also hosts the podcast From Foster Care to Family Law: A Child Welfare Focus, where she and her guests unpack the toughest issues facing families today.
In this powerful conversation, Rob and Susan explore:
✅ Lived experience as a foundation for advocacy.
“I know what it’s like to feel powerless in a system that’s supposed to protect you. That’s why I fight so hard to make sure every child—and every parent—has a voice.”
✅ What really happens inside a DCF investigation.
Susan breaks down the process from the inside, reminding families that “you have rights, even when it feels like you don’t.”
✅ Why empathy matters in family law.
Her trauma-informed approach prioritizes safety, healing, and understanding over blame.
✅ A call for systemic change.
“We can’t fix the child welfare system until we start valuing families instead of labeling them. Real reform begins with compassion.”
Susan’s unique perspective—combining lived experience, government service, and legal advocacy—shows how justice and empathy must go hand in hand.
👉 Learn more about Susan Chesnutt:
🌐 thechesnuttlawfirm.com
🎧 After you listen: Please like, comment, and share this episode! Your support helps us reach more people and amplify these vital conversations.
🗓 New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Questions, comments, or guest suggestions? Please email us at dthalberg@comfortcases.org.
💙 Thank you for listening—and for being a GOOD HUMAN.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
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CONTENT WARNING: ADULT/DISTURBING THEMES — ABUSE & VIOLENCE
Welcome to this week’s episode of Fostering Change. Our host, Rob Scheer, sits down with an extraordinary guest — Baron Li, co-owner of Four Tiers Contracting and founder of the CKMD Army.
Baron’s journey is one of unimaginable pain, resilience, and redemption. A former foster youth who endured 17 placements and severe childhood abuse — including being burned with a clothing iron and cigarettes at just three years old — Baron later survived an attempted murder-for-hire plot that left him shot nine times. Yet, through it all, he transformed trauma into purpose.
Today, Baron is building homes and hope through Four Tiers Contracting, employing and mentoring aged-out foster youth, and expanding CKMD Army — a nationwide movement uniting the foster care community with a 50-state resource network.
In this powerful and emotional conversation, Rob and Baron discuss:
How a childhood marked by violence and instability shaped Baron’s mission to help others rebuild their lives
His incredible survival story: “I was shot nine times, left for dead — but I chose not to be a victim. I chose to live, to forgive, and to give back.”
How Four Tiers Contracting provides aged-out foster youth with steady employment, mentorship, and a pathway to independence
The vision behind CKMD Army (Can’t Keep Me Down) — a 50-state foster care resource network empowering youth, families, and advocates nationwide
Why Baron believes resilience is forged through service — and that “purpose is the only thing stronger than pain.”
Baron Li’s story is a testament to the human spirit — proof that even after the darkest moments, there is light. Trauma can shape us, but it never has to define who we become.
👉 Learn more about Baron Li and his work:
All Links: linktr.ee/baronbli
LinkedIn: CKMD Army
🎧 After you listen, please “like,” comment, and share the episode. Your support helps us reach more listeners and shine a light on vital conversations like this.
Fostering Change releases new episodes every Tuesday.
Questions, comments, or guest suggestions? Please email us at dthalberg@comfortcases.org.
Thank you for listening — and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
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This week on Fostering Change, host Rob Scheer welcomes Tracey Heisler, Executive Director of CASA of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties (CASA SHaW) in New Jersey.
CASA—Court Appointed Special Advocates—ensures that children in the child welfare system have a voice in the courtroom and access to the support they need to thrive.
With nearly two decades of leadership at CASA SHaW, Tracey shares:
💬 How CASA changes lives: “Kids with a CASA do better in school, get services faster, and have someone in their corner when everyone else changes.”
⚖️ The danger of funding cuts that could silence advocacy for vulnerable children.
🤝 The critical role of volunteers and how you can step up to be that one stable, consistent advocate.
💙 Tracey’s personal journey from foster parent to nonprofit leader—and what it’s taught her about resilience and compassion.
Her message is clear: Advocacy isn’t optional—it’s essential. And CASA’s fight today is every child’s fight.
👉 Learn more about CASA SHaW and how to get involved:
Website: www.casashaw.org
Facebook: facebook.com/CASASHaW
Instagram: instagram.com/casa_shaw
Email: info@casashaw.org
🎧 Like, comment, and share this episode to help us spread awareness and inspire change.
📅 New episodes of Fostering Change drop every Tuesday!
For questions or guest suggestions, email: dthalberg@comfortcases.org
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
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Welcome to a special Best of Edition of Fostering Change! Originally aired during National Foster Care Awareness Month, this powerful conversation is worth revisiting.
In this episode, host Rob Scheer sits down with the incredible Charell Star—author, speaker, and foster care advocate. Many first discovered Charell through her moving feature in Humans of New York. Now she returns to share wisdom from her brilliant new book, Trash Bag Tales and Other Stories from an Accidentally Happy Life.
Her story is raw, funny, and deeply empowering—proving that resilience, joy, and self-discovery can grow from even the hardest beginnings.
👉 In this conversation, Rob and Charell explore:
How humor and honesty can reshape the way the world sees foster care stories
The journey behind Trash Bag Tales and turning pain into empowerment
Why the award-winning documentary Feeling Wanted is used in child welfare training worldwide
What it means to move beyond survival and claim the life you deserve
✨ Learn more about Charell Star:
📖 Book: Trash Bag Tales and Other Stories from an Accidentally Happy Life → https://www.amazon.com/Trash-Bag-Tales-Other-Accidentally/dp/1646639741
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charellstar
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charellstar
📖 Humans of New York Feature: https://www.humansofnewyork.com/post/618907346047008768
🎧 If you’re new to Fostering Change or a long-time listener, don’t miss this inspiring episode!
Please like, comment, and share to help spread these stories of hope and dignity.
New episodes release every Tuesday—stay tuned and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN. 💙
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
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Welcome to this week’s episode of Fostering Change, hosted by Rob Scheer. 💙
Today’s guest is Dr. Danisha Keating—author, speaker, and former foster youth whose journey from heartbreak to healing is nothing short of extraordinary. At just 16, CPS workers separated her from her eight siblings and handed her a trash bag with five minutes to pack her life. By 24, she became the guardian of her five younger siblings, choosing resilience and purpose over despair.
Dr. Keating is the bestselling author of Taking My Voice Back: Healing What Broke Me and From Foster to PhD. In this powerful conversation, she and Rob dive into:
✨ How to heal from trauma, shame, and blame
✨ The importance of protecting your story while still speaking your truth
✨ The systemic barriers youth in foster care face—including files that hold pieces of their own lives
✨ Why education became her lifeline and how she stepped boldly into her future
Her story is proof that no matter what you’ve lived through, you have the power to write the next chapter. As Dr. Keating reminds us: “When you’re in foster care, the courts and the files decide your story — not you. That’s why I had to learn how to take my voice back.”
👉 Learn more about Dr. Danisha Keating:
🌐 Website: danishakeating.com
📱 Instagram: @drdanishakeating
📘 Facebook: Danisha Keating
▶️ YouTube: The Dr. Danisha Keating Show
🎵 TikTok: @drdanishakeating
🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this episode to help us reach more listeners.
We’re back every Tuesday with new conversations on Fostering Change. For guest suggestions or feedback, please email us at dthalberg@comfortcases.org.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
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What started with one simple question—“What can I do with my old bras?”—turned into a global movement. 🌍
In this inspiring episode of Fostering Change, host Rob Scheer is joined by Dana Marlowe, founder of I Support the Girls and Accessibility Partners. Dana’s work provides dignity to marginalized women and youth through access to bras, new underwear, and menstrual hygiene products.
Together, Dana and Rob discuss:
✨ How to start a nonprofit and build strong partnerships with other grassroots organizations
✨ The importance of supporting youth and building confidence through dignity
✨ The powerful partnership between Comfort Cases and I Support the Girls
✨ ISTG’s upcoming 10-year anniversary in July 🎉
As a human rights advocate, Dana has dedicated her life to amplifying the voices of invisible populations while also making technology more inclusive for people with disabilities.
When she isn’t sorting hygiene products or striving for equity, you’ll find her cheering at her sons’ sports games, walking her Silver Lab, or even at early morning dance raves.
💙 Follow I Support the Girls:
Website: http://www.isupportthegirls.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SupportTheGirlsandWomen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isupportthegirls/?hl=en
Twitter/X: https://x.com/i_support_girls?lang=en
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@isupportthegirls
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@isupportthegirls?lang=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/29214127/admin/dashboard/
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
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Today is International FASD Awareness Day, a day that deserves our full attention. On this powerful episode of Fostering Change, host Rob Scheer is joined by Patricia (Patti) Kasper, a Neurobehavioral Coach and Trainer who discovered she had FASD as an adult.
Patti’s story is one of resilience and advocacy. After learning about her diagnosis, she shifted her work to focus on the 15 million U.S. adults living with undiagnosed FASD, bringing awareness, education, and hope to those who may not even realize how deeply FASD affects their lives.
In this conversation, you’ll hear:
✨ Patti’s personal journey of discovery and healing
✨ The hidden challenges of adults living with undiagnosed FASD
✨ How Rob’s own connection to FASD fuels Comfort Cases’ mission
✨ The importance of spreading awareness on International FASD Awareness Day
Patti is also the host of the podcast Living with FASD and author of Sip by Sip: Candid Conversation with Adults Living with FASD. You can find her book here: books.by/yourfasdcoach.
🔗 Connect with Patti Kasper:
Facebook: facebook.com/Patricia.Kasper.Your.FASD.Coach
Instagram: instagram.com/patriciakasperthefasdcoach
Threads: threads.com/patriciakasperthefasdcoach
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patricia-kasper
Email: contact@patriciakasper.com
📢 After listening, please leave us a review—it helps us reach more people and continue these important conversations. Have guest suggestions or questions? Email our producer: dthalberg@comfortcases.org.
💙 Thank you for supporting Fostering Change. Together, we can bring dignity and hope to children and families everywhere.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
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Welcome to Season 7 of Fostering Change!
Believe it or not, this is our 243rd episode — and it’s all thanks to YOU and your support. Starting this season, new episodes will drop every Tuesday, just like you requested!
👉 We’d love your help: after watching/listening, please leave a review. It takes just a minute and makes a huge difference with the “mysterious algorithm,” helping us share our incredible guests with even more people.
🌟 Today’s Guest: Bob Dalton
We’re kicking off Season 7 with our friend and Comfort Cases supporter, Bob Dalton — founder of Sackcloth & Ashes, the company behind stunning Italian-made blankets. For every blanket sold, one is donated to a local shelter. Bob and his team have already given countless blankets to Comfort Cases, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
In this episode, Rob and Bob dive into:
Why community matters now more than ever
How Sackcloth & Ashes is transforming giving with a one-for-one model
Bob’s exciting new app LOCL, designed to reconnect us with our neighbors, groups, and events nearby
💡 More About Bob:
Bob Dalton is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and social designer on a mission to reclaim human connection in the digital age. Named a Forbes Changemaker and CNN Champion of Change, he’s donated hundreds of thousands of blankets through Sackcloth & Ashes and now, through LOCL, is building digital tools to help people connect locally.
📌 Learn More:
🌐 sackclothandashes.com
🌐 locl.com
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
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Welcome to our final Best of Summer episode of Fostering Change! 🌟 Next week kicks off Season 7 (premiering Tuesday, September 2) and—by popular demand—we’re back to WEEKLY episodes.
This week, Rob Scheer is joined by:
👩💼 Jennifer Perry – Co-Founder of FosterMore & Executive Director of Children’s Action Network
📚 Lara Love Hardin – FosterMorey Award Winner & New York Times bestselling author of The Many Lives of Mama Love (an Oprah Book Club pick!)
Lara opens up about her journey through addiction, incarceration, and the painful separation from her children—and how she rebuilt her life through resilience, recovery, and storytelling. Together, Rob, Jennifer, and Lara shine a light on the foster care system, the power of second chances, and the urgent need to support youth in care.
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | wherever you get your podcasts!
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
📅 Don’t miss it: In honor of National Foster Care Awareness Month, new episodes will be released every Tuesday in May.
🌐 Learn more & support our mission: www.comfortcases.org
📌 More Information:
Children’s Action Network
FosterMore
📱 Follow & Connect:
Children’s Action Network: Instagram @childrensactionnetwork | X @childrensaction | Facebook Children’s Action Network
FosterMore: Instagram @foster_more | X @fostermore | Facebook FosterMore
Lara Love Hardin: Instagram @laralovehardin | Facebook Lara Love Hardin
📖 Get Lara’s book, The Many Lives of Mama Love, at your favorite bookstore.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
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"When good people get together, great things happen." – Jamie Truman
In this Best of Fostering Change episode, Rob Scheer sits down with Jamie Truman of Truman Charities, an organization dedicated to helping both local and national charities — including Comfort Cases — by hosting multiple fundraising events each year. The best part? 100% of the funds raised go directly to the charities they support.
Over the past 15 years, Jamie and her husband Jerry have helped raise more than $2 million for various causes. Jamie is also the author of Vanishing Fathers: The Ripple Effect on Tomorrow's Generation, a #1 Amazon Best New Release, with all proceeds benefiting charities supporting at-risk youth.
In this inspiring conversation, we discuss:
The power of giving back to your community
How Truman Charities creates a meaningful impact
The vital role fathers play in shaping future generations
Jamie also hosts The Truman Charities Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Learn more about Jamie & Truman Charities:
📚 Order her book: Vanishing Fathers on Amazon
🌐 Website: trumancharities.com
📸 Instagram: @jamie_trumancharities
📍 Facebook: trumancharities
💼 LinkedIn: jamietruman
✉️ Email: info@trumancharities.com
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe! Have a guest suggestion or feedback? Email us at info@comfortcases.org.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
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Welcome back to a special Best of Fostering Change episode!
This week, we revisit a powerful conversation originally aired in March, featuring two changemakers in the world of child welfare and LGBTQ+ advocacy: Kate Trambitskaya, CEO of Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children, and Brian Rosenberg, founder of GWK Academy Family Building.
Join host Rob Scheer for an honest and urgent discussion about how federal cutbacks are impacting foster youth, LGBTQ+ families, and other vulnerable communities—and how you can help make a difference.
🔍 Why This Episode Matters:
💡 Kate Trambitskaya is a returning guest who continues to lead efforts that support expectant mothers, children in institutional care overseas, and adoptees here in the U.S.
🌈 Brian Rosenberg introduces the future of GWK Academy—expanding from supporting gay and queer men to serving all LGBTQ+ individuals in their family-building journeys starting March 2025.
🛠️ How You Can Help:
🔥 Don’t just listen—take action.
💬 Leave a comment or question below.
❤️ Like, share, and subscribe to spread the message.
📩 Contact us at: fosteringchange@comfortcases.org
🌐 Learn more at: https://www.comfortcases.org
📲 Connect with Our Guests:
Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spencechapin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spencechapinsvc/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/spencechapinsvc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71342/
GWK Academy / Gays With Kids
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GaysWithKids
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gays_with_kids
Instagram (GWK Academy): https://www.instagram.com/gwkacademy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GWK
LinkedIn (Brian Rosenberg): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrrosenberg/
🎧 Subscribe for more powerful conversations that lead to real, lasting chang
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
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Happy July and welcome back to a Best Of episode of Fostering Change! In this lively and heartwarming conversation, host Rob Scheer reconnects with fan-favorite Doogie Sandtiger, also known as The Croc King — a man with a passion for comfort and color who has collected over 3,000 pairs of Crocs.
You may have seen Doogie on The Today Show or follow him on social media. But beyond the viral Croc fame, Doogie's story is deeply personal. Like Rob — and many youth in foster care — Doogie never learned how to tie his shoes as a child. That’s where Crocs became more than footwear — they became a symbol of independence and identity.
This episode is not just fun (we promise it is!), but it also delves into the real-life challenges faced by youth in foster care and how individuals like Rob and Doogie are working to make a difference.
👉 Know someone who should be a guest on Season 7 of Fostering Change?
Email us at: info@comfortcases.org
🔗 Follow Doogie “The Croc King” on Social Media:
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/doogielicious
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/doogielish
🎵 TikTok: tiktok.com/@hardcroclife4me
💙 Thank you for listening and supporting Fostering Change!
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
BEST OF SEASON 6 — As we close out Season 6 and gear up for Season 7 of Fostering Change, we’re highlighting some of our most powerful conversations from the past year. With over 220 episodes behind us, we’re grateful to every guest and listener who has helped us grow this platform into what it is today.
In this featured episode, Rob Scheer is joined by guest co-host Rita Soronen, CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, for an incredible conversation with Andrew Bridge — former foster youth, attorney, and author of The Child Catcher: A Fight for Justice & Truth.
Andrew shares his story of surviving 11 years in Los Angeles County foster care, his rise to become a Harvard Law graduate and Fulbright Scholar, and his fight to protect children in broken systems. His new book, The Child Catcher, tells the true story of a legal battle to rescue youth trapped in a secretive and abusive institution in rural Alabama.
💥 Proceeds from The Child Catcher support CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) chapters nationwide. To support, visit AndrewBridgeAuthor.com and select your preferred chapter — 50% of pre-sale royalties will be donated directly.
📩 Have questions, comments, or guest suggestions? Email us at info@comfortcases.org
—
📚 About Andrew Bridge
Spent 11 years in foster care
Graduated from Wesleyan University and Harvard Law School
Led efforts to shut down abusive institutions
Former CEO of The Alliance for Children’s Rights
Co-founder of National Adoption Day and New Village Girls Academy
NYT bestselling author of Hope’s Boy
Serves on the Arizona Foster Care Review Board
📲 Follow Andrew:
Facebook: facebook.com/andrew.bridge.9041
Instagram: @andrewbridgejd
Twitter/X: @AndrewBridgeJD
Threads: @AndrewBridgeJD
🔗 Learn More About The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption:
Website: https://www.davethomasfoundation.org/
Instagram: @dtfa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaveThomasFoundationforAdoption/
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
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Welcome to the Season 6 FINALE of Fostering Change! 🎉
What an incredible season it's been — filled with inspiring, motivating, and heartfelt stories. THANK YOU for being part of our journey, for tuning in each week, and for all your comments and reviews. We do this for YOU. 💙
📅 Coming Soon:
Starting June 17, join us for our "Best of" Summer Series — a special collection of our favorite episodes. Whether you’re re-listening or discovering them for the first time, we hope these powerful stories inspire you all over again.
🔥 Mark your calendar:
Season 7 premieres on September 2, and we’re returning to weekly episodes every Tuesday! More guests, more voices, and even more impact. Have a guest suggestion? Email us at: info@comfortcases.org
🎙️ Today’s Season Finale Guest: Dr. Kisha Davis
There’s no better way to wrap this season than with the amazing Dr. Kisha Davis — family physician, public health leader, and a dear friend of Rob Scheer and the Comfort Cases family.
Kisha shares the powerful legacy of her grandmother in her new biography:
📖 “The Making of a Pearl” – Buy the book on Amazon
In this episode, you'll hear heartfelt stories of resilience, love, and history passed down over weekday breakfasts with her grandmother, Ida Pearl Green, who lived to be 106. Dr. Davis also discusses her work in the Quince Orchard community, her role as Montgomery County’s Chief Health Officer, and her involvement in the documentary Finding Fellowship — co-produced with her brother and previous Fostering Change guest, Jason Green.
✨ Don’t miss this powerful conversation about family, legacy, and leadership.
🔗 Connect with Dr. Kisha Davis:
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/kisha.davis2
📸 Instagram: @drkishadavis
🐦 Twitter/X: @kishadavismd
📱 Threads: @drkishadavis
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/daviskisha
ComfortCases #FosteringChange #FosterCareAwareness
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Fostering Change! Today marks the final installment of our special episodes for National Foster Care Awareness Month. We hope you've enjoyed the series—and, more importantly, learned something meaningful from each conversation. As always, we encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments and pass these episodes along to others.
In today’s episode, we welcome back one of Rob’s favorite guests: Charell Star, who first joined us in Season 5. Charell gained national attention when she was featured in Humans of New York (link below), and she returns to discuss her powerful new book, Trash Bag Tales and Other Stories from an Accidentally Happy Life. The book offers readers a raw, heartfelt, and often humorous look at what it means to claim the joyful life you deserve.
Charell is also the featured subject in the award-winning documentary Feeling Wanted, which chronicles her time in foster care and is now used as a training resource by child welfare organizations around the world.
We absolutely loved this episode—and we’ve already invited Charell back for Season 7!
📚 Want to read Charell’s book?
Find it at your favorite bookstore or purchase it on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Trash-Bag-Tales-Stories-Accidentally/dp/B0F24H8DXS
📲 Connect with Charell:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charellstar/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charellstar/
Read her “Humans of New York” story:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUK7yfSrFT3/?hl=en
🎧 One more episode of Season 6 drops next week! After that, we’ll take a short break and share some “Best Of” episodes before returning with Season 7 this fall.
💌 Got thoughts or guest suggestions? Email us at: info@comfortcases.org
Thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN. 💙
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On today’s episode of Fostering Change, we continue our special acknowledgment that May is National Foster Care Awareness Month. We hope you have taken some moments to reflect on what you can do to support those in the foster care system: donate, volunteer your time, mentor, or even consider taking steps to be a CASA or foster parent. Thank you for all you do!
If you’d like a simple way to support Comfort Cases, here’s an idea: You can participate in the Hundred X program. Click on the following link, and you’ll be guided to complete surveys about brands and companies you are familiar with. Comfort Cases will receive $1.60 for every survey you fill out (and it only takes 2 minutes max for each!) https://programs.hundredx.com/givewithoutspending
Now, on to today’s episode: For 8 years, we have worked with the team at Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Indiana, and have expanded that partnership throughout the country, literally giving away THOUSANDS of our Comfort Cases backpacks to social service agencies and youth experiencing foster care.
Today, we speak with Aimee Christian, a Fostering Connections Case Manager with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Aimee and Rob Scheer have a lively discussion that focuses on the positive changes that can be made to improve the foster care system.
Some of the points they cover include changing our vocabulary so we’re not labeling these youth, changing the focus from just on the child to the entire family, and building and improving relationships with the birth family and the foster family.
Aimee and Rob will certainly motivate you to—at minimum—give new thoughts to the foster care system and—at best—possibly motivate you to consider becoming a foster parent yourself!
We know you’ll enjoy this interview. Thank you again to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield for being such a valuable and supportive partner to Comfort Cases all these years! The partnership between Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Comfort Cases has grown since 2018. Since the expansion, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s affiliated health plans have hosted dozens of packing parties across 16 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico, providing thousands of Comfort Cases and XL duffel bags to youth in foster care nationwide.
For more information about the foster care system or how you can support Comfort Cases, please visit our website: www.comfortcases.org. If you have any questions, comments, or guest suggestions, please reach out to us at info@comfortcases.org.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s episode of the Comfort Cases Podcast, Rob Scheer sits down with Amy Vale, foster parent and founder of For the Cubs, a purpose-driven brand creating sensory tools to support emotional regulation in children and adults alike.
Amy shares how her own foster care journey inspired a mission: to design products that provide real comfort, like Percy, a weighted plush bear that mimics the feeling of a hug. Their conversation explores:
✅ The power of pairing entrepreneurship with advocacy
✅ How sensory tools support those facing trauma, ADHD, anxiety, and more
✅ The lack of comforting resources for children entering care
✅ What empathetic corporate responsibility really looks like
This powerful episode is part of our ongoing spotlight series for National Foster Care Awareness Month. Don’t miss this heartfelt discussion about healing, innovation, and how we can all do better for youth in care.
🔗 Learn more about For the Cubs: www.forthecubs.com
📅 New episodes every Tuesday in May
💙 Learn more about Comfort Cases: www.comfortcases.org
📧 Contact: info@comfortcases.org
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Google Podcasts—wherever you tune in.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, and we’re kicking it off with one of our most powerful episodes yet.
This week on Fostering Change, host Rob Scheer is joined by special guest co-host Jennifer Perry, Executive Director of the Children’s Action Network and Co-Founder of FosterMore. Jennifer’s tireless advocacy has brought national attention to the urgent needs of the 108,000+ children in U.S. foster care currently waiting for adoptive families.
Together, they sit down with Lara Love Hardin, author of The Many Lives of Mama Love—a 2024 Oprah Book Club selection and New York Times bestseller. In this profoundly moving conversation, Lara shares her remarkable journey through opioid addiction, incarceration, the devastating loss of her children, and how she fought her way back to rebuild her life.
This episode is a raw and inspiring look at:
The transformative power of storytelling
The realities of addiction, incarceration, and recovery
The broken pieces of the foster care system—and how we can fix them
The power of second chances and redemption
🎧 Listen, share, and comment on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts—or wherever you get your podcasts!
📅 New episodes air every Tuesday throughout May in honor of National Foster Care Awareness Month. Remember to subscribe so you don’t miss a single story.
🌐 Learn More & Support:
Comfort Cases – https://www.comfortcases.org
📧 Contact: info@comfortcases.org
🔗 Featured Organizations:
Children’s Action Network
Website: https://www.childrensactionnetwork.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childrensactionnetwork
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/childrensaction
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildrensActionNetwork
FosterMore
Website: https://fostermore.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foster_more
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/fostermore
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FosterMore
📚 About Lara Love Hardin:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laralovehardin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laralovehardin
📖 Buy The Many Lives of Mama Love: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-many-lives-of-mama-love-a-memoir-of-lying-stealing-writing-and-healing-lara-love-hardin/19897569 or wherever you buy books
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When people think of fostering or adopting, the image that often comes to mind is a cute little baby. But what’s often forgotten are the older children—pre-teens and teens—who are just as in need of love, support, and a forever family.
On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer welcomes Randi Thompson, co-founder of Kidsave—a remarkable nonprofit helping youth ages 9–17 in foster care and orphanages find meaningful, lasting connections and permanent homes. Randi is truly one of the “Good Humans” we’re honored to feature!
Kidsave offers several incredible programs, including their flagship Weekend Miracles initiative, which connects older youth with families who are considering fostering or adoption. As Kidsave says:
“When a child feels like they have someone in their corner, the world opens up to them, and they thrive.”
🎉 Upcoming Kidsave Miracle Galas:
📍 Washington, DC – May 29
📍 Los Angeles – June 7
📍 Houston – June 21
💙 May is National Foster Care Awareness Month!
Comfort Cases is celebrating with events, fundraisers, and new weekly episodes every Tuesday in May. The Season 6 finale airs June 3!
💡 Have guest ideas for Season 7 (coming this Fall)? Reach out to our producer:
📧 dthalberg@comfortcases.org | info@comfortcases.org
🔗 Learn more about Kidsave and connect with them here:
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KidsaveInternational
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsave/
🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.net/@kidsave
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kidsave
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kidsave/
🌐 Website: https://www.kidsave.org
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On today’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer sits down with another incredible “Good Human” — Tristian Smith. After losing his mother at the age of seven, Tristian entered the foster care system, where he experienced over 25 placements and attended 13 different schools. Despite these hardships, he never let his circumstances define him.
Tristian shares the powerful story behind his memoir, Against All Odds, which chronicles his journey through the challenges of foster care and his path to becoming a voice for change.
Now a retired U.S. Army Officer, Tristian continues to serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), a Foster Care Review Board Member, and a mentor to youth aging out of the system. His commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and reform is genuinely inspiring.
📘 Get Tristian’s book, Against All Odds, available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
🔗 Connect with Tristian: Instagram: @undeterred_anomaly
LinkedIn: Tristian Smith
📩 Have questions or guest suggestions? Please email us at info@comfortcases.org
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Don’t you just love a really good person? On today’s episode of Fostering Change you’re about to meet one. Shawn Henss is truly the definition of what we call a “Good Human.” A nice guy, with a HUGE heart.
Shawn is the founder of Giving Sole, a non-profit organization that gives new shoes to youth in foster care. Technically, Shawn’s son came up with the idea for Giving Sole at the age of 10!
Since founding Giving Sole in 2018, they have given away more than 3,000 new, brand-name shoes and sneakers to youth in foster care throughout Arizona, and are looking to share this generosity throughout the US.
We can go on longer here, but we’d rather you listen to Shawn’s story directly from him in this beautiful interview with our host, Rob Scheer.
To find out more information about Giving Sole, including how to donate, please visit: www.givingsole.org.
You can also follow them on various social media channels:
https://www.facebook.com/givingsole/
@giving_sole
Twitter/X
@givingsole
Threads
https://www.threads.net/@giving_sole
https://www.linkedin.com/company/giving-sole
fostercare #givingsole #adoption
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It’s always special when we can welcome both a returning guest and a first-time guest who are making a real difference. Join our host, Rob Scheer, as he sits down with Kate Trambitskaya and Brian Rosenberg for an urgent and eye-opening discussion about how federal cutbacks are impacting youth in foster care, LGBTQ+ youth, and other vulnerable communities.
Why This Episode Matters:
Kate, who last joined us in May 2022, is a passionate advocate for children, women, and families. As CEO of Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Childre,, she has expanded programs supporting expectant women facing adversity, children in institutional care overseas, and adoptees and their families here in the U.S.
Brian is the founder and executive director of GWK Academy Family Building, a non-profit spin-off of the beloved Gays With Kids community. Originally focused on supporting gay and queer men in their journey to parenthood, Brian is excited to announce that starting in March 2025, GWK Academy will support ALL family-building paths for ALL LGBTQ+ individuals!
🔥 Don’t just listen—take action! 🔥
🎧 Tune in now and get informed.
💬 Join the conversation—leave a comment or question!
❤️ Like, share, and help us spread the word! The more people who hear Fostering Change, the faster we can create real, lasting impact.
📩 Have thoughts or questions? Reach out at fosteringchange@comfortcases.org or visit www.comfortcases.org—we’d love to hear from you!
FosteringChange #Podcast #LGBTQFamilies #FosterCare #Adoption #MakeAChange
To find more about each organization:
Spence-Chapin
https://www.facebook.com/spencechapin
https://www.instagram.com/spencechapinsvc/
Twitter/X
https://x.com/spencechapinsvc
https://www.linkedin.com/company/71342/
GWK Academy/Gays With Kids
https://www.facebook.com/GaysWithKids
@gays_with_kids; @gwkacademy
Twitter/X
https://www.youtube.com/@GWK
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrrosenberg/
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How do you feel when you receive a hand-written note? Not an email, not a form letter. But an actual note that someone took the time to sit down and write out with a good old-fashioned pen or pencil? Pretty special right?
On today’s episode of Fostering Change we welcome Jeremy Su, co-founder of “Cards for Cubs”, an organization that demonstrates how a simple handmade card can profoundly impact a child’s life by offering hope and comfort during difficult times.
Since being founded in 2020, Cards for Cubs have collected and distributed more than 200,000 cards and over 400 foster care related organizations.
In 2024, Cards for Cubs collected 70,000 cards. The 2025 Card Drive ends March 31. To send in cards, please visit https://cardsforcubs.org/.
We’re so happy to call Jeremy a friend, and know that you’ll love hearing why he’s doing this and what’s to come!
TO CONTACT & DONATE, PLEASE VISIT:
Website
https://cardsforcubs.org/
https://www.instagram.com/thecardsforcubs
https://www.facebook.com/CardsForCubs/
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of difficult subject matter, including child abuse and the tragic death/murder of a young child. Listener discretion is strongly advised. If these topics may be triggering or upsetting, we encourage you to prioritize your well-being and consider this before listening to this episode.
Welcome back for the second part of our special 2-episode series of Fostering Change, featuring the story of the horrific murder of 5-year-old Harmony Montgomery.
On our last episode, we spoke with Judge Carol Erskine, author of the book A Cruel Injustice, which documents how our judicial system failed young Harmony, who was taken out of foster care and placed with her birth father - who rather than nurturing her, murdered her.
Today, we speak with Blair & Johnathan Bobbit-Miller, adoptive fathers of two sons before becoming the father of a 3rd son, Jamison, Harmony’s brother.
These amazing and sensitive humans discuss with Rob how the system continues to fail those who need it most—the children. They explain what they are doing, along with help from other Good Humans like Judge Erskine and Rob Scheer, to fix what many consider to be unfixable.
This powerful episode of Fostering Change will make you want to activate yours.
At the sentencing of Adam Montgomery (Harmony’s father), Jamison read a victim-impact-statement. Part of the statement:
"Tell everyone my name is Jamison. I'm 7 years old. My sister is Harmony. I love Harmony, I miss her," Bobbitt-Miller read. "I hope I get to see her again."
He spoke of a broken Elmo toy Harmony had given him that was hers that he has kept ever since. He said he has a Minnie Mouse pillow and new Elmo he planned to give to her.
"I keep it in my closet for her," Bobbitt-Miller read. "I am really sad she is an angel. I miss her. She was my best friend. I hope she can see me playing basketball and being silly with my brothers and I wish I could bring Harmony to my school to meet my friends and teacher."
To learn more about the Bobbit-Miller Family:
Twitter: @BlairMillerTV @BobbitMiller
Instagram: @johnathanb @blairmillertv
“A Cruel Injustice” can be found anywhere you purchase books, including Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Cruel-Injustic...
If you have any comments or questions regarding this episode or the foster care system, please send them to info@comfortcases.org.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of difficult subject matter, including child abuse and the tragic death/murder of a young child. Listener discretion is strongly advised. If these topics may be triggering or upsetting, we encourage you to prioritize your well-being and take this all into consideration prior to listening to this episode.
On today’s special episode of Fostering Change we speak with Judge Carol Erskine. Judge Erskine is the author of the book, A Cruel Injustice. In thebook, and in today’s interview with Rob Scheer, Judge Erskine discusses the tragic death of 5-year-old Harmony, at the hands of her father.
Harmony’s murder was the result of our failed foster care system. Where the system should have provided legal advocacy on behalf of Harmony, protecting her, instead it let her, her brother and all of us, down.
Judge Erskine further discusses her career on the bench, and how she remains an advocate for youth in foster care.
Please note that this is PART ONE of a two-episode series. On our next episode of Fostering Change, Blair Miller and Johnathan Bobbit-Miller, the adoptive fathers of Harmony’s brother, speak to Rob about their experiences with the system - their frustrations, and all they are doing to raise Jamison and work with him as he remembers his sister and fights for justice in her name.
To purchase a copy of A Cruel Injustice, please visit a local bookstore, Amazon, or carolerskine.com.
More About Carol:
Carol Erskine has been a lifelong child advocate and a Massachusetts Juvenile Court judge for twenty-one years. Prior to being appointed to the bench, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly named her one of the state's top ten lawyers.
Judge Erskine has written and published a children’s book and several op-ed columns on children’s issues. She and her husband are the proud parents of a blended family with their now grown adopted and stepchildren.
Website
carolerskine.com
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolErskine/
Twitter/X
https://x.com/TheCarolErskine
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-erskine-1065a1207/
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Happy New Year! On our first episode of the New Year, we are so happy to bring you an amazing human, Hunter Beaton. Hunter is the founder of Day1bags.org. Day1’s mission is right in line with Comfort Cases’ mission: to provide hope and dignity to youth in foster care by giving them new luggage or backpacks in place of the disgusting black trash bags that are still given out in so many states.
Hunter started this initiative in 2016 at the age of 15 as part of his Eagle Scout project (yes, he’s a Real Eagle Scout!). He initially provided 100 duffel bags filled with essential supplies to a local nonprofit serving foster youth in San Antonio, Texas. The project quickly became a sustainable mission to support foster children across the United States.
Hunter's work has led to significant milestones, including distributing over 220,000 bags to foster youth across 47 states, legislative advocacy for proper luggage bills, and initiatives that celebrate foster youth's achievements. Through Day 1 Bags, Hunter has inspired meaningful change and continues to empower children in foster care by promoting dignity, belonging, and recognition.
To learn more about Hunter and Day1Bags - and how you can support them, please visit the following links:
Website:
https://day1bags.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/day1bags
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/day1bags/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/day-1-bags/
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! This is our final episode of Fostering Change before we launch into 2025. And what a year it’s been. We’ve celebrated amazing guests on our show, learning so much about each other and our society.
Thank you to all of you who have written in with comments and guests suggestions about what you’ve listened to this year. We truly appreciate YOU ALL!
Our charity, Comfort Cases has touched so many people around the country this year, with Rob Scheer once again sharing our message of providing hope and dignity for youth in foster care. It’s not too late to make one last donation if this is possible for you. If this is something you would like to do, to help out our most important people, youth entering foster care, please click on this link or here: https://comfortcases.org/ to become a #Bagbuster to help us stop the evil practice of giving trash bags to our youth.
Thank you!
As for today’s Christmas Eve episode, we end the year with a Very Special Guest: Chef Art Smith. You may initially recognize him as Oprah’s personal Chef, a role he held for 10 years. He is also the founder of Common Threads, a non-profit organization teaching low-income children to cook wholesome and affordable meals since 2003. He believes that through hands-on cooking and introducing children to fresh foods we can help prevent childhood obesity, reverse the trend of poor eating habits, and learn about diversity and tolerance through the celebration of our cultural differences and our commonalities.
Chef Art has appeared on numerous national television appearances including ABC’s Lady Gaga Thanksgiving Special, Top Chef, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Iron Chef America, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Nightline, Fox News, Extra, Entertainment Tonight, BBQ Pitmasters, The Talk, The Dr. Oz Show and of course, The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Chef Art has appeared on the cover of Parade Magazine, and has been featured in Cooking Light magazine. He is a regular contributor to Standup magazine, whose proceeds benefit The Ben Foundation, which raises awareness of the long-term, damaging effects of bullying.
To learn more about Chef Art Smith, please visit:
Website: https://www.chefartsmith.com/
Instagram: @thechefartsmith
Facebook: ChefArtSmith
X/Twitter: @chefartsmith
To learn more about Common Threads, please visit:
Website: https://www.commonthreads.org/
Instagram: @commonthreadsorg
Facebook: CommonThreadsOrg
X/Twitter: @commonthreadsUS
Thank you again for listening and watching Fostering Change. We hope you have a happy and safe holiday and look forward to bringing you more great discussions in 2025. Again, if you have any comments or guest suggestions, please feel free to reach out by emailing our producers at info@comfortcases.org.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome back to another thought-provoking episode of Fostering Change. Today, we speak with Jason Green, a friend and amazing filmmaker. Jason’s documentary, Finding Fellowship, is a story of hope about the unlikely merger of three segregated churches in the 1960s. Jason and Rob belong to this same church, which is how they first met, and both have the same passion for community coming together.
We thought today would be a perfect time to share this interview in the spirit of the holiday season.
Following the episode, we encourage you to watch Finding Fellowship. You can find it on PBS, or click the following link to stream it on PBS.org: https://www.pbs.org/show/finding-fellowship/
If you have any comments or questions, please get in touch with us at info@comfortcases.org. There is just one more episode before the New Year, which posts on Christmas Eve—with someone we know you will love to meet!
To learn more about Jason and Finding Fellowship:
Instagram: @jg1732
Twitter/X: @jg1732
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongerardgreen/
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A reminder that through the end of November (National Adoption Awareness Month), when you visit www.BarelyCanadian.com our friend Kelly and her team will donate a Comfort XL Duffle bag for every one of their amazingly plush items purchased.
Today, we go back almost exactly 3 years to revisit a special episode about a remarkable woman, Pam Willis and family. We know you’ll enjoy!
Pam and her husband have been married 36 years, raised 5 biological children (the youngest is 20). 11 years ago they became foster parents and began caring for children in their home. Pam led down a road of foster care and as a surprise to their life plan, 5 years ago they adopted a set of seven siblings from the foster care system. These kids now have a second chance at parenting, and they have a second chance at a family after their first parents passed away in a car accident.
It’s an amazing story we wanted to reshare with you.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️Adopting 7 Sets of Children Siblings
🖐️History of the 7 Children
🖐️Adjusting into a New Home
🖐️5 Biological Children's Reaction to Adopt New Siblings
🖐️Process to Adopt 7 Set of Children Siblings
Learn more athttps://www.comfortcases.org/
If you have any questions, comments or guest suggestions, please reach out to us at info@comfortcases.org.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It is National Adoption Awareness Month, and Comfort Cases is honoring the occasion with special promotions.
Our “Coats for Comfort” Coat Drive, co-sponsored by CNN’s Laura Coates, is in full swing. There are donation boxes throughout the DC Metro area (including Maryland & Virginia), and for those of you outside the district, you can purchase coats and have them delivered directly to Comfort Cases by visiting https://comfortcases.org/lauracoates/
We are thrilled to announce our renewed partnership with Barely Canadian, running through November 30th! Known for their insanely soft sweaters and premium apparel, they have redefined cozy. With every purchase from their beautiful garment collection, Barely Canadian will generously donate a Comfort XL (valued at $148) to a child entering foster care. Explore their collection here: https://barelycanadian.com/
In today’s powerful episode of Fostering Change, we welcome Gretchen Sisson, author of RELINQUISHED: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood. As a researcher at UC San Francisco’s Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, Gretchen has conducted hundreds of interviews with women who have relinquished infants for adoption, especially since Roe v. Wade. Her eye-opening research has been featured on NPR, New York Magazine, VOX, and more.
In this riveting conversation with host Rob Scheer, they dive into the complex and often heartbreaking reasons behind adoption decisions, shedding light on the financial and societal pressures that force mothers to make impossible choices. This timely discussion touches on the profound challenges families face and why it should matter to us all.
This is an important discussion for our community, and we were honored to have Gretchen on Fostering Change to continue it.
For more information about RELINQUISHED or to follow Gretchen on social media, please visit:
Website: https://www.gretchensisson.com/
Twitter/X: @gesisson
Threads: gretchen.sisson
Instagram: @gretchen.sisson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchensisson/
Substack: https://gretchen.substack.com/
nationaladoptionawarenessmonth #adoptionawareness #fostercare
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
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“When good people get together, great things happen.” - Jamie Truman
On today’s episode of Fostering Change, we welcome our good friend Jamie Truman. She and her husband Jerry co-founded Truman Charities, an organization that truly exemplifies what our host, Rob Scheer, has expressed over the years: it focuses on helping other local and national charities, hosts events multiple times a year, and covers all costs so that 100% of raised funds go directly to the charity.
Over the past fifteen years, Truman Charities has raised a little over $2 million for several different charities (INCLUDING COMFORT CASES).
Yes, Jamie and Jerry epitomize being “Good Humans.”
Jamie is also the author of “Vanishing Fathers: The Ripple Effect on Tomorrow's Generation," which hit #1 on Amazon's Best New Releases. Of course, 100% of the proceeds from Vanishing Fathers go towards charities that help at-risk youth.
These two themes, giving back to society and the important roles fathers play in that same society, are discussed in a lively interview. We know you will not only enjoy them but also be inspired.
Jamie Truman hosts The Truman Charities Podcast, which you can find wherever you listen to podcasts.
Find out more about Jamie and Truman Charities below:
Order her book, “Vanishing Fathers”: https://www.amazon.com/Vanishing-Fathers-Ripple-Tomorrows-Generation/dp/B0CW3Q1QY8.
Visit the Website: trumancharities.com
Facebook: trumancharites
Instagram: jamie_trumancharities
LinkedIn: jamietruman
Email: info@trumancharities.com
Thank you for listening! Of course, if you have any questions or comments about today’s episode or a suggestion for a guest for Fostering Change, please reach out to us at info@comfortcases.org.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"If you have nobody, you have yourself." Lillian Colon
When Lillian Colon shared that phrase above with Rob Scheer when he interviewed her recently, there was a pause in the conversation as those words hit home. Reflect on them for a moment.
On today’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob interviews Lillian Colon, who spent more than a decade in a strict New York City orphanage because her father “thought it would be best” to separate from the mother she adored. With restrictions all around her, she strove to be someone better than anyone ever believed she could. Lilly never knew the care and loving attention of a stable family, but she didn’t let obstacles and family tragedies stand in the way of her dreams.
As a child, after the nuns who ran the orphanage took her to Radio City Music Hall to see the famed “Rockettes, “Lilly was driven to become a dancer. A graduate of New York’s prestigious High School of Performing Arts (if you’ve ever seen the movie Fame,” you’ll understand), Lillian became the first Latina Rockette.
Lillian achieved so much more in her career, having performed with some of the great names in Hollywood and on Broadway, including the legendary Chita Rivera. Most recently, she was the oldest dancer in the Hollywood adaptation of Lin Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights!”
We celebrate this achievement on the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Lillian shares all this in her memoir Lilly: The First Latina Rockette. This is a truly lovely conversation with a wonderful, good human. We know you will enjoy her growing-up stories and her performance success.
To find out more about what Lillian is up to, please visit her website: https://www.lilliancolon.com/
You can purchase her book here: https://www.lilliancolon.com/product/lilly-book/
Thank you for listening! Of course, if you have any questions or comments about today’s episode or a suggestion for a guest for Fostering Change, please reach out to us at info@comfortcases.org.
🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!
Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:
👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It’s October! Comfort Cases held our annual fundraiser event this past weekend, a “Farm-to-Table Feast.” It was a memorable event, with inspirational speakers, including our keynote speaker, Cowboy Jax, our emcee, the fabulous Jen Lilley, and our founder and host of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer. There’s still time to donate or contribute your most valuable asset - your TIME - to Comfort Cases. Please visit www.comfortcases.org to find out more!
We recorded our show today several weeks ago but intentionally posted it today, as we are featuring not one, not two, but THREE Good Humans: Rob’s special co-host Jill Ross, who is also the President of Comfort Cases’ Board of Directors, and Parker Lopez and Ashley Baker, who were both recent recipients of academic scholarships presented by Comfort Cases at previous fundraiser events.
Parker and Ashley share how these scholarships have profoundly impacted them and how they could advance their academic pursuits.
Beyond academics, they also are giving back to the community:
Parker is involved with “First Star” Academies (https://eoss.asu.edu/access/first-star-academy) a long-term college-prep program for high school students in foster care, while Ashley works with “It’s On Us” (www.itsonus.org) a non-profit campaign in the United States aimed at raising awareness about sexual assault and promoting a culture of consent.
Jill also shares more about Comfort Cases’ Pathway Program, which is designed to provide additional resources to our scholarship recipients. You can learn more about Pathways by visiting https://scheerfocus.com/pathways-program/
We hope you feel inspired and hopeful after listening to these fantastic young people. It is people like them who will make all of our futures brighter.
If you have any questions or comments about our interview with Jill, Parker, and Ashley or have a guest suggestion, please feel free to email us at info@comfortcases.org.
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Welcome back to Season 6 of Fostering Change!
We hope you enjoyed our first episode of the season with Andrew Bridge. This is a reminder that if you order his book before its publication date, a portion of the sale will go to CASA chapters nationwide. Please visit AndrewBridgeAuthor.com and select the CASA chapter of your choice.
In today’s episode, we have two exceptional guests - one is making her second appearance on our show. Donna Biase co-founded BEST FOOT FORWARD Foundation, a Florida-based organization whose mission is to empower foster care and at-risk youth to become self-sufficient adults and positive contributing members of society through academic achievement.
Having survived the deadly and horrific earthquake that ravaged his home country of Haiti, Elie Merisier was in the foster care system in High School when Best Foot Forward reached out to him to provide assistance with his academic studies. We’ll let you listen to the show for more details, but you should know that despite attending five different high schools, Elie graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in accounting. Today, he is a licensed real estate agent.
We hope you enjoy today’s episode of Fostering Change as much as we think you will. Of course, if you have any questions or comments about our interview with Elie and Donna or have a guest suggestion, please email us at info@comfortcases.org.
More about Donna and Elie:
To learn more about Elie, please follow him on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092082848694
https://www.instagram.com/elie_merisier/
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/eliemerisier/
To learn more about Best Foot Forward:
facebook.com/bestfootkids
instagram.com/bestfootkids
Twitter/X
twitter.com/bestfootkids
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Welcome to Season 6 of Fostering Change!
Following 220 amazing episodes, we are so excited for what’s to come this season. We have special and moving guests, and throughout the season we are inviting some of Comfort Cases’ friends to co-host episodes with Rob Scheer. That includes today’s episode, as we are so lucky to have Rita Soronen, CEO of the Dave Thomas Center for Adoption join Rob to interview our first guest of the season, Andrew Bridge, author of The Child Catcher: A Fight for Justice & Truth.
If you have a suggestion for a guest, or questions or comments about today’s episode, please reach out to us at info@comfortcases.org.
About today’s first episode of our new season: Rob and Rita have a riveting conversation with Andrew Bridge - about his time in foster care, and the battles he has fought for youth in foster care. His new book, The Child Catcher, is the true story of the fight to rescue the children confined to a violent and secretive institution in the rural South.
Proceeds from the book will go to CASA National, State, and local county chapters. Buyers should go to AndrewBridgeAuthor.com and select the CASA chapter of their choice, and 50% of pre-sale royalties will go there.
More About Andrew: Andrew spent 11 years in Los Angeles County foster care. After aging out, unlike so many in foster care he made it to college: Wesleyan University, and then graduated from Harvard Law School and was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship.
He began his legal career representing children against the State of Alabama, where his work resulted in the closure of one of the country’s most notorious psychiatric institutions, the Eufaula Adolescent Center.
Returning to Los Angeles, he became CEO of The Alliance for Children’s Rights, representing children in the foster care system where he grew up.
Andrew is the co-founder of National Adoption Day and New Village Girls Academy for pregnant and parenting teens. As Chair of Los Angeles County’s Blue Ribbon Task Force, he called for an end to the disproportionate removal of Black babies from their mothers.
His memoir Hope’s Boy was a New York Times bestseller and Washington Post Best Book of the Year. Most recently, he was a member of the executive management team for Illinois DCFS, and with Arizona as his home, he now serves on the Arizona Foster Care Review Board.
His second book about that fight against Alabama, The Child Catcher, will be released in September.
To find out more about Andrew, please follow him on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/andrew.bridge.9041/
andrewbridgejd
Twitter/X
@AndrewBridgeJD
Threads
AndrewBridgejd
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You’ve made it! It’s the end of August and our final “Best of Season 5” episode of the season, and we’ve saved a very special episode just for you.
Just a note that Season 6 will debut next week, Tuesday, September 3. We have some amazing guests lined up, and are doing something new this season: on several episodes, we are bringing in special guests to Co-Host interviews with Rob Scheer. You’ll recognize some of the names as previous guests, and there will also be some new names for you - who we know you will love as much as we do.
Now, for our final “Best of” we needed to do something special. When we booked Emily Cole on Fostering Change last December for our 200th episode, we knew that we would hear all about the amazing Savannah Bananas baseball team (maybe you’ve been lucky enough to see them in person this season, or at least on ESPN?) as well as their philanthropic effort Bananas Foster, dedicated to Bringing Families Together by focusing on celebrating those who are doing amazing things in the foster care world while educating and inspiring others to get involved.
Because of all that Emily, her husband Jesse, and the team do for our foster youth, Comfort Cases will award them our special Barbara Harrison Award at our Farm-to-Feast Annual Fundraising event on September 28. This award is given annually to someone who truly is changing the lives of those in the foster care system.
If you would like to celebrate Emily, Jess and many other “Good Humans”, we would love for you to join us on September 28. Tickets are available at https://comfortcases.org/feast/. If you have an item you would like to donate for our live auction, you can also find information on the site. Our annual fundraiser is held on a beautiful farm in the Maryland countryside. There will be entertainment by our friends, the Como Brothers, fabulous food and wine, and other surprises.
Emily shares her story with Rob on today’s podcast. We hope you will find it inspiring and motivated to become involved in your community, be it foster care or some other form of charitable act.
To learn more about Bananas Foster, please visit: https://bananasfoster.org/ and visit https://thesavannahbananas.com/ to learn more about the Savannah Bananas Baseball team!
You can follow Emily and the Bananas on Social Media:
Instagram: @EmCole3 @thesavbananas @bananasfosterinc
TikTok: @SavBananas
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSavBananas
To listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit: www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write us at info@comfortcases.org.Thank you for listening and we’ll see you next Tuesday for the start of Season 6 of Fostering Change!!!
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Welcome back to the “Best of Fostering Change: Season 5.” Today, we revisit what was our final episode of our season - our interview with our good friend, Sarah Fraser. Sarah is not just a friend - she’s an extremely talented broadcaster as the host of one of the most popular podcasts out there, the eponymously titled, “The Sarah Fraser Show.”
On her show, Sarah talks about reality TV, interviews unique guests and talks about her own fun life. She has so much more going on, we highly recommend you follow her on social media (links below) to keep up-to-date!
Many first became aware of Sarah’s talents when she was the co-host of Hot 95.5’s “The Kane Show” in Washington, DC and then on DC’s 107.3’s “Sarah, Ty, and Mel”. She was also an entertainment contributor for FOX 5 in DC for 13 years!
Sarah is also looking to become a foster parent. She and Rob have a lively discussion about the hoops many need to go through to become a foster parent - and Rob also offers a possible solution to Sarah that she hadn’t considered before. (You’ll have to listen to the end for this!)
Our final “Best of” episode will post August 27 - we then kick-off Season 6 in September.
If you have any guest suggestions, please let us know. Please each out to us at info@comfortcases.org.
You can always catch up on previous episodes of all 5 seasons of Fostering Change by visiting www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
Thank you again for being such supportive listeners!
Follow Sarah here!
@thesarahfrasershow
@thesarahfrasershow
Twitter/X
@sarahfrasershow
TikTok
@thesarahfrasershow
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Today we continue our “Best of Season 5” Series with an interview Rob conducted in May with friend of Comfort Cases, Benjy Grinberg. Benjy is an award-winning record producer, who has worked with superstars including Mac Miller, Wiz Khalifa, KT Tunsall and more. But he discovered he had another calling, and that was to become a CASA.
Benjy and Rob discuss why he chose to take on this wonderful opportunity to help our youth in foster care and what he’s expecting to gain from the experience.
To learn more about becoming a CASA, please visit: https://nationalcasagal.org/
To learn more about Benjy:
https://www.instagram.com/benjybenjy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjy-grinberg-ba85653/
Thank you again for listening, and please remember to send in any comments or questions to info@comfortcases.org.
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We hope you’ve been enjoying our “Best of Season 5 episodes, and have been able to catch up on other episodes of Fostering Change you may have missed.
Today, we revisit an episode that aired back in November: Rob Scheer interviews Peter Mutabazi: entrepreneur, international advocate for children, and the founder of Now I Am Known, a nonprofit that supplies resources that encourage and affirm children and families. A single adoptive father of three and foster dad to many (34 as of this date!), Mutabazi is a former street kid originally from Uganda who has worked for World Vision, Compassion International, and the Red Cross, and has appeared on media outlets such as the BBC and The TODAY Show.
Rob and Peter discuss his book, Now I Am Known: How a Street Kid Turned Foster Dad Found Acceptance and True Worth, how Peter’s organization is helping countless youth in foster care, and what it takes to be a single parent / foster parent.
To learn more about Peter and Now I Am Known, please visit:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fosterdadflipper
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fosterdadflipper/
Website: https://www.nowiamknownfoundation.org/
As a reminder, you can listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change, by visiting: www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write us at info@comfortcases.org.
Thank you for listening and we’ll see you again on July 30th!
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Welcome back to our “Best of Season 5” series. Maybe you’ll be listening to this on the beach as you celebrate Independence Day, in your car on your way to work, or at home. Wherever you listen, we thank you for your support!
Today we revisit our interview with Laura, whose mission is to educate and support people about the foster care system. Often, new foster parents are not prepared for everything they need to know before their first children come to them.
Laura discuss how the “cracks of child welfare are deep”, from misplaced birth certificates to wrong names of the child, and without knowing the right types of questions to ask, you run the risk of not knowing these things and have to play catch up - which is not the situation a new foster parent - or their child - wants to be in!
In this insightful conversation, you will hear:
- What sweeping changes need to be made in the foster care system
- What should be considered when setting up your home for a foster child
- How every state has different rules and regulations and how that affects parents and youth
- How we should be moving from “mandated reporting” to “mandated supporting”
You can learn more about Laura by visiting her here:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/foster.parenting
Website: https://www.fosterparentpartner.com/
Instagram: @foster.parenting
TikTok: @fosterparenting
YouTube: @foster.parenting
Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-a74dff14
Our next “Best of” episode will air July 16. As always, you can find an archive of all 5 seasons of Fostering Change here: https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/.
If you have any questions, please feel free to send us an email at info@comfortcases.org.
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Welcome to our first episode of Fostering Change’s “Best of Season 5”. Today, we revisit Rob’s interview with Mark Daley, author of SAFE: A Memoir of Fatherhood, Foster Care, and the Risks We Take for Family. We knew right away that this interview would be in our “Best of” series, and we think you’ll agree. So whether this is your first, second or third time listening to this interview, please enjoy!
Today, on Fostering Change, Comfort Cases’ founder Rob Scheer has an enlightening conversation with Mark Daley, author of SAFE: A Memoir of Fatherhood, Foster Care, and the Risks We Take for Family. The book offers a deeply personal window into what happens when the universal longing for family crashes up against the unique madness and bureaucracy of a child protection system that often fails to consider the needs of the most vulnerable parties of all—the children themselves.
You will hear Rob share that he believes that SAFE is an important resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about, or is actively participating in our foster care system. You will hear Rob and Mark discuss how having a community of support all around you is so important. In fact, finding community is “Step Number 1!” - be that community family, church, neighbors or others who can support you as you work to juggle this new lifestyle.
Mark shares some important tips for new foster parents, including:
- Go in with your eyes open. Do your homework.
- Don’t rush to judgment on the families of the child/children you’ve brought into your home. You likely do not know the “whole story.” Be empathetic.
- Speak up and be “the voice” for your child/children
To purchase SAFE, please visit your local independent bookstore or purchase online on sites including:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Bookshop.org
You can follow Mark on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markdaley00/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markdaley00
Our next “Best of” episode will air July 2nd. Stay tuned!
You can always catch up on previous episodes of Fostering Change by visiting www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write to us at info@comfortcases.org.
As always, thank you for listening!
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Welcome to the Final Episode of Season 5. Thank you for joining us on this journey - whether you’re a new listener or if you’ve been with us all five seasons.
Season 6 will debut in September, but following today’s episode, we will air some of our favorite episodes from the past season once again bi-weekly. So stay tuned!
And for our final episode of the season, we wanted to go out on a HIGH NOTE, and couldn’t have looked any further than today’s guest, Rob Scheer’s good friend, Sarah Fraser.
Many first became aware of Sarah’s talents when she was the co-host of Hot 95.5’s “The Kane Show” in Washington, DC and then on DC’s 107.3’s “Sarah, Ty, and Mel”. She was also an entertainment contributor for FOX 5 in DC for 13 years!
But DC couldn’t hold a talent like her, and she recently moved to the Bright Lights of Los Angeles, and is the host of “The Sarah Fraser Show,” one of the top-trending pop culture podcasts in the country. (More than 15 MILLION downloads!) Sarah covers reality TV, interviews unique guests and talks about her own fun life. She has so much more going on, we highly recommend you follow her on social media (links below) to keep up-to-date!
Sarah is also looking to become a foster parent. She and Rob have a lively discussion about the hoops many need to go through to become a foster parent - and Rob also offers a possible solution to Sarah that she hadn’t considered before. (You’ll have to listen to the end for this!)
What a terrific way to end the season.
A reminder that our first “Best of” episode will air Tuesday, June 18. And then episodes will air on alternate Tuesdays until the start of Season 6.
Thank you again for being such supportive listeners!
Follow Sarah here!
@thesarahfrasershow
@thesarahfrasershow
Twitter/X
@sarahfrasershow
TikTok
@thesarahfrasershow
Our next episode will be the start of our “Best of Season 5”. The first “Best of” will post on Tuesday, June 18. We’ll then stay on our schedule of alternate weeks until Season 6 debuts in September.
You can always catch up on previous episodes of all 5 seasons of Fostering Change by visiting www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write to us at info@comfortcases.org.
As always, thank you for listening!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to the final episode of Fostering Change for National Foster Care Awareness Month. We hope you have done something meaningful to help our youth, the fantastic people who work in social services, our teachers… and yourself. This is the month they “give us,” but as Rob often shares, “when you invest in a child, you invest in YOUR future… because they are the leaders of tomorrow.”
We end this month with a very special guest: Emi Nietfeld. Emi is the author of an amazing book that we highly recommend you purchase right now: Acceptance. In her memoir, Emi shares how she did something that only 3% of youth in foster care do: she went to college—and not just any college, but Harvard!
As a homeless teenager writing college essays in her rusty Toyota Corolla, Emi Nietfeld was convinced that the Ivy League was the only escape from her dysfunctional childhood. But upward mobility required crafting the perfect resilience narrative. She had to prove that she was an “overcomer,” made stronger by all that she had endured.
In her interview with Rob, Emi shares the life lessons she’s learned, particularly of challenging our ideas of what it means to overcome - and find contentment on your own terms.
To learn more about Emi and her memoir, please visit https://www.eminietfeld.com/
You can also find and follow Emi on social media:
Substack:
https://eminietfeld.substack.com/
https://www.instagram.com/eminietfeld/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emi-nietfeld
Twitter/X
https://twitter.com/eminietfeld
https://www.facebook.com/eminietfeld
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@eminietfeld
Our next episode is our final episode of Season 5 and will air June 4.
Throughout the rest of the Summer, we will be sharing some of our favorite episodes of Season 5. Stay tuned!
You can always catch up on previous episodes of all 5 seasons of Fostering Change by visiting www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write to us at info@comfortcases.org.
As always, thank you for listening!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today we share the story of an amazing woman who has the biggest heart - the epitome of what we love to call a “Good Human”.
We’ll learn how in the period of just 3 years, Kate Rapier quickly went from being single, to becoming a foster mom, soon an adoptive parent of two and then married to a man with 3 wonderful kids from a previous marriage!
Kate was single when she first began the process of becoming a foster parent in 2020. And like many parents who take this journey, her life changed with a phone call that there was a child coming into custody that day and would she be able to take her? Just about 5 hours after stating an emphatic “YES”, a caseworker arrived with 1-week old “Gigi”.
After having adopted Gigi in 2021, she was just six weeks into dating her now husband when she received another life-changing phone call. This time about baby Ryland.
You’ll hear Kate share more about her life with Gigi, Ryland and her new family and this amazing journey she is on.
Kate is one of the loveliest people you’ll meet. We know you’ll agree and will enjoy her story as much as we have.
You can learn more about Kate on her Instagram feed: @katerapier
Our final episode during National Foster Care Awareness Month will drop on May 28! You can always catch up on previous episodes of Fostering Change by visiting www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write to us at info@comfortcases.org.
As always, thank you for listening!
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As you likely recall, in Season 5, we moved to posting new episodes of Fostering Change bi-weekly. Well, we’ve just met so many amazing humans that we thought we’d make an exception during National Foster Care Awareness Month, so we have four episodes running this month!
Before we get on to today’s show with the amazing Benjy Grinberg, just a suggestion to visit the Comfort Cases website - www.comfortcases.org, and see all of the programs we are working on this month, with some genuinely unique organizations. Thanks.
And now, as they say… “On with the Show!”
On today’s episode, Rob Scheer speaks with Benjy Grinberg - yes, a GOOD HUMAN.
Benjy is the Founder and CEO of Rostrum Records, an independent record label known mainly for developing artists early in their careers and championing their vision. Grinberg started in the music industry at Arista Records as an assistant to record executive Antonio “L.A.” Reid.
A career-long champion of the indie community, he leads the labels’ well-recognized, innovative, artist-centric approach driven by his commitment to ensuring the long-term success of his artists. Over the course of two decades, the label has had a diverse roster of chart-topping artists, including Mac Miller, Wiz Khalifa, DC The Don, The Bird and The Bee, 24hrs, Mod Sun, Rockie Fresh, Problem, KT Tunstall, and more.
How does this relate to Foster Care? Well, Benjy recently became a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate)! CASAs are everyday community members appointed by a judge to advocate for children in need of care. On today’s show, Benjy speaks with Rob about why he chose to become a CASA and what it means to him.
Definitely an inspirational conversation.
To learn more about becoming a CASA, please visit https://nationalcasagal.org/
To learn more about Benjy:
https://www.instagram.com/benjybenjy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjy-grinberg-ba85653/
Our next episode will air on May 21. You can also catch up on previous episodes of Fostering Change by visiting www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write to us at info@comfortcases.org.
As always, thank you for listening!
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May 1 was the first day of National Foster Care Awareness Month. The team at Comfort Cases wants to take a moment to thank and recognize all of the foster parents, foster families, youth who are currently in foster care and those who have “aged out”. Thank you to the CASAs and the social service agencies and workers who are doing their best.
And thank you to YOU, our faithful (and new) listeners of Fostering Change. We produce this podcast for you and in support of all you are doing. Thank you for your comments and sharing episodes with friends, family and colleagues.
We couldn’t have asked for a better guest for this first episode airing during National Foster Care Awareness Month. Award-winning journalist Rob Henderson vividly recounts growing up in foster care, enlisting in the Air Force, and surprisingly attending elite universities in his raw coming-of-age memoir, Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family and Social Class.
Rob’s book was an instant USA TODAY Best Seller. In the book and in his interview with Rob Scheer (who is a Navy veteran), he discusses his pioneering concept of “luxury beliefs”: ideas and opinions that confer status on the Upper Class while inflicting costs on the less fortunate.
Rob Henderson was born to a drug-addicted mother and a father he never met, ultimately shuttling between ten different foster homes in California. When he was adopted into a loving family, he hoped that life would finally be stable and safe. Divorce, tragedy, poverty, and violence marked his adolescent and teen years, propelling Henderson to join the military upon completing high school.
An unflinching portrait of shattered families, desperation, and determination, Troubled recounts Henderson’s expectation-defying young life and juxtaposes his story with those of his friends who wound up incarcerated or killed. He retreads the steps and missteps he took to escape the drama and disorder of his youth. As he navigates the peaks and valleys of social class, Henderson finds that he remains on the outside looking in.
Rob Henderson is a columnist at The Free Press and his weekly newsletter is sent to more than fifty thousand subscribers. Learn more at RobKHenderson.com.
To find out more about:
Visit Rob’s Website and Subscribe to his newsletter: https://www.robkhenderson.com/
Twitter: @robkhenderson
To learn more about or purchase Troubled, please visit: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Troubled/Rob-Henderson/9781982168537
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Today’s episode of Fostering Change is an in depth discussion with Susan Rich, founder and president of 7th Generation Foundation, about FAS: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
FAS is close to home to our host, Rob Scheer, as one of Rob’s children has FAS. And although the diagnosis for Rob’s son was that he may never walk, or even talk, his son has achieved amazing things in his life, including being the President of his Student Government in High School, and has been accepted into the college he’s loved for years.
Susan and Rob discuss the importance of animal therapy on those diagnosed with FAS (one reason Rob and his husband Reece moved his family to a farm!) 7th Generation Foundation operates an inclusive, sustainable green care farm animal sanctuary with programming for children and youth.
Author of The Silent Epidemic: A Child Psychiatrist’s Journey Beyond Death Row, Susan and Rob also discuss the thousands of inmates on Death Row who were in Foster Care and diagnosed with FAS at a young age. This is not a coincidence, and there is much that our society can do to curb this horrifying statistic.
To learn more about or to purchase Susan’s book, please visit:www.prenatalalcoholexposure.com
To learn more about 7th Generation Foundation, please visit:
Website: www.7thGenerationFoundationInc.org or www.dreamcatchermeadows.org
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheDreamCatcherFarm
Blog: www.bettersafethansorryproject.com
Book: www.prenatalalcoholexposure.com
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After you listen to today’s episode of Fostering Change, take a moment. Take a breath. Reflect on what you heard, and ponder how you would handle the situations that our guest Jackie Polk faced.
Here is part of the note Jackie sent us when she inquired about sharing her story:
I'm a boy mom of 3. I have 8 year old twins, and an 11 month old baby. 6 years ago I completely rebuilt my life from rock bottom. My rock bottom was filled with drug addiction, domestic violence and having my children removed from my care. I changed everything about my life and regained custody of my children and have been sober for almost 7 years. I'm happily married to an incredible man who's also in addiction recovery.
I share my story in order to inspire and encourage others to never give up on themselves no matter where they find themselves in life. There's so much of my story that I could feel guilty or embarrassed about which would make it easy to keep to myself but there's so many people struggling the same way that I was and I want them to know that there's hope for a better life. I'm no more special than anyone else, I just decided I wanted a different life and I worked really hard to have it.
In our interview, Jackie stated: “Foster care gave me the chance to be a better person… a better mom.”
Our host, and founder of Comfort Cases Rob Scheer shared that “We all have the ability to change and write your own life chapters. Don’t let anyone else write them for you.”
A reminder that Fostering Change now posts on alternative Tuesdays. Our next episode will drop on April 23! You can always catch up on previous episodes of Fostering Change by visiting www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write to us at info@comfortcases.org.
As always, thank you for listening!
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Jerold Hawkins was introduced to Rob Scheer and Comfort Cases in 2023 when the company he works for, Aptiv, held a “Packing Party,” packing up backpacks filled with new essential items to be delivered to local social service agencies for distribution to youth entering foster care in Michigan.
Following the event, Jerold reached out to us because he wanted to share his story: his experience in foster care, moving to a variety of homes over a 5 year period - recalling “all my life’s belongings dumped into a black trash bag.”
Jerold shares his journey with Rob and also his now mission to help make positive change to the foster care system.
We know you’ll enjoy today’s episode.
A reminder that Fostering Change now posts on alternative Tuesdays. Our next episode will drop on April 9! You can always catch up on previous episodes of Fostering Change by visiting www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write to us at info@comfortcases.org.
As always, thank you for listening!
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Today, we welcome back a wonderful guest, Charell Star. We first discovered Charell in 2021 from the “Humans of New York” column and video she was featured. We wanted Charell to come back on our podcast to give us an update on her work in the foster care system since then.
Charell shares her common experiences with CASA and talks with Rob about the needs of youth in foster care, especially to promote reunification.
“If we were looking to help people, and not penalize people for the unfair luck of being born poor in a system that doesn’t want to support those born without privilege. If we would spend even a fraction of what we spend to take their children away from them… we could actually solve this.”
Later this Spring, Charell will be an Honoree at the 2024 CASA-NYC Gala.
Charell has finished her autobiography. Once it’s published, you know she’ll be back on our podcast!
You can learn more about Charell by visiting her here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charellstar/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charellstar/
You can read Charell’s “Human’s of New York” story here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CUK7yfSrFT3/?hl=en
A reminder that Fostering Change now posts on alternative Tuesdays. Our next episode will drop on March 26! You can always catch up on previous episodes of Fostering Change by visiting www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write to us at info@comfortcases.org.
As always, thank you for listening!
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Often times when children are removed from their homes and brought to a social service agency or law enforcement office, they are not placed in a foster home immediately, and have to spend hours, a whole night, or even days sitting on an uncomfortable office chair, a lumpy couch or maybe an air mattress tucked under a desk. No privacy, and no dignity.
Jennifer Tice and her team at LilyPad: A Soft Place to Land have taken steps to end this practice in their home state of South Carolina, and soon throughout the country. Lily Pad volunteers are building comfortable living spaces, within the state’s Department of Social Service offices, for children to feel loved and valued during an uncertain time.
Each Lily Pad space is unique to the DSS office it is installed in. You can click HERE to see a “before and after” of what a Lily Pad space is like (or visit this link: https://www.lilypadinc.org/lilypadroomsbeforeandafter)
On today’s episode of Fostering Change, you will learn, as Rob Scheer did, more about Jennifer and her family’s road to foster care, and why the name “Lily” is so important to them.
All Lily Pad funding comes from volunteers and good humans like you - our listeners. To find out more about LilyPad, volunteer, or see how you can get involved, please visit: https://www.lilypadinc.org/
You can also follow Lilypad on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/LilyPad.ASoftPlacetoLand
https://www.instagram.com/lily.pad.inc/
A reminder that Fostering Change now posts on alternative Tuesdays. Our next episode will drop on February 27 You can always catch up on previous episodes of Fostering Change by visiting www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write to us at info@comfortcases.org.
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Happy Valentine’s Day! (one day early)
On today’s special episode, of Fostering Change we bring in two of our favorite married couples:
David & Julie Bulitt and Rob & Reece Scheer! Yes, our host and his husband - co-founders of Comfort Cases - discuss relationships, particularly the issues faced by parents who adopt children and how to keep the marital relationship going strong!
David & Julie have appeared on Fostering Change before. They have a unique perspective based on their careers as Julie is a licensed clinical social worker and David is a Divorce Attorney. David and Julie have been married for more than 35 years. They have four daughters and three grandchildren and are the authors of two books: Secrets of Strong Couples and the recently released, Couple’s Journal - Goal Setting for Strong Couples.
Rob & Reece are soon to be celebrating their 21st anniversary, and as you likely know are the parents of five children, all adopted through the foster care system.
In today’s discussion, you will hear the Scheers and Bulitts discuss issues they are currently experiencing as married couples and the solutions they have - including compromise - that keep the lines of communication open and flowing positively. But they do admit that it’s not all “wine and roses” every day, and you need to work together and on a regular basis to keep the relationship going strong.
The Bulitt’s new book, The Couple’s Journal is a terrific tool to do just that. It helps couples set goals and arranges “check-ins” to make sure you’re actually working on those goals. They also have a new podcast, Conversations for Couples that we encourage you to listen (after you finish this episode of Fostering Change, of course!)
To learn more about David & Julie Bulitt:
Website: https://thebulitts.com/
All social media channels: @thebulitts
Conversations for Couples Podcast: https://audioboom.com/channels/5118597-conversations-for-couples
A reminder that Fostering Change now posts on alternative Tuesdays. Our next episode will drop on February 27 You can always catch up on previous episodes of Fostering Change by visiting www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write to us at info@comfortcases.org.
As always, thank you for listening!
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Today, on Fostering Change, Comfort Cases’ founder Rob Scheer has an enlightening conversation with Mark Daley, author of SAFE: A Memoir of Fatherhood, Foster Care, and the Risks We Take for Family. The book offers a deeply personal window into what happens when the universal longing for family crashes up against the unique madness and bureaucracy of a child protection system that often fails to consider the needs of the most vulnerable parties of all—the children themselves.
You will hear Rob share that he believes that SAFE is an important resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about, or is actively participating in our foster care system. You will hear Rob and Mark discuss how having a community of support all around you is so important. In fact, finding community is “Step Number 1!” - be that community family, church, neighbors or others who can support you as you work to juggle this new lifestyle.
You will learn so much more about Mark and his thoughts on our broken foster care system. We encourage you to write a review, and share this podcast with others you care about.
Mark will be visiting a number of cities for book readings and signings. To see when he is coming to your city, or to invite him to your city, please visit: https://markdaley.us/
To purchase SAFE, please visit your local independent bookstore or purchase online on sites including:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Bookshop.org
You can follow Mark on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markdaley00/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markdaley00
A reminder that Fostering Change now posts on alternative Tuesdays. So our next episode will drop on February 13 - a very special Valentine’s Day episode! You can always catch up on previous episodes of Fostering Change by visiting www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write to us at info@comfortcases.org.
As always, thank you for listening!
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Comfort Cases is so lucky to have many friends and supporters from around the world. In 2022 we opened our first international center, Comfort CasesUK (https://comfortcasesuk.org/). On today’s episode, we welcome a guest from England, our friend Kevin Leslie.
Kevin is known for many movie and tv roles, most recently appearing in the Christmas movie: Christmas at the Holly Day Inn. Today on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks to Kevin about the new children’s books series he wrote, Granddad Brian & His Stories.
Kevin wrote these books as a creative way of dealing with loss and grief, following the loss of his grandfather to covid. His grandfather loved telling stories and Kevin wanted to share the warmth from his “granddad” with children around the world. He partnered with Comfort Cases and has donated numerous books to our center in the UK!
We know you’ll enjoy today’s episode!
To find out more about Kevin, please visit him on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KevinLeslieActor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinleslieactor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheKevinLeslie
If interested in getting one of Kevin’s books, reach out to him directly at: https://www.instagram.com/grandadbrianstories/
If interested in making a donation to our center in the UK, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/comfortcasesuk
A reminder that Fostering Change now posts on alternative Tuesdays. So our next episode will drop on Tuesday, January 30. You can always catch up on previous episodes of Fostering Change by visiting www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write to us at info@comfortcases.org.
As always, thank you for listening!
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Welcome to 2024! The entire team at Comfort Cases hopes you had a festive, and happy holiday season. Note that we didn’t write “restful”, as we know the past few weeks are generally the busiest time of year.
This is why we are starting off our 2024 season right, with an interview with Ashley Neese, author of Permission to Rest: Revolutionary Practices for Healing, Empowerment, and Collective Care.
Ashley Neese is a renowned breathwork teacher, author, parent, and land steward. She has spent over a decade working at the intersections of embodiment, transformation, and renewal. Ashley is host of The Deeper Call podcast, where she shares restorative conversations to support connection and healing.
Ashley is a foster parent, as well as adoptive parent and biological parent. She has recently brought a foster son into their home as part of an emergency foster care situation and understands that all parents need to find time for rest in their lives.
In this interview, host Rob Scheer and Ashley discuss how resting as a practice is a portal to grow ones capacity to be with hard things , which in turn gives you the capacity to be there for your kids and partner when they are going through hard things rather than dismiss, shame, or try to make them feel differently - it allows one to meet them where they are.
To learn more about Ashley, please visit:
Website: https://www.ashleyneese.com/
Instagram: ashley_neese
About her books: https://www.ashleyneese.com/books
- We want to share one note about Fostering Change. Starting this week, we will be posting episodes on a bi-weekly basis (we all need a little rest, right?) So our next episode will be posted on January 16.
But you can always catch up on previous episodes of Fostering Change by visiting www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write us at info@comfortcases.org.
As always, thank you for listening!
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Today is a special episode of Fostering Change (well, all our episodes are special, but this one has a very special significance!) It’s the final episode of 2023 AND, today’s episode marks the 200th Episode of Fostering Change. Amazing that we’ve reached this important milestone in our 5th season! And the past 3 seasons, we’ve been named the #1 podcast for issues about Adoption and Foster Care!
We couldn’t have achieved this without the amazing support from our amazing guests and all of the positive feedback we’ve received from you, our viewers and listeners. Thank you so much!
And what a way to mark this milestone, with another GOOD HUMAN, Emily Cole. You may not know Emily’s name (yet), but surely you’ve heard of the organization she and her husband Jesse run: The Savannah Bananas (https://thesavannahbananas.com/), known as “The Greatest Show in Sports!” The Cole’s started the organization with the goal to make baseball fun and bring families together.
And beyond the entertaining brand of baseball the team plays, Emily and Jesse founded Bananas Foster,, an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to Bringing Families Together by focusing on celebrating those who are doing amazing things in the foster care world while educating and inspiring others to get involved. In 2020, the Cole’s became a licensed foster family, an action that would truly change their life.
Emily shares her story with Rob on today’s podcast. We know you will find it inspiring and hopefully motivate you to become involved in your community - be it foster care or some other form of charitable act.
To learn more about Bananas Foster, please visit: https://bananasfoster.org/ and visit https://thesavannahbananas.com/ to learn more about the Savannah Bananas Baseball team!
You can follow Emily and the Bananas on Social Media:
Instagram: @EmCole3 @thesavbananas @bananasfosterinc
TikTok: @SavBananas
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSavBananas
To listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit: www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write us at info@comfortcases.org.
Thank you for listening and we’ll see you next Tuesday!
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If you’ve watched or listened to Fostering Change before, or you’ve seen Rob Scheer speak at an event or a Comfort Cases “Packing Party”, you know that he loves to promote people who are doing great things for others - what he calls “Good Humans.” Well, on today’s episode you’ll meet one of the “goodest of them all,” Marcy Bursac.
Scaling her lived experience as an adoptive mom of a sibling pair, Marcy advocates for the more than 100,000 children in the U.S. foster care system that are waiting to be adopted through her free app, books, monthly podcast, speaking engagements, and TV, radio, magazine, and podcast appearances.
Marcy’s latest book, "What to Know When You Adopt Through Foster Care" is available now - and we highly recommend that if you’ve given any thought at all to adopting that you order this book today. This honest guide covers how to handle the ups and downs, behaviors, and realities involved in raising children adopted through the foster care system who may have experienced neglect, abuse, trauma and/or loss.
Inside you'll learn:
-
what foster care adoption is and which children can be adopted
-
why some families waited and how some pursued this path after facing infertility
-
how some had to be persistent and how they endured the process
-
tips for parenting children who have experienced neglect, trauma, alcohol exposure
-
tips for parenting children who have mental health or medical needs
and more!
Marcy is a recipient of the Angels in Adoption® Award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute from Missouri with Senator Blunt. She was crowned United States of America’s Mrs. Ohio 2022. She founded the organization The Forgotten Adoption Option. She is the creator of the Foster Care Adoption Awareness Reading Program. Most recently, Marcy was interviewed and announced the winner of the Pilot Pen G2 Overachievers Grant on The Kelly Clarkson Show on October 26th, 2023.
To learn more about Marcy, please visit her website: https://forgottenadoptionoption.com/
You can also follow Marcy on social media:
Instagram: @marcybursac
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForgottenAdoptionOption
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcybursac/
To listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit: www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write us at info@comfortcases.org.
Thank you for listening and we’ll see you next Tuesday!
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Prepare yourself for an interview with a woman who defines the term “resilience.” Regina Calcaterra’s memoir Etched in Sand, A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island is a #1 international best-seller and a New York Times best-seller. As a result of Etched in Sand’s messages of resilience, optimism, the plight of foster children, that no child is a lost cause and how we can all positively impact the life of a child in need, it has been integrated into college and high school curricula throughout the U.S. and been selected for community reads.
She is also co-author of Etched in Sand’s sequel which she wrote with her younger sister Rosie Maloney,Girl Unbroken, A Sister’s Harrowing Journey from the Streets of Long Island to the Farms of Idaho. Girl Unbroken has also been integrated into college curricula alongside Etched in Sand. Regina speaks nationally about her books’ messages and how we can all impact the life of a child in need.
To learn more about Regina, please visit: https://reginacalcaterra.com/
We encourage you to follow Regina’s journey on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Calcaterra.Regina/
Instagram: @regina_calcaterra
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/regina-calcaterra-1a9608285/
To listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit: www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write us at info@comfortcases.org.
Thank you for listening and we’ll see you next Tuesday!
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“Understand there is more of a reality out there than you’ve been living through.”
Today’s episode of Fostering Change will truly inspire you! Rob Scheer interviews Lisa Cohen, someone he shares much in common. They were both in foster care, both from Washington, DC and following foster care, both joined the Navy. They also both have “bucked the trend” and have been successful in business and in life. They share how they moved forward in their careers, they didn’t talk about their experiences in foster care, as they didn’t want it to be used against them.
Lisa has also loved sports her entire life and was a “Muhammad Ali addict”, and became a championship boxer! She writes about these experiences in her memoir, “Being Too Fierce”.
Lisa holds the esteemed position of President of the Rotary Club of Washington DC. Under her leadership, she has spearheaded an initiative called "Rotary's Championship Fight for Youth," which aims to provide essential services to foster youth in the Washington DC metropolitan area. She also works as a Behavioral Clinician for Sasha Bruce Youthwork, an organization that is the leading provider of homeless youth services in the DC Region and have opened their first Foster House.
This episode will truly inspire you!
To get in touch with Lisa and/or order a signed copy of “Being Too Fierce,” please email directly at: lisac.dcrotary@gmail.com.
To learn more about Sasha Bruce Youthwork, please visit: https://www.sashabruce.org/
To listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit: www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write us at info@comfortcases.org.
Thank you for listening and we’ll see you next Tuesday!
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Corporate Responsibility. You hear that phrase often. But how many businesses truly follow through on being good corporate citizens? On today’s episode of Fostering Change you will meet one organization that does just that: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Indiana Medicaid Health Plan. In fact, this organization was Comfort Cases’ very first corporate sponsor - we are celebrating working with them for six years!
You will hear Rob Scheer speak with April Lam, Chief of Staff for the health plan. April has a strong connection to Comfort Cases’ mission, as she not only works closely with non-profit organizations, but has also been a foster parent and adopted a child out of foster care.
Since the partnership with Comfort Cases began 6 years ago, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has packed more than 7,000 Comfort Cases® to support youth living in foster care.
The partnership between Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Comfort Cases has grown since 2018. Since the expansion, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s affiliated health plans have hosted 24 packing parties across 16 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico, providing over 12,000 Comfort Cases and XL duffel bags to youth in foster care nationwide.
To learn more about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Indiana, please visit: https://mss.anthem.com/in/indiana-hom...
To listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit: www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write us at info@comfortcases.org.
Thank you for listening and we’ll see you next Tuesday!
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We hope you are ready for an especially inspiring episode of Fostering Change. Today, Rob Scheer interviews Peter Mutabazi: entrepreneur, international advocate for children, and the founder of Now I Am Known, a nonprofit that supplies resources that encourage and affirm children and families. A single adoptive father of three and foster dad to many (34 as of this date!), Mutabazi is a former street kid originally from Uganda who has worked for World Vision, Compassion International, and the Red Cross, and has appeared on media outlets such as the BBC and The TODAY Show.
Rob and Peter discuss his book, Now I Am Known: How a Street Kid Turned Foster Dad Found Acceptance and True Worth, how Peter’s organization is helping countless youth in foster care, and what it takes to be a single parent / foster parent.
To learn more about Peter and Now I Am Known, please visit:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fosterdadflipper
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fosterdadflipper/
Website: https://www.nowiamknownfoundation.org/
To listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit: www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write us at info@comfortcases.org.
Thank you for listening and we’ll see you next Tuesday!
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In a discussion that covers everything from medicare filings to the resources necessary for caregivers of all kind to thrive, today Rob Scheer speaks with Mike and Kristin Berry, the co-founders of The Resilient Caregiver, a global initiative that helps foster and adoptive caregivers build resiliency through understanding, education, and support.
There are so many hoops one must jump through when becoming a foster parent or adopting, many just don’t know where to start. Kristin and Mike, have been there and done that, and through their recently rebranded organization, The Resilient Caregiver, they provide many of the resources that will make this journey at least a little bit more sensicle.
You can find out more about the resources they provide, including workshops and their very own podcast by visiting: www.resilientcaregiver.org
University VIP Link: www.resilientcaregiver.org/universityvip
You can also follow The Resilient Caregiver on social media, here:
Facebook: www.facebook/resilientcaregiver
Instagram: @resilientcaregiver
To find out more about Comfort Cases, please visit our website: www.comfortcases.org.
You can also follow us on our social media channels:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/comfortcases
Instagram: @comfortcases
Twitter: @comfortcases
TikTok: @comfort_cases
To listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit: www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.
If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Please write us at info@comfortcases.org.
Thank you for listening and we’ll see you next Tuesday!
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Today, Rob Scheer talks with a real “go-getter”. Someone who doesn’t take no for an answer and truly reaches for the stars. Haley Marguerite is a motivational speaker, a publisher and an author. In fact, she published her first book at the age of 11!
Haley is the talented author behind the beloved Charlie Takes an Adventure book series. Through her captivating stories, children learn important life lessons while joining Charlie, the adventurous penguin, on his incredible journeys and heartwarming experiences with his loving family.
Haley’s passion for empowering kids to believe in themselves and chase their dreams shines through in her writing.
She says: “From elementary school through high school, I encountered the harsh winds of bullying – targeted for my appearance, round glasses, and the struggle to comprehend words until the 10th grade. Yet, I've emerged not broken, but resilient, a testament to the power of inner strength.”
You can often find Haley speaking to school and community groups about overcoming bullying, and building up self-esteem. Today, we are lucky to have her as a guest on Fostering Change.
The latest book in the series is titled: “Charlie Takes an Adventure to the Moon”, where Charlie faces bullying and tries to learn how to deal with and overcome it. More about Haley and the “Charlie Takes an Adventure” book series can be found here:
Website about the book: https://www.charlietakesanadventure.com/
Website about Haley and her publishing programs: www.haleymarguerite.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haleymargueritepersonal/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HaleyPublishing
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Charliepenguin2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officalhaleymarguerite/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haleymarguerite
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleymarguerite/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-8g8ADbMc-vzV-3nTMRO3A
For more information about Comfort Cases, or to listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit:
Website: https://comfortcases.org/
Podcast Archive: https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/
If you have any questions or comments about this episode, please write to us! info@comfortcases.org.
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Comfort Cases is thrilled to be working with the team from Amerigroup Georgia Families 360 on a powerful new initiative. Launched at the start of National Adoption Awareness Month, Comfort Cases and Amerigroup Georgia Families 360 are committing to get a Comfort Case(™) to every youth in foster care in the state of Georgia, finally ending the practice of black trash bags being given to youth who are entering or transitioning into foster care.
This first-of-its-kind initiative, https://comfortcases.org/press/amerigroup-georgia-leads-the-nation-in-providing-comfort-cases-to-every-child-in-georgia-foster-care/, showcases the power of collective action and sets an inspiring precedent for other states to follow. To learn more about this exciting and ground breaking program, and how you may be able to help, please click on https://comfortcases.org/amerigroupgatakeover/, or visit our website.
On today’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer speaks with Eshontee Rowe, a member of the Amerigroup Youth Advisory Board. This dynamic young woman sets the standard for what being a “Good Human” is all about.
Eshontee not only amplifies the voices of young people who have faced adversity but also actively engages in crafting solutions to enhance the lives of those presently affected by the system. Yet, her dedication extends beyond these roles. Eshontee also serves as a member of Foster Youth In Action's People Agenda Team, an international network of independent foster youth-led groups across the U.S. and Canada, where she diligently works to bring about positive change within the foster care community.
Rob and Eshontee’s conversation will truly motivate you to go out and get things done. We encourage you to share today’s podcast with your children and young colleagues. It’s people like Eshontee will truly change the world.
To learn more about Amerigroup, please visit https://www.myamerigroup.com/ga/georgia-home.html
To follow Eshontee’s journey on LinkedIn, please https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshontee-rowe
To learn more about Rob Scheer and Comfort Cases, and the Georgia Takeover Program, please visit us at: https://comfortcases.org/
If you have questions or comments about today’s episode, the foster care system, or how you might volunteer or donate to help youth in foster care, please write to us here: info@comfortcases.org
You can find previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/
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You may know the name Zion Clark, whose catchphrase is:
“You Don't Need Legs To Leave A Footprint On Earth”
Did you watch his documentary on Netflix? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRvGlB1-Ku8
Maybe you saw him on America’s Got Talent? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRA3t_9hX50
Or, you read his book, “Work With What You Got: A Memoir”, https://www.amazon.com/Work-What-You-Got-Memoir/dp/1536224219
Today, Rob Scheer speaks with this amazing All-American wrestler, MMA fighter, Guinness World Record holder, and an internationally acclaimed speaker who infuses humor, wit, powerful life lessons, and infectious energy into each and every presentation that he gives—allowing him to connect with audiences on a level that is undeniably unparalleled.
Perhaps most importantly, he is singularly—and uniquely—ZION.
Standing at just over three feet tall and weighing 110 pounds, he competes against "able-bodied" athletes and has his eyes set on competing in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024.
Born into the foster care system with a rare birth defect called Caudal Regression Syndrome that left him without legs, Zion has faced countless struggles that he has not only had to overcome to survive, but that he has learned to leverage in order to thrive at the highest levels against all odds.
His overriding winning-mentality has made him an inspiration to millions of people around the world, and he is just getting started.
Zion boasts over one million Instagram followers, two million followers on TikTok, and has amassed over 40 million YouTube views of his Guinness World Record achievement.
These are the 3 things Zion leveraged in order to create the life he has for himself. It’s through these you’ll be able to gain:
✅ A new perspective on life
✅ Confidence knowing you can accomplish what you set your mind to
✅ Freedom to live without limitations… with no excuses
You can learn more about Zion on his social media channels:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigznoexcuses
Instagram: @bigz97
Twitter: @bigz97
TikTok: @bigznoexcuses
For more information about Comfort Cases, or to listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit:
Website: https://comfortcases.org/
Podcast Archive: https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/
If you have any questions or comments about this episode, Comfort Cases, or if you have a suggestion for a guest for an upcoming episode, please write to us! infor@comfortcases.org.
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Social justice advocate Di Ciruolo is on a mission to shed light on these systematic injustices in the foster care system and provides a step-by-step approach to personal recovery and guidance for survivors and those who seek to support them in her new book, “Indomitable”, a true story of how she survived foster care.
In today’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer and Di Ciruolo work together to highlight the flaws in the foster care system, and what can be done to FINALLY correct them, and help our most vulnerable youth.
Indomitable is a true story of foster care survival. With intentional wit and a healthy amount of self-reflection, Di Ciruolo invites explorers to find the places they can relate to while finding footing on the rungs to healing. Ciruolo shines a light on inner trauma, by offering encouragement and guidance for survivors and those who seek to support them.
From childhood to motherhood, Di Ciruolo takes readers through very personal and intensely heartbreaking experiences and creates a safe space for trauma survivors with Indomitable.
Other issues addressed in today’s powerful episode:
- The fake narratives surrounding foster care and the changes we can make as a community and society
- Trauma: how common it is to the human experience, and the outcomes of those foundational experiences in people's lives.
- Abuse: how abusers create a dual consciousness within their victims that leaves victims feeling responsible for their own abuse, and the shame they carry into adulthood as a result along with the very common outcomes we see from that.
Di is a “force of nature”. Here’s how you can learn more about her and “Indomitable”:
Website: www.diciruolo.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/DiCiruolo
Twitter:https://twitter.com/diciruolo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/diciruolo/
Tags: #indomitablexdi #becomingindomitable
For more information about Comfort Cases, or to listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit:
Website: https://comfortcases.org/
Podcast Archive: https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/
If you have any questions or comments about this episode, Comfort Cases, or if you have a suggestion for a guest for an upcoming episode, please write to us! infor@comfortcases.org.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer speaks with Monica Pantoja, the dynamic Executive Director of the nsoro Educational Foundation.
Founded in 2005, The nsoro Educational Foundation believes not one young person aging out of our nation's foster care system should have to navigate the world alone. Our mission provides the access to and attainment of post-secondary education through a holistic scholarship that shepherds our youth to and through college, optimally positioning our graduates for an equitable transition into adulthood. Nsoro’s Scholarship Program “Fostering Futures” provides a certified executive coach and a mentor with evidence curriculum, anchored in four tenets: post-secondary credentials: emotional literacy, financial fluency, and workforce readiness. From essential gap funding for tuition, books, academic fees, to ensuring our scholar's housing stability and food security, nsoro’s Scholarship serves as a bridge from college to career.
Rob and Monica have an important discussion about our youth who've spent time in the foster care system and the barriers they face to achieving self-sufficiency and economic mobility, far greater than than first gen peers.
The Results: nsoro scholars:
435 college graduate to date
81% college graduation rate
70% are pursuing an advanced degree
98% have not been incarcerated
96% have not abused drugs or alcohol
78% have not been homeless
85% have developed and maintained a budget
To learn more about nsoro Foundation, please visit:
Website: nsoro Foundation: https://nsoro.foundation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nsorofoundation
Instagram: @nsorofoundation
Twitter: @nsoroFoundation
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-nsoro-foundation-3825a9248/
To learn more about Rob Scheer and Comfort Cases, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/
If you have questions or comments about today’s episode, the foster care system, or how you might volunteer or donate to help youth in foster care, please write to us here: info@comfortcases.org
You can find previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In today’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer speaks with a true “angel”: Susan Ramirez, the founder of National Angels, a non-profit organization whose mission is “to walk alongside children, youth, and families in the foster care community by offering consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building, and mentorship.”
Now in 21 cities in 16 states, National Angels goal is to keep youth in foster care in one home before they are returned to their biological family or become a permanent part of that home by adoption.
As Susan notes in the interview: “Every child should have at least one healthy adult who knows the color of their eyes and the passions of their heart.” Because close to 50% of foster parents close their home in one year, on average children in foster care move 7 times every 2 years. Think about that. How does that set these youth up for success?
Susan and Rob discuss how foster care affects ALL of us as a society, and it is up to us ALL to do what we can to equip all youth to succeed. Otherwise, it can lead down the wrong path - as many of you know, 80% of all death row inmates were once in foster care. Close to 25% of those who have been part of “human trafficking” have been in foster care. Without support, those numbers will only grow.
National Angels will host a “Give-a-Thon” from November 21-28. All of us at Comfort Cases encourage you to consider making a donation to increase their national awareness and support. More information about this important event can be found HERE.
Follow National Angels:
Website: https://www.nationalangels.org/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nationalangels?fbcl...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalange...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalang...
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This true story will inspire you like none you may have ever heard. Rob Scheer interviews Katrina Mullen. You may have seen Katrina on The Today Show, or in People Magazine. This unassuming NICU (NeoNatal Intensive Care Unit) Nurse has received universal praise for how she stepped up where others would not.
As a neonatal nurse in a small Indiana hospital, she saw Shariya, a young mother sitting cribside of her 3 young babies she had just given birth to. This new mom, only 14 years old, was often alone, looking lost… and alone. Katrina would visit with Shariya, and try to give her advice and tips on how to care for her babies. Again, Shariya was just 14, in 8th grade, and the mother of triplets - and was virtually alone.
When Shariya was discharged from the hospital, Katrina gave her her phone number and told her to call whenever she wanted. Shariya took her up on this and Katrina often went to visit Shariya and her babies.
Soon, there was a health issue with one of her babies, and then DSS came and took her two others into care. Shariya asked if she could stay with Katrina. Katrina had 3 young children of her own, plus two adult children, but she immediately said yes, and engaged in all the classes necessary to become a foster parent.
So much more to tell about this amazing human being - and how she soon ended up adopting Shariya, and became the grandmother of three beautiful triplets. We know you will love this episode as much as we do.
To learn more about Katrina, Shariya and the family, you can visit her on social media:
Facebook: Katrina Mullen or Mullen.kat
Instagram: @kat_mullen23
TikTok: @kmullen23
Twitter/ X: @Katrinamullen23
To learn more about Rob Scheer and Comfort Cases, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/
If you have questions or comments about today’s episode, the foster care system, or how you might volunteer or donate to help youth in foster care, please write to us here: info@comfortcases.org
You can find previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On today’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob speaks with Laura Foster Parent Partner, whose mission is to educate and support people about the foster care system. Often, new foster parents are not prepared for everything they need to know before their first children come to them.
Laura discusses how the “cracks of child welfare are deep”, from misplaced birth certificates to wrong names of the child, and without knowing the right types of questions to ask, you run the risk of not knowing these things and have to play catch up - which is not the situation a new foster parent - or their child - wants to be in!
In this insightful conversation, you will here:
What sweeping changes need to be made in the foster care system
What should be considered when setting up your home for a foster child
How every state has different rules and regulations and how that affects parents and youth
How we should be moving from “mandated reporting” to “mandated supporting”
You can learn more about Laura by visiting her here:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/foster.parenting
Website: https://www.fosterparentpartner.com/
Instagram: @foster.parenting
TikTok: @fosterparenting
YouTube: @foster.parenting
Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/influence...
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On today’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob interviews Dr. Kristin Hoffman, Ph.D., Chief Program Officer and Child Psychologist and Chelsea Henandez, LCSW, Clinical Director of the All Star Children’s Foundation.
The All Star Children’s Foundation, based in Sarasota, Florida uses a trauma-focused approach through innovation, science and compassion. They have an onsite campus, home to youth in foster care and their caregivers where they offer a number of evidence-based trainings to the community while emphasizing an understanding of trauma through a “trauma informed lens”.
With so many youth in foster care facing trauma, they don’t often get to someone who can help until it is much too late. This is where All Star Children’s Foundation comes in and help the child make a shift away from trauma.
Rob shares with Kristin and Chelsea that “the moment a child enters the system, they should receive some form of therapy.” They discuss the disservice done to children with so many group homes are shut down and how their campus was developed to create a “lasting change” to work with them the moment they enter care to make the feel loved and capable.”
The All Star Children’s Foundation is also planning their first “State of the Mind Conference” on September 21 to help the community understand trauma and how it affects everyone around. There will be many speakers on hand, including Rob! For more information about the conference, please visit: https://www.stateofmind.org/
We know you’ll find today’s discussion full of useful and insightful information. Please leave us a comment, and share with your friends and colleagues.
For more information about the All Star Children’s Foundation, please visit:
Website: www.allstarchildren.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllStarChildren/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allstarchildren/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/allstarchildren
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71017516/admin/feed/posts/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlUB5hOEElGeFBq8VbSL0g/featured
For more information about Comfort Cases, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/
Comments? Questions? Guest Suggestions? Please send them to: info@comfortcases.org
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Welcome to Season 5 of Fostering Change! For those of you who are new to us: “Welcome!” And for our returning friends, “Welcome Back!”
Fostering Change is hosted by Rob Scheer, the founder of Comfort Cases, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote hope and dignity to youth in foster care.
We will post new episodes of Fostering Change every Tuesday on all of your favorite podcast channels, YouTube and on our Comfort Cases page (www.comfortcases/podcast). On the Comfort Cases page you can also find all of our previously aired episodes.
If you have comments about today’s amazing episode, or a suggestion for a guest, please email us at info@comfortcases.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
Now, here’s a bit more background on Rob’s first interview this season, with Todd Parr:
Todd Parr is an international and New York Times best selling author. He’s written and illustrated more than 60 beautiful books for children. In fact, Rob has been reading Todd’s books to his children for years. A family favorite is It’s Okay to be Different : targeted to young children first beginning to read, this book will inspire kids to celebrate their individuality through acceptance of others and self-confidence–and it’s never too early to develop a healthy self-esteem.
As you’ll hear in the interview, Todd’s book The Family Book has been listed as, for some reason, one of the “most banned books” in the United States. “Whether you have two moms or two dads, a big family or a small family, a clean family or a messy one, Todd Parr assures readers that no matter what kind of family you have, every family is special in its own unique way.”
Todd’s latest book is The Monster Mac and Cheese Party. His books have received numerous awards and are available in 20 languages. He is the co-creator of the popular Daytime Emmy®-nominated animated TV series ToddWorld with Gerry Renert of SupperTime Entertainment, and several short films for Sesame Street have been based on Todd’s work. Todd has partnered with Target, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, Stouffer's, People magazine, and other companies and organizations to help people and animals, and to promote literacy. He lives in California with his adopted pit bulls.
Here’s where you can find more information about Todd Parr and his books:
Website: https://www.toddparr.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToddParrBooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddparr/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/toddparr
For more information about Comfort Cases, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/
Comments? Questions? Guest Suggestions? Please send them to: info@comfortcases.org
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Thank you for joining us for our final “Best of Season 4” episode of Fostering Change. From all of us at Comfort Cases, we hope you had a wonderful summer and enjoyed revisiting some of our favorite episodes from this past season.
Next week, September 5, we will post the first episode for our new season. Can you believe that we’re entering Season 5???? Neither can we! We want to thank everyone: our guests and our listeners for all you do to make Fostering Changethe #1 podcast for issues regarding foster care and adoption.
If you have suggestions for guests for our upcoming season, or comments on any of our shows, please reach out to us at fosteringchange@comfortcases.org.
Thank you again - now for a bit about today’s show!
In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Cody Renegar, Hairstylist, Author and Artist.Cody is a hairstylist, fine artist, and author of the memoir "Changing the Stars." He currently lives in California with his husband, Terry. He has a son, Levi, who, with his partner, Alaya, has given Cody three grandkids. Cody is the hairstylist of choice for many Hollywood entertainment industry celebrities and A-listers. Los Angeles is his main stage, although he also maintains a large clientele in Washington, D.C., and Arkansas. He is a cosmetologist and master barber with twenty-five years of experience with unique cutting styles and techniques; he is a former cutting director for Aveda and Bumble & Bumble, Minneapolis. Cody began his career in 1996 in Arkansas. He moved to José Éber Salon on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills in 2004, where he had the honor of working alongside José on the main floor and in his own private barber shop, working with many high-profile clients. Cody has been featured in the documentary film Hollywood to Dollywood and the book Rainbow Relatives. A talented artist, Cody's paintings hang in private collections around the world.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ The power of hope, optimism, and resilience; how we are in charge of our own destiny (the foundation of Changing the Stars)
🖐️ Cody's experience in the foster care system and what he hopes to see change
🖐️ Cody's career & personal evolution - Army, Father, Hair Stylist, Artist, Author
You can find out more about Cody by visiting:
Website: www.codyrenegar.com
Instagram: @hairbycodyrenegar (hair) & @codyrenegarart (art)
Facebook: @CodyRenegarOfficial (hair) & @artbycodyrenegar (art)
Tik Tok: @codyrenegar
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week's episode of Fostering Change, we revisit Rob’s conversation with Gideon Bernstein, Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy and the author of The Workbook for Giving: Exercises for identifying the resources, giving goals, and giving strategies for you and your family.
Gideon Bernstein has served as a trusted financial advisor to families in Orange County, California, for decades.
Currently a Principal and Chief Investment Officer at Leisure Capital Management, his passion is working with nonprofit boards, families, and private foundations to help them achieve their philanthropic missions.
Gideon has served as a board member of numerous charitable organizations, Vice President of Investments, and Chairman of the Board for the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County. He holds designations as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP).
Gideon is also the author of Giving: A Handbook to Happiness for the Modern Philanthropist.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ The Secret to Happiness: It's Giving.
🖐️ The new Workbook that was just published
🖐️ What inspired you to write the book?
🖐️ What does it take to be a philanthropist? NOT Millions of $!
You can find out more about Gideon and his books by visiting:
Website: www.thejoysofgiving.com
Learn more about how YOU CAN GIVE at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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April Dinwoodie is an Adoption Activist, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Consultant, and Parent Coach. Dinwoodie’s podcast Born in June, Raised in April: What Adoption Can Teach the World helps facilitate an open dialogue about identity, family, and differences of race, culture, and class. As a transracially adopted person (Black/bi-racial, adopted into a white family), April is fiercely dedicated to sharing her experiences to audiences of varied spectrums. In this week’s Fostering Change, April shares with host Rob Scheer her thoughts on helping individuals get a better understanding of people with similar backgrounds. She often consults with companies and organizations to develop stronger and more astute teams, and ultimately find even more purpose in our individual and collective work. In addition to consulting with corporations, schools, and government grants, and keynote speaking and training, April serves as Executive Director of Transracial Journeys.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Adoptment – Mentoring Program
🖐️ The calendar as a practical tool for conversation and action supporting the needs of youth separated from family of origin.
🖐️ Mothers’ Day – the realities of complicated holidays in adoption and foster care
You can find out more about April by visiting:
Website:www.juneinapril.com
April’s Podcast: Born in June, Raised in April: What Adoption Can Teach the World
Facebook:@juneinapril
Twitter:@juneinapril
Instagram: @juneinapril
LinkedIn: April Dinwoodie
YouTube: April Dinwoodie
Tilktok: @juneinapril
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Originally airing in May during National Foster Care Awareness Month, on today’s “Best of” episode of Fostering Change Rob interviews Stacy Huston, Executive Director of *Sixdegrees.org, the award-winning nonprofit founded by Kevin Bacon with a mission rooted in connecting people to resources. Six Degrees supports impactful initiatives to sustain and enrich local communities by developing partnerships and solutions working collaboratively with local leaders, residents, and celebrities, on increasing youth empowerment, justice and equality, and improving a sustainable living environment.*
The organization prioritizes the lived experiences of communities that are commonly underserved and under-resourced. They reach their audiences through video, content and Public Service Announcements about subjects that are meaningful to the community, with a big focus on youth: particularly early education, arts programming and early literacy.
Stacy received the 2022 Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for her work with SixDegrees related to Hunger. She has overseen social media campaigns such as “l Stay Home For”, garnishing more than 1.2 million posts and 2.1 Billion engagements globally, winning 4 Webbys and A Shorty Social Good award.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ “Cake it Like a Kid” - in support of Pediatric Cancer Awareness
🖐️ SixDegrees.Org produced Play On
🖐️ Getting People Moving the Right Direction
You can find out more about Stacy by visiting:
Website: SixDegrees.Org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sixdegrees.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixdegreesofkb/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sixdegreesofkb?lang=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacybradford/
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Today we revisit Angela Featherstone - model, actress, philanthropist: Founder of the organization Fosteringcare.org, a nonprofit trauma-healing and trade school for youth aging out of foster care in Los Angeles.
The school is contributing to halting the negative outcomes that so many youth who age out of foster care experience, including homelessness, incarceration, and human trafficking. Moreover, the school is also very importantly training young people in healing modalities, so that they leave school with a trade/occupation that will enable them to achieve self-sufficiency. They are now working with Jae Canas from UCLA Behavioral Sciences who is now creating a trauma-healing template from our paradigm for the Dept of Mental Health.
Who is Angela?
Within a year of emancipating herself from foster care at 17, Angela Featherstone became Canada's top model when her September, Flare magazine cover broke all previous records for sales.
She quickly expanded upon her success and left for New York where she signed with the illustrious Click agency. She would travel the world as a top fashion model, working with such great photographers as Oliviero Toscani, Piero Gemelli, Irving Penn, Albert Watson, David Bailey, and Bruce Weber.
But for her life's work of acting, she downplayed her striking features to play unlikely roles, emerging as an actress with exceptional versatility. She is best known for playing Chloe in Friends and the fiancé (Linda) who left Adam Sandler's character (Robbie) at the altar in The Wedding Singer.
Most recently she played the role of Maggie on Showtime’s Ray Donovan and Jame on Girls for HBO. She has created sitcoms for Sony, DreamWorks, and NBC television, and written nonfiction for Time, Jane, Flare, The Huffington Post, Dame, and Zoomer.
Her essay about childhood trauma, God Said No, was published in the 2014 edition of Gargoyle Magazine and nominated for the Pushcart Prize. In 2011, she curated Fuck Pretty, a show at the Robert Berman Gallery featuring important and emerging female photographers, and recorded “Coattail Glide” with Raymond Pettibon and the band The Niche Makers.
Recently, Angela served as a consultant on the important documentary about the effects and healing of trauma, Cracked Up.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Essay about Childhood Trauma
🖐️ Children's Action Network
🖐️ A Trauma-Healing Non-Profit for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
You can find out more about Angela by visiting:
Website: www.Fosteringcare.org
Instagram: @thefosteringcarehealingshool
Twittter: @ppp_healing
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today, in the midst of one of the hottest summer’s on record, we revisit our interview with Sharlee Jeter, President of the Turn 2 Foundation, a non-profit established by her brother, baseball legend Derek Jeter, and their father, Dr. Charles Jeter, to motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and "Turn 2" healthy lifestyles. They provide help for youth to reach their full potential by creating and supporting initiatives that promote leadership development, academic achievement, positive behavior, healthy lifestyles and social change.
She also serves as vice president of strategy & development for Jeter Ventures, which encompasses Derek’s full portfolio of business operations. She is the co-author with Dr. Sampson Davis of the powerful book, The Stuff: Unlock Your Power to Overcome Challenges, Soar and Succeed . It was inspired by the authors’ own personal challenges and is intended to inspire readers to recognize their own strength and potential to succeed. Sharlee received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Spelman College. She resides in New Jersey with her son, Jalen.
ALSO:
Congratulations to #Turn2 President Sharlee Jeter for being honored by One Hundred Black Men during its 60th Anniversary Gala. Recognized for her commitment to creating positive change, Sharlee received the Jackie Robinson and Community Impact Award. Held at Lincoln Center, the special event celebrated One Hundred Black Men's 60-year legacy and profound impact on the Black community.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Giving kids a platform and an opportunity to succeed and live their maximized lives
🖐️ There are so many synergies that can be discussed during this podcast
🖐️ We have a responsibility to provide youth the opportunity to find & use their voices
You can find out more about Sharlee by visiting:
Website: www.turn2foundation.org
Instagram: @sjeter2
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharlee.jeter.7
Twitter: @sjeter2
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast
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Today, as we continue our “Best of Season 4” series, we revisit our interview with Rob’s friend, David Ambroz, author of “A Place Called Home.” David is a national poverty and child welfare expert and advocate. He was recognized by President Obama as an American Champion of Change. In writing about the book, Hillary Clinton stated: “It’s impossible to read… and not want to redouble your efforts to fight the systems of poverty that have plagued America for far too long.”
David currently serves as the Head of Community Engagement (West) for Amazon. Previously he led Corporate Social Responsibility for Walt Disney Television, and served as the President of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission, and as a California Child Welfare Councilmember. After growing up homeless and then in foster care, he graduated from Vassar and later from UCLA School of Law (J.D.). He is a foster dad and lives in Los Angeles, CA.
Rob and David have an enlightening conversation about the foster care system, grit, courage and integrity.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️What made you decide to revisit your childhood experience with poverty and in foster care in A PLACE CALLED HOME
🖐️ What qualities and/or circumstances allowed you to survive such deprivation and abuse?
🖐️ How did your sexuality change your foster care experience?
You can find out more about David by visiting:
Website: https://www.davidambroz.com/
More about the boo: A PLACE CALLED HOME: A Memoir
Twitter: @DaveAmbroz
Instagram: @hjdambroz
Learn more about Comfort Cases at https://www.comfortcases.org/
To view previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As we continue our “Best of Season 4 Series” this Summer, we go back to a true favorite: Rob Scheer talks with Lauren Ruotolo, author of “Unstoppable in Stilettos”, inspirational speaker and award winning content producer.
Be this the first time you’ve heard this interview, or an encore, we know you’ll love Lauren as much as we do.
At 18 months Lauren was diagnosed with a rare disease called McCune Albright's Syndrome which left her walking with crutches full time at the age of 5 years old. After spending more than 20 years in magazine publishing and healthcare, Lauren now commits 100% of her time advocating for the 61 million people in the US and 1.2B globally who identify as disabled. Currently she is working with global corporations on why including disability in all your DEI, hiring and believes that all people matter.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Inclusion Matters
🖐️ Segregation Started for Me at the Young Age of 5
🖐️ Self Love and Acceptance -- The idea of accepting who you are, where you came from and how exist
You can find out more about Lauren by visiting:
Website: www.laurenruotolo.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenruotolo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenruotolo/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/laurenruotolo
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For our first “Best of” episode in July, we are revisiting our interview with Kenisha Anthony, a first-generation college graduate, award-winning advocate for youth, and author. Known for being resilient and bold, Kenisha Anthony is an outspoken activist utilizing her experiences to empower others. As a foster care visionary, she starred in the documentary, Foster Shock and has been featured on NPR and in Essence Magazine. Join our host Rob Scheer as he talks with Kenisha about her eye-opening memoir, LABELED,
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Purpose of writing memoir
🖐️ Lived experiences as a child in care, advocate and social worker
🖐️ Life after foster care, college, career focus, healing, family, moving forward
You can find out more about Kenisha by visiting:
Website: www.kenishaanthony.com
Facebook: Kenisha E. Anthony
Twitter: aboutkenisha
Instagram: aboutkenisha & aboutlabeledbook
TikTok: aboutkenisha
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
Michael leads the executive efforts of the national nonprofit organization, Childhelp – a national leader in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse.
Childhelp believes that every child has a unique contribution to make to the world.
Prior to his role with Childhelp, Michael has served in executive leadership roles with other national and international nonprofit organizations such as Easter Seals and Project CURE. Currently pursuing a PhD in Education from Seattle Pacific University, Michael is looking to advance the education, vocational, and communal support of children who have experienced, or at risk of experiencing abuse; as well as children and youth who are a part of our national foster care system
Childhelp has just launched the Courage First Hotline – a national hotline staffed with professional counselors to assist athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone in the athletic communities who are concerned about emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.
Childhelp has also established the first evidence-based prevention education curriculum designed to educate students preK-12th grade on not only the signs and symptoms of abuse, but what to do when they witness or experience abuse. This curriculum has now included a new module around Human Trafficking.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ About Childhelp
🖐️ A foundation to assist youth in foster care; as well as youth at risk for, or experiencing abuse
🖐️ The First Evidence Based Prevention Education Curriculum
You can find out more about Michaeli by visiting:
Website: www.childhelp.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/childhelp
Instagram: www.instagram.com/childhelpf
Twitter: www.twitter.com/childhelp
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Originally posted in March, we couldn’t be happier to share Rob’s interview with his good friend, Mike Thorne, Mike’s focus of work is Human Transformation. He accomplishes this through an association with Vistage Worldwide, the largest Peer Advisory firm, and his work as Chairman of the National Council for Adoption.
As the author of the new book, Hustle With Heart: Unlocking Self-Worth Through Personal Trust Communities, he works to help people transform and thrive - at home and at work - to find a better way forward with their lives.
Mike is the former President of Yankee Candle and Russell Athletic and most recently CEO of Challenger Turf. He is a father of 3 adult daughters and has been married to his best friend for over 32 years. He invests his time with high integrity growth oriented leaders (and/or their leadership) who care about humanity and the environment
At age 46, Mike met his biological Mom and siblings, but not his dad. He was told that his dad didn't like successful people, but was talented at breaking and entering. Sitting in a living room with people he shared blood with but had never known until then was a turning point - Grateful vs resentful.
Mike shares so much in this interview with Rob Scheer, including these messages:
- Take care of your thoughts when alone. Take care of your words when with other people.
- The struggle of believing to belong: Belong. Build. Believe
Other Key Story Notes:
🖐️ Know and Own Your Own Story
🖐️ Define Your North Star
🖐️ Build Your Personal Trust Community Across All Aspects of Your Well Being
You can find out more about Mike by visiting:
Website: mikethorne.co
Instagram: @ptctransformer
Twitter: @ptctransformer
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/michaelbthorne
YouTube:@mikethorne3768 You Tube
You can purchase Mike’s book, Hustle With Heart, by clicking THIS LINK.
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Please note that this episode initially aired in November, National Adoption Awareness Month. We acknowledge all, such as our guest Damon Davis, who continue raising awareness about adoption.
In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with author and podcast host Damon Davis. Host of the "Who Am I Really?" podcast (www.whoamireallypodcast.com) Damon interviews people who share their stories of adoption and their attempt to find their birth families. He has interviewed nearly 200 adoptees from an array of life experiences from awful adoptions and amazing reunions to inspiring adoptions and unfortunate reunions.
In his autobiography "Who Am I Really? - An Adoptee Memoir" Damon shares his journey to becoming an adoptive parent and his emotions over the birth of his son, Seth. He opens up about the heartbreak of grappling with his adoptive mother's mental illness while balancing the joy of locating his birth mother working nearby. His journey took a twist when he located his biological father via DNA testing.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️Who Am I Really? An Adoptee Memoir
🖐️Changing the Narrative about Adoption
🖐️While many children are very fortunate in our adoptions, let’s acknowledge that adoption starts with trauma.
You can find out more about Damon by visiting:
Website:Whoamireallypodcast.com
Facebook:facebook.com/waireally
Instagram:@damonldavis
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today, November 1, 2022, we are so thrilled to launch our 4th Season of “Fostering Change.” Over the past 4 years, we have spoken with more than 150 Good Humans, who have shareed their missions and inspiring stories. For our premiere episode of Season 4 we could not be more excited to have Olympic Gold Medalist, Greg Louganis as our guest. Enjoy!
In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Greg Louganis, Louganis was adopted at 9 months by Frances and Peter Louganis, who lived in Lemon Grove, CA, just outside of San Diego. Teased and bullied as a child for the dark skin he inherited from his Samoan father and for his learning “differences,” he turned to what he could do well: sport. His first love was gymnastics and by nine years old, he was a “seasoned performer on the local talent show and convalescent-home circuit.”
Considered the greatest diver in history, Greg Louganis is the only male to win gold medals on both 3 meter springboard and 10 meter platform in consecutive Olympic Games (1984, 1988).
Across the globe, billions who watched either the 1984 or 1988 Olympics were enthralled by the poetry that was Greg Louganis: the beauty and power of his diving captured the world.
With a total of 5 Olympic medals, 5 World Championship titles and 47 national titles, more than any person in U.S. history, his records remain unbroken.
Today, as a coach, speaker, author, actor, activist and humanitarian he continues his tradition of excellence.
A trained actor, dancer, model and spokesman, Greg’s wide repertoire of skills keeps him in demand and in the public eye.
As the undisputed GOAT of mindset, Greg shares his knowledge and wisdom through his meditation and mindfulness course, as well as through his books, interviews and speaking engagements.
Causes close to his heart include HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ+, Adoption/Foster Care, Mental Health/Addiction, Human Rights, Animals, Environmental Issues and Climate Change.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Dogs/Animals
🖐️ HIV/AIDS/LGBTQ+
🖐️ Adoption/Foster Care Environmental Health & Wellness
🖐️ Mental Health
You can find out more about Greg by visiting:
Website: https://greglouganis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greglouganis/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greglouganis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/gregorylouganis
Twitter: https://twitter.com/greglouganis
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nolan Carr serves as the Marketing & Community Relations Manager for Amerigroup DC, a Managed Care Organization in the district serving residents eligible for Medicaid Health Insurance. In his role, Nolan coordinates outreach and community events to connect families to resources and services. Nolan supports the mission of Amerigroup DC to create a healthier District of Columbia. He is a proud graduate of Jackson State University.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Supporting the foster care community together
🖐️ How Amerigroup DC is supporting the foster care community in the District of Columbia
🖐️ How we can work together to provide resources and support to the foster care community
You can find out more about Stacy by visiting:
Website: www.myamerigroup/dc.com
Twitter: @Amerigroup
Facebook: @Amerigroup
LinkedIn: @Amerigroup
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April Dinwoodie is an Adoption Activist, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Consultant, and Parent Coach. Dinwoodie’s podcast Born in June, Raised in April: What Adoption Can Teach the World helps facilitate an open dialogue about identity, family, and differences of race, culture, and class. As a transracially adopted person (Black/bi-racial, adopted into a white family), April is fiercely dedicated to sharing her experiences to audiences of varied spectrums. In this week’s Fostering Change, April shares with host Rob Scheer her thoughts on helping individuals get a better understanding of people with similar backgrounds. She often consults with companies and organizations to develop stronger and more astute teams, and ultimately find even more purpose in our individual and collective work. In addition to consulting with corporations, schools, and government grants, and keynote speaking and training, April serves as Executive Director of Transracial Journeys.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Adoptment – Mentoring Program
🖐️ The calendar as a practical tool for conversation and action supporting the needs of youth separated from family of origin.
🖐️ Mothers’ Day – the realities of complicated holidays in adoption and foster care
You can find out more about April by visiting:
Website:www.juneinapril.com
April’s Podcast: Born in June, Raised in April: What Adoption Can Teach the World
Facebook:@juneinapril
Twitter:@juneinapril
Instagram: @juneinapril
LinkedIn: April Dinwoodie
YouTube: April Dinwoodie
Tilktok: @juneinapril
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In today’s podcast Rob Scheer and his guests discuss the needs of families looking to adopt. This includes creating paths for families who need extra support for safety and stability. They look at what is working and what can be done differently to help children and families thrive.
Adoptions Together supports children and families formed through adoption, guardianship, foster care, and kinship care with specialized services offered at locations in Maryland, Virginia and DC. Support is available to every family for a lifetime of guidance, education, and counseling to ensure that each family stays strong together.
Janice Goldwater is the founder and CEO of Adoptions Together. With an attachment focused, trauma informed lens, the agency provides a broad spectrum of clinical, educational and transformational services to strengthen relationships in first families, kinship, foster and adoptive families and the communities who support them. Janice founded the organization in 1990 and has been primarily responsible for its growth and development. As an adoptive parent of an older child who experienced maltreatment for ten years of life, Janice has utilized community-based services to support her child and family into effectively reaching adulthood.
Lisa Dominguez, LICSW, LCSW-C, joined Adoptions Together in 2022 in the role of Chief Program Officer. She has over 20 years of experience working with children and families impacted by trauma and loss and has specialized training in working with foster and adoptive families. Ms. Dominguez has been trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and has a certificate in Advanced Trauma Treatment from the Ferentz Institute. In addition to her direct service with children and families and contract oversight experience, she is a seasoned supervisor and trainer.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ National Foster Care Awareness Month gives us the chance to reflect on practice
🖐️ How do we define safety and stability for children as a society
🖐️ What are the short-term and long-term possible psychological implications for children who experience abuse and neglect
You can find out more about Adoptions Together by visiting:
Website:www.adoptionstogether.org
www.familyworkstogether.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adopttogether/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdoptTogether
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adoptionstogether/?hl=en
LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/company/adoptions-together/
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Stacy Huston is Executive Director of Sixdegrees.org, The award-winning nonprofit founded by Kevin Bacon with a mission rooted in connecting people to resources. Six Degrees supports impactful initiatives to sustain and enrich local communities by developing partnerships and solutions working collaboratively with local leaders, residents, and celebrities, on increasing youth empowerment, justice and equality, and improving a sustainable living environment.
The organization prioritizes the lived experiences of communities that are commonly underserved and under-resourced. They reach their audiences through video, content and Public Service Announcements about subjects that are meaningful to the community, with a big focus on youth: particularly early education, arts programming and early literacy.
Stacy received the 2022 Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for her work with SixDegrees related to Hunger. She has overseen social media campaigns such as “l Stay Home For”, garnishing more than 1.2 million posts and 2.1 Billion engagements globally, winning 4 Webbys and A Shorty Social Good award.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ “Cake it Like a Kid” - in support of Pediatric Cancer Awareness
🖐️ SixDegrees.Org produced Play On
🖐️ Getting People Moving the Right Direction
You can find out more about Stacy by visiting:
Website: SixDegrees.Org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sixdegrees.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixdegreesofkb/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sixdegreesofkb?lang=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacybradford/
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Angela Featherstone - model, actress, philanthropist: Founder of the organization Fosteringcare.org, a nonprofit trauma-healing and trade school for youth aging out of foster care in Los Angeles.
The school is contributing to halting the negative outcomes that so many youth who age out of foster care experience, including homelessness, incarceration, and human trafficking. Moreover, the school is also very importantly training young people in healing modalities, so that they leave school with a trade/occupation that will enable them to achieve self-sufficiency. They are now working with Jae Canas from UCLA Behavioral Sciences who is now creating a trauma-healing template from our paradigm for the Dept of Mental Health.
Who is Angela?
Within a year of emancipating herself from foster care at 17, Angela Featherstone became Canada's top model when her September, Flare magazine cover broke all previous records for sales.
She quickly expanded upon her success and left for New York where she signed with the illustrious Click agency. She would travel the world as a top fashion model, working with such great photographers as Oliviero Toscani, Piero Gemelli, Irving Penn, Albert Watson, David Bailey, and Bruce Weber.
But for her life's work of acting, she downplayed her striking features to play unlikely roles, emerging as an actress with exceptional versatility. She is best known for playing Chloe in Friends and the fiancé (Linda) who left Adam Sandler's character (Robbie) at the altar in The Wedding Singer.
Most recently she played the role of Maggie on Showtime’s Ray Donovan and Jame on Girls for HBO. She has created sitcoms for Sony, DreamWorks, and NBC television, and written nonfiction for Time, Jane, Flare, The Huffington Post, Dame, and Zoomer.
Her essay about childhood trauma, God Said No, was published in the 2014 edition of Gargoyle Magazine and nominated for the Pushcart Prize. In 2011, she curated Fuck Pretty, a show at the Robert Berman Gallery featuring important and emerging female photographers, and recorded “Coattail Glide” with Raymond Pettibon and the band The Niche Makers.
Angela, a committed advocate for children in foster care, volunteers with the Children's Action Network curating their Heart Gallery from 2011- 2019 and served on their Winter Wonderland committee 2014 & 2015. She has also mentored a child in foster care through Kidsave from 2011-2020. In 2014, she lectured at the ICAN Nexus Conference; Violence Within the Home and its Effects on Children and continues to lecture and write about healing PTSD, child abuse, human trafficking, and intimacy. Her 2015 essay on child sex trafficking for DAME was picked up by Salon.org and MSN and exposed to over 7 million viewers. That year she was also an adjunct lecturer at the UCLA Professional Producing Program. 2022 marked her 14th year studying Moral and Spiritual Psychology with Rabbi Mordecai Finley, Ph.D.
Recently, Angela served as a consultant on the important documentary about the effects and healing of trauma, Cracked Up.
You can find out more about Angela by visiting:
Website: www.Fosteringcare.org
Instagram: @thefosteringcarehealingshool
Twittter: @ppp_healing
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Diaper Bank, Covering South Florida, has been operating for 11 years and has distributed over 5 million diapers, serving 3500 families each month. We are members of the National Diaper Bank Network- a collaboration of over 300 diaper banks around the nation working to end diaper inequity.
We break the cycle of diaper inequity by providing diapers to those who cannot afford them.How do we do this? By providing P.E.A.C.E. –Partner, Educate, Advocate, Compassion and ElevateWe PARTNER with local non-profits who serve families that fall at or below the federal poverty level to help eliminate the diaper need in Palm Beach and Broward Counties.
We EDUCATE the community on the importance of ending diaper need.
We ADVOCATE for federal assistance to families to provide diapers.
We provide COMPASSION as a dedicated resource to so many partners and families in our community.
We work to ELEVATE the awareness of diaper need and provide families and children the opportunity to ELEVATE and shine.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Defining Diaper Need
🖐️ The Diaper Bank, Covering South Florida mission and how we do it-
To give children the opportunity to shine
🖐️ How to help/ get involved.
You can find out more about Ashley by visiting:
Website: https://diaperbankcoveringsofl.org/
Instagram: @diaperbankcoveringsofl
Facebook: The Diaper Bank, Covering South Florida
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sharlee Jeter is president of the Turn 2 Foundation, a non-profit established by her brother, baseball legend Derek Jeter, and their father, Dr. Charles Jeter, to motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and "Turn 2" healthy lifestyles. They provide help for youth to reach their full potential by creating and supporting initiatives that promote leadership development, academic achievement, positive behavior, healthy lifestyles and social change.
She also serves as vice president of strategy & development for Jeter Ventures, which encompasses Derek’s full portfolio of business operations. She is the co-author with Dr. Sampson Davis of the powerful book, The Stuff: Unlock Your Power to Overcome Challenges, Soar and Succeed . It was inspired by the authors’ own personal challenges and is intended to inspire readers to recognize their own strength and potential to succeed. Sharlee received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Spelman College. She resides in New Jersey with her son, Jalen.
ALSO:
Congratulations to #Turn2 President Sharlee Jeter for being honored by One Hundred Black Men during its 60th Anniversary Gala. Recognized for her commitment to creating positive change, Sharlee received the Jackie Robinson and Community Impact Award. Held at Lincoln Center, the special event celebrated One Hundred Black Men's 60-year legacy and profound impact on the Black community.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Giving kids a platform and an opportunity to succeed and live their maximized lives
🖐️ There are so many synergies that can be discussed during this podcast
🖐️ We have a responsibility to provide youth the opportunity to find & use their voices
You can find out more about Sharlee by visiting:
Website: www.turn2foundation.org
Instagram: @sjeter2
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharlee.jeter.7
Twittter: @sjeter2
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Megan & Lindsay have a combined 30 years of legal experience and help clients create custom estate plans that last the test of time. They work with clients to protect their assets so that they leave behind a legacy of love and not a mess.
Using Estate Planning for Charitable Giving, their firm also creates a complimentary Kids Emergency Support Plan for families with minor children that is designed to keep kids out of the foster care system if their parents become temporarily or permanently unable to care for them.
Story Key Notes: Megan Campbell & Lindsay Warnes
🖐️ What is estate planning and why is it important?
🖐️ Why use estate planning for charitable giving?
🖐️ How can you use an estate plan for charitable giving?
You can find out more about Megan & Lindsay by visiting:
Website: www.willowlegalgroup.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willowlegalgroup
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Amanda Simoneta and Myra Scheer have been involved with The Felix Organization since its inception in 2006. Both have watched the mission come to life and expand its reach to provide life-changing opportunities to youth in foster care for over 177 years.
The mission of The Felix Organization is to provide inspiring opportunities and new experiences to enrich the lives of children who are growing up in the foster care system.
Co-Founders, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels (Run DMC AND Rock and Roll Hall of Famer) and Sheila Jaffe, (Emmy Award winning Casting Director of "The Sopranos" and "Entourage") are both adoptees who have searched for their birth families. As they pursued their journey of discovery, they realized how fortunate they were, having been raised by loving families. Things could have gone very differently had they not been adopted. Darryl and Sheila decided to start THE FELIX ORGANIZATION/ Adoptees For Children in February 2006.
As adoptees, "We were taken home. We wanted to give back to those children who didn't get taken home or who are growing up in the foster care system."
Since 2006, THE FELIX ORGANIZATION has sent nearly 4,000 children to CAMP FELIX for one or two week sessions. Our goal is to continue to send an increasing number of children to CAMP FELIX each year and to nurture and encourage them throughout the year with additional, inspiring opportunities.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Our 3rd Annual Walk This Way Walkathon Fundraiser on Sunday, May 21st!
🖐️ The Need - Back Story on Foster Care Community and How Felix Meets the Needs of Young People in the Foster Care System.
🖐️ Origin Story of The Felix Organization
You can find out more about Amanda and Myra by visiting:
Website:
- www.thefelixorganization.org
- Walk This Way Fundraiser in May: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/thirdannualwalkthisway
Instagram: @felixorganization
Twitter: @felix4change
Facebook: @felixorganization
Linked in: The Felix Organization
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefelixorganization8034
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mike Thorne’s focus of work is Human Transformation. He accomplishes this through an association with Vistage Worldwide, the largest Peer Advisory firm, and his work as Chairman of the National Council for Adoption.
As the author of the new book, Hustle With Heart: Unlocking Self-Worth Through Personal Trust Communities, he works to help people transform and thrive - at home and at work - to find a better way forward with their lives.
Mike is the former President of Yankee Candle and Russell Athletic and most recently CEO of Challenger Turf. He is a father of 3 adult daughters and has been married to his best friend for over 32 years. He invests his time with high integrity growth oriented leaders (and/or their leadership) who care about humanity and the environment
At age 46, Mike met his biological Mom and siblings, but not his dad. He was told that his dad didn't like successful people, but was talented at breaking and entering. Sitting in a living room with people he shared blood with but had never known until then was a turning point - Grateful vs resentful.
Mike shares so much in this interview with Rob Scheer, including these messages:
- Take care of your thoughts when alone. Take care of your words when with other people.
- The struggle of believing to belong: Belong. Build. Believe
Other Key Story Notes:
🖐️ Know and Own Your Own Story
🖐️ Define Your North Star
🖐️ Build Your Personal Trust Community Across All Aspects of Your Well Being
You can find out more about Mike by visiting:
Website: mikethorne.co
Instagram: @ptctransformer
Twitter: @ptctransformer
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/michaelbthorne
YouTube:@mikethorne3768 You Tube
You can purchase Mike’s book, Hustle With Heart, by clicking THIS LINK.
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael leads the executive efforts of the national nonprofit organization, Childhelp – a national leader in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse.
Childhelp believes that every child has a unique contribution to make to the world.
Prior to his role with Childhelp, Michael has served in executive leadership roles with other national and international nonprofit organizations such as Easter Seals and Project CURE. Currently pursuing a PhD in Education from Seattle Pacific University, Michael is looking to advance the education, vocational, and communal support of children who have experienced, or at risk of experiencing abuse; as well as children and youth who are a part of our national foster care system
Childhelp has just launched the Courage First Hotline – a national hotline staffed with professional counselors to assist athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone in the athletic communities who are concerned about emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.
Childhelp has also established the first evidence-based prevention education curriculum designed to educate students preK-12th grade on not only the signs and symptoms of abuse, but what to do when they witness or experience abuse. This curriculum has now included a new module around Human Trafficking.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ About Childhelp
🖐️ A foundation to assist youth in foster care; as well as youth at risk for, or experiencing abuse
🖐️ The First Evidence Based Prevention Education Curriculum
You can find out more about Michaeli by visiting:
Website: www.childhelp.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/childhelp
Instagram: www.instagram.com/childhelpf
Twitter: www.twitter.com/childhelp
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer has an enlightening conversation with Bhavini Solanki, Director of Foster Care for Amerigroup’s Georgia Families 360 Program. In her role, she is responsible for the healthcare of children and youth in state custody, those who have been adopted through Georgia’s foster care system and a few hundred Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) managed members. Bhavini works collaboratively with all the state agencies to maintain quality outcomes and coordination of care for the most vulnerable members in the state.
The conversation focuses on the increase of the number of youth who entered foster care due to the COVID Pandemic and what agencies are doing to help facilitate these increasing numbers.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ The effects of COVID on the child welfare system
🖐️ Reduced number of foster homes; lack of necessary training for caregiver
🖐️ Effects of virtual school; cyber bullying
You can find out more about Bhavini by visiting:
Website: www.amerigroup.com
Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/
Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast
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David Ambroz, author of “A Place Called Home” is a national poverty and child welfare expert and advocate. He was recognized by President Obama as an American Champion of Change. In writing about the book, Hillary Clinton stated: “It’s impossible to read… and not want to redouble your efforts to fight the systems of poverty that have plagued America for far too long.”
David currently serves as the Head of Community Engagement (West) for Amazon. Previously he led Corporate Social Responsibility for Walt Disney Television, and served as the President of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission, and as a California Child Welfare Councilmember. After growing up homeless and then in foster care, he graduated from Vassar and later from UCLA School of Law (J.D.). He is a foster dad and lives in Los Angeles, CA.
Rob and David have an enlightening conversation about the foster care system, grit, courage and integrity.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️What made you decide to revisit your childhood experience with poverty and in foster care in A PLACE CALLED HOME
🖐️ What qualities and/or circumstances allowed you to survive such deprivation and abuse?
🖐️ How did your sexuality change your foster care experience?
You can find out more about David by visiting:
Website: https://www.davidambroz.com/
More about the boo: A PLACE CALLED HOME: A Memoir
Twitter: @DaveAmbroz
Instagram: @hjdambroz
Learn more about Comfort Cases at https://www.comfortcases.org/
To view previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Marpheen Chan, Author of “Moon in Full: A Modern Coming of Age Story”. Mapheen is an advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. As a gay, first-generation Asian American born in California to a Cambodian refugee family and later adopted by an evangelical, white working-class family in Maine, Marpheen uses a mix of humor and storytelling to help people view topics such as racism, xenophobia, and homophobia through an intersectional lens.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Why write a book and what was the process like?
🖐️ What would you like our audience to walk away with from your book?
🖐️ What is some of your advice to foster and adoptive parents?
You can find out more about Marpheen by visiting:
Website: www.marpheenchann.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/marpheenchann
Instagram: Instagram.com/marpheenchann
Twitter: Twitter.com/marpheenchann
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Happy Mardi Gras! Today Rob talks with New Orleans’ own Erik Adrian Alexander - otherwise known as the creator of the “Nola Papa” brand, website, podcast and a soon-to-come magazine! You’ll truly get a sense of his energy and motivation to make the world a better place for us all!
Erik, married to his husband and has three children, also talks about his latest book, “The Adventures of Addie Underwater”, which was inspired by his daughters' love for mermaids.
Erik shares his experience of creating Nola Papa, which he started in 2015 when he and his husband became fathers. He says that the blog was born out of fear as they did not know what they were doing. However, the blog turned out to be a great way to increase visibility for same-sex parents.
Rob and Erik also discuss how there is a lack of representation of same-sex parents in children's books. Erik's book fills this gap and provides children with a positive representation of same-sex parents.Rob and Erik shares how they don't need titles to define their family and how they want their children to be judged based on who they are as individuals rather than their parents' sexual orientation.
Erik’s overall mission to broaden the one sided view of the stereotypical American family.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ The importance of minority visibility
🖐️ More than pride month in June
🖐️ Podcast - showcasing inspiration in all forms!
You can find out more about Erik by visiting:
Website: https://nolapapa.com/
Facebook: @ NolaPapa
Instagram: @ NolaPapa
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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It was January 2009, and the doorbell rang at Rob and Reece Scheer’s townhouse in Washington, DC. Standing there was Sheri, a *“... social worker, holding the hand of a little boy with long cornrows and big, black eyes. He was two but he looked really little, less than a year old. Holding Sheri’s other hand was a young girl. ‘This is Amaya,’ Sheri said. ‘Amaya say hi to Mr. Rob. And this is Makai’. Makai didn’t react.” This was to be their third home since September.
And that was Rob’s introduction to who would soon be his son, Makai (and daughter Amaya).
Today, on a VERY special episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer, founder of Comfort Cases interviews one of his own children, Makai.
Born with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), Makai was not given much of a chance. But then Rob and Reece came into his life and Makai has surpassed all expectations - maybe except his own.
Some of what you’ll hear from Makai on this episode of Fostering Change:
“Your voice counts. One person can make a change.”
“Once you try it, it’s possible.”
“Don’t listen to what other people say - there’s nothing good about listening to the negative.”
“Always do good for other people.”
“Don’t always take the easy path in life.”
How he started the first Student Government Association (SGA) at his school following conversations with his teacher about what he would do to make the school better. He wrote a speech about how students would have more of a voice at their school.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ What it’s like to be the middle child of 5 kids.
🖐️ What it was like to have a new OLDER brother come home in 2019
🖐️ What’s it like to “be a Scheer”?
🖐️ What’s it like growing up with white parents
Makai also talks about his future with goals of either joining the military, or taking over Comfort Cases from Rob!
Whatever he does, his goal is to help kids around the world: “I’ll buy plane tickets for kids around the world to help them find a home here.”
We know you’ll enjoy this special Valentine’s Day episode of Fostering Change.
- Quotes in the first paragraph are from Rob Scheer’s memoir, “A Forever Family: Fostering Change One Child at a Time”, available for purchase:
Amazon
Comfort Cases Website
To learn more about Comfort Cases, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/
To listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/
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A first-generation college graduate, award-winning advocate for youth, and author. Known for being resilient and bold, Kenisha Anthony is an outspoken activist utilizing her experiences to empower others. As a foster care visionary, she starred in the documentary, Foster Shock and has been featured on NPR and in Essence Magazine. Join our host Rob Scheer as he talks with Kenisha about her eye-opening memoir, LABELED,
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Purpose of writing memoir
🖐️ Lived experiences as a child in care, advocate and social worker
🖐️ Life after foster care, college, career focus, healing, family, moving forward
You can find out more about Kenisha by visiting:
Website: www.kenishaanthony.com
Facebook: Kenisha E. Anthony
Twitter: aboutkenisha
Instagram: aboutkenisha & aboutlabeledbook
TikTok: aboutkenisha
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
What happens when your adoption fails? And it’s your own grandmother who says it’s not working out? In this week’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with a true survivor: Angelina Blare, National Miss Curvy 2022. Angelina is a member of QPI Nevada, member of the Child Justice Task Force for the State of Nevada and panel Speaking Guest for DCFS Nevada. She is using her platform to bring awareness to the many issues children in foster care face. Angelina is a young superstar - she is taking on issues regarding the failing foster care system as well as acting as a role model for young people across the country as National Miss Curvy.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ How We Can Help Foster Kids And Generate Necessary Reform
🖐️ What Are the Biggest Ways We Can Generate Real, Lasting Change in The System and Healing for Foster Kids?
🖐️ Why the adoption system does not always succeed as planned
🖐️ What does the National Miss Curvy title represent?
You can find out more about Angelina by visiting:
Facebook: @Angelina Blare & @National Miss Curvy 2022
Instagram: @hhottsaucee
TikTok: @angelinammxxii
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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“Once I put down the drink, I just celebrated 7 years of sobriety... is when I really started healing from all of the pain from my trauma." Today, host Rob Scheer discuss addiction, abuse and amazing recovery with Marci Hopkins, author of “Chaos to Clarity: Seeing the Signs and Breaking the Cycles”. Marci is also host of the daily TV show, “Wake Up with Marci”, a show of “empowerment, celebrity inspiration, and learning to live our happiest lives!”. This week's episode of Fostering Change will enlighten and inspire you.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Chaos To Clarity; Seeing The Signs and Breaking The Cycles
🖐️ Marci’s story of addiction and sexual abuse; her recovery
🖐️ How long have you been in recovery and how has it changed your life?
You can find out more about Marci by visiting:
Website: www.wakeupwithmarci.com
Facebook: @wakeupwithmarci
Instagram: @hostmarcihopkins & @wake_up_with_marci
YouTube: Wake Up with Marci
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/talkshowhost
Join the “Chaos to Clarity Community”: https://wakeupwithmarci.com/chaos-to-clarity-community/
Learn more about Rob Scheer, Comfort Cases and find previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Dave Silbert, Co-Founder & Executive Director of So What Else. For as long as he can remember, Dave has always wanted to help people and serve his community in whatever way he could. As a young adult, Dave gained extensive experience working with people as the Assistant Director of an in-patient rehabilitation facility in California. After returning to the East Coast, he started his own personal training and sports coaching business, learning the in's and out's of running one's own business and the joy in working with kids.
In 2009, a life-changing service trip to the lower 9th Ward in New Orleans changed the course of his life, and the emotional impact of taking part in this kind of philanthropic activism inspired him and Bob to organize their own community’s efforts in a local nonprofit to stimulate volunteerism in their own community; from this simple trip, So What Else was born. Dave has four kids and lives in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ How SWE Started in 2009 With a Focus on Serving Youth
🖐️ Pandemic Pivot to Food and Hunger Relief
🖐️ Exponential Growth for the Organization in the Past 3 Years
You can find out more about Dave by visiting:
Website: sowhatelse.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoWhatElseHelps/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sowhatelsehelps/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sowhatelsehelps
Volunteer at http://sowhatelse.volunteerhub.com
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Emily Chang, author of The Spare Room. Emily has 23yrs corporate experience and executive leadership at P&G, Apple, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Starbucks. Now the CEO of McCann Worldgroup, China. Prior to joining McCann Worldgroup in 2020, Emily held executive marketing and commercial roles at P&G, Starbucks, Apple, and InterContinental Hotels Group. Known for designing innovative O+O branded experiences, she has led marketing innovations like opening the first Starbucks Roastery outside of Seattle, introducing Apple Podcasts in China, and creating one of China’s first reality television series.
In 2022, Emily was awarded “Women To Watch Greater China” by Campaign Asia, recognized for her brand of purpose-driven leadership and focus on workplace inclusion. She sits on the board of SOS Children’s Villages and is the author of a best-selling book called “The Spare Room,” also the topic of her first TEDx Talk.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Identify Your Social Legacy
🖐️ Stories From the Book
🖐️ Living With More Intention Has Helped Redefine My Leadership Approach in the Workplace.
You can find out more about Emily by visiting:
Website: www.social-legacy.com
Facebook: @Thespareroom.emilychang
Instagram: @Thespareroom.emilychang
Linkedin: Emilychang8621
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Debbie Riley, LCMFT CEO and Co-founder of the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.), a nonprofit adoptive family support center in the DC metro area. A nationally recognized adoption expert and public speaker, Ms. Riley is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 40 years of professional experience, including extensive health care management, administration, design and development of nationally acclaimed adoption-competency trainings and services, direct delivery of specialized counseling services, and mental health advocacy and public policy development.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Our country is experiencing a mental health crisis for youth
🖐️ C.A.S.E. is a national leader in developing training to build the workforce of both the child welfare and mental health professionals.
🖐️ We are building on what we have learned and developed over the past 25 years to create a National Demonstration and Teaching Clinic at C.A.S.E.
You can find out more about Debbie by visiting:
Website: www.adoptionsupport.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caseadopt/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CASEadopt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseadopt/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CenterforAdoptionSupportEducation
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/center-for-adoption-support-and-education/mycompany/
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Lauren Ruotolo. Lauren is the author of “Unstoppable in Stilettos”, inspirational speaker and award winning content producer. At 18 months Lauren was diagnosed with a rare disease called McCune Albright's Syndrome which left her walking with crutches full time at the age of 5 years old. After spending more than 20 years in magazine publishing and healthcare, Lauren now commits 100% of her time advocating for the 61 million people in the US and 1.2B globally who identify as disabled. Currently she is working with global corporations on why including disability in all your DEI, hiring and believes that all people matter.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Inclusion Matters
🖐️ Segregation Started for Me at the Young Age of 5
🖐️ Self Love and Acceptance -- The idea of accepting who you are, where you came from and how exist
You can find out more about Lauren by visiting:
Website: www.laurenruotolo.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenruotolo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenruotolo/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/laurenruotolo
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Please note that this episode was initially scheduled to air in November, National Adoption Awareness Month. We acknowledge all, such as our guest Damon Davis, who continue raising awareness about adoption.
In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with author and podcast host Damon Davis. Host of the "Who Am I Really?" podcast (www.whoamireallypodcast.com) Damon interviews people who share their stories of adoption and their attempt to find their birth families. He has interviewed nearly 200 adoptees from an array of life experiences from awful adoptions and amazing reunions to inspiring adoptions and unfortunate reunions.
In his autobiography "Who Am I Really? - An Adoptee Memoir" Damon shares his journey to becoming an adoptive parent and his emotions over the birth of his son, Seth. He opens up about the heartbreak of grappling with his adoptive mother's mental illness while balancing the joy of locating his birth mother working nearby. His journey took a twist when he located his biological father via DNA testing.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️Who Am I Really? An Adoptee Memoir
🖐️Changing the Narrative about Adoption
🖐️While many children are very fortunate in our adoptions, let’s acknowledge that adoption starts with trauma.
You can find out more about Damon by visiting:
Website:Whoamireallypodcast.com
Facebook:facebook.com/waireally
Instagram:@damonldavis
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Ed Hajim. Ed recounts in his memoir, ON THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED: An Unlikely Journey from the Orphanage to the Boardroom, how he grew-up mainly in orphanages and in foster homes with no consistent family or support system. Feeling at times lonely, angry, jealous and poor. YET, despite huge obstacles, Ed Hajim became a Wall Street executive, a business tycoon of the highest order.
Ed learned to survive, to keep himself strong and focused. And step by step, he turned his life around, even graduating from the University of Rochester and later Harvard Business School. Ed’s life is a rags to riches American success story on every level – he used his inner voice, his one constant to get ahead in business and create a stable-family, home-life as an adult.
Get ready to be inspired and learn from Ed as he shares insight on not being a victim of circumstance, using disadvantages as advantages and always asking what’s next ON THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED!
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ On the Road Less Traveled
🖐️ Don’t be a victim of circumstances
🖐️ Don’t let your environment define your future, even the pandemic
🖐️ Stay forward motion
🖐️ Take disadvantages and turn them around, use them as advantages
You can find out more about Ed by visiting:
Website:https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/On-the-Road-Less-Traveled/Ed-Hajim/9781510764248
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-hajim-bba1a7204
Instagram: https://instagram.com/edhajimauthor?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Mike Provenzano, Actor and Spokesperson. Mike is a father of 4 boys who became an award winning actor later in life and has been at it for about 6 years now. Mike is someone who enjoys helping others any way that he can, be it advice or any other way. He lived in foster care as a child and always looking for ways to give back.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️”Roxy the Reindeer’s Magical Christmas Journey”
🖐️ Giving back and helping others
🖐️ Grew up in Foster Care
You can find out more about Mike by visiting:
Website: www.mikeprov.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mikeaprovenzano https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm2697626?ref_=hm_nv_usr_profile
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mikeaprovenzano
Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeaprovenzano/
Twitter: @mikeaprovenzano
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Cody Renegar, Hairstylist, Author and Artist.Cody is a hairstylist, fine artist, and author of the memoir "Changing the Stars." He currently lives in California with his husband, Terry. He has a son, Levi, who, with his partner, Alaya, has given Cody three grandkids. Cody is the hairstylist of choice for many Hollywood entertainment industry celebrities and A-listers. Los Angeles is his main stage, although he also maintains a large clientele in Washington, D.C., and Arkansas. He is a cosmetologist and master barber with twenty-five years of experience with unique cutting styles and techniques; he is a former cutting director for Aveda and Bumble & Bumble, Minneapolis. Cody began his career in 1996 in Arkansas. He moved to José Éber Salon on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills in 2004, where he had the honor of working alongside José on the main floor and in his own private barber shop, working with many high-profile clients. Cody has been featured in the documentary film Hollywood to Dollywood and the book Rainbow Relatives. A talented artist, Cody's paintings hang in private collections around the world.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ The power of hope, optimism, and resilience; how we are in charge of our own destiny (the foundation of Changing the Stars)
🖐️ Cody's experience in the foster care system and what he hopes to see change
🖐️ Cody's career & personal evolution - Army, Father, Hair Stylist, Artist, Author
You can find out more about Cody by visiting:
Website: www.codyrenegar.com
Instagram: @hairbycodyrenegar (hair) & @codyrenegarart (art)
Facebook: @CodyRenegarOfficial (hair) & @artbycodyrenegar (art)
Tik Tok: @codyrenegar
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Rasie Bamigbade ,Leadership Coach, Author & Speaker. Rasie is a leadership coach, bestseller author of Lead In Your Truth and Speaker. She helps business and corporate leaders lead their teams more effectively through self leadership. Closing the opportunity gap in leadership is at the core of Rasie's work. She does this through her successful coaching program and youth mentorship program.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Clarity of where I am going - Goals
🖐️ Self Belief – Doing the work to build on self belief
🖐️ Lead In Your Truth – Accepting that you are different
You can find out more about Rasie and her books by visiting:
Website: https://linktr.ee/rbjumpstartcoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rb.jumpstart.coaching/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rasie-bamigbade/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsoWhVnw89NFbm6vwc4PB2g
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/rbjumpstartcoaching
Tik Tok: rb.jumpstart.coaching
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week's episode of Fostering Change, we celebrate National Philanthropy Day by bringing on a return guest. Rob Scheer talks with Gideon Bernstein, Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy and the author of The Workbook for Giving: Exercises for identifying the resources, giving goals, and giving strategies for you and your family.
Gideon Bernstein has served as a trusted financial advisor to families in Orange County, California, for decades.
Currently a Principal and Chief Investment Officer at Leisure Capital Management, his passion is working with nonprofit boards, families, and private foundations to help them achieve their philanthropic missions.
Gideon has served as a board member of numerous charitable organizations and as Vice President of Investments and Chairman of the Board for the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County. He holds designations as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP).
Gideon is also the author of Giving: A Handbook to Happiness for the Modern Philanthropist.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ The Secret to Happiness: Its Giving.
🖐️ The new Workbook that was just published
🖐️ What inspired you to write the book?
🖐️ What does it take to be a philanthropist? NOT Millions of $!
You can find out more about Gideon and his books by visiting:
Website: www.thejoysofgiving.com
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Ryan Hanlon, President & CEO, National Council for Adoption.Ryan worked in the field of adoption since 2004 and he is a social worker / adoption researcher previously at an adoption agency, but with NCFA since 2017. We advance our mission through research, education, and advocacy.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Families utilize post-adoption resources at relatively high rates.
🖐️ Private domestic adoption includes more situations where adoptive family and birth family have ongoing contact/relationship.
🖐️ Overall, parents report high satisfaction rate with their decision to adopt.
To learn more about the research report Rob & Ryan discussed, please visit:
https://adoptioncouncil.org/profiles
You can find out more about Ryan by visiting:
Website: www.adoptioncouncil.org
Instagram: @adoptioncouncil
Facebook: @adoptioncouncil
Twitter: @adoptioncouncil
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Today, November 1, 2022, we are so thrilled to launch our 4th Season of “Fostering Change.” Over the past 4 years, we have spoken with more than 150 Good Humans, who have shared their missions and inspiring stories For our premiere episode of Season 4 we could not be more excited to have Olympic Gold Medalist, Greg Louganis as our guest. Enjoy!
In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Greg Louganis, Louganis was adopted at 9 months by Frances and Peter Louganis, who lived in Lemon Grove, CA, just outside of San Diego. Teased and bullied as a child for the dark skin he inherited from his Samoan father and for his learning “differences,” he turned to what he could do well: sport. His first love was gymnastics and by nine years old, he was a “seasoned performer on the local talent show and convalescent-home circuit.”
Considered the greatest diver in history, Greg Louganis is the only male to win gold medals on both 3 meter springboard and 10 meter platform in consecutive Olympic Games (1984, 1988).
Across the globe, billions who watched either the 1984 or 1988 Olympics were enthralled by the poetry that was Greg Louganis: the beauty and power of his diving captured the world.
With a total of 5 Olympic medals, 5 World Championship titles and 47 national titles, more than any person in U.S. history, his records remain unbroken.
Today, as a coach, speaker, author, actor, activist and humanitarian he continues his tradition of excellence.
A trained actor, dancer, model and spokesman, Greg’s wide repertoire of skills keeps him in demand and in the public eye.
As the undisputed GOAT of mindset, Greg shares his knowledge and wisdom through his meditation and mindfulness course, as well as through his books, interviews and speaking engagements.
Causes close to his heart include HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ+, Adoption/Foster Care, Mental Health/Addiction, Human Rights, Animals, Environmental Issues and Climate Change.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Dogs/Animals
🖐️ HIV/AIDS/LGBTQ+
🖐️ Adoption/Foster Care Environmental Health & Wellness
🖐️ Mental Health
You can find out more about Greg by visiting:
Website: https://greglouganis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greglouganis/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greglouganis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/gregorylouganis
Twitter: https://twitter.com/greglouganis
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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A Regional Manager at a Social Mobility Charity, Ambassador for Comfort Cases UK, Panel Advisor, Coach & Mentor with lived experience of going through the foster care system. Rosie has experience in both the private and non-profit sectors, and she is an advocate for positive change in society. She has a bachelor's degree in Law, a Postgraduate Certificate in International Business Law. She has recently completed a Level 5 Coaching Qualification to help individuals and businesses to achieve their goals.
🖐️My journey into & through foster care/ overcoming perceived barriers/ importance of
🖐️Education Why I’m involved/ an ambassador for comfort cases/ our mission/ what we’ve achieved so far
🖐️How other people can get involved and support our mission
You can find out more about Laura by visiting:
Facebook Rosie Wainwright
Instagram @queenrozza
Other Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosiewainwright1/
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
and for information regarding Comfort Cases UK, please visit: https://comfortcasesuk.org
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In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with Mindy Henderson, author, editor, speaker, advocate. Henderson is the author of THE TRUTH ABOUT THINGS THAT SUCK, A Motivational Speaker, Writer, Coach, Host of The Truth About Things That Suck podcast, guest contributor of “Morning Motivations” on CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin” lifestyle morning show and was recently named an “Austin Woman to Watch” by Austin Woman Magazine. After a 20-year career in high-tech, Mindy shifted her focus toward helping others realize their potential and normalizing disability. Driven to build a world that welcomes and includes EVERYONE, Mindy advocates for universal design in air travel, architecture, and fashion.
Despite living life from a wheelchair, Mindy’s achievements include:
● Bachelor and Master’s degrees
● Multiple singing appearances on national television (plus a CD recording with George Strait’s guitar and bass players accompanying her!)
● Public speaking addressing thousands of volunteers of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and addressing corporate executives for companies such as 7-11, VMware, NXP Semiconductors, 7-Up and Cisco
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Mindy’s secrets to making things that suck, suck less including her companion podcast The Truth About Things That Suck
🖐️ Mindy’s philosophy, “we can make the impossible possible”
🖐️ Mindy’s journey from Texas to China to adopt her daughter (China is one of the least wheelchair accessible countries in the world)
🖐️ Disability Pride Month
🖐️ News from MDA.org including her high-profile guests on the Quest podcast such Judith Heumann, a legend of the disability rights movement.
You can find out more about Mindy by visiting:
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/MindyHendersonPage
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/mindyhendersonspeaks/
The Truth About Things That Suck Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-about-things-that-suck/id1533438979
MDA Quest podcast: https://www.mda.org/podcast
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Originally aired March 22, this is our first “Best of” episode, as we conclude Season 3.
Rob Scheer talks with Anthony Trucks,Coach, Speaker, Author, Former NFL, CEO at Identity Shift.Anthony is an experienced president with a demonstrated history of working in the health wellness and fitness industry. Strong business development professional skilled in Athlete Development, Coaching, Sales, Football, and Event Management.
Key Story Notes:
🖐️The Six Types of Failure: Learn how to stop placing importance on fear of failing and learn instead to reframe failures as you learn when you fail forward.
🖐️The Difference Between Healthy Guilt and Unhealthy Guilt: It has the power to push you to become the version of yourself.
🖐️Identity Shift: How to make a life change to find your true identity
You can find out more about Anthony by visiting:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnthonyTrucks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnthonyTrucks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonytrucks/
Author Website: https://anthonytrucks.com/
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Jessica Rudolph, CEO & Founder of My Very Own Blanket.My Very Own Blanket is a non-profit organization started in December of 1999, dedicated to comforting children in foster care with a blanket they can call “their very own”, bringing them love, comfort and most of all a SMILE. Her aspirations are to help spread more love, comfort and hope to children in foster care across the nation and around the world!
Named as one of the Sunny 95 Inaugural Event “20 Outstanding Women You Should Know” February 2008, she has also been named “Hometown Hero” by the City of Westerville and the Westerville Fire Division February 2010, She had the privilege of presenting a TED talk in 2016 at the TEDx Women’s Conference in Columbus, Ohio as well as receiving a Certificate of Commendation on behalf of the State of Ohio, from Ohio Secretary of State, Jon Husted, December 2017. She most recently received the Kindness Award from Westerville Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi, December 2021.
Jessica is also passionate about being involved in another global service club called Rotary where she holds the honor of “Past President” of the Short North Rotary Club in Columbus, Ohio and has hosted 12 exchange students from 12 different countries while raising her children.
She is actively involved in her church, St. Mary Magdalene on the west side where she serves as a lector and Eucharistic minister and leads the Social Committee cooking meals for the congregation and community!
Jessica lives in Dublin with her husband and many animals, both domestic and wild, and has 3 adult children who were the catalyst to how My Very Own Blanket came to be!
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ My Very Own Blanket
🖐️ Jessica Rudolph’s Background
🖐️ “20 Outstanding Women You Should Know”
🖐️ “Hometown Hero”
You can find out more about Jessica by visiting:
Website: www.myveryownblanket.org
Instagram: myveryownblanket1999
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myveryownblanket
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/company/9405826/admin/
Twitter: @MyVryOwnBlanket
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Justin and Alexis Black. They are authors, speakers, business owners and part of the Forbes Next 1000 class of 2021. Together, they’ve published an award-winning, bestselling book titled Redefining Normal: How Two Foster Kids Beat The Odds and Discovered Healing, Happiness and Love that has impacted over 15,000 individuals and families. With ROSE (Rising Over Societal Expectations) Empowerment Group and Redefining Normal, they hope to continue the conversation on healthy relationships, mental health, and healing through speaking engagements, trainings and book clubs.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ We can go with the flow of what you think would be best for the podcast!
🖐️ We have a youth workbook, upcoming faith workbook in July and children’s book in September
🖐️”We’re pregnant!” (and since the date of this taping… have given birth!)
You can find out more about Justin and Alexis by visiting:
Website: re-definingnormal.com
Instagram: @re.definingnormal
Facebook: redefiningnormalmovement
Tiktok: @re.definingnormal
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Justin and Alexis Black. They are authors, speakers, business owners and part of the Forbes Next 1000 class of 2021. Together, they’ve published an award-winning, bestselling book titled Redefining Normal: How Two Foster Kids Beat The Odds and Discovered Healing, Happiness and Love that has impacted over 15,000 individuals and families. With ROSE (Rising Over Societal Expectations) Empowerment Group and Redefining Normal, they hope to continue the conversation on healthy relationships, mental health, and healing through speaking engagements, trainings and book clubs.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ We can go with the flow of what you think would be best for the podcast!
🖐️ We have a youth workbook, upcoming faith workbook in July and children’s book in September
🖐️”We’re pregnant!” (and since the date of this taping… have given birth!)
You can find out more about Justin and Alexis by visiting:
Website: re-definingnormal.com
Instagram: @re.definingnormal
Facebook: redefiningnormalmovement
Tiktok: @re.definingnormal
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Giovanna Ventola, an entrepreneur and self published children’s book author who lives in Chicago. She wrote the story of her rescue pup, “Waylon’s World” about Waylon’s journey to his forever home with her in the big city. It’s the first children’s book she’s written but she already has plans to add more to the series. Walyon has been the cutest little mascot for kids and he’s a big hit when they do live readings in Chicago.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Background on How Giovanna Wrote the Story and a Summary About What It Is.
🖐️ Kids reading books and trying to relate to characters
🖐️ The Book as a Tool to Comfort and Empower Children Going Through Any Type of Change
Purchase “Waylon’s World” here: https://www.readwaylonsworld.com/shop
You can find out more about Giovanna by visiting:
Website: www.readwaylonsworld.com
Instagram: @readwaylonsworld and @giovanna.ventola
TikTok: @readwaylonsworld
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Giovanna Ventola, an entrepreneur and self published children’s book author who lives in Chicago. She wrote the story of her rescue pup, “Waylon’s World” about Waylon’s journey to his forever home with her in the big city. It’s the first children’s book she’s written but she already has plans to add more to the series. Walyon has been the cutest little mascot for kids and he’s a big hit when they do live readings in Chicago.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Background on How Giovanna Wrote the Story and a Summary About What It Is.
🖐️ Kids reading books and trying to relate to characters
🖐️ The Book as a Tool to Comfort and Empower Children Going Through Any Type of Change
Purchase “Waylon’s World” here: https://www.readwaylonsworld.com/shop
You can find out more about Giovanna by visiting:
Website: www.readwaylonsworld.com
Instagram: @readwaylonsworld and @giovanna.ventola
TikTok: @readwaylonsworld
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Callie Christensen and Kelly Oriard. Callie and Kelly are Co-CEOs and Co-Founders of Slumberkins, a direct-to-consumer, e-commerce children's brand on a mission to promote emotional wellness and provide tools to help raise caring, confident and resilient children.
Callie and Kelly started their business with a culmination of more than 20 years of friendship and a shared life passion for promoting early emotional learning. As mothers with backgrounds in family therapy and early education, they identified a need for intentional children's products while on maternity leave together in 2016. Now, they have the privilege of spreading the Slumberkins mission and preparing children to thrive in the modern world. Slumberkins is refreshing the plush toy industry and resonating with parents that find community on social media platforms and seek out modern, new, and intentional products to bring into their homes. The company is at the forefront of brand building online as they expand into children's entertainment by bringing the characters to life in a preschool television series produced by the Jim Henson Company.
Callie has a masters in teaching with endorsements in elementary education and special education and worked as a special education teacher in a therapeutic day treatment school as well as in an elementary school in the Pacific Northwest.
Kelly has a dual master's in marriage and family therapy and school counseling and has worked as a school counselor and family therapist at a K-8 school in Portland, Oregon.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Emotional Wellness and Social Emotional Learning
🖐️Callie’s Parents Fostered Children When She Was a Child and Impacted Her and Her Family Greatly
🖐️Callie & Kelly Are Dedicated to Giving Back to the Foster Care Community and Have Been Donating Regularly to Comfort Cases.
You can find out more about Callie and Kelly by visiting:
Website: www.Slumberkins.com
Instagram: instagram.com/slumberkins/
Facebook: facebook.com/slumberkins
YouTube: Slumberkins
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Callie Christensen and Kelly Oriard. Callie and Kelly are Co-CEOs and Co-Founders of Slumberkins, a direct-to-consumer, e-commerce children's brand on a mission to promote emotional wellness and provide tools to help raise caring, confident and resilient children.
Callie and Kelly started their business with a culmination of more than 20 years of friendship and a shared life passion for promoting early emotional learning. As mothers with backgrounds in family therapy and early education, they identified a need for intentional children's products while on maternity leave together in 2016. Now, they have the privilege of spreading the Slumberkins mission and preparing children to thrive in the modern world. Slumberkins is refreshing the plush toy industry and resonating with parents that find community on social media platforms and seek out modern, new, and intentional products to bring into their homes. The company is at the forefront of brand building online as they expand into children's entertainment by bringing the characters to life in a preschool television series produced by the Jim Henson Company.
Callie has a masters in teaching with endorsements in elementary education and special education and worked as a special education teacher in a therapeutic day treatment school as well as in an elementary school in the Pacific Northwest.
Kelly has a dual master's in marriage and family therapy and school counseling and has worked as a school counselor and family therapist at a K-8 school in Portland, Oregon.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Emotional Wellness and Social Emotional Learning
🖐️Callie’s Parents Fostered Children When She Was a Child and Impacted Her and Her Family Greatly
🖐️Callie & Kelly Are Dedicated to Giving Back to the Foster Care Community and Have Been Donating Regularly to Comfort Cases.
You can find out more about Callie and Kelly by visiting:
Website: www.Slumberkins.com
Instagram: instagram.com/slumberkins/
Facebook: facebook.com/slumberkins
YouTube: Slumberkins
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Rick Ornelas, Bestselling author & Founder of I Spark Change. Rick Ornelas is a bestselling author, Ultimate Success Coach™, and founder of I Spark Change. He helps individuals gain clarity and guidance by eliminating the roadblocks preventing their personal and professional success so they can elevate their social impact and spread positive change.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ How Rick Changed His Whole Life in 2020 to Go Down this Path
🖐️ Creating Purpose in One’s life
🖐️ Global Impact
You can find out more about Rick by visiting:
Website: https://www.isparkchange.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_spark_change/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rick.ornelas/ & https://www.facebook.com/isparkchange
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/isparkchange
Twitter: https://twitter.com/isparkchange
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVxszC0wtIG4XxUOiFrHUqQ?
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@i_spark_change
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Rick Ornelas, Bestselling author & Founder of I Spark Change. Rick Ornelas is a bestselling author, Ultimate Success Coach™, and founder of I Spark Change. He helps individuals gain clarity and guidance by eliminating the roadblocks preventing their personal and professional success so they can elevate their social impact and spread positive change.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ How Rick Changed His Whole Life in 2020 to Go Down this Path
🖐️ Creating Purpose in One’s life
🖐️ Global Impact
You can find out more about Rick by visiting:
Website: https://www.isparkchange.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_spark_change/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rick.ornelas/ & https://www.facebook.com/isparkchange
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/isparkchange
Twitter: https://twitter.com/isparkchange
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVxszC0wtIG4XxUOiFrHUqQ?
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@i_spark_change
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Tony Hynes. Tony is an adoptee, former foster youth, author of “The Son with Two Moms:, Training Specialist at the Center for Adoption Support and Education, and PH.D. Candidate studying the well-being of adult interracial adoptees. Rob and Tony discuss The importance of discussing Intersectionality in adoptive/foster care communities, and how to empower adoptees/foster communities through the life-course.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ The Son With Two Moms
🖐️ The Importance of Discussing Intersectionality in Adoptive/Fostered Care Communities
🖐️ How to Empower Adoptees/Foster Communities Through the Life-Course
🖐️ Why It's Important Not to Understand That Every Adoptee/Foster Story Is Unique
🖐️ Why Its Important to Talk About Race in Adoptive/Fostered Households
🖐️How My Experiences and Research Impact My Views on the Child Welfare System as a Whole, and on Our Nation’s History
You can find out more about Tony by visiting:
Website: Anthony Hynes - C.A.S.E. - Nurture, Inspire, Empower (adoptionsupport.org)
Instagram: @Tony_hy (Tony Hynes)
Facebook: Tony Hynes
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Keri Richmond,Executive Director at Unbelievably Resilient and Manager of Child Welfare Policy at American Academy of Pediatrics. Keri Richmond is a passionate advocate for children and families in both her personal and professional life. After being in Ohio’s foster care system off and on for four years, and being adopted into an abusive home, as an adult, Keri has become an active leader for foster care reform as an international speaker, podcast host, policy wonk, and advocate.
Keri is particularly impassioned about healing from intergenerational trauma, helping others to understand the impact of unhealed trauma, and exploring ways for those of us who have intergenerational trauma to be the cycle breakers our families have been waiting for.
Keri is the Executive Director of Unbelievably Resilient, a nonprofit comprised of former foster youth on a mission to change the foster care narrative through sharing their journey’s moving from trauma to triumph. In addition to her work with UR, in 2020, Keri joined the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to serve as the organization’s first-ever, Manager of Child Welfare Policy in Washington, D.C.
Keri’s advocacy has led her to Washington, D.C., where she spent time with the United States Senate and the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute sharing recommendations for systems change with Congress and the White House.
Keri has also given a TEDx talk entitled, “What can you learn from a trashbag?”
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Unbelievably Resilient
🖐️ American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
🖐️ “What Can You Learn from a Trashbag?”
You can find out more about Keri by visiting:
Website: ur-resilient.org
Instagram: @kerihoperichmond and @ur.Resilient
TikTok: @ur_resilient :
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Angelique Salizan, Policy Director of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), and with their summer Interns, all who are or have been in foster care: Stormy Lukasavage, Christina Parker & Ryan Young. CCAI hosts its annual Foster Youth Internship ® Program every summer- where young adults who have spent time in foster care come to DC and work on a policy recommendation for nine weeks.
Angelique Salizan, Policy Director (she/her/hers)
Angelique’s work in child welfare advocacy, policy, and reform dates back to 2013 when she participated in a New York State campaign advocating for support services for foster youth pursuing higher education with the Children’s Aid Society, a program that is still in existence today. Her advocacy efforts related to foster youth having access to education and workforce opportunities led to an internship and career working for the United States Senate as a congressional staff member.
Stormy Lukasavage, (he/him/his)
Stormy Lukasavage (he/him/his) is an established professional advocate from Topeka, Kansas who has experience working with FosterClub, National Association of Counsel for Children, National Foster Youth Institute, and the Children’s Bureau in the Administration on Children, Youth and Families of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In 2019, Stormy graduated with his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in acting, the latter he studied in London.
Christina Parker, (ze/zir/zis)
Christina Parker (ze/zir/zis) is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan School of Social Work where ze received a master’s degree with a concentration in political science in April 2022. Christina has been in service for over a decade to diverse communities who experienced the foster care system, juvenile justice system, and houselessness. Christina’s advocacy and passion for system change started with California Youth Connection (CYC), a foster youth-led organization that empowers communities to use policy, legislation, and advocacy to progress system change.
Ryan Young, (he/him/his)
Ryan Young (he/him/his) is a child welfare advocate, consultant, and author with lived experiences from Arizona's foster care system and as an adoptee from his birth country of Ukraine. Ryan has devoted himself to public service, advocacy, and consultation in reforming the child welfare system through local, state, and national efforts. Ryan is the current President of the Arizona Department of Child Safety's (DCS) Youth Empowerment Council.
You can find out more about Harvey by visiting:
Website: https://www.ccainstitute.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theccai
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cca_institute/?hl=en
Twitter :https://twitter.com/ccainstitute?lang=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CCAINSTITUTE
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Harvey Gallagher, Chief Executive, Nationwide Association of Fostering . Harvey began his career volunteering to support disadvantaged children. He has worked for local authorities and national charities in the UK. He holds an MBA, is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, charity trustee, volunteer and chair of school governors. He comes from a care-experienced family, is a father of five, grandfather, runner, cyclist, vegan and Newcastle United supporter!
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Foster care works really well for most children most of the time
🖐️ Administrative chaos in the care system leading to children feeling they
don’t have a voice
🖐️ Too few options to find the right foster career for each child - a lack of
‘sufficiency’ and too little time
You can find out more about Harvey by visiting:
Website: www.nafp.org.uk
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/theNAFP
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenafp/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/theNAFP
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/company/nationwide-association-of-fosteringproviders/
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
In this week’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Lindsey May, Program Coordinator at The Twig, & Nicole Britton, Director of Development at The Twig. They share the history of The Twig and how it remains a resource for children in foster care where their needs are met and provided with love and encouragement.
“Twig” stands for: “The Way to Inspire and Give.” Twig shops are located in Venice and Bradenton, Florida. There are designated “shopping days” for youth in foster care.
Nicole Britton: Starting as a volunteer which turned into her role as the 1st full time paid employee of The Twig in 2017. “As a mom in a house full of kids including children in foster care the heart of The Twig’s mission is so important to me. I enjoy sharing with our community how everyone can make a difference in the lives of children in foster care.”
Lindsey May: A social Worker since 2009, Lindsey May has worked front line as a case manager, case manager supervisor and in program development for nonprofits focused on addressing the needs of children and families within the child welfare system. I am a strong advocate in all areas related to child welfare and believe in the importance of The Twig’s mission to encourage & inspire foster families.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ What The Twig does to support children in foster care and those who have aged out.
🖐️ How everyone can make a difference in the lives of children in foster care…whether that's being a foster parent , supporting foster families, or supporting organizations that serve.
🖐️ How Comfort Cases is partnering to help The Twig
You can find out more about Lindsey and Nicole by visiting:
Websites: www.TheTwigCares.com
Facebook: @theTwigCares
Instagram: @thetwigcares
Twitter: @TheTwig316:
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with Joseph Toles, Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Rob and Joseph talk about Joseph’s life living as a former foster child, working in the system, and now adopting kids from the system.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Joseph’s Experience in Foster Care and How it Informed Childhood Decisions and Choices
🖐️ How did Joseph’s Experiences Impact Career, Family, Identity Choices?
🖐️ Why did Joseph Decide to Adopt
You can find out more about Joseph by visiting:
Websites: Josephtolesfoundation.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joe.toles.3
Instagram: Instagram.com/tornadotoles
Twitter: Twitter.com/joetoles
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-toles-3b120414/
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with Keri Vellis,
Biological, Adoptive, Foster Mom, Author & Advocate. Keri has 3 biological children & adopted three from foster care. She has fostered over 20 children, written 3 children’s books: Sometimes- for foster children; When I Was Little - for children who have suffered from trauma & abuse, and her latest book, Tummy Mom for adoptive children. Keri has a NonProfit Keris Kids which distributes the books nationally. To find out more about these titles, please visit: https://www.kerivellis.com/
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ “Tummy Mom”
🖐️ “Sometimes”
🖐️ Stigma Around Abuse, Foster Care and Adoption
🖐️ Changing the Laws Around Child Abuse and Visitation Went in Reunification.
You can find out more about Keri by visiting:
Websites: Www.kerivellis.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerivellisauthor/
Instagram: @Kerivellisauthor
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with Jodi Grinwald, Founder & Change Agent, Today is the Day, LLC,CEO & Co-Founder, Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation.Jodi has over 17 years of experience as a not-for-profit (for-impact) organization expert and has won several benchmark awards. After working in leadership positions for two national not-for-profit (for-impact) organizations, Jodi, became the Ceo & Co-founder of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation. The organization provides 100% funding to children who meet the financial needs requirements to take ongoing lessons in the performing arts in a unique way. The organization funds the lessons for up to 15 years, provides all the necessary resources a child needs to be successful, and places the child in a pre-approved performing arts studio. Which means the organization is also financially supporting local businesses.
Jodi is also the Founder and Change Agent for Today is the Day LLC. From keynote speaker, to serving on panels at multiple non-profit events and serving clients as a Certified Professional Coach that focuses on Change Management Consulting and Connection Coaching, In late 2020, Jodi started the Today is the Day Changemakers podcast that highlights changemakers, self-starters, and those who are disrupting the status quo. She has had the honor of interviewing CNN Heroes, CEO's, authors, TEDx speakers, celebrity band members, former FBI Agent, Executive TV Producer and writer, entrepreneurs, artists, Coaches, and those who are truly making a difference in the world. In 2022, Jodi launched the inaugural International Changemakers Forum that brought together over 150 people from 6 countries for the 5 hour Zoom Forum. Jodi is launching a new Changemakers Membership Connective this Summer to help people from around the world connect and bring their authenticity to their “A" game
n 2021 Jodi received the Athena International Leadership Award from the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Henderson Promos Casting Light Award. In 2022 Jodi received a Certificate of Appreciation for being an Unsung Hero from the Russ Berrie Foundation.
The Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation is celebrating 5 years this year. We have grown from funding children dealing with financial constraints to take ongoing performing arts lessons in one county to now 9 in NJ.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Why the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation was founded, who it serves, and why it is unique.
🖐️ Who we work with and how we identify children that need our programming?
🖐️ How Today is the Day Changemakers is also helping to bring awareness to not only the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation, but other not-for-profit organizations around the world.
You can find out more about Jodi by visiting:
Websites: https://todayisthedayliveit.com & www.applaudourkids.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/todayisthedayliveit and www.facebook.com/applaudourkids
Instagram: @todayisthedayliveit and @applaudourkids
Twitter: @jodigrinwald
LinkedIn: Jodi Grinwald & Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with Jen Lilley. In 2007, Lilley married Jason Wayne. In 2016, Lilley and her husband became foster parents through the organization, Childhelp. In June 2019, Lilley and Wayne adopted their two foster sons and in July 2019, she gave birth to a daughter. And just 2 months ago in May, she gave birth to another daughter!
A star on both the silver and small screens, including the Academy Award-winning film THE ARTIST, NBC’s iconic daytime series “Days of Our Lives,” ABC’s “General Hospital,” and a regular leading lady on the Hallmark Channel and GAC, actress/singer/philanthropist Jen Lilley has tackled countless roles throughout her illustrious career. Jen Lilley’s creative prowess does not end when the director yells cut, she is also a singer and songwriter. Her music exudes the same sultry ferocity of Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton, with Phil Spector’s wall of sound treatment via Rosie Danvers and her 50-piece orchestra. AXS.com said, “Lilley conjures up the sound of a 1960s girl group and embodies the same essence of Amy Winehouse. She takes a nostalgic twist on a modern song that will remind you of what classic music sounds like and have you longing for the days of Motown."
When Jen Lilley is not busy in front of a camera, or perfecting her vocals in studio, she can be found hosting her podcast, "Fostering Hope with Jen Lilley" to demystify the foster care system and encourage loving people to get involved in the cause. She is a true champion for charities. In addition to donating 100% of her music profits to create a neighborhood model of safe loving foster homes, she co-founded Christmas is Not Cancelled, Inc.: A marketing company that raises awareness and funds for amazing causes and nonprofits while giving participants the chance to win huge prizes! The next Christmas is Not Cancelled event is coming up THIS MONTH. In fact, Comfort Cases is partnering with Jen and her team for a "Christmas is Not Cancelled Packing Party" at the end of July. We will be packing up 2022 backpacks filled with school supplies to deliver to students in need in the Washington, DC Metro area.
As a teenager, Jen garnered the National Educators Award for her work in Guatemala. She is known for advocating children’s rights and supports charities that focus on protecting children against physical and sexual abuse, human trafficking, and the world water crisis. Truly selfless, she is a foster and adoptive parent herself and is a celebrity ambassador for the child abuse and treatment organization Child help, Project Orphans, ECPAT, Olive Crest, The Dave Thomas Foundation, The Thirst Project, The Los Angeles Mission, Oneless, A21, Children of the Night, and the Innocent Justice Foundation.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Jen Lilley and her Husband Became Foster Parents through the Organization, Childhelp
🖐️ A star on Both the Silver and Small Screens
🖐️ "Fostering Hope with Jen Lilley"
🖐️ July Christmas is Not Cancelled - Big event with Comfort Cases in July!
🖐️ Camp Christmas in July
You can find out more about jen by visiting:
Website: https://christmasisnotcancelled.com/
Facebook: @jen_lilley
Instagram: @jen_lilley
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with Mindy Henderson, author, editor, speaker, advocate. Henderson is the author of THE TRUTH ABOUT THINGS THAT SUCK, A Motivational Speaker, Writer, Coach, Host of The Truth About Things That Suck podcast, guest contributor of “Morning Motivations” on CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin” lifestyle morning show and was recently named an “Austin Woman to Watch” by Austin Woman Magazine. After a 20-year career in high-tech, Mindy shifted her focus toward helping others realize their potential and normalizing disability. Driven to build a world that welcomes and includes EVERYONE, Mindy advocates for universal design in air travel, architecture, and fashion.
Despite living life from a wheelchair, Mindy’s achievements include:
● Bachelor and Master’s degrees
● Multiple singing appearances on national television (plus a CD recording with George Strait’s guitar and bass players accompanying her!)
● Public speaking addressing thousands of volunteers of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and addressing corporate executives for companies such as 7-11, VMware, NXP Semiconductors, 7-Up and Cisco
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Mindy’s secrets to making things that suck, suck less including her companion podcast The Truth About Things That Suck
🖐️ Mindy’s philosophy, “we can make the impossible possible”
🖐️ Mindy’s journey from Texas to China to adopt her daughter (China is one of the least wheelchair accessible countries in the world)
🖐️ Disability Pride Month
🖐️ News from MDA.org including her high-profile guests on the Quest podcast such Judith Heumann, a legend of the disability rights movement.
You can find out more about Mindy by visiting:
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/MindyHendersonPage
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/mindyhendersonspeaks/
The Truth About Things That Suck Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-about-things-that-suck/id1533438979
MDA Quest podcast: https://www.mda.org/podcast
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with Shenandoah Chefalo,Owner/President of Chefalo Consulting: Trauma-Informed Specialist.Shebabdoah is a former foster kid, Author of Garbage Bag Suitcase: A Memoir and owner of Chefalo Consulting. They talk about Looking at the whole person and whole system transformation to create systems of healing.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Understanding the impact of trauma on people and the impact of trauma on organizations.
🖐️ That when we look at systems designed to help, we often focus on those they serve.
🖐️ Thinking about intentional actions towards sustainable change.
You can find out more about Shen by visiting:
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/shenandoah.chefalo/
Twitter : https://twitter.com/ShenChefalo
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/garbagebagsuitcase/
Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/hesnandoahchefalo/
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with York Bradshaw, Ph.D. President, Urban Hunger Project, Inc.York Bradshaw had a long career at several universities, where he served as Professor of Sociology and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. His academic work focused on improving education and health in cities in both the U.S. and Africa. More recently, he served as an educational consultant and professional grant writer. And he is now President of the Urban Hunger Project.
Urban Hunger Project is a nonprofit organization that serves food to 2,000 homeless and impoverished people each week in the most forgotten neighborhoods of Baltimore City.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ What is the current state of homelessness in Baltimore? And how does it compare to other cities?
🖐️ What does the Urban Hunger Project (UHP) do in light of these concerns?
🖐️ What can citizens do to help feed hungry people and alleviate homelessness?
You can find out more about York by visiting:
Facebook: @urbanhungerproject
Instagram: @urbanhungerproject
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with Susan Silverman, a rabbi, writer and activist. She is the author of Casting Lots: Creating a Family in a Beautiful, Broken World (Da Capo Press)a memoir that weaves the story of her family, formed through birth and adoption, with Jewish theology and ritual. Susan is the founding director of Second Nurture: Every Child Deserves a Family -- and a Community. Second Nurture partners with communities in LA County and Columbus, OH, to help them prioritize fostering and adoption from foster care among their member families. While some step forward and foster/adopt, many other members support those families in a variety of meaningful ways leading to more permanent, loving families for the kids who need them.
On June 19, 2nd Nurture is co-hosting a large event in Los Angeles. It’s titled: “Treasures Not Trash: We Ready to Nurture and Comfort”.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Second Nurture
🖐️ Treasures Not Trash: We Ready to Nurture and Comfort
🖐️ Second Nurture’s Mission and Growth
To register for the “Treasures Not Trash” event on June 19 in Los Angeles, please visit: https://www.2nurture.org/event-details/im-not-garbage
Thank you to our contributing organizations:
SheReady:
Twitter: @shereadyfound
Instagram: @shereadyfoundation
Book Foundation:
Twitter: @book_foundation
Instagram: @makegoodinc
Second Nurture:
Twitter: @2ndNurture
Instagram: @2ndnurture
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with Marcy Bursac, Adoptive Mom, Author, Podcast Host, and App Designer. Foster care adoption was Marcy's Plan A. She and her husband adopted a biological sibling pair. While remote schooling her children during the pandemic, Marcy began to see a gap between adults with a desire to adopt and the 115,000 adoptable children within the United States.
With a heart for those children and a deep desire to take action, Marcy wrote a book, The Forgotten Adoption Option: A How-To and Self-Reflection Guide for Pursuing Foster Care Adoption, and launched a podcast, The Forgotten Adoption Option Podcast. After winning the People's Choice Award and placing in the Top 16 at the 2022 United States of America's Mrs. pageant, Marcy created an app (The Forgotten Adoption Option App) to teach 25,000 adoptive families how to get licensed to adopt through foster care.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Marcy learned pageant skills and became USOA Mrs. Ohio to expand the light shining on our country’s 115,000 waiting children.
🖐️ Marcy wrote “Are You a Forever Family?” – a children’s book that creates conversations about who can become a forever family.
🖐️ In teaching and mentoring people around the country, the most frequent question is how to get licensed. Insert The Forgotten Adoption Option App.
You can find out more about Marcy by visiting:
Facebook: Marcy Bursac , USOA Mrs. Ohio , The Forgotten Adoption Option by Marcy Bursac
Instagram: @marcybursac , @usoa.mrsohio , @forgottenadoptionoption
Linkedin: Marcy Bursac ,The Forgotten Adoption Option
Learn more about Comfort Cases by visiting: https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Nancy Molenda, Executive Director, Mattel Children's Foundation and Mattel Corporate Philanthropy, and Brittany Cruickshank, Senior Specialist, Mattel Children's Foundation and Mattel Corporate Philanthropy.
Everyone at Comfort Cases is thrilled with our new partnership with Mattel. They have kindly donated many hundreds of stuffy's and UNO card games and other assorted items. We look forward to their continued support.
At the Mattel Children's Foundation, play is one of the most powerful ways we can affect meaningful change in kids' lives. So whether it's on the playground, at home, or at one of our many volunteer events, Mattel is committed to ensuring all children have the opportunity to play.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Mattel’s Mission
🖐️ Foster Child Awareness Month
🖐️ Play it Forward
You can find out more about Brittany and Nancy by visiting:
Facebook: @mattel
Instagram: @mattel
Twitter: @mattel
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with Kate Trambitskaya, Chief Executive Officer, Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children. As Chief Executive Officer, Kate oversees the administration, programs, and strategic plan of Spence-Chapin. Kate began working at Spence-Chapin in 2012, most recently serving as Executive Vice President, General Counsel for the organization. Before coming to Spence-Chapin, Kate was a Senior Team Leader/Attorney for the Family Court Legal Services, Administration for Children’s Services in Brooklyn for six years, representing the Commissioner of Social Services in court and various judicial proceedings. Kate is a Posse Foundation alumna, a fellow of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys, a member of New York Attorneys for Adoption & Family Formation (NYAAFF), and board member of the National Council For Adoption (NCFA).
Kate received a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University and a JD from St. John’s University School of Law.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Adoption and Adoption Services
🖐️ Assistance to Children without Families Living in Institutions Overseas (Our Granny Program)
🖐️ The State of Child Welfare System Locally
You can find out more about Kate by visiting:
Facebook: /spencechapin
Instagram: @spencechapinsvc
Twitter: @SpenceChapinSVC
Tik Tok: spencechapinsvc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spence-chapin
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with Rita Soronen, President & CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Rita is a national non-profit public charity executive with extensive national experience in fundraising, grantmaking, strategic planning and organizational management and program growth. Children's social justice issues are always a focus while providing a business environment of accountability and excellence in finance management, marketing, communications, governance and planning on their behalf.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Who does DTFA Serve?
🖐️ What does Scaled Mean?
🖐️ More than 11,000+ children have been Adopted from the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program
🖐️ Why are Youth Lingering in Foster Care?
🖐️ DTFA is Celebrating 30 Years as a Foundation
You can find out more about Rita by visiting:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaveThomasFoundationforAdoption
Instagram: @dtfa
Twitter: @dtfa
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with Leigh Anne Tuohy, Foster Care advocate, Motivational Speaker, NY Times Best Selling author and Interior Designer. Leigh Anne is an interior designer by trade, but her heartbeat is advocating for children at risk of slipping through the cracks of society. Leigh Anne and her husband Sean live in Memphis, TN. They are the proud parents of daughter Collins, and sons Michael and Sean, Jr.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Forever Family Friday
🖐️ Build a Community that Inspires You. Surround Yourself with Others that Want to Make a Difference.
🖐️ Take Action! Purposefully! Get Out of your Comfort Zone. There’s no Overnight Success Story!
You can find out more about Leigh Anne by visiting:
Facebook: @LeighAnneTuohy
Instagram: @LeighAnneTuohy
Twitter: @LeighAnneTuohy
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with Audra O’Neil.Audra is an author, widow, and mother of twin thirteen year-old boys. Her husband Chad died in November of 2105, five months after being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Being a reading and writing teacher and coach, Audra felt called to use the gift of writing to share her journey through the pitfalls and trials of young widowhood.
After meeting other young widows, and absorbing their stories, Audra has found a reservoir of strength from which to draw. She is hoping to support others like herself through her newly published book, At the Helm: The Young Widow’s Journey from Struggle to Strength. Audra would like her book to act as a beacon of hope for those who are reaching out for a hand to hold, a story to relate to, and a pathway back towards strength and happiness.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Building Rituals for Kids/Families who have Experienced Loss
🖐️ Giving Kids Choices After Loss
🖐️ Posttraumatic Growth and How Struggle can Lead to Growth, Resilience, and Strength
You can find out more about Audra by visiting:
Facebook : Facebook.com/oneilatthehelm
Instagram: Instagram.com/audraoneil/
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Richard Valenza. Richard is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Raise A Child Inc., the nationwide leader in the recruitment, retention and support of LGBTQ+ and all prospective parents interested in building loving families for children in foster care™. In its eleven-year history, RaiseAChild has served more than 35,000 prospective and current foster and foster-to-adopt parents across the United States.
In establishing RaiseAChild, Rich has drawn on 30 years’ success in marketing and development for major television networks, international apparel brands, and nonprofit organizations. Today, Valenza continues to use his expertise in working with leading national corporations and regional businesses to form strategic partnerships with community service agencies and organizations to build upon RaiseAChild’s strength and influence.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ A different approach to Helping Children and Youth in Foster Care
🖐️ Communicating the Needs of Children Through Strategic Marketing and Messaging.
🖐️ Compassion through Lived Experience.
You can find out more about Richard by visiting:
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/RaiseAChild
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaiseAChild/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/raiseachild/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/raiseachild/
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with Chris Simonsen , CEO at Orangewood Foundation. Chris spent many years of his career in various financial executive roles in the for-profit world. Fifteen years ago, he made a significant “life decision” by accepting the CFO position at a small nonprofit in Orange County, CA called Orangewood Foundation. This became one of the best decisions he has ever made.
Orangewood Foundation supports teens and young adults in Orange County, California. Many of them have either spent time in the foster care system, are struggling with homelessness or are survivors of human trafficking or have experienced all these situations. The foundation strives to support them so they can achieve the life that THEY envision for themselves.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Orangewood Foundation Supports Teens and Young Adults in Orange County
🖐️ You Cannot Solve the Youth Homelessness Crisis by Solely Building More Housing Units
🖐️ The Work Done with Teens and Young Adults must be done through a “Trauma-Informed Lens”
You can find out more about Chris by visiting:
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/orangewoodfoundation
Twitter: https://twitter.com/orangewoodfdn#
IG: https://www.instagram.com/orangewoodfoundation/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orangewoodfoundation/mycompany/
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Julie and David Bulitt. Julie and David have been married for more than 35 years and have four daughters, two of whom are biological, and two adopted, and three grandchildren. Together, Julie and David are the authors of the award-winning book, The 5 Core Conversations for Couples, relationship coaches and speakers.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Overview of 5 core conversations - what are they, why couples need to communicate in these areas
🖐️ Focus on parenting (one of the core conversations is titled “Parents and partners”)
🖐️ Can share our own story – adoption, raising child with mental health/behavioral issues, addiction, etc.
You can find out more about Julie and David by visiting:
Facebook : @thebulitts
Twitter: @thebulitts
IG: @Thebulitts
YouTube Channel - The Bulitts
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with Einat Nathan.Einat started a small, weekly magazine column in Israel based on the concept that the classic parenting method of being a “know-it-all expert” doesn’t resonate with children, and that while the parent-child relationship is not an equal relationship, it is a relationship where the value of equality should be present. Einat shared personal parenting struggles, from screen time arguments to how to suggest dieting to your kids (hint: don’t), along with how she solved these issues. The column eventually grew into a cultural phenomenon and a #1 bestselling book in Israel.
Now translated into English, MY EVERYTHING: The Parent I Want to Be, The Children I Hope to Raise provides a fresh, more millennial, relationship-based approach to parenting strategy. MY EVERYTHING is a rare mix of professional advice and intimate personal exposure that explores how to understand that your children are doing what they are doing in order to grow and develop, and how to release your expectations from them for the sake of their liberty to be who they are.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ Often, in the name of good parenting, parents remove obstacles that are a necessary part of children’s growth and development.
🖐️ Quality time isn’t measured by time but by quality
🖐️ Gradually, food makes its way into the emotional realm—and the most painful thing about it is that it happens because that’s what we taught them.
🖐️ One of the greatest challenges that faces every parent is humility.
You can find out more about Einat by visiting:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/einat.nathan.parenting
Twitter - @EinatNathan
Instagram - https://instagram.com/einatnathan
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with Anthony Trucks, Coach, Speaker, Author, Former NFL, CEO at Identity Shift. Anthony is an experienced president with a demonstrated history of working in the health wellness and fitness industry. Strong business development professional skilled in Athlete Development, Coaching, Sales, Football, and Event Management.
Key Story Notes:
🖐️The Six Types of Failure: Learn how to stop placing importance on fear of failing and learn instead to reframe failures as you learn when you fail forward.
🖐️The Difference Between Healthy Guilt and Unhealthy Guilt: It has the power to push you to become the version of yourself.
🖐️Identity Shift: How to make a life change to find your true identity
You can find out more about Anthony by visiting:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnthonyTrucks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnthonyTrucks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonytrucks/
Author Website: https://anthonytrucks.com/
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with Brittany Burcham . Brittany has been an emergency and respite foster parent for teens in Birmingham, AL, since 2019. Last year, she started a TikTok called @fostertheteens and has since gained almost a MILLION FOLLOWERS on TikTok and Instagram. It was one of her teen fosters that pushed her to create her TikTok account, fostertheteens, last April in order to talk about what it's like to foster a teenager.
Key Story Notes:
🖐️The Misconceptions of Fostering Teens,
🖐️The Need for Families Willing to Foster Teens
🖐️The Difficulties Youth have Aging Out of Care.
You can find out more about Brittany by visiting:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fostertheteens/?hl=en
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with Kate Somerville and Maggie Linn. Kate Somerville, a trailblazing brand in the world of prestige skincare, has been healing skin and transforming lives for over two decades. With these core values in mind, the brand announced a long-term partnership with Foster Nation, an organization empowering foster youth aging out of the system to become the nation’s future leaders through career mentorship.
Key Story Notes:
🖐️The Kate Somerville x Foster Nation Partnership
🖐️How Maggie and Kate came together, their stories
🖐️Why Foster Care is important to both of them and how people can support
You can find out more about Kate and Maggie by visiting:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katesomervilleskincare/
Twitter: @thefosternation
Instagram: @katesomervilleskincare // @thefosternation
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Maggy Krell is a legal trailblazer who has taken on impactful cases as a criminal prosecutor and human rights lawyer. She was a prosecutor for 15 years, serving as Supervising Deputy Attorney General in California and cross-designated as a Special Assistant United States Attorney. Her most notable accomplishments stem from her tireless efforts to combat human trafficking and protect and empower survivors, including her ground-breaking prosecution of the sex-trafficking website, Backpage.com. Krell also served as Chief Legal Counsel for Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California where she fought to protect and expand reproductive rights and access to healthcare. Krell currently runs her own practice providing legal support and impact strategy for survivors and non-profit organizations.
In TAKING DOWN BACKPAGE, veteran prosecutor Maggy Krell tells the gripping behind-the-scenes story of leading the legal charge against Backpage.com, a website that claimed to be a marketplace for all manner of sales and connections, but truly had one money-making function: to accept advertisements for commercial sex, many of which featured sex trafficking victims who were forced or coerced into being on the site, including children. In doing so she describes a new and more just way of prosecuting human trafficking in the U.S.
In the book Krell does a masterful job of explaining sex trafficking in the United States and how the legal framework around it has evolved over the last 20 years. Dispelling popular myths about who human trafficking impacts and how it occurs, Krell zeroes in on the most vulnerable targets: children from poor neighborhoods who have suffered abuse in their own homes and then been failed by the child welfare system. Too often treated as criminals instead of victims, sexually exploited teenagers would formerly languish in the criminal justice system while their traffickers flew under the radar. And many in law enforcement struggled to recognize this larger pattern and the ways in which vulnerable teenagers—who were disproportionately girls and women of color—were being exploited and then punished.
STORY NOTES:
🖐️ About Taking Down Backpackage
🖐️ What Human Trafficking is, and Who is Affected by it
🖐️ Why it’s so Difficult for Men and Women Who are Trafficked to Get Out of “The Life”
🖐️ Why it’s Difficult for Law Enforcement to Find Traffickers and Bring Them to Justice
🖐️ How Maggy’s Work in the Case Against Backpage.com Illustrates How this Can be Done, and Why it Can and Should be a Model Moving Forward
You can find out more about Maggy by visiting:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maggy.krell
Instagram: https://twitter.com/maggykrell
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Kristina Lowenstein is the co-founder and executive director of The Honeycomb Project. She was 13- years-old when she landed her first job making dip cones at an ice cream shop. After many more years, and a few more jobs, she shifted her focus to the nonprofit sector where she worked for organizations such as The Field Museum and 2016 Chicago Olympic Bid. Kristina studied Political Science as an undergrad at NYU and attended Northwestern University’s Kellogg Executive Scholars program. She is a 2017 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow.
The Honeycomb Project is one of few organizations in the county focused on family volunteering. Since 2011, more than 30,000 volunteers have participated in programs, making a difference in the lives of millions of residents in the Chicago area. And more recently, 2,000 kids and parents across the country participated in our Honeycomb at Home program, which provides educational resources and creative ideas to spark change from the kitchen table.
Volunteering as a family connects kids with complex issues through personal experience. We are opening their eyes to the realities of our society and helping them understand how to make a difference and why to take action.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️What is The Honeycomb Project and Why is it so Necessary?
🖐️What are the Benefits of Volunteering as a Family?
🖐️How Do You Appeal to Kids with Different Interests?
🖐️How Can People Participate in Honeycomb’s Volunteer Efforts Outside of Chicago?
🖐️How Does The Honeycomb Project Fund its Work?
You can find out more about Kristina by visiting:
Facebook: @HoneycombProject
Instagram: @Honeycombproject
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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John Barlow
John is a success story, from a Foster Care perspective. He spent a short period of time in Foster Care as a baby and was adopted by parents that provided an excellent life. He grew up in various states around the country and had incredible experiences from every location. He started his career in a sales capacity at a few different companies and then started VIDA Tequila with his wife, Lisa Barlow, in the early 2000's. Along with VIDA, they have started additional companies including Fresh Wolf - which they created alongside their two sons, Jack (17) and Henry (10). John and Lisa wanted their boys to understand what it takes to create and run a business as well as give back to their community. Jack created the give-back program associated with Fresh Wolf which involves donating a 2-in-1 shampoo/body wash with every product purchase.
Outside of work, John loves being active including playing various sports, mountain biking and especially hiking in the mountains with Lisa. He also enjoys watching Jack and Henry play basketball and helps out where he can.
Jack Barlow
Jack is a wonderful kid with a huge heart. Jack is the reason Fresh Wolf came to be - asking his parents if they could help create a men's grooming product line with him. He is currently in 11th grade focusing on going to college after graduation. He is taking college-level business classes, involved with FBLA and also DECA. His goals include either playing basketball for Duke University or going to college in Miami. He has always had an innate business savvy and a keen understanding on how businesses work. Jack is known by many to have created business plans on post-it notes and white boards at the early age of 4. He is continuously coming up with ways to promote Fresh Wolf on his many social media platforms. Jack is known throughout his school and community as someone who makes everyone feel welcome. You will likely find him introducing himself to new students and inviting them to participate in whatever activity he has going on.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️The Inspiration for Fresh Wolf
🖐️The Impact the Business has had on Foster Care in Utah
🖐️What is Coming for the Business
You can find out more about John and Jack by visiting:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshwolfproducts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/freshwolfmen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshwolfproducts/
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Hearts of Gold, a nonprofit organization with a mission and purpose of supporting and
empowering homeless single mothers in the New York area and mostly from a domestic
violence background to reclaim their lives. Homeless mothers struggle every day to overcome
the key elements that define poverty - limited access to education, social discrimination, and
lack of participation in the decision-making processes that govern their lives.
Deborah started her career as a fashion model, then worked extensively as a stylist before
opening her upscale women's French boutique, Noir et Blanc in Manhattan in 1989. She
graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Arts, and is a wife and the mother of two
sons.
Since its first day of operation the mission of Hearts of Gold has been to transform the lives of
marginalized single mothers—primarily women of color and immigrants. A large percentage of
the mothers are victims of domestic violence who have been neglected by family and society,
rendering them alone and frightened with shatteringly low self-esteem. With focused emotional
and physical support, education and occupational training, these mothers can and will become
economically self-sufficient and lead happy, healthy and productive lives.
So far, Hearts of Gold has positively impacted the lives of over 34,475 homeless and very
low-income single mothers and their children and counting.
Over the years Deborah has assembled a broad and a diverse, motivated group of supporters.
Friends, volunteers and business associates from the New York Metropolitan area and around
the globe have stepped up and joined forces with Deborah to make Hearts of Gold the vehicle
of change that it is today.
Story Notes:
🖐️ Deborah Koenigsberger’s Background
🖐️ About Hearts of Gold Organization
🖐️ Hearts of Gold’s Mission
🖐️ The Vehicle of Change
🖐️ What We've Accomplished
You can find out more about Deborah by visiting:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartsofgoldnyc
Instagram: @heartsofgoldnyc and @thriftyhognyc
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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A native of Tacoma, Washington, Jamerika Haynes-Lewis has more than ten years of experience as a journalist and advocate for children in foster care. While growing up in foster care, Jamerika was determined to have a different life than the one she experienced. She put herself through college earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Washington State University.
As the owner of Clever Jam Communications, Jamerika offers strategic communications guidance, motivational speaking, and facilitation. Currently she is USA Ambassador Ms. 2021 through the USA Ambassador Pageant. Her platform is ‘A Chance to Succeed: Empowering Youth in Foster Care.’
Story Key Notes:
🖐️November is National Adoption Month, let's discuss the children who need homes
🖐️What we can do as community members to help families who are vulnerable to ending up in the system,
🖐️What I plan to do/have done with my reign as USA Ambassador Ms. 2021
You can find out more about Jamerika by visiting:
Facebook: Clever Jam Communications | Facebook
Twitter: (@CleverJamComms) / Twitter
Instagram: (@jamerika_b) • Instagram photos and videos
Author Website: www.cleverjam.com
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Leslie Gang (maiden name Reis) was born and raised in Long Island New York, where she currently resides with her husband Jason and children Alexandra and Simon. She graduated from Boston University in 2007 with a double major in Communications (specialization in Public Relations) and Jewish Studies. Leslie has worked in the admissions and marketing field of the nonprofit sector for more than 14 years and is currently the Director of Admissions and Communications at the Brandeis School in Lawrence, NY. Leslie is also the co-founder of Hindi’s Libraries, an international literary nonprofit that donates new and gently used children’s books all over the world. “Everyone has the ability to do good, we just need the willpower to make it so.” Leslie can be reached at leslie@hindislibraries.com
Story Key Notes:
🖐️ How/Why we became an org
🖐️ What we've accomplished
🖐️ What we'd love to see happen/goals (and the needs to get there)
You can find out more about Leslie and the Hindi’s Libraries by visiting:
Facebook @hindislibraries
Twitter @hindislibraries
Instagram @hindislibraries
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Children’s Action Network (CAN) uses the power of the entertainment community to increase awareness about children’s issues and make them a top priority in everyday life.
CAN is currently dedicated to raising awareness about and finding homes for the more than 100,000 children in foster care in the United States who are waiting for an adoptive family and improving outcomes for the more than 400,000 children in foster care.
FosterMore is an unparalleled coalition of media and entertainment companies, foundations, non-profits, businesses and philanthropic organizations working to create greater understanding, empathy, and action to improve the future of youth in foster care.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️What are the missions of Children’s Action Network and FosterMore?
🖐️Why changing perceptions of foster youth is so important
🖐️How and why you can become involved in the lives of foster youth
You can find out more about jennifer by visiting:
IG
@childrensactionnetwork
@foster_more
@childrensaction
@fostermore
Children's Action Network
FosterMore
Children's Action Network/FosterMore Website
www.childrensactionnetwork.org
https://fostermore.org
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Jess is the Director of Crisis Services at the National Runaway Safeline. In this role, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the Crisis Services Center and its associated data collection and reporting systems. She supervises all members of the crisis services team to ensure consistent and effective delivery of services offered to youth who have run away, are experiencing homelessness, and/or are in crisis, and their families. Each year, the National Runaway Safeline makes more than 125,000 connections to help and hope through hotline, online and offline services. Prior to joining the National Runaway Safeline, Jess served as the District Homeless Liaison for the Anoka-Hennepin School District.
November was National Runaway Prevention Month, a public awareness campaign designed to shine a light on the experiences of runaway and homeless youth that too often remain invisible. It is also an opportunity to spotlight the resources available to support youth in crisis throughout the nation. As part of the campaign, individuals, organizations and the National Runaway Safeline host educational and awareness-building events, such as the NRPM Lunch & Learn Series, throughout the month. For more information and to join the effort, visit 1800RUNAWAY.org.
Key Notes:
🖐️How extensive is the runaway and homeless youth crisis in our country?
🖐️What are some factors that put a young person at risk of experiencing homelessness?
🖐️Do you feel there may be specific reasons youth in the foster care system would reach out to the National Runaway Safeline for support?
🖐️What are some of the top issues driving youth to contact your Crisis Services Center?
🖐️How can we help prevent youth from running away from home or becoming homeless (living on the streets, staying in shelters, couch surfing, sleeping in cars, etc.)?
You can find out more about Jessica by visiting:
Facebook: @1800RUNAWAY
Twitter: 1800RUNAWAY
Instagram: @1800RUNAWAY
Website: 1800RUNAWAY.org
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Johnny Agar, born with cerebral palsy and told he would never walk, overcame the odds to participate in long-distance endurance races with his dad pushing him, until the final mile when he walks across the finish line. Previously featured on ESPN and The Today Show, Johnny is making his highly-anticipated book debut this fall that is a testament to the power of extraordinary courage titled The Impossible Mile: The Power In Living Life One Step at a Time (Dexterity, September 21, 2021).
Johnny’s story shows the impact of a life lived to its fullest, from the first difficult steps in training, to becoming a brand ambassador for global apparel company Under Armour. He now serves as an inspiration for not only other professional athletes, but for anyone facing their own impossible mile. This brilliant book debut encourages readers to walk a mile in Johnny’s shoes, and realize, as Johnny did, you never walk alone, and anything is possible, if you’ll just take on life one step at a time.
Written with his mom, Becki, The Impossible Mile shares valuable life lessons, sometimes with a bit of humor, that are sure to inspire with the wisdom, maturity, and determination of Johnny, who candidly shares stories of his family’s strength in weakness, hope in the midst of heartache, and joy in spite of seemingly impossible obstacles.
Key Takeaways:
🖐️How a young man with cerebral Palsy became an internationally recognized athlete.
🖐️How the Agar family banded together to help Johnny walk his first “Impossible Mile.”
🖐️What Johnny hopes readers take away from his new book The Impossible Mile.
You can find out more about Johnny & Becki by visiting:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnnyAgarOfficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialjohnny_agar/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_TeamAgar / https://twitter.com/agar_john
Websites: https://www.teamagar.com/ / http://johnnyagar.org/
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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On this special episode of Fostering Change, we welcome Dr. Gail Saltz., M.D. Rob Scheer, host of Fostering Change and founder of Comfort Cases, interviews Dr. Saltz about a very personal topic: R.A.D. Reactive Attachment Disorder. Why is this personal? One of Rob’s sons has been diagnosed with R.A.D. and he and his husband Reece have to deal with all of the issues regarding RAD on a daily basis.
Rob and Dr. Saltz further delve into other mental health issues and treatments for them, as well as other fascinating issues about the brain.
Dr. Saltz is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry with The New York Presbyterian Hospital and psychoanalyst at The New York Psychoanalytic Institute, best known for her work as a relationship, family, emotional wellbeing, and mental health/wellness contributor in the media where she frequently shares her expertise and commentary on the mental health aspects of current issues and news. Dr. Saltz is the author of numerous books and makes regular appearances on national media, including The Today Show, Oprah, Good Morning America, CNN, 20/20 and more.
Key Takeaways:
🖐️What is R.A.D. Reactive Attachment Disorder
🖐️Fascinating issues about the brain
🖐️Mental health issues and treatments for them
You can find out more about Dr. Gail by visiting:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GailSaltz
Twitter https://twitter.com/DrGailSaltz
Author Website https://drgailsaltz.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GailSaltzMD
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Fostering Change Episode 107 | Misty Parks
After Misty completed her Bachelor Degree from Manchester University, she found her calling working in Child Welfare. This prompted her to complete her Masters in Social work from Indiana University. In the past 20 years, she has fed her passion to assist those in need and her desire for knowledge in a variety of settings, primarily focusing upon the social constructs and needs of those connected to the child welfare system. In her roles working with families and children, she witnessed the terrible effects of untreated trauma on the children she served, and the lasting effects it has when working with their parents. Her drive to find better information and skills to assist these families led her to complete a specialized Certification in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy.
Misty is a native Hoosier, growing up in Muncie with her parents, and siblings. Her close knit family is committed to helping others, as her husband Mike is also a social worker, doing strong community work throughout the Indianapolis area. Their commitment to caring for the community and for those who needed an opportunity to grow and thrive was rewarded in 2015, as they adopted their daughter Reagan, who just celebrated her 7th birthday.
When Misty is not using her voice and experiences advocating for youth and families, she is spending her time with her family and friends, traveling, baking, and reading. She is also an avid collector of yard gnomes, and each member of her family is an ardent board game player, so watch out if they ask you to play Monopoly.
Key Topics:
🖐️The need within our communities
🖐️How Anthem, as an organization, is addressing this in our communities (including hiring Misty)
🖐️The importance of Anthem
You can find out more about Misty by visiting:
Facebook: @AnthemMedicaid
Twitter: @AnthemBCBS_News
LinkedIn: @Anthem
#AnthemCares
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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A Regional Manager at a Social Mobility Charity, Ambassador for Comfort Cases UK, Panel Advisor, Coach & Mentor with lived experience of going through the foster care system. Rosie has experience in both the private and non-profit sectors, and she is an advocate for positive change in society. She has a bachelor's degree in Law, a Postgraduate Certificate in International Business Law. She has recently completed a Level 5 Coaching Qualification to help individuals and businesses to achieve their goals.
🖐️My journey into & through foster care/ overcoming perceived barriers/ importance of
🖐️Education Why I’m involved/ an ambassador for comfort cases/ our mission/ what we’ve achieved so far
🖐️How other people can get involved and support our mission
You can find out more about Laura by visiting:
Facebook Rosie Wainwright
Instagram @queenrozza
Other Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosiewainwright1/
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
Although a product of the New Jersey foster care system, Laura Singer is a proud graduate from Syracuse University, Johns Hopkins University and most recently, Georgetown University Law Center. With a passion for advocating for children and foster care reform, Laura plans to dedicate her legal career to making substantial changes to the foster care system. Before law school, she served as a teacher in Washington, DC, as a Teach for America Corps Member. She now works as a law clerk in a family law court in Morris County, New Jersey. She hopes to one day open her own school for children in the foster care system. She is a pageant competitor and uses her platform "Get Out, Go Serve" to mentor at-risk youth. In her spare time, she enjoys running half marathons, travelling and watching all sports (especially fantasy football)!
Story Key Notes:
🖐️My experience in foster care led me to law school
🖐️The foster care to prison pipeline
🖐️The role community service/volunteering plays in empowering foster youth.
You can find out more about Laura by visiting:
@getoutnserve
https://www.instagram.com/getoutnserve/
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Pam and her husband have been married 33 years, raised 5 biological children (the youngest is 20). 8 years ago they became foster parents and began caring for children in their home. Pam led down a road of foster care and as a surprise to their life plan, 2 years ago, adoption of a set of seven siblings from the foster care system. They have a second chance at parenting, and they have a second chance at a family after their first parents passed away in a car accident.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️Adopting 7 Sets of Children Siblings
🖐️History of the 7 Children
🖐️Adjusting into a New Home
🖐️5 Biological Children's Reaction to Adopt New Siblings
🖐️Process to Adopt 7 Set of Children Siblings
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
Amanda is a mother of four with two biological and two adopted children (from India). She advocates for adoptees as their voice is often unheard. She wrote and illustrated Finding Family in a Far-Away Land with her daughters' permission to share their story and memories in hopes of empowering other children and educating families.
Story Notes:
🖐️Finding Family "Far Away Land" Book
🖐️Adopting Internationally
🖐️The Struggle to Adopt Children Through India
🖐️Empathy is Not Something we are Born with
🖐️Reason For Writing the Book
You can find out more about Amanda by visiting:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.vandenbarkwall
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandawalldenver/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-wall-0280062/
Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Rob Scheer interviews multi-award-winning author Jodi Meltzer who has written extensively about grief, parenting and divorce for various publications, including HuffPost, The Mighty, Scary Mommy, and Thrive Global. She has just published the book, Goodnight Star, Whoever You Are.
A Boston native, she recently relocated to Tampa in search of more sunshine, literally and figuratively. To learn more about Jodi and her books, including the previously published, When You Lived in My Belly, please visit jodimeltzer.com.
Today’s episode of Fostering Change is timely, as November 18th, 2021 is Children’s Grief Awareness Day. Rob and Jodi discuss this difficult topic and how to best share feelings of grief with and from your children.
Story Key Notes:
🖐️Children’s Grief Awareness Day- How Jodi and her Kids have Dealt with Grief
🖐️Why do we Struggle to Talk about Grief as a Society?
🖐️How Covid 19 has Amplified the Need for this
🖐️Death is Part of Living
🖐️Goodnight Star Book
You can find out more about Jodi by visiting:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jodimeltzerauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodimeltzer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodimeltzer/
Author Website: http://jodimeltzer.com/
Learn more about Comfort Cases at: https: //www.comfortcases.org/.
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Charell Star is a Media Manager in the FinTech field, Online journalist, and Foster Care Advocate. Charell was recently featured on @HumansofNY where she shared her inspirational story to millions.
As a storyteller, Charell Star has a passion for creating experiences that connect brands to people in a way that celebrates, inspires, entertains and empowers. She loves working across all mediums to tell a story and reach audiences, and believes the most powerful messages are delivered through authenticity, personal connection, and conversation. Charell is also a former foster care youth and now advocates as an appointed Board Member of CASA NYC and City Living NY.
You can find out more about Charell by visiting:
www.charellstar.com
Instagram: @charellstar
https://www.casa-nyc.org/
Show Notes:
🖐️Tell Your Story
🖐️Kinship
🖐️Parents Trying to be Adult
🖐️Moving Home to Home
🖐️To Forgive
🖐️COVID in New York
🖐️Advice to Kids in Foster Care
Learn more at : https://www.comfortcases.org/
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Joanna Johnson the co-creator, executive producer and showrunner of Freeform’s critically acclaimed series “Good Trouble.” She is also the creator, executive producer and director of Freeform’s limited series “Love in the Time of Corona,” the first scripted series shot entirely during the quarantine. Previously Johnson was an executive producer and showrunner on Freeform’s groundbreaking series “The Fosters,” which ran for five seasons.
Joanna Johnson was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She attended USC Film School and, after graduating, pursued an acting career. Most notably, she played twins Caroline and Karen Spencer on the CBS soap opera “The Bold & the Beautiful.”
Johnson’s primary focus is on writing, producing and directing. She wrote the independent feature “The Shrink Is In,” starring Courtney Cox and David Arquette, and went on to create and show run the sitcom “Hope & Faith” for ABC, which ran for three seasons. She was co-executive producer on ABC Family’s “Make It or Break It,” “Fairly Legal” for USA Cable, and the CW’s “Emily Owens, M.D.”
Johnson currently resides in Los Angeles with her wife and children.
Show notes:
🖐️ The Fosters
🖐️ Family Show
🖐️ As a Family
🖐️ Tell Your Story
🖐️ Foster Care Process
🖐️ Childhood Challenges
🖐️ COVID19 Effects
Learn more at: http://www.comfortcases.org
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On this episode we revisit our chat with Robert Selby and Glen Henry! This is our last episode before season 3 and EPISODE 100!!! You have to tune in next week!
Robert Selby is a full time father of a CHD warrior named Chace Elijah. Together they shine light on the medical needs community to help bring awareness with a positive spin to the CHD and Gtube community via social media in hopes to let people around the world know that they’re Never in a Fight Alone.
Glen Henry is a father, husband, creator, musician, author, emcee, CEO, and mentor. He began on YouTube in 2015, documenting his journey as a stay at home father. Six years later, he has appeared in films alongside Will Smith, written children’s books, launched a multi-venture company, co-hosted a podcast with his wife of ten years, Yvette Henry, and added two more children for a total of four tiny humans who inspire him in all his endeavors. His company, Beleaf in Fatherhood, is centered around creating content to equip fathers, bring hope to mothers, and inspire children.
We get into all the aspects of being a dad and catch up on their stories! Amazing Episode!
To continue the story, follow Glen Henry on Social Media:
Website : https://www.beleafinfatherhood.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeleafMel/
Twitter:Glen (@BeleafMel) | Twitterhttps://twitter.com › beleafmel
Instagram: @beleafmel https://www.instagram.com/beleafmel/?hl=en
YouTube: Beleaf In Fatherhood - YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com › channel
TikTok: Beleaf N' Family (@beleafinfatherhood)
HashTags:
FosteringChange
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On this episode in preparation for season 3 launch, we recap a chat we had with Caroline Boudreaux!
Caroline Boudreaux is a social entrepreneur and founder of the Miracle Foundation, an INGO that supports orphans to have a better quality of life while bringing about sustainable change that reduces the need for orphanages.
For the past 20 years, Miracle Foundation has improved the lives of more than 15,000 children and impacted almost 300 orphanages. Their proven Thrive Scale™ methodology is based on the UN Rights of the Child and leverages data and technology to ensure that orphaned and vulnerable children reach their full potential.
Miracle Foundation is part of a global network of non-profit organizations leading the worldwide movement to end the need for orphanages by 2040. For her achievements Caroline was presented with the Hope Award in 2005, the Impact Award in 2008 and the United Nations Humanitarian Award in 2017. Caroline is a Young Global Leader with the World Economic Forum and has completed executive programs at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, Yale's Jackson Institute for Diplomacy, Oxford University and the India School of Business.
On this season 2 recap we chat with Dr. Bruce Perry!
Dr. Perry is the Principal of the Neurosequential Network, Senior Fellow of The ChildTrauma Academy and a Professor (Adjunct) in the Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago and the School of Allied Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia.
Over the last thirty years, Dr. Perry has been an active teacher, clinician and researcher in children’s mental health and the neurosciences holding a variety of academic positions. His work on the impact of abuse, neglect and trauma on the developing brain has impacted clinical practice, programs and policy across the world. Dr. Perry is the author, with Maia Szalavitz, of The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog, a bestselling book based on his work with maltreated children and Born For Love: Why Empathy is Essential and Endangered. Dr. Perry's most recent book, What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing (2021), co-authored with Oprah Winfrey, is a #1 New York Times Bestseller.
Dr. Perry was on the faculty of the Departments of Pharmacology and Psychiatry at the University of Chicago School of Medicine from 1988 to 1991. From 1992 to 2001, Dr. Perry served as the Trammell Research Professor of Child Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. During this time, Dr. Perry also was Chief of Psychiatry for Texas Children's Hospital and Vice-Chairman for Research within the Department of Psychiatry. From 2001 to 2003, Dr. Perry served as the Medical Director for Provincial Programs in Children's Mental Health for the Alberta Mental Health Board. He continues to consult with the government of Alberta on children’s issues and serves as a founding member of the Premier’s Council of Alberta’s Promise.
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We're recapping 4 episodes in preparation for both a launch of season 3 AND dour 100th episode! Here's one of our favorites from season 2 with Rita Soronen
For more than 30 years, Rita Soronen has worked on behalf of abused, neglected and vulnerable children, providing leadership for local, state and national efforts working to improve the juvenile justice and child welfare systems, while striving to assure safe and permanent homes for North America’s children.
Leading the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a national nonprofit public charity, since 2001 and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption-Canada since 2004, Ms. Soronen works to find adoptive families for the more than 150,000 children waiting in North America’s foster care systems. Under her leadership, the Foundation has significantly increased its grant-making while developing strategic initiatives that act on the urgency of the issue. In 2020, the Foundation dedicated more than $32.6 million to grants and award-winning programs, such as Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, Adoption-Friendly Workplace and National Adoption Day. Additionally, through public service announcements, social media campaigns, articles, events, sponsorships and more, the Foundation is building awareness around the growing need for foster care adoption.
In October 2011, independent research results were released from a five-year rigorous evaluation of the Foundation’s signature and groundbreaking program, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids. The research proved that children referred to the program are up to three times more likely to be adopted. Since 2005, the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program has grown from seven pilot site grants to more than 475 sites across the U.S. and Canada. This program’s evidence-based model is dedicated to moving those children most at risk of aging out of foster care into permanent families. More than 10,000 children have been adopted as a direct result of Wendy’s Wonderful Kids. In 2017, with the support of the Blue Meridian Partners, the Foundation launched an aggressive, multi-year business plan to take Wendy’s Wonderful Kids to scale in all 50 states.
Immediately prior to joining the Foundation, Ms. Soronen served as the executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Franklin County. During that time, she also served as the president of the Board of Trustees of the Ohio CASA/GAL Association and led the passage of specialty license plate legislation benefiting CASA programs throughout Ohio, as well as the design and implementation of model program standards assuring consistent application of effective advocacy for children involved in court proceedings at the local and state levels.
Ms. Soronen is a nationally recognized child welfare advocate. She has testified before the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee on the importance of foster care adoption. A requested national speaker on the topics of children, the child welfare system and social innovation, Ms. Soronen has been a featured presenter at events for the Adoption Exchange Association, Center for Adoption Support and Education, Children’s Home Society of America, National Association of County Commissioners, National CASA Association and National Council for Adoption, among others.
Ms. Soronen is a founding board member and past vice president of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute and is a current member of the advisory board. She also serves as a member of Barco’s Nightingales Foundation’s advisory board and the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association for Children’s board of trustees. Ms. Soronen is a recipient of the Angels in Adoption Award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, the National CASA Association Kappa Alpha Theta Program Director of the Year Award, the Ohio CASA/GAL Association Statewide Leadership Award and was a 2013 recipient of WSNY’s 20 Outstanding Women You Should Know. She is a fellow of the Jefferson Fellowship for Executive Leadership; was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Community Leadership from Franklin University in 2016; was named a YWCA Woman of Achievement in 2017; was named a National Number One by the Columbus Foundation in 2018; and was honored with Smart Business Network’s 2019 Smart 50 Program Award for Impact, Giving Back to the Community.
A graduate of the University of Louisville, Ms. Soronen resides in Columbus, Ohio.
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On this episode of Fostering Change we sit down with Sharane Calister!
Sharane Calister is an American singer with soulful sounds and a songwriter. A 28 year old native of Des Moines, Iowa. Sharane used music as an outlet and began playing the violin in third grade. Her passion to sing continued throughout high school while singing in multiple choirs including Bridges to Harmony Gospel Choir who performed for President Barack Obama.
Although her biological parents are in her life now, Calister was adopted at the age of 10 by a cousin, Robin Calister who spent many years as a childcare provider.
Sharane also has a twin sister with whom she has reunited.
Sharane is best known for her appearance and performance on The Voice Season 14 working with Alicia Keys and Adam Levine. She landed in the Top 11 with powerful performances singing songs like “Make it Rain,” “All I Can Do is Cry,” “In My Blood,” and “Never Enough.” As a rising star, her journey does not stop although her stint with The Voice ended prior to the finale. She continues to sing with The Feel Right Band and Pie in the Sky band while making additional solo appearances throughout the country.
As a foster care alumni and adoptee, Sharane gives back to communities. She recently was invited to perform for CASA of Los Angles at the Beverly Hills Hotel and the Selfless Love Foundation in West Palm Beach, Florida to advocate for foster care and adopted youth. She is honored to be invited to The Purple Project Youth Conference for the third year in 2020. Calister inspires youth by sharing that life continues and their light will shine despite their current circumstances; life can go their way too.
Summer of 2019, Sharane hosted her first mini summer camp for female foster care youth or in placement between the ages of 13-18. The camp is titled “Sharane Calister Summer Sessions.” One of Sharane’s future goals is to establish a foundation which will offer guidance, inspiration and education to foster care youth & young adults.
Sharane Calister’s journey is showcased through her powerful voice, she is currently writing and recording new music. Sharane released her single “Love You” on her birthday, February 25, 2020. Her latest single “Party Like There’s No Tomorrow” is up temple and released New Year’s 2021. More music is in the making from Sharane.
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On this episode of Fostering Change we sit down with Dr. Suzie Friedman!
Suzie is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Washington DC. She works with adult and older teen clients on a variety of concerns from anxiety to eating disorders to trauma. She is especially passionate about the work of helping clients heal from complex trauma and attachment injury, and to support them as they forge a path of personal growth.
In her work with clients Suzie uses a relational approach that includes talk therapy, psychoeducation, and body based approaches including EMDR. In addition to her private practice, Suzie is an Adjunct Professor in the University of Maryland’s Counseling Psychology program where she provides clinical supervision to doctoral students and sometimes teaches at the undergraduate level.
Dr. Suzie Friedman's Website:
suzannefriedmanphd.com
Social Media:
instagram @drsuzie_
facebook @SuzanneMillerFriedmanPhd
On this episode of Fostering Change we sit down with Ángela Quijada-Banks!
Ángela Quijada-Banks is a NAACP Image Award Nominated, American author of the best-selling book, The Black Foster Youth Handbook , Founder and C.E.O of Soulful Liberation ( a Book publishing company and podcast; where she aims to empower foster youth by day and break generational curses by night). She is the Founder and program director at Consciously Melanated Queens ( a community to support the holistic wellbeing of young women of color and providing guidance to uncover their divine purpose.) As a transformational speaker and artist, she has impacted thousands with her message to transmute your pain to purpose and power. As of 2021, Ángela is a scholar at Legacy Holistic Health Institute studying Holistic Health and plant medicine coaching. Through her everyday work with helping young people uncover their divine purpose, performing spoken word events, workshops, Board member at the FCN foundation and political advisory to legislators across the nation, she aims to aid in revolutionary change in holistic health, economic injustices, child-welfare disparities, cultural competency and identity within low-wealth communities of color both on a micro and macro level.
In her most recent best-selling book, The Black Foster Youth Handbook she sheds light on a taboo topic through her own personal experience highlighting 50+ lessons she learned in order to support young people's journey and equip them with necessary tools to successfully age-out of foster care and holistically heal.
Born in Anaheim, CA her reach has spanned across the nation and in several countries. Since the age of three years old, when she was first introduced to swing dancing she has always come back to it even in the most unstable of circumstances.To this day, Ángela is still open to learning new things that excites her including Kung Fu and drumming. Between her day to day adventures, Ángela enjoys traveling the world and adrenaline rushes at amusement parks with her husband, Michael. She is lovingly called a “graceful powerhouse” by all who know her, as she lives by the quote, “ If not me, then who? If not now, then when?”
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OriginalSoulFlower
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/originalsoulflower/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mrs_AngelaBanks
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelaquijada-banks/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTa_p8Ez0Z1xbZ2wpd4sUCg
Portfolio: www.originalsoulflower.com
Divine Purpose coaching: www.consciouslymelanatedqueens.com
Book: The Black Foster Youth Handbook , 50+ Lessons I learned to successfully age-out of foster care and holistically heal www.blackfostercareyouthhandbook.com
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On this week's episode of Fostering Change we have a great conversation with Kimberly Raff!
Kimberly Raff experienced the foster care system after falling through the cracks and experiencing a very difficult childhood. At the age of 17, she emancipated from the system after graduating high school. Alone, scared, and not knowing what to do, she went back to live with her biological mother and step-father, even though drugs and alcohol were still a part of their lives. Shortly after moving to Colorado with them, they left her and moved out of state. Again, she was alone, without family and without a support system.
It was while she was working one of her three jobs that one of her employers approached her about attending college. This changed the path that Kimberly could have gone down. The employer helped her apply, take the ACT, and enroll into Colorado Mesa University where Kimberly studied Computer Science, Accounting, and ultimately ended up getting her degree in Psychology Counseling after 12 years.
During those 12 years Kimberly failed out of school, enlisted in the military, was medically discharged, and was again, left without any support.
Through her struggles and triumphs she found who she was meant to become. Her career in child welfare brought memories back of her childhood, especially seeing older youth aging out of care with little to no supports of family or friends.
In 2017, Kimberly founded Foster Alumni Mentors, a non-profit organization that provides support and guidance to those who experienced foster care, to build a community of support around them.
http://www.kimberlyraff.com/
https://fosteralumnimentors.org
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On this episode of Fostering Change we talk with Dr. John DeGarmo.
Born in 1969, leading international foster care expert, consultant, and TED Talk speaker Dr. John DeGarmo has worn many hats throughout his life. Singing and dancing while touring around the world in the international super group, Up With People, serving as a D.J. at four different radio stations on two different continents, working in the professional wrestling industry, teaching English and Drama at the high school and college level, director of The Foster Care Institute, and founder and national development director of Never Too Late, a residential group home for boys in foster care. Dr. DeGarmo has had a variety of experiences.
He is the author of several foster care books, including the new book The Little Book of Foster Care Wisdom: 365 Days of Inspiration and Encouragement for Foster Care Families, the best selling book Faith and Foster Care, as well as the foster care children's book A Different Home: A New Foster Child's Story. He is the director of The Foster Care Institute, and acts as a consultant to foster care agencies as well as an expert witness to legal agencies across the USA and globe. Dr. John is a High Content Speaker and informative trainer on the foster care system, and travels extensively across the globe, meeting with foster parents, child welfare workers, churches, schools, and organizations. Dr. John has appeared on several TV programs, including CNN, Good Morning America, and ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, PBS stations. Dr.John and his family have even appeared on the popular show Wife Swap. He writes regularly for many magazines, and is a regular contributor to several publications, both in the United States and over seas.
Dr. DeGarmo is married to Dr. Kelly DeGarmo, who hails from Australia, and the two of them have six children, both biological and adoptive. Dr. DeGarmo and his wife are also currently foster parents to three siblings, bringing their household to nine children. Dr. DeGarmo has been a foster parent to over 60 children over the years.
Dr. DeGarmo and his wife are the recipients of the Good Morning America Ultimate Hero Award, and the Up With People Every Day Hero Award. The two also were honored with their city's Citizens of the Year Award. Dr. DeGarmo has also been honored with a Hero of the Homeless award, the Olivet College Distinguished Alumni Award, as well as an Exceptional People recipient.
Dr. John DeGarmo
The Foster Care Institute
Watch my TEDx Talk on Foster Care : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JQYUp6sEbY
TEDx Talk and Transformative Speaker. International Expert in Foster Care and Parenting.
Visit The Foster Care Institute : http://drjohndegarmofostercare.weebly.com/index.html
Like Dr. DeGarmo on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DrJohnDeGarmo
Find Dr. John on Twitter @drjohndegarmo
Phone: 706 318 9225
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On this episode of Fostering Change we sit down with Sensei Dave Armstrong Motivational Speaker Life Coach Mentor Unlimited Potential Network Academy Sensei Dave Armstrong, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach and at-risk youth expert! He grew up as a product of a broken family, foster care, youth correction facilities all while dealing with his only parent (his mother) dying when he was 13 years old..
After overcoming all of these obstacles in life and defying his destiny, he decided served humanity by dedicating 20+ years towards helping people better their lives and their relationships with their children or the children they work with. After Sensei Dave retired from 24- years of Active Duty Military Service he decided to open Unlimited Potential Network Academy Life Coaching and to publish his amazing motivational autobiography, Why Me, My Fight For Life available on amazon and on www.whyme.world.
Sensei Dave Armstrong was a product of a broken family, foster care, youth correction facilities and a deceased, only parent at the age of 13. As an “at-risk” youth and a “product” of the inner-city educational system, young Sensei Dave was predestined to run with gangs, NOT graduate high school and be dead or in jail by the age of 18.
After his mother passed away Sensei Dave lost all contact with his family and was in and out of boys homes, juvenile detention, and foster homes in California until he turned 18 and “transitioned” out of state custody. BUT…along the way he was influenced by many AMAZING people, two of which were; his CASA, Ron Barnick, an Air Force pilot and Sensei Otto Johnson, his first martial arts instructor.
Without their mentoring Sensei Dave Armstrong would not have been able to mentor, guide, help and motivate the 1000’s of youth, mentors, foster parents and humanity as he has done for years now. Sensei Dave is now retired after 24-years of service to our country in the U.S. Air Force, he has also sat on the Board of Directors as Vice President for non-profit organizations, created his own Martial Arts Mentoring program and owned three martial arts schools in the United States.
As a U.S. Air Force Veteran Sensei Dave has been able to travel and see the world, spreading his positive and motivational personality from country to country. Currently Sensei Dave is a Professional Life Coach and Motivational Speaker, and tours around the United States and Europe helping individuals and companies achieve their personal and professional goals. From The Author “I truly hope that this book finds its place in your heart and is able to help you in some sort of way. I truly believe that I had to go through so much in order to better help humanity and bring people closer to true happiness within their lives.
This is not a “feel good book”, it is a PERSPECTIVE book, it is a GUIDANCE book and it is a REAL LIFE book. I will take you through a journey of my life and events within but, I also hope to give you, the reader some enlightenment and tools to help you personally or to help you better work with at-risk youth or adults.”
Website: www.upna.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SenseiDaveArm
Twitter: @UP_N_A
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upnadotnet/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/UnlimitedPotentialNetworkAcd
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On this episode of Fostering Change we chat with Cody Mayo about his experience in the foster care system.
Cody Mayo is from Saginaw, TX. He began his acting career when he was 12 performing in several theatre productions. He received a scholarship to attend the University of Oklahoma School of Drama to continue working on his craft. Cody resides in Los Angeles, CA and works as an Actor.
He has previously appeared on MARVEL RUNAWAYS, FOX 9-1-1, CBS DOUBT, TNT MAJOR CRIMES, MTV FAKING IT, and an NBC Pilot CURSE OF THE FUENTES WOMEN.
On this week's episode of Fostering Change we get to have a sweet chat with Jay Rosenthal, Founder & Owner of Cupcakes with a purpose.
About Jay:
I have fond memories of baking cookies and cheesecakes with my mom, and as I got older I became interested in cupcakes; they're delicious and they allow for so much creativity.
I've decided to combine my passion for baking and desire to help others into the business of Cupcakes With Purpose. Being able to facilitate giving back to domestic and international causes is the perfect way to fulfill my dream.
By placing an order, you are supporting a cause that has personally affected you or someone you love.
https://cupcakes-with-purpose.square.site/
https://www.instagram.com/causescupcakes
https://www.facebook.com/cupcakeswithpurpose
+1 240-338-2636
On this episode of Fostering Change we chat with Garon Wade!
Garon Wade was adopted from Sri Lanka and raised in South Africa, Hawaii, The Gambia, Jamaica, Louisiana, and Jordan. He came to the United States in 2004 and earned his degree in political science and English literature at the University of Texas at Austin. He is also a graduate of the US Aeronautical Academy.
Garon has been an air traffic controller for over a decade working at both Washington Tower (DCA) and Fort Lauderdale Tower (FLL).
He spends his time boating the intracoastal waterways with his family, walking the beaches of south Florida, and continuing to travel the world. Please reach out to him on IG @garwade, Twitter @garon_wade or at wadegaron@gmail.com
On this episode of Fostering Change we talk with Jen Lilley about her journey into foster care and learn more about her passion and the projects she's leading up!
Jen is a true champion for charities. In addition to donating 100% of her music profits to create a neighborhood model of safe loving foster homes, she co-founded Christmas is Not Cancelled, Inc.: A marketing company that raises awareness and funds for amazing causes and nonprofits while giving participants the chance to win huge prizes!
As a teenager, Jen garnered the National Educators Award for her work in Guatemala. She is known for advocating children’s rights and supports charities that focus on protecting children against physical and sexual abuse, human trafficking, and the world water crisis. Truly selfless, she is a foster and adoptive parent herself and is a celebrity ambassador for the child abuse and treatment organization Childhelp, Project Orphans, ECPAT, Olive Crest, The Dave Thomas Foundation, The Thirst Project, The Los Angeles Mission, Oneless, A21, Children of the Night, and the Innocent Justice Foundation, and she serves on the Board for Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect (ICAN) .
A star on both the silver and small screens, including the Academy Award-winning film THE ARTIST, NBC’s iconic daytime series “Days of Our Lives,” ABC’s “General Hospital,” and a regular leading lady on the Hallmark Channel, actress/singer/philanthropist Jen Lilley has tackled countless roles throughout her illustrious career.
Jen Lilley’s creative prowess does not end when the director yells cut, she is also a singer and songwriter. Her music exudes the same sultry ferocity of Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton, with Phil Spector’s wall of sound treatment via Rosie Danvers and her 50-piece orchestra. AXS.com said, “Lilley conjures up the sound of a 1960s girl group and embodies the same essence of Amy Winehouse. She takes a nostalgic twist on a modern song that will remind you of what classic music sounds like and have you longing for the days of Motown."
When Jen Lilley is not busy in front of a camera, or perfecting her vocals in studio, she can be found hosting her podcast, "Fostering Hope with Jen Lilley" to demystify the foster care system and encourage loving people to get involved in the cause.
Website: jenlilley.com or ChristmasIsNotCancelled.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenlilleyofficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jen_lilley
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen_lilley/
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On this week's episode of Fostering Change, we sit down and chat with JoyWorks' Founder and Author, Janet Lawless Christ.
Janet’s books are written to help kids and their families talk about difficult issues like disabilities, food insecurity and homelessness.
“People of all ages need to know the truth, talk about it, then seek and hold on tightly to the nuggets of joy they find. That’s where the understanding and healing begins.”
https://joyworksnetworks.com/
https://www.facebook.com/JoyWorksNetworks
https://www.instagram.com/joyworks.networks/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyhJZwYFJqf38c9RvPdlhZg
On this episode of Fostering Change we chat with Dr. Bruce Perry about Trauma, Resilience, And Healing
Dr. Perry is the Principal of the Neurosequential Network, Senior Fellow of The ChildTrauma Academy and a Professor (Adjunct) in the Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago and the School of Allied Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia.
Over the last thirty years, Dr. Perry has been an active teacher, clinician and researcher in children’s mental health and the neurosciences holding a variety of academic positions. His work on the impact of abuse, neglect and trauma on the developing brain has impacted clinical practice, programs and policy across the world. Dr. Perry is the author, with Maia Szalavitz, of The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog, a bestselling book based on his work with maltreated children and Born For Love: Why Empathy is Essential and Endangered. Dr. Perry's most recent book, What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing, co-authored with Oprah Winfrey was released in 2021.
Dr. Perry was on the faculty of the Departments of Pharmacology and Psychiatry at the University of Chicago School of Medicine from 1988 to 1991. From 1992 to 2001, Dr. Perry served as the Trammell Research Professor of Child Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. During this time, Dr. Perry also was Chief of Psychiatry for Texas Children's Hospital and Vice-Chairman for Research within the Department of Psychiatry. From 2001 to 2003, Dr. Perry served as the Medical Director for Provincial Programs in Children's Mental Health for the Alberta Mental Health Board. He continues to consult with the government of Alberta on children’s issues and serves as a founding member of the Premier’s Council of Alberta’s Promise.
Dr. Perry has conducted both basic neuroscience and clinical research. His neuroscience research has examined the effects of prenatal drug exposure on brain development, the neurobiology of human neuropsychiatric disorders, the neurophysiology of traumatic life events and basic mechanisms related to the development of neurotransmitter receptors in the brain. His clinical research and practice has focused on high-risk children. This work has examined the cognitive, behavioral, emotional, social, and physiological effects of neglect and trauma in children, adolescents and adults. This work has been instrumental in describing how childhood experiences, including neglect and traumatic stress, change the biology of the brain – and, thereby, the health of the child.
His clinical research over the last twenty years has been focused on integrating emerging principles of developmental neuroscience into clinical practice. This work has resulted in the development of innovative clinical practices and programs working with maltreated and traumatized children, most prominently the Neurosequential Model©, a developmentally sensitive, neurobiology-informed approach to clinical work (NMT), education (NME) and caregiving (NMC). This approach to clinical problem solving has been integrated into the programs at dozens of large public and non-profit organizations serving at-risk children and their families.
His experience as a clinician and a researcher with traumatized children has led many community and governmental agencies to consult Dr. Perry following high-profile incidents involving traumatized children and youth including the Branch Davidian siege in Waco (1993), the Oklahoma City bombing (1995), the Columbine school shootings (1999), the September 11th terrorist attacks (2001), Hurricane Katrina (2005), the FLDS polygamist sect (2008), the earthquake in Haiti (2010), the tsunami in Tohoku Japan (2011), the Sandy Hook Elementary school shootings (2012), and the Camp wildfire in California (2018) among many others.
Dr. Perry has published over 500 journal articles, book chapters and scientific proceedings and is the recipient of numerous professional awards and honors, including the T. Berry Brazelton Infant Mental Health Advocacy Award, the Award for Leadership in Public Child Welfare, the Alberta Centennial Medal and the 2014 Kohl Education Prize. He serves on the Board of Directors of multiple organizations including Prevent Child Abuse America and the Ana Grace Project.
He has presented about child maltreatment, children's mental health, neurodevelopment and youth violence in a variety of venues including policy-making bodies such as the White House Summit on Violence, the California Assembly and U.S. House Committee on Education. Dr. Perry has been featured in a wide range of media including 60 Minutes, National Public Radio, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Nightline, CNN, MSNBC, NBC, ABC and CBS News and the Oprah Winfrey Show. His work has been featured in documentaries produced by Dateline NBC, 20/20, the BBC, Nightline, CBC, PBS, as well as dozen international documentaries. Many print media have highlighted the clinical and research activities of Dr. Perry including a Pulitzer-prize winning series in the Chicago Tribune, The Sun Magazine, US News and World Report, Time, Newsweek, Forbes ASAP, Washington Post, the New York Times and Rolling Stone.
Dr. Perry, a native of Bismarck, North Dakota, was an undergraduate at Stanford University and Amherst College. He attended medical and graduate school at Northwestern University, receiving both M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. Dr. Perry completed a residency in general psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine and a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at The University of Chicago.
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On today's episode we sit down and chat with David Simnick and we learn about a project that he has been working on for six years! This is a Big BIG episode.
David Simnick is the Co-founder & CEO of Soapbox. He is an American University alumnus who graduated in 2009 with a BA in interdisciplinary studies in Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics and Government with a minor in Economics. He pursued a MA degree in 2010 from the University of Pennsylvania in Education, but paused his educational career to launch Soapbox.
Wash your hands!
Soapbox Products : Products
David Simnick Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/david.simnick
David Simnick Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/davidsimnick/
Soapbox Website : https://www.soapboxsoaps.com
On this episode of Fostering Change we chat with Sharlee Jeter.
Sharlee Jeter is the author of the book “The Stuff: Unlock Your Power to Overcome Challenges, Soar, and Succeed” and President of the Turn 2 Foundation. Both her book and foundation are focused on youth achieving their potential through academic success, social support, and leadership development.
Sharlee’s brother, Derek Jeter wanted to start a non-profit foundation. As their father was a drug and alcohol abuse counselor, they decided that due to his background, they need to support young people in their journey to success and try to help as many children as possible.
Their foundation started small, operating from the basement of their house, and now have been operating for 25 years! They can be proud of the fact that they achieved a 100 percent rate of high school graduation for their beneficiary. This foundation is all about giving back, and it shows as we can see that many of their previous beneficiaries return to them to help them.
Her book is focused on the fact that we need to know it from youth that we have the stuff in us and that way fear is removed. She states that people lower the bar for people in need (kids in the system) and that way sets their limits.
She explains that it is just about saying to yourself you can do it, overcoming fear about
doing something and believing you can do it. Sharlee concludes that adults need to stop lowering the bar and limiting young people that way, but to inspire them and raise that bar higher. Kids want to do well and make someone proud, which would fulfil them and help them with growing up. She believes that kids need to go out and find someone who believes in them for support.
Instagram : www.instagram.com/sjeter2
Website : www.thestuffmovement.com
www.turn2foundation.org
The Stuff: Unlock Your Power to Overcome Challenges, Soar, and Succeed : https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Stuff/Sharlee-Jeter/9781501175152
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On this episode we get to sit down and catch up with Robert Selby and Glen Henry!
Robert Selby is a full time father of a CHD warrior named Chace Elijah. Together they shine light on the medical needs community to help bring awareness with a positive spin to the CHD and Gtube community via social media in hopes to let people around the world know that they’re Never in a Fight Alone.
Glen Henry is a father, husband, creator, musician, author, emcee, CEO, and mentor. He began on YouTube in 2015, documenting his journey as a stay at home father. Six years later, he has appeared in films alongside Will Smith, written children’s books, launched a multi-venture company, co-hosted a podcast with his wife of ten years, Yvette Henry, and added two more children for a total of four tiny humans who inspire him in all his endeavors. His company, Beleaf in Fatherhood, is centered around creating content to equip fathers, bring hope to mothers, and inspire children.
We get into all the aspects of being a dad and catch up on their stories! Amazing Episode!
To continue the story, follow Glen Henry on Social Media:
Website : https://www.beleafinfatherhood.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeleafMel/
Twitter:Glen (@BeleafMel) | Twitterhttps://twitter.com › beleafmel
Instagram: @beleafmel https://www.instagram.com/beleafmel/?hl=en
YouTube: Beleaf In Fatherhood - YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com › channel
TikTok: Beleaf N' Family (@beleafinfatherhood)
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Join us as we interview with Matthew Everett. Matthew father to Kaitlyn and Ethan as well as the co-creator and executive producer of World of Dance with Jennifer Lopez on NBC. As CEO for World of Dance, which boasts over 20 million followers online, he built one of the world’s preeminent dance entertainment brands, celebrating creative self expression and uniting the world through artistry and motion.
We chat about Being a dad and the current focus of World of Dance Studios,
nurturing creative environments at home and work. We also get to learn more about World of Dance Studio in Tokyo!!
This is a story about parents that faced an unknown situation with a tragic
outcome. They lead us through the troubles they experience and how they manage
to deal with everything.
We meet Gideon and Jeanne, a couple full of positive energy and hope, who
Through their story, they introduce us to their firstborn son Blaze. They named him after
Blaise Pascal, which seems like an irony to them now, and as a young boy he was
capable, talented, loving and kind. His creativity was the sign of an artist that was
committed and brilliant.
At some point in his late teens, Jeanne asked Blaze about his sexuality. He did not want to talk about it, as he was coming into his own as a young gay man. They were very open minded and respected his boundaries. They believe that the biggest problem was with community and constant bullying that Blaze experienced. They were part of the community that did not have any experience with diversity, especially in public schools. Due to this they were trying to find solutions in sending him to a school that was more open to him, where he could focus on his artistic and academic skills. Still, he managed to deal with all the problems and had a promising life in front of him.
Unfortunately in 2018, at the age of just 20, home from college for the holidays, Blaze went missing. After more than a week of searching, his body was found less than a mile from home. He was murdered: a victim of a hate crime.
After a time of grief and thinking about what they could have done differently,
they realized that they need to focus on the future. They wish that they were more
proactive at the moment about his situation. Due to that, they are now working hard
toward achieving that community embrace differences, as that is the only way of
moving forward.
Jeanne believes that it is enough if you manage to change at least one
person. She explains that our influence and experience can help someone in their
hard times, and if it helps only one person it is enough. It will change their life and
from that moment can have a rippling effect on the whole community and world.
For more information, please visit: blazebernstein.org and join the Facebook Group: #BlazeItForward
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On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob starts off talking about making his heart smile! His special guest Connie Going is always there for him when he needs to reach out!
They start talking about the challenges of the Covid pandemic. Connie explains more about Family Blooms, and how they provide assistance for mothers. It's essential to empower mothers to reach supports on their own and to not be another victim.
Rob believes we must invest in our community, in the form of investing in the families.
Family Blooms is moving into the heart of St. Petersburg. They've also added child welfare navigation.
Connie talks about her son's amazing story and a little about her own background as well. She had to fight the system to adopt him. Now he is at the culinary
Institute of America in his third semester and possibly receiving an internship in Aspen, Colorado.
The second half is a very emotional segment as Rob and Connie dive deep on their own personal experiences and feelings.
ConnieGoing.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063635084226
Support group for Adoptive Parents EVERY Thursday night at 9pm EST
ConnieGoing.com Adoptive Support Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1667568840204821
Family Blooms: International Center for Adoption and Surrogacy
https://www.facebook.com/FamilyBloomsCenter
Twitter: @GoingConnie
Instagram: @conniegoing @familyblooms2019
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Daniel Hall was a boy whose mother had brain cancer and his father couldn’t take care of the 5 kids. His 2 brothers and himself were sent to an abusive foster home where he was beaten, starved and terrified of the situation but didn’t know how to get out of it. He was lucky enough to be adopted but unfortunately his brothers aged out of the system.
By age 13, Dan was teaching college grads how to write software in a small Vermont town. Dan also teaches foster parents how it is to be in the system. He met his older brother who graduated from high school when he was 16 and became best friends until he passed away.
Statistics say only 54% of children in foster care graduate from high school.
Knowing about baggage, Rob explains how it feels to finally have a forever family and no matter what kind of baggage adopted kids come with, the love that parents have in their heart is what makes it all worth it. Daniel is showing his kids that no matter how hard it is, it is not a failure and he is always there for them. His and his wife's goal is to teach the kids to be always there for each other after they are gone.
If it was up to Dan, he would send the kids out of the system with some dignity. But it wouldn’t happen without the community. Your community is not your zip code but the human race.
Website: http://www.danielbhall.com/
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In this episode we are talking about Fostering Change, a platform where we speak about foster care and adoption with the CEO and president of the Dave Thomas foundation for Adoption, Rita Soronen.
Rita’s foundation is expanding with their signature adoption program: Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program that started in 2004, and celebrated 10.000 adoptions last year. Through this platform, not only do they raise awareness but it is also about emerging best practices across the country. They created the program Child Focus Recruitment, based on some emerging social practices.
Why are so many kids in foster care? Is foster care the answer? There are many cases of abuse, abandonment, neglect, but the ones that are the most concerning are the cases of kids who aged out of the system and are on their own once they must leave the foster care. One might think that these kids are doing just fine being out there on their own, but we forget they are not permitted to make a mistake since they have no one to lean on.
Every child deserves to have permanency and a foundation, but not all kids are lucky enough to find their forever family. We are truly hoping that we will find even more strategies to find homes with people who are ready to open up their hearts.
They are OUR children and we have to advocate for them since change comes about when we talk about it!
davethomasfoundation.org
facebook.com/DaveThomasFoundationforAdoption/
IG and Twitter @dtfa
linkedin.com/company/dave-thomas-foundation-for-adoption/
FosterCareAdoption
AdoptionAdvocate
AdoptionAwareness
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The problems in the foster care system are not only a problem in America but all over the world, and the fact that children leave foster care with a trash bag, a rubbish bag, or a bin bag is heartbreaking. Rob, the founder and CEO of the Comfort Cases organization explains the importance of taking the initiative and get involved!
A goodwill campaign, YDWD (“You Donate, We Deliver”) was operating in the UK during the height of the pandemic. The initial contact among both parties’ organizers eventually led to the idea for cooperation between the two. ‘Comfort Cases’ and YDWDs’ decided to expand the Comfort Cases mission together. Now Katie, Sarah, and Rich, together with a group of 9 other individuals are now a part of the team.
When first talking to Sarah, Rob was thrilled to find out that YDWD delivered 100.000 meals. The number itself shows all the effort they put in.
The number of children in the foster care system is overwhelming. There are 96,000 in the foster care system in the UK and 438,000 in the USA. One of the problems with care leavers in the UK is that when they reach the age of 18, they are no longer wanted in the care homes. Foster children in the UK often have 3 placements a year. According to Richard, one of the driving principles is bringing light to the issue as it exists globally.
The Foster Care Fortnight UK is the biggest foster care awareness raising campaign whose idea is to help people understand and value fostering, and acknowledge the positive impact that it can have on the lives of children. Richard explains how he, prior to learning about comfort cases, was largely unaware of the situation in the UK, and around the world in general. It is worth mentioning that Comfort Cases UK is launching with 70+ cases, to be delivered in May.
The ‘tag still on them’ is a touching story about Rob and his daughter when she got her first ever new pajamas.
You can find more details about all the events on our Facebook page, Instagram profile, and Twitter
On the following links
http://www.comfortcases.org/
https://www.facebook.com/Comfort-Cases-UK-101986278711820
https://www.instagram.com/comfortcasesuk/
For any additional information on all our projects, you are welcome to send us an email at Hello@comfortcasesuk.org
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Richard Krulik, CEO of Briggs & Riley, is the special guest this week on the Fostering Change Podcast. Rob and Richard talk about A Case for Giving event and the history of this charitable program.
700 is the average number of foster care kids entering the system each day in the US. None of those children are in foster care by a choice they made and not one of them would choose that for themselves. They need to know that they matter, they are not invisible nor disposable.
Briggs & Riley, a luggage company, showed that a bag can change one's life for the better. Richard, the CEO of the company explains how they, for about 10 years, have been replacing the foster children’s trash bags with a piece of luggage.
They are running an amazing program, where people can bring any brand of usable luggage into a retail store to give it a “second life”, a second purpose and help sustainability as well. Donors get a credit that can be applied to the purchase of a Briggs & Riley bag. Then, their bag is donated to a local foster home or a battered women’s shelter.
Now together with Comfort Cases, Briggs & Riley is creating an opportunity for the program to expand to a nationwide network of foster homes.
Up until last year Comfort Cases had delivered over 150,000 comfort cases in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, without the help of a lot of corporate sponsors. Briggs & Riley is the one that decided to stand next to Comfort Cases and weather the storm of Foster Care.
Richard thinks that we can really make a difference as a collective group. Social good and collective power of a group of people combined with a company can make a difference to improve the lives of those around us. Helping the kids that are finding their forever home is an initiative and effort that they took on as a company. Richard encourages other companies to think and do the same so the world can be better tomorrow than it was yesterday.
Investing in a child in foster care is investing in our future. 30 000 children a year are aging out of foster care and 70% of them become homeless. But by giving them usable luggage instead of a trash bag can make a lot of difference in how they feel.
If everybody were to do a couple of little things on a consistent basis, it could really move the needle. So all the puzzle pieces come together nicely and come up with some ways to make the world a better place. Just do one thing a day and you too can make a difference.
When you donate a gently used piece of Briggs & Riley luggage to a participating retailer, Briggs & Riley will restore and deliver these bags to a local foster care agency. Donors will also receive up to $100 credit towards their Briggs & Riley luggage purchase. Visit https://www.briggs-riley.com/pages/a-... to sustainably support children in your community.
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About the Guest:
Willy Bolander - www.willybolander.com
Father of 8 children, 7 adopted from foster care.
Founder of non-profit, Go Foster! (2013-2019)
In the Episode :
Willy discusses his experience in recruiting and retaining foster parents via Go Foster! The idea was born as a research idea in Florida, where they discovered a huge need for improvements in the existing system. He talks about the lack of understanding by everyone involved about how to foster recruiting.
Rob talks about his state funding billboard advertisements near bus stops and how it is appalling to him.
They discuss the topic of religion, the role it plays in the adoption process and some of the barriers that can be put in the path to connecting kids with forever homes.
After the break, Rob mentions some of his experiences with different agencies and their random requirements and disqualifiers.
Willy shares his opinion that agencies funded by the state should “shut up” when it comes to their personal beliefs and using those personal beliefs to disqualify potential families.
The pair talk about something they have in common, adoption of an adult child!
Rob shares a story of how a teacher made a major impact on his life before introducing Kyle Tolsyka, music teacher, musician and the author of "Where do I fit?"
Kyle, talks about his inspiration and motivation to write the book and hints that there might be another book in the future!
After the break Kyle even reads the book!
Mike talks about activating endangered animals as heroes to inspire and teach youth.
They talk about their two main heroes the Slow loris and the Red Panda.
April 18 is a big event for Protectors of the endangered! Lot’s of fun activities are planned that will support the cause!
protectorsoftheendangered.org
Rob and Jessica take about what has been happening at Connect our kids over thee last year and how Covid has affected their operation.
Jessica talks about their co founder and the lack of technology in the foster care system. Currently it takes 8 days to end an extended family member, but with connect our kids technology the same process can be completed in 30 seconds!
In the second half Rob and Jessica talk more about relationships and how difficult it can be for foster children to develop relationships.
Rob gives some background on how Ben has been giving back and how despite his fame and celebrity he has felt alone at times.
Ben talks all about writing his book “Alone in Plain Sight” and explains his thoughts about “shared pain”
Together they discuss ego and how to recognize and mange it.
We also learn more about the origins and operations of Generous Coffee and generous movement!
Rob Chats with Caroline Boudreaux from Miracle Foundation and what an impact they have made round the world.
Caroline recaps her trip to India that inspired the start of the Miracle Foundation. Her story includes an emotional recap of holding children in villages on Mother’s day.
They discuss topic of OPC “Other People’s Children” and how everyone needs to realize every child matters. “It’s not where they lay their head, It’s if they have a place to lay their head on.” - Rob Scheer
Caroline shares background on how she helped raise the care n 300 orphanages. “The minute a child enters the system, the damage its already done.” - Caroline Boudreaux
Rob sits back down with Bob Dalton from Sackcloth and Ashes to talk more about their partnership. Bob shares more about their partnership with Native American artists and leaders and his book. This is the second half of a 2 part series. Don't miss the first half of the story!
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Rob sits down with the CEO of Sackcloth & Ashes Bob Dalton. They discuss how Bob started Sackcloth & Ashes. Bob shares personal reasons why he made the transition from the non profit sector to the for profit sector, including an emotional discussion about his mother's journey.
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In this episode, Rob reconnects with a longtime friend Noah Ehlert discuss a variety of subjects and discuss Noah's recent adventures as well as future aspirations. They discuss Noah's bike journey across the United states and some of the experiences he encountered along the way. It's a very emotional piece and definitely worth the listen as we learn about the trama youth in the foster care system face.
You can listen to the episode in the player here or subscribe on your favorite podcast app linked below. Please be sure to leave us a review as it will greatly help us spread the word!
We are booking guests for upcoming episodes now. If you have a story to tell as it relates to foster care, please email blog@comfortcases.org.
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Please click here to read the full statement regarding Comfort Cases mission as it relates to helping migrant children entering the United States foster care system.
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On this week's episode, Rob is with special guest Barrie Carr. As Fostering change prepares to launch season 2 of the podcast, Barrie and Rob discuss the previous season and what to expect in the new season! Amazing guests, touching testimonials, intriguing ideas, and more!
Get your BE A GOOD HUMAN shirts, hoodies, masks, and mugs in our Gifts That Give Back Shop at comfortcases.org/shop
Subscribe to Fostering Change on your favorite podcast app and please be sure to leave us a review.
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts - You may have to search for “Fostering Change” as the link sometimes does not go directly to our podcast.
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Contact us - info@comfortcases.org
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On this week's episode, Rob and Dana talk to Rob C. and J-Hawk from Fall Forward Radio, a new podcast focused on highlighting people doing big things to help their communities. When Rob and Jay heard about Comfort Cases they knew they had to use their platform to help. They invited Rob Scheer to be one of the first guests on their podcast, and then they took to TikTok to raise money. Having never hosted a fundraiser like this before, Rob and Jay weren't sure what to expect... But they set a goal of $12,000 and ended up raising $14,000. They wanted to see what we do at Comfort Cases first-hand, so they flew from Florida to tour the center and present us with a check. Listen as they talk about what inspired them to start their podcast and how they plan to use their show to keep the positive momentum going.
Fall Forward Radio website
Fall Forward Radio on Instagram
Fall Forward Radio on Facebook
Rob Scheer on the Fall Forward Radio podcast
Get your BE A GOOD HUMAN shirts, hoodies, masks, and mugs in our Gifts That Give Back Shop at comfortcases.org/shop
Subscribe to Fostering Change on your favorite podcast app and please be sure to leave us a review.
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts - You may have to search for “Fostering Change” as the link sometimes does not go directly to our podcast.
iHeartRadio
Spotify
Stitcher
TuneIn
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Contact us - info@comfortcases.org
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to siblings Stephanie and Beatriz who were separated during their time in foster care. With 8 years between them, they had very different experiences and only lived in the same household with a relative for a very short time. They are now very close and also maintain relationships with their other 4 siblings. Listen as they talk about the struggles their biological mom faced and how they overcame all of the challenges in their young lives.
Learn more about our mission at comfortcases.org.
Shop for BE A GOOD HUMAN merch at comfortcases.org/shop. For every gift purchased, an item will be given to a child in foster care.
To wrap up National Adoption Awareness Month, Rob and Dana talk to Amaya and Makai Scheer about their family and what it's like to be adopted. Listen as Amaya shares some of her earliest memories of being with Rob and Reece and Makai talks about how it feels to be part of a big family.
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As part of our National Adoption Awareness Month series, this week’s podcast features author and foster care adoption advocate Marcy Bursac.
Marcy adopted her two children from foster care and just released a book, The Forgotten Adoption Option, which serves as a guide to adopting from foster care. Marcy talks about why she decided to adopt from foster care, how she met her children, and how they are thriving despite all of the trauma they experienced with their birth parents.
The Forgotten Adoption Option focuses on both making the decision to adopt from foster care and how to navigate the system and get through the process. She explains how adopting from foster care is much more affordable and can take less time than waiting to adopt an infant both internationally and domestically.
Pre-order The Forgotten Adoption Option:
Amazon - Ships January 1, 2021
Barnes & Noble - Ships January 1, 2021
Google Play - Audiobook
Chirp - Audiobook
Kobo - Audiobook
Scribd - Audiobook
Follow Marcy on her Facebook page.
Shop our Comfort Cases "Gifts That Give Back" store to get your BE A GOOD HUMAN merchandise.
For every gift purchased, an item will be given to a child in foster care. www.comfortcases.org/shop.
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This week we welcome Alexis and Justin Black back to the Fostering Change podcast.
Alexis and Justin are newlyweds who both grew up in foster care. In their first novel, Redefining Normal: How Two Foster Kids Beat the Odds and Discovered Healing, Happiness, and Love, Alexis and Justin reveal how they overcame traumatic childhoods and developed a healthy relationship.
Listen as they share some details about writing the book and how they hope it will help others. Alexis also talks about being adopted at the age of 26 and why it was so important that her foster parents become her legal parents years after she “aged out” of the foster care system.
To learn more about Comfort Cases and our mission, visit www.comfortcases.org.
Get your BE A GOOD HUMAN merch in our Gifts That Give Back shop - www.comfortcases.org/shop - for every gift purchased, an item will be given to a child in foster care.
Thank you for listening and please be sure to leave us a review!
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November is National Adoption Awareness Month and we are looking forward to featuring guests with various adoption experiences.
Today Rob and Dana welcome April Dinwoodie, a writer, coach, consultant, and host of the Born In June, Raised In April podcast. As a woman of color who was adopted into a white family, April offers her insight into the complexities of transracial adoption.
Learn more about April at www.aprildinwoodie.com.
Shop our Comfort Cases Gifts That Give Back Shop to get your BE A GOOD HUMAN merch! Every purchase gives an item to a child in foster care. www.comfortcases.org/shop
This week Rob and Dana talk to foster care advocate and former pro-football player Gaelin Elmore. First removed from his parents’ home at 10 months old, Gaelin spent several years in and out of foster care. When he was 16, his high school football coach became his legal guardian. He earned a scholarship to play football in college and in 2017 he signed a contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. After playing one season, he decided to retire when he realized that a career in the NFL just wasn’t right for him.
Listen as Gaelin talks about his childhood, his emotional journey during his time with the NFL, what he’s doing now to help children in foster care, and his hopes for the future.
On this week’s Fostering Change podcast, Rob and Dana talk to author and foster care survivor Sasha Martin.
Sasha spent the first ten years of her life going back and forth between living with her mom and living in various foster homes. When she was 10 years old, she went to live with a family friend who became her permanent guardian. A few years later, they moved to Paris and then Luxemburg.
Years later and after becoming a mother herself, Sasha discovered a love for cooking and set a goal to make a meal from every country in the world. She documented her recipes and stories and National Geographic published her book, Life from Scratch, in 2015.
Listen as Sasha talks about her experiences in foster care, suffering tragic losses in her life, and how she found peace and belonging through a love of cooking.
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On this week’s Fostering Change podcast, Rob and Dana talk to Foster Care Institute founder John DeGarmo. As a foster and adoptive father, author, and industry consultant, John offers his insight on a number of child welfare issues.
He created the Foster Care Institute after experiencing frustration with the system and lack of support as a foster parent. His training programs are used by child welfare agencies all over the country to educate both staff and foster parents.
John and his wife have been foster parents to 60 children over the last 20 years. In his 2019 TedXTalk, he tells the story of one of those children whom the system failed.
John also talks about the importance of foster parent support groups and how he deals with the heartbreak and stress of caring for children who have experienced trauma.
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This week Rob and Dana talk to foster care survivor, writer, and advocate Quay Bowen. Quay is sharing her story on her website in the hopes of writing a book. She talks about her life growing up, her relationship with her birth family, and how poorly she was treated by the Atlanta foster care system.
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On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob and Dana talk to Foster Boy creator and attorney Jay Paul Deratany. Set to be released this weekend, Foster Boy tells the story of a teenage boy who was failed by the foster care system. Combining his passion for acting, writing, and advocating for children in foster care, Jay Paul wrote this film in the hopes of inspiring people to take action to change the system.
Through his work as a personal injury attorney, Jay Paul has seen the devastating impact of the foster care system on children it is supposed to care for. He talks about how the for-profit foster care agencies make money on the backs of children and shares some stories about children he has represented.
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On this week's Fostering Change podcast, Rob and Dana talk to Connect Our Kids founders Jennifer Jacobs and Jessica Stern. Connect Our Kids is a website that helps child welfare agencies find and track family connection and data for children in the foster care system. Jennifer and Jessica have used their backgrounds in government, homeland security, and communications to create a unique program that significantly enhances the ability for social workers to find family members and the best possible placements for kids in care. Listen as they tell their stories and share how Connect Our Kids works.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to high school student Joe Davis about why he chose Comfort Cases for his Eagle Scout project. We are inspired every day by the number of kids of all ages who are doing big things to support our mission to help other children. Joe is not only passionate about collecting donations for Comfort Cases as part of his project, but he is also focused on the importance of spreading awareness about the needs of children in foster care.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to married couple Alexis Lenderman-Black and Justin Black. Both Alexis and Justin spent time in foster care and are now advocates for children in the system. They are getting ready to release their first book, Redefining Normal, in November. The book is about how they overcame difficult childhoods and learned how to have a healthy relationship with each other.
Listen as they share their stories and talk about their lives growing up, how they met, and what to expect from their upcoming book.
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On this week’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob and Dana welcome Keri Richmond, the founder of Foster Strong. Keri previously told her story on Episode 40 of the podcast, and now she is sharing information about the organization she is building with other former foster youth. Foster Strong is about embracing the resilience of men and women who grew up in foster care and ending the stigma about children in the system.
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In this week's episode, Rob and Dana welcome the newest member of the Scheer family, 19-year-old Alex. Rob and Alex share the story of how they met and what life is like as a family of 7. Alex also talks about his struggles in foster care and what got him through the most difficult times in his life.
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On this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Ivymarie Washington about her journey in foster care and how she became a part of the Foster Strong organization.
Ivy and her older brother were removed from their parents’ home when she was 6 years old. They were placed in a children’s home for the maximum 180 days and were then placed in a foster home when she was 7. She remained in that foster home until she aged out of care at the age of 18.
She currently works as a foster care and adoption specialist at the agency that placed her when she was in care.
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In this week’s episode, Rob and Dana talk to Comfort Cases Ambassador Bryanna Williams. Bryanna talks about her role as a Comfort Cases Ambassador and why she has such a passion for children in foster care. She is the reigning Mrs. Tri-State All-Star United States and promotes both Comfort Cases and Ronald McDonald House as part of her pageant platform. Bryanna is a special education teacher at a residential treatment facility for at-risk youth and shares some of the experiences of the children and teens she works with.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Smirna Savino. Smirna told some of her story at our Comfort Cases Gala in 2018 and shares more with us on this podcast. She is one of 14 children, all of whom were removed from their mother and separated. Smirna was the only one to live with family for a few years, she was sent to live with her aunt and uncle. At the age of 5, she went into foster care. She reunited with her birth mother when she was 38 years old. One of her biological sisters is Carolyn Aronson whom we spoke with in Episode 41.
Smirna talks about life with her aunt and uncle, her foster family, and what it was like to be reunited with her mother and siblings as an adult.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to social worker and Foster Strong digital manager Lino Martinez. Lino talks about his experience in foster care and reflects on how he persevered through the many challenges that faced him early in his life. Lino is also part of Foster Strong, an organization with a mission to end the stigma about youth in foster care and to show them that a successful future is possible.
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In this episode, we shift focus from foster care to fatherhood and welcome Robert Selby, one of the dads featured in the DADS documentary on Apple TV. Through their participation in the film, Rob Scheer and Robert have become friends. We wanted to hear more about Robert’s story, his relationship with his son and his son’s mother, and what’s next for him and his amazing family.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Matt Anderson, the VP of Programs and Business Development for the Children's Home Society of North Carolina. Matt talks about his role at The Children's Home Society and how the organization has evolved since it's inception 120 years ago. Matt is also the producer of the documentary "From Place to Place" which follows 3 young adults who aged out of foster care. The 2011 film won multiple awards and sparked the conversation with lawmakers that led to the introduction of the Family First Act.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Dan Shufelt, CEO of Arizona Helping Hands.
Arizona Helping Hands supports thousands of foster families throughout the state of Arizona. They provide everything from cribs and diapers to birthday gifts and bicycles. So far in 2020, they have distributed over 1,100 beds to foster parents. They also supply potential foster parents with items they need to pass the foster parent licensing inspection.
There are over 14,000 children in foster care in the state of Arizona and Dan talks about the positive impact his organization has had on the child welfare system. He also explains how Arizona Helping Hands receives funding directly from the state taxpayers as part of a program passed into law in 2013.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to mom and author Keri Vellis.
Keri’s incredible story was recently featured in People Magazine. When she became a foster mom, Keri tried to find children’s books about being in foster care and she realized there wasn’t much out there. She decided to write a book herself… and a few years later she wrote another one.
Keri talks about what inspired her to be a foster parent, how she advocates for her special needs son, and how she educates her community about foster care.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana welcome LaTasha Watts, founder of The Purple Project, back to the podcast. LaTasha grew up in foster care and now hosts an annual conference for former youth in foster care. She is also and advocate for children in foster care. This week we wanted to shift focus to the larger issue facing our country right now - systemic racism and injustice. LaTasha talks about how she and her family have experienced racism and how she believes we can work towards making a change. Rob also shares some of the instances in which he's had to deal with racism as a father of four black children.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Jamerika Haynes about her experience in foster care and how it shaped her into becoming an advocate for children in the system. She is a journalist and the reigning Ms. Evergreen State 2020, and she uses her platforms to educate others about the challenges facing children in foster care. Listen as they discuss poverty and racial bias in the child welfare system and why it is important to support families in order to prevent children from being removed.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to It’s a 10 Haircare founder and CEO Carolyn Aronson. When she was an infant, Carolyn and her 11 siblings were removed from their mother’s home and placed in foster care. At the age of 2, she and one of her biological brothers were adopted into a loving family. At 26, she set out on a mission to find her biological family and 9 months later they met.
Caroyln has been a big supporter of Comfort Cases for the last several years and has made philanthropy a part of her company’s mission.
Listen as Caroyln tells her story about being taken from her home, adopted, growing up as a Puerto Rican girl with a white family, and what it was like to meet her biological mother and siblings after over 25 years.
She also talks about why it’s so important to give back and how It’s a 10 has been helping during the COVID-19 crisis.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to child welfare advocate Keri Richmond. Keri spent her early childhood in foster care, was adopted into an abusive home, and ended up depending on a friend's family for support during her teenage years. She often meets with lawmakers on Capitol Hill and talks about why it's been difficult to make changes within the system. She also talks about what people can do to make a difference for children in foster care in their communities.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Terrica Smith about her journey from foster care to becoming a real estate developer now investing in her own community. Terrica was placed in foster care at the age of 8 when her grandmother passed away. She moved from foster home to foster home, and then to group homes, often running away to escape abusive situations. At 17, she was homeless and pregnant, and found out she had been emancipated from the foster care system. She was able to seek help from Catholic Charities, ended up going to school, and she is now a successful business woman. Listen as she talks about overcoming all of the obstacles in her life and her plans for the future.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk with Whitney GIlliard about how the COVID-19 crisis has impacted youth aging out of foster care. Whitney is the founder of Gilliard & Co, a nonprofit that provides mentoring and wrap-around support for young adults who have aged out of the foster care system. She talks about the various things she’s been helping kids in her program deal with and how the community has rallied together to help.
For more info, please visit comfortcases.org/podcast.
In this episode, Rob and Dana welcome author and motivational speaker Leigh Anne Tuohy. As the mother of an adopted son from foster care who went on to become a Super Bowl champion, Leigh Anne knows first-hand how the loving support of a family can change a child’s life. The story of her son Michael Oher and the Tuohy family was depicted in the 2009 movie “The Blind Side”. Sandra Bullock won her first Academy Award for her portrayal of Leigh Anne in the film.
Listen as Leigh Anne shares her insight into what we as individuals, and together as a community, can do to improve the lives of children in foster care.
In this episode, Rob and Dana talk with Noah Ehlert about the completion of his Discover Your Path Tour. In February, Noah set out on a mission to ride his bike from San Diego to Florida, visiting youth in foster care group homes along the way. Having spent much of his childhood in and out of foster care and group homes, Noah found solace and a sense of peace when a neighbor gave him a bike... Years later he decided to inspire kids currently in foster care by riding his bike across the southern part of the country while stopping to mentor and bring hope to kids facing an uncertain future. Noah talks about what he learned on his journey and shares stories of some of the young people he met.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk with founder and CEO of The Handbag Awards, Emily Blumenthal. Emily heard Rob’s story a few years ago and was so moved by it, she invited him to speak at her annual event for handbag designers in New York City. Not only is Emily a successful businesswoman, she also prioritizes giving back and loves finding creative ways to use her connections and influence to encourage other companies to do the same.
Read more at comfortcases.org/podcast.
In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to college student Fabian Tolan about his foster care journey. Fabian is a journalist and musician currently studying at a college in California. He shares his story growing up in and out of the system, how he stays focused on his future, and what he wants the public to know about life in foster care.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana welcome child welfare advocate Maureen Flatley back to the podcast. So many aspects of the foster care system have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis as many resources have been limited or shut down completely. In addition, former foster youth who have aged out and are now in college have been forced into shelters as dorms have closed down.
For more info, please visit comfortcases.org/podcast.
In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Alia Innovations founder Dr. Amelia Franck Meyer. Alia is working to reform the child welfare system with a focus on keeping families together. She talks about how there is no evidence to show that removing children from their biological families is beneficial and how fostering the family is a lot more effective for positive outcomes.
Please visit comfortcases.org/podcast for more info.
In this episode, Rob and Dana check in with Noah Ehlert as he hits the half way point of his Discover Your Path Tour. Noah is riding his bike from San Diego, CA to St. Petersburg, FL, visiting group homes along the way to inspire and mentor teens in foster care. Noah gets emotional as he talks about what this tour has meant to him and how he knows he’s been having an impact on the youth he’s spoken to throughout his journey.
For more info, please visit comfortcases.org/podcast.
In this episode, Rob and Dana welcome author and foster care advocate Shenandoah Chefalo.
Shen talks about the process of writing her book “Garbage Bag Suitcase” and how she was able to open up about her childhood spent in foster care. She also talks about the fact that approximately 4,600 children go missing from foster care every year and for the most part, nobody tries to find them.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to foster mom and former CASA Brittany Burcham.
A CASA is a Court Appointed Special Advocate assigned to a child in foster care. Brittany does an amazing job explaining what it’s like to be a CASA and what a fulfilling experience it was for her. If you want to help children in foster care but you can’t be a foster parent, becoming a CASA could be right for you.
Brittany is now a foster mom focused on caring for and mentoring teenage girls.
For more info please visit comfortcases.org/podcast.
In this episode, Rob and Dana talk about the upcoming 6th Annual Comfort Cases Gala. The Gala is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and our supporters from all across the country can help make it a success - even if you don’t live in the DC area!
For more info visit comfortcases.org/podcast.
In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Jessica and Brittany about their journey to becoming foster parents. As they await their first placement, Jess and Britt share why they decided to become foster parents, their hopes and fears about being new moms, and how they plan to deal with the "hard stuff" that comes with parenting children who have experienced trauma.
Please visit comfortcases.org/podcast to learn more.
In this episode, Rob checks in with Noah Ehlert as he prepares to begin his “Discover Your Path” bike tour across the country. Noah spent time in foster care and lived in a group home when he was 11 years old. Now an adult with children of his own, Noah decided he wanted to share his story with kids currently in the system in the hopes of showing them that there is light on the other side of their current struggles.
Read more at ComfortCases.org/podcast.
In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to fellow advocates Whitney Gilliard and Kimberly Raff about the “give your used suitcases to foster kids” post that recently went viral. While we all appreciate the attention to the horrible practice of giving trash bags to children in foster care, and we believe it was shared with the best of intentions, we also feel a responsibility to educate the public about why it’s important to give new items to youth in foster care.
Read more at comfortcases.org/podcast.
When you give to Comfort Cases, you're not just supporting our mission to eliminate the use of trash bags in the foster care system, you are also supporting the advocacy work we do to bring about real change.
Rob Scheer is a leading advocate for youth in foster care. He knows first-hand what it feels like to struggle with feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and depression. He travels the country to share his story and works tirelessly to educate policymakers and the public about the experiences of children in the system.
In this episode, Rob and Dana talk about some of the ways in which Comfort Cases is making change, whether it’s speaking about foster care to a crowd of many or making an impact on one child in the system.
Rob also shares how the work of running this charity can sometimes weigh heavy on his heart, and he reads a touching message that he received at just the right time.
You’ll also hear about what our biggest expense is, how many agencies are currently waiting to receive Comfort Cases, and some ways in which you can help.
Correction: At the beginning of the podcast, Dana mentions that we gave over 95,000 Comfort Cases and Comfort XL last year. She misspoke - that is the total since we were founded in 2013. In 2019, we distributed over 38,000 Comfort Cases and Comfort XL to children in foster care.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Kate Davenport, LCSW-C. Kate is a foster parent recruiter and trainer in Montgomery County, Maryland. She talks about how to become a foster parent, what some of the requirements are, and she answers questions about the process.
For more info, please visit comfortcases.org/podcast.
In this episode, Rob and Dana close out 2019 with a look ahead at 2020. They talk about 3 new items that will be added to Comfort Cases beginning in January. They also discuss all of the ways supporters near and far can help Comfort Cases. From becoming a Social Media Ambassador, to hosting a donation drive, volunteering at our center, or taking a second to set up an Amazon Smile account, everyone can do something to make a difference in the lives of children in foster care.
For more info on the things discussed in this episode, visit comfortcases.org/podcast.
In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Monica Pantoja, Executive Director of the Nsoro Foundation. The Nsoro Foundation provides scholarships and other services to former youth in foster care who aged out of the system. They currently have 268 students enrolled in their program attending colleges in 31 states. The Nsoro Foundation believes that education is the great equalizer and that youth who have aged out of foster care just need a support system to help them thrive and get a college education. Listen as Monica tells the inspiring story of how the foundation came to be, the services they provide, and how successful their students have been.
For more visit comfortcases.org/podcast.
In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to author, speaker, and foster care advocate LaTasha Watts. LaTasha is the founder of The Purple Project, a yearly conference that brings teens in foster care together for workshops and to share their experiences. LaTasha spent most of her childhood in foster care, suffered horrible abuse, battled cancer, and has now dedicated her life to helping youth who are aging out of foster care.
For more information, please visit comfortcases.org/podcast.
In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Noah Ehlert. Noah grew up in and out of the foster care system and discovered a passion for cycling when a friend's mother gave him a bicycle when he was a teenager. Now a father of three, Noah is embarking on a bike tour from San Diego, CA to St. Petersburg, FL to share his story and inspire youth in foster care. He will spend two months riding his bike across the southern part of the country, speaking at various group homes along the way... and we'll be delivering Comfort Cases to the kids at every stop. Listen as Noah tells the story of his childhood and why he is seeking to share it with kids who are currently in care.
Learn more at comfortcases.org/podcast.
In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Rob's husband and Comfort Cases co-founder Reece Scheer. Together, Rob and Reece talk about their foster-to-adopt journey and what made them decide to grow their forever family by adopting from the foster care system. They share some of the struggles they faced on their journey and how their four children have brought so much joy to their lives.
For more info, please visit comfortcases.org/podcast.
In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Comfort Cases' Volunteer Coordinator Markia Chambers. On Friday, November 22, Comfort Cases will kick off the first ever "Marathon Packing Party" in which over 350 volunteers will come to the national center in Rockville, MD to pack 2,400 Comfort Cases in 24 hours. Markia talks about the volunteers who will come for the Marathon Packing Party as well as all of the ways in which supporters in other parts of the country can help. For more info please visit comfortcases.org/podcast.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Steve and Rob Anderson-McLean about their amazing adoption story. They knew they wanted to grow their family by adopting from foster care, but they didn’t plan on falling in love with 6 siblings from Ohio until they saw their photos. Steve and Rob talk about the foster-to-adopt process, what happened when they first met the kids, and what the first day as a family of 8 was like.
For more info, please visit comfortcases.org/podcast.
In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Adoptions Together founder Janice Goldwater.
Adoptions Together has placed nearly 8,000 children in permanent homes since it’s inception in 1990. Janice founded the organization with the idea that all children deserve a loving home regardless of their age, race, or ability, and that all stable adults who want to be parents should have the opportunity, regardless of sexual orientation or marital status.
Listen as Janice explains the various ways in which Adoptions Together works to find loving homes and supports children who have experienced trauma along with their families. She also shares some success stories and her own journey as an adoptive mother.
In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to speaker and author Carlotta Taylor.
Carlotta shares her story of growing up with an abusive father, escaping with her mother, and ending up in foster care during her teenage years. She credits the grace of God for helping her through the early years of her life and she writes about letting go of her painful past in the book, “No More Flinching: 5 Steps to Overcoming Adversity”. She is also the founder "Somebody Step In”, a non-profit that supports youth and former youth in foster care.
For more info please visit comfortcases.org/podcast.
In this episode, Rob and Dana welcome government relations consultant Maureen Flatley. Maureen offers her unique insight into how the system actually works on the federal and state level and where she sees the disconnect between legislation that is passed and implementation. She talks about the for-profit foster care sector, the lack of accountability, and how she believes advocacy groups can make a difference.
For more info, please visit comfortcases.org/podcast.
Maureen Flatley is a Boston based government relations and strategic consultant. Best known for her expertise in government reform and oversight of adoption and child welfare her work has included advocacy for children and families in a variety of areas.Using a broad bi-partisan array of relationships on Capitol Hill she has focused her attention on the nexus between individual injustice and large-scale system reform. In that capacity she has advised public and private agencies, corporations and non-profits, attorneys, families and children.
In this episode, Rob and Dana talk about Rob's book, "A Forever Family: Fostering Change One Child at a Time". Rob explains how the book came to be, the Upworthy video that started it all, and what the process of writing was like for him. He also talks about the things he's gained - and what he lost - as a result of telling his story publicly.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Kimberly Raff. Kimberly is the founder of Foster Alumni Mentors, an organization that provides assistance to young adults who have aged out of the foster care system. Having aged out of foster care herself, Kimberly understands the need for "wrap around services" for young adults who lack the support they need to transition into adulthood. Not only does her organization help young people with housing assistance and filling out college paperwork, they also provide emotional support and encouragement for the youth they serve.
Please visit comfortcases.org/podcast for more information.
In this episode, Rob talks about his adventures on the Amazon Prime Video show "Vacations of the Brave" and his family's appearance in the upcoming documentary film "Dads". Rob is grateful that he's been able to enjoy some amazing experiences, but for him, it's really all about bringing attention to Comfort Cases and the needs of children in the foster care system.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to mother and daughter philanthropy team Elaine and Nina Keltz. At just 5 years old, Nina helped organize a fashion show to benefit youth in foster care. Now at age 10, she volunteers for Comfort Cases among other charities. Elaine Keltz was named Mrs. Washington, DC in 2015 and has continued to use her platform to empower women to become leaders and to focus on giving back to their communities. Together they talk about empathy, kindness, and the joy that comes from helping others.
For more information, please visit comfortcases.org/podcast.
In this episode Rob and Dana talk to adoptive father and foster care advocate Barry Farmer. Barry is a single dad who adopted 3 boys out of foster care. His story is also unique because he became a foster parent at the age of 20 and he is an African American man raising three white children. Barry was raised by his grandmother and talks about kinship care as well as the challenges he's faced raising his 3 boys. His story went viral a few years back and he has been featured in multiple local and national media outlets.
For more info please visit comfortcases.org/podcast.
In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Whitney Gilliard. Whitney spent her teenage years in the foster care system, mostly in group homes and juvenile detention centers, and now dedicates her time to helping youth who are aging out of care. She and her husband Maurice run a transitional housing program for 18-21 year olds to help them learn life skills and self-sufficiency. Listen as Whitney talks about the abuse she suffered as a child, where she found her strength, and how you can get involved to support her organization.
Please visit comfortcases.org/podcast for more info.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Connie Going. Connie has been a social worker in Florida for 30 years and ended up adopting her two sons out from the foster care system after she made several attempts to find homes for them. Listen as she shares her story and talks about the trauma her children experienced in foster care. She also points out the many ways in which the system has failed not only the children in care, but also foster and adoptive parents. She and her boys have been featured on ABC News, CBS News, The View, and many other major media outlets. For more info, please visit comfortcases.org/podcast.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Jill Latchana. Not only is Jill an adoptive and foster mom, she is also a foster care advocate and a member of the Comfort Cases board. Jill became a foster mom in the '90s when she was teaching in the DC public school system. She and her husband have now adopted 4 children from foster care and they are currently caring for a 5th. She explains the urgent need for foster parents in Montgomery County, MD and throughout the country and how the community can support those taking care of these vulnerable kids.
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In this episode, Rob and Dana talk to Comfort Cases Junior Ambassador and former Little Miss United States Aryonna Martin. At just 10 years old, Aryonna is teaching other children about the foster care system and inspiring them to give back to their communities. She and her mom Michelle talk about why Aryonna chose to support Comfort Cases and all the work they have done to help youth in foster care in their home state of West Virginia.
In this episode, Rob and Dana talk about “the trash bag” and why it is so important for people to understand why we must eliminate them from the foster care system. Rob reflects on how he felt as a 12-year-old boy carrying his belongings in a trash bag. They read letters from agencies that have received Comfort Cases and share the impact these cases have on children in care. Rob also pulled the numbers - wait until you hear how many Comfort Cases and Comfort XLs have been sent out this year alone!
We need your support to continue providing dignity and hope to youth in foster care. Please visit comfortcases.org for more info about our mission and to find out how you can help.
In Episode 2, Rob and Dana talk to foster care advocate Sonia Granados. Sonia appeared on the 4th season of the reality show "Married at First Sight" and quickly became a fan favorite as she revealed her passion for helping the homeless and youth in foster care. She currently works for a faith-based non-profit in Miami where she trains, licenses, and supports foster parents. In 2017, she hosted a podcast series in which she interviewed foster parents and former youth in foster care. Listen as she shares her thoughts about reunification, what she would like foster parents to know, and how the county in which she works has implemented some effective strategies for collaboration between birth parents and foster parents.
For more info, please visit www.comfortcases.org/podcast.
In this introductory episode, Rob and Dana discuss a variety of subjects and tell listeners what they can expect in upcoming shows. They talk about the importance of educating the public about foster care, common questions about becoming foster parents, why the foster care system is shattered, and what the government is doing (and what they're not doing) for children in care. They also explain how Comfort Cases is impacting children at the border and offer some insight into how they enter the foster care system. If you would like to be a guest on an upcoming episode, please email blog@comfortcases.org.
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