The System (feat. DFPS Regional Directors, C.J. Broussard-White & Leshia Fisher)

The Riverside Project Podcast

Upstream by Dan Heath (book)

1:06:22

Want to ditch the big wedding and elope? This episode's for you! Jenny Mac, creator of New York City-based Eloping is Fun, joins us this week to chat about the next steps after deciding to elope, as well as the creative ways couples are balancing traditions with a more intimate elopement or micro-wedding. Find Eloping is Fun on Instagram at @elopingisfun and their website elopingisfun.com Visit thebridechilla.com for all the latest news! BriteCo: Modern Insurance for Modern Milestones. Visit brite.co/bridechilla/ for a fast, free quote today and unlock peace of mind knowing you're covered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

3年之前 25:21

MP3•单集首页

In this episode, we explore the inner world of the child welfare system in Houston, including challenges faced by caseworkers, needs of families impacted by the system, and what it will take for children and families to thrive in our city.

Guests:

C.J. Broussard-White, DFPS Region 6A Regional Director

Leshia Fisher, DFPS Region 6B Regional Director

Resources:

The River (video)

What to get involved? Connect with us!

Website: riversideproject.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS-AQj5kiuRGxteswDwbnPA

43集单集

#Non-Profit #Society #Business #Podcasting Education #Riverside Project

The System (feat. DFPS Regional Directors, C.J. Broussard-White & Leshia Fisher)

The Riverside Project Podcast

published 3年之前

MP3•单集首页

Guests:

C.J. Broussard-White, DFPS Region 6A Regional Director

Leshia Fisher, DFPS Region 6B Regional Director

Resources:

The River (video)

Upstream by Dan Heath (book)

What to get involved? Connect with us!

Website: riversideproject.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS-AQj5kiuRGxteswDwbnPA

43集单集

#Non-Profit #Society #Business #Podcasting Education #Riverside Project

所有剧集

1
Moving From Scarcity to an Abundance Mindset (feat. Jason Weber, More Than Enough) 42:06

10天之前42:06

42:06

“When it comes to kids and families in our community, we don’t have to settle for not enough.” National estimates show that, in recent years, roughly 300,000–400,000 children have been involved in the child welfare system at any given time. Statistics like this, while helpful, can sometimes cause us to slip into a scarcity mentality. We may worry that we don’t have enough resources to address such a large need. Or, we might assume that if we’re not able to take up the role of a foster parent, we don’t have a meaningful role to play. Our guest is on a mission to help us understand the truth: that there is more than enough support we can offer to children and families before, during, and after foster care. Jason Weber serves as the national director of More Than Enough for CAFO. He is also a podcast host and author. Jason and his wife, Trisha, have been helping vulnerable families and children for over 29 years, with 10 years spent as foster parents. In this episode, you’ll hear why it’s important to focus on the statistics in your own backyard, the importance of operating as the unified body of Christ to offer support from every angle, key elements for impactful collaboration, and much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/podcast/jason-weber-43…

1
Ensuring No Child Sleeps on the Floor (feat. Oli Mohammad, Houston Furniture Bank) 44:53

5 weeks之前44:53

44:53

1
Going the Extra Mile for Homeless Youth and Young Adults (ft. Quana Smith & Danielle Stephen, Coalition for the Homeless) 46:25

10 weeks之前46:25

46:25

Neither foster care nor homelessness are isolated issues. They both intersect with numerous social issues—including each other. For example, homelessness is a contributing factor to why many children end up in the child welfare system, and it’s also a risk factor that can impact youth who are already involved in or aging out of foster care. Of the 173 youth and young adults currently on the Coalition for the Homeless’s list for Houston, approximately 25% of them have been involved in foster care in some capacity. Today, we are grateful to have two guests joining us for a conversation on this crucial topic. We sat down for a discussion with Quana Smith, the Manager of Youth Programs at the Coalition for the Homeless (CFTH) in Houston and Harris County, and Danielle Stephen, a passionate young adult who is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young people experiencing homelessness. In this episode, you’ll hear some of the reasons why youth and young adults are facing homelessness, key ways to offer circumstance-changing support, the importance of a caring adult who will go the extra mile, and much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/podcast/ smith-stephen-41 /…

1
Resourcing Families with Hope (feat. Lisa Johnson, Entrusted Houston) 39:35

14 weeks之前39:35

39:35

It’s estimated that around 70% of all instances of kinship care are informal. This is significant because family members in these cases are caring for a child without official documentation . Caregivers providing informal kinship care do not receive assistance from the state, nor do they have official custody of the child. And in many cases, they cannot receive assistance from other organizations or local programs , as these resources often require official documentation of the placement. This leaves many families uncertain of where to turn for help or how to access critical resources. Our guest for this conversation understands the importance of filling this critical gap in care. Lisa Johnson is the Founder and Executive Director of Entrusted Houston, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families and children impacted by the child welfare system. She began her fostering journey in 2009 and is a proud mom to seven children, four adopted through foster care. While Entrusted Houston initially set out to support foster families, today they stand in the gap for families, children, and individuals who could otherwise not access critical resources. Among the many they serve in Houston are caseworkers, biological families, families navigating kinship care, single-parent families, refugees, trafficking victims, and veterans. They are truly embodying what it means to entrust God with their resources and offer them to anyone who seeks help. In this episode, you’ll hear how this ministry evolved to include more than just foster and kinship care families, why these resources are critical to prevent a potential removal and help children return home, how to stay grounded in your mission, and much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: riversideproject.org/lisa-johnson-40…

1
Supporting Children & Families Beyond Permanency (ft. DeJuana Jernigan, Arms Wide Adoption Services) 35:37

18 weeks之前35:37

35:37

“Their healing begins with your hope.” Our guest ended our time together on this phrase, but we wanted to start with it. This is at the heart of what individuals, churches, nonprofits, and agency workers do all across Houston, and hopefully, it’s why you are here, now, listening to this conversation. Foster care is not an isolated issue. There are many factors at play, both upstream (before a family is impacted by the foster care system) and downstream (after a child or young adult has been impacted by the foster care system). DeJuana Jernigan serves as the President and CEO of Arms Wide Adoption Services, an organization devoted to supporting families through the life-long process of permanency. With a 30-year professional journey rooted in advocacy, leadership, and service, she’s deeply committed to helping children in foster care find safe, nurturing families. DeJuana has been a long-time friend of The Riverside Project, and we are thrilled to have her here for this conversation. In this episode, you’ll hear how foster care has shifted over the last 30 years, some of the underlying circumstances that cause children to enter foster care, the importance of post-permanency support, what you can do now to help improve outcomes for children and families involved in the child welfare system, and much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: riversideproject.org/dejuana-jernigan-39…

1
The Ways Fostering Affects Biological Children (feat. Daniela Coats, With Siblings) 30:38

23 weeks之前30:38

30:38

Biological children who grow up in a family that fosters or adopts can experience some intense and complicated emotions. While many children are supportive—and even protective—of their non-biological siblings, it’s important to recognize that some may struggle with feeling overlooked or invisible in the process. While their needs are just as important as their foster or adoptive siblings, biological children can sometimes feel as though they need to take up less of their parents’ attention, minimize the stress on the family, or behave perfectly to avoid rocking the boat. Here to help us understand the kinds of thoughts and feelings that biological children are navigating and how we can best support them as we welcome foster and adoptive children into our homes is Daniela Coats. She is the founder of With Siblings, an organization that exists to support birth children in foster and adoptive families by equipping parents and professionals with training and resources. Daniela is also a therapist, adoptive parent, and biological child to parents who fostered and adopted. In this episode, Daniela shares some tools and resources to help us support bio children, key commonalities found in many biological children’s experiences, the most important thing you can do today to support your biological children, and much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: riversideproject.org/daniela-coats-38…

1
Uncovering the Sacred Mission in Any Vocation (feat. Doug Meikle, Star of Hope) 46:58

27 weeks之前46:58

46:58

We often use the analogy of the River to describe how each and every one of us has a unique role to play in supporting the vulnerable children and families of Houston. One of the reasons why we need hands both upstream and downstream, helping from all sides, is because the foster care system does not exist in isolation . It’s shaped by—and deeply connected to—a range of other social challenges. One such challenge is homelessness and the circumstances that lead to it. The Greater Houston area holds over 3,000 people experiencing homelessness, including those in shelters and those unsheltered. This issue of homelessness has a direct impact on the foster care community—10% of children across Texas enter foster care due to housing issues. One thing is clear—any effort to support the foster care community is incomplete without also addressing the realities of homelessness. Joining us to discuss this key topic is Doug Meikle. Doug is a first-generation immigrant from Scotland who loves the city of Houston. A few years ago, he changed the course of his life by leaving behind the world of engineering and management to found a nonprofit along with two of his friends. TrueWorks focuses on integrating Christian faith with the world of work. Doug is now the CEO of Star of Hope, Houston’s largest mission to the homeless, and remains the board chair of TrueWorks. In this episode, Doug shares the connection our faith should have with the work we choose to do, the circumstances that contribute to homelessness, the importance of collaboration with other organizations and individuals across our city, and much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: riversideproject.org/doug-meikle-37…

1
Protecting the Vulnerable at All Ages (feat. Julie Dumalet, Archdiocese Office of Pro-Life Activities) 51:30

31 weeks之前51:30

51:30

The term “pro-life” can be a politically charged topic. While the most common understanding of being pro-life is in regard to protecting life before birth, we had the opportunity to talk with someone who has a broader understanding of what it means to take up the charge of the vulnerable and protect life at all ages. Our guest for this conversation is Julie Dumalet. She has led the Archdiocese Office of Pro-Life Activities here in Houston, Texas since 2016 in the position of Director. The Pro-Life Office continually seeks new ways to promote the dignity of human persons through initiatives such as St. Joseph Ministry Foster Care and Families. In this episode, Julie explains how partnering with others who share your mission leads to greater long-term success, what it looks like to be pro-life beyond pregnancy and birth, some of the key ways we can begin to identify the vulnerable in our existing communities, and much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: riversideproject.org/julie-dumalet-36 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

1
Mobilizing Community Resources in Houston (feat. Alysa Elliott-Wilson, DFPS) 47:23

36 weeks之前47:23

47:23

The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) may be most commonly associated with the act of “taking children away” from unsafe home environments. Unfortunately, this small snapshot of what DFPS does is often portrayed in a negative light in media and movies. But while the removal of children—whether it be temporary or permanent—is one of the responsibilities of DFPS, there is so much more to what they do. Our latest guest is here to highlight a DFPS division that partners with service-driven organizations to uplift those in need. Alysa Elliott-Wilson is the regional administrator for Faith-Based and Community Engagement at the Texas DFPS. She specifically oversees Region Six, which includes Houston and the surrounding counties. She plays a critical role in developing partnerships between faith-based organizations and DFPS to provide support services for vulnerable children, families, and adults in Texas. In this episode, Alysa shares how the Faith-Based and Community Engagement Division mobilizes resources, the importance of coming together to wrap a network of support around vulnerable families, how we can help close the gaps of care in our area, and much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: riversideproject.org/alysa-elliott-wilson-35 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

1
Reflections on Raising Children in Foster Care (feat. Christian & Morgan Nichols) 39:47

40 weeks之前39:47

39:47

When you first become a foster parent, you are likely to get a lot of advice. Some of it is extremely helpful, while some may not apply to your specific situation. When you combine the uncertainty of stepping into a new role with the fact that every child brings a completely different story to the table, it can be difficult to know exactly what to expect as a first-time foster parent. That's why I'm so thrilled that my guests today are here to offer valuable insight into what this experience can look like. Christian & Morgan Nichols are an incredible couple who have been on their foster care journey for over three years. Morgan is an elementary school nurse and Christian serves as the Director of Nursing over two intensive care units. In this episode, they share how they navigated the transition to becoming foster parents, some of the most helpful advice they have received along the way, the highs and lows of foster care, and much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: riversideproject.org/christian-morgan-nichols-34 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

1
How to Support Children Who Age Out (feat. Nicole Davis, Operation: Achieve Independence) 41:07

44 weeks之前41:07

41:07

For many young adults, turning 18 is an exciting milestone—a step toward independence while still having the support of family. But for children in foster care, this birthday marks the date you age out of the system. Sometimes, these individuals don’t feel fully prepared to navigate the adult world. Often, an 18-year-old aging out of foster care has to face life decisions most people wouldn’t expect to tackle until their mid-20s. It’s a daunting situation that can feel impossible to face alone, and our latest guest is here to shed light on this challenging issue. Nicole Davis is the Executive Director of Operation: Achieve Independence (OAI). OAI focuses on supporting youth aging out of foster care by providing mentoring, life skills training, education, and career preparation. In this episode, Nicole shares the important role education plays in breaking cycles of generational trauma, why the challenges of aging out will look different for every child, how we can best support young adults who are about to age out, and much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: riversideproject.org/nicole-davis-33 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

1
A Heart of Hospitality (feat. Fr. Drew Knowles, Oak Forest Anglican Church) 20:05

49 weeks之前20:05

20:05

During the holiday season, the concept of hospitality is at the front of our minds. However, hospitality can mean so much more than inviting family and friends to your dinner table to share a nice meal once a year. Biblical hospitality can be practiced every day of our lives—and it can be extended to our neighbors who we may not know personally. Helping us lead a discussion about the Lord’s call for us to open our homes through hospitality is Fr. Drew Knowles. He is the Rector of Oak Forest Anglican Church in Houston, Texas, the co-author of Hospitality: The Convivial Mission of God, and the husband to our Founder & Executive Director, Amber. In this episode, Drew shows us how hospitality is extended to us through Christ, the ways we might extend hospitality to others in our community, how foster care is one of the purest forms of hospitality, and much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: riversideproject.org/drew-knowles-32 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

1
How We Come Alongside Families (feat. Kathleen Cowie & Caitlin Simpson) 1:06:03

1 year之前1:06:03

1:06:03

We are passionate about not only transforming the foster care system in and around Houston but about helping others find their place along The River. This means providing key trainings, rallying community members together, and bringing awareness to how we can all be better equipped to make Houston a place where families heal and children thrive. For this episode, we have two of our staff members, Kathleen Cowie and Caitlin Simpson, joining us. Kathleen is the Director of Agency Partnerships at The Riverside Project and previously served as a research assistant focusing on child welfare, a direct care provider at an emergency shelter for children and youth in foster care, and a Therapeutic Case Manager for the homeless population. Caitlin is the Director of Community Resources at The Riverside Project and previously served with international nonprofits in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia addressing humanitarian aid, poverty, and human trafficking. In this episode, they share more about what they do behind the scenes, lessons they have learned as social workers, the inner workings of the Response Network, who can benefit from Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) trainings, and more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: riversideproject.org/kathleen-caitlin-31 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

1
The Challenges of Parenting in a Transracial Adoption (feat. Julie Etter) 58:41

1 year之前58:41

58:41

Transracial adoption is not a new topic to The Riverside Project Podcast. We had the honor of speaking with Isaac Etter in a past episode on this topic and today we are talking with his adoptive mother, Julie. Julie Etter is an adoptive mom along with her husband. They have five children—two through adoption and three biologically. Julie is a beloved speaker on this topic of transracial adoption and the ups and downs her family has experienced. As a history teacher by trade, Julie loves to read and finds anything about history riveting. Her favorite way to spend her time is with her family and although she isn’t supposed to have favorites, her grandchild holds a special place in her heart. In this episode, we continue the conversation on transracial adoption, the importance of mentors who can support you, some of the struggles parents and children may go through, key resources you should be aware of, and much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/julie-etter-30 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

1
What is TBRI®? (feat. Mitzi McBride) 35:31

1 year之前35:31

35:31

You may have heard of the term Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) or trauma-informed care before, but you may not know what it is or how it can help transform how we care for children in foster care. To help us dive deeper into this topic is Mitzi McBride. Mitzi is not only well-versed in TBRI® but is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience guiding children and families through their journey to emotional healing. She has an extensive background in foster care, community mental health, school-based counseling, and years of international orphan care in Zambia, Africa. Mitzi currently runs her own practice called Soul Care Magnolia in the north part of Houston. She is also a dedicated wife and mother to seven children, both biological and adoptive. In this episode, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of TBRI®, why it’s important to shift from traditional parenting methods, the impact of being attuned to a child’s needs, and much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: riversideproject.org/mitzi-mcbride-29 Connect with us on our Website , Instagram , or Facebook !…

The Riverside Project Podcast

1
The Extraordinary Power of Belonging (feat. Gaelin Elmore) 56:16

1 year之前56:16

56:16

“Despite all the bad circumstances that I dealt with and navigated, there were people who were meeting my belonging needs in a way that allowed me to continue to grow, learn, and thrive in spite of the things I was experiencing.” Children in foster care are often deeply longing for connection, intimacy, and relationships. How can we offer children the support necessary to help them flourish and shift from surviving to actively living? How does their need for belonging affect the decisions we make in showing up for them? Our guest today has experienced this personally. Gaelin Elmore is a dynamic and nationally sought-after keynote speaker, trainer, and thought leader. Motivated by his own traumatic childhood and lack of belonging after over 10 years in the foster care system, he now works with organizations and people to become “belonging-informed” in order to help children overcome trauma and unleash their potential. In this episode, you’ll hear the difference belonging made in Gaelin’s life, his personal story of finding hope in impossible circumstances, walking away from a professional career in the NFL, and why belonging is a crucial consideration for every decision when supporting children in foster care. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/gaelin-elmore-28 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

The Riverside Project Podcast

1
How Any Church Can Serve Those Involved in Foster Care (feat. Mireya Scholes, Atascocita Community Church) 39:42

1 year之前39:42

39:42

This episode of The Riverside Project Podcast is hosted by Chandler James, our Director of Church Mobilization. We are so excited to have him in this seat today! Collaboration is a big part of what we do at The Riverside Project. It’s how we connect, share resources, communicate about the needs of families and children in foster care, and more. For this episode, we are taking an inside look at how one person’s passion has led to a vibrant foster care and adoptive ministry at their church, all through collaboration. Chandler is joined by Mireya Scholes. She is a former foster youth, a mom, and leads a ministry to help support adoptive families, foster and kinship families, and families that are at-risk in and around Houston. Mireya is a native Houstonian and has attended her home church, Atascocita Community Church, for over 20 years, which is where she leads the foster care and adoptive support ministry. In this episode, Mireya shares her own story of being in foster care from the age of thirteen, the power of your personal passion, how to connect those with resources with those who have a need, and much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/mireya-scholes-27 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

The Riverside Project Podcast

1
The Impact of Long-Term Mentorship (feat. Brandon Denton, Friends of the Children Houston) 44:30

1 year之前44:30

44:30

Do you know what the single most important factor in overcoming childhood adversity is? Research found that it is a long-term, nurturing relationship with a consistent and caring adult. Today, we are talking with Brandon Denton who has an impressive resume full of experiences and passion. Brandon was the Founding Executive Director of Friends of the Children Houston, an organization that is seeking to create generational change by pairing youth facing some of life’s greatest obstacles with a professional mentor for twelve years. Prior to this role, he spent seven years as a public administrator in various roles and departments in the city of Houston. In this episode, Brandon shares with us why relationships are the key to future success, the role building trust has over time, some stories of hope, and much more! Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/brandon-denton-26 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

The Riverside Project Podcast

1
From the Vault: What is the River? (feat. Jason Johnson, CAFO) 35:53

2 years之前35:53

35:53

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month! During this month, we’re not only raising awareness about foster care, but we are also celebrating the beautiful work of collaboration in this space. (Watch our new “As One” documentary series here for some incredible stories about the work happening in our city.) With this focus, we are revisiting the very first episode we shared on The Riverside Project Podcast. In this conversation, Jason Johnson joined us to break down the parable of the River and how it relates to issues facing Houston’s child and family welfare system. Foster care isn’t an isolated problem but is connected to many other social issues affecting our city. How does this reality change the way we work together to transform foster care in our communities? We also discussed the power (and the challenge) of collaboration, the role of the Church in caring for vulnerable families, and how you can find your place along the River. Jason is a speaker, writer, former pastor, church planter, and foster parent. He is also the Director of Church Mobilization and Engagement with Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO). Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/jason-johnson-25 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

The Riverside Project Podcast

1
Unlocking Purpose for the Vulnerable (feat. Brian Meza, Petra Cares) 36:28

2 years之前36:28

36:28

For young adults who faced significant challenges growing up, it can be very hard to successfully transition into the workforce. They may not have the resources or self-confidence to strive for a fulfilling career. As a result, they may end up unemployed or stuck in a cycle of jobs that don’t offer upward mobility. Today’s guest, Brian Meza, is tackling this problem with his Petra Cares program. We are so excited to spread the word about this inspiring resource, as we believe it’s truly an invaluable asset to our community. As the Executive Director of Petra Cares, Brian partners with Lone Star College to provide automotive industry training for vulnerable young adults, such as those who are aging out of foster care. Brian also helps program graduates find fulfilling job placements. In this episode, Brian shares how his team goes the extra mile to remove any obstacles that could get in the way of their students’ educations, how they have adapted the Petra Cares program over the years to encourage more successful graduations, what putting himself in the shoes of people with challenging backgrounds has taught him about empathy, and so much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/brian-meza-24 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

The Riverside Project Podcast

1
Navigating Transracial Adoption: A Personal Journey (feat. Isaac Etter, Identity) 50:31

2 years之前50:31

50:31

Adopting children who are of a different race than your own can be a beautiful thing. But many parents who do so make one crucial mistake—they try to disregard the topic of race altogether. They may feel uncomfortable addressing this subject or think that it’s better just to ignore it. But the truth is, in order to set children up for success, you need to understand the unique challenges they face and communicate with them about those challenges. Otherwise, they may feel alone, unsure of their identity, and unequipped to deal with the realities of racial discrimination. Today’s guest, Isaac Etter, was transracially adopted at the age of two. His experiences inspired him to found Identity—a startup focused on helping adoptive and foster families thrive. In this episode, Isaac shares insights on subjects like why it’s important to teach your children about racial issues before they go out into the world, how to show children that they’re loved for the entirety of who they are—not just the fact that they are your adopted child, how to give your child opportunities to connect with diverse communities and individuals who they feel represented by, and so much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/isaac-etter-23 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

The Riverside Project Podcast

1
Showing Up For Children in the Way They Deserve (feat. Chelsea Floro, Moses Closet of The Woodlands) 46:48

2 years之前46:48

46:48

Life as a foster parent is a constant learning process. You complete extensive training, but quickly realize that there's always more to learn. As you figure out the best ways to meet the needs of the children in your care, one thing continues to become clear—every child comes with their own unique needs. The best way to grow in how you're supporting the children in your care is to gain experience, and that’s why I’m so grateful to have sat down with Chelsea Floro. Chelsea is an adoptive, foster, and biological mom to eight children. She’s also the founder of The Moses Closet of The Woodlands and the face behind the Real Life Foster Mom blog. In this episode, Chelsea talks about her nine-year journey supporting children and families in foster care, her experiences in learning how to provide the best support for children with special needs, how she’s learned to let go of life’s “what ifs," and so much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/chelsea-floro-22 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

The Riverside Project Podcast

1
Helping Birth Parents Make Positive Changes (feat. Catherine Vannatta & Tiffany Maggret) 50:13

2 years之前50:13

50:13

The foster care system’s primary goal is to serve the best interests of the families within it. Whenever possible, that means reuniting biological parents with their children. To help a family heal, birth parents need intentional support. But all too often, they aren’t given the resources they need to overcome their challenging life circumstances and set their family on a positive trajectory. In this episode, I am joined by two incredible women from Decatur, Texas: Catherine Vannatta and Tiffany Maggret. Catherine currently serves as a CASA advocate, while Tiffany is the Founder and Executive Director of One Hope Village, an organization that helps deteriorating families recover by equipping them with robust community resources. Catherine and Tiffany share with us what it’s like to advocate for a child’s rights when they are struggling in the foster care system, how God’s grace inspires them to create safe spaces where birth parents feel comfortable asking for help, how they give families the resources they need to heal and reconnect, and so much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/catherine-tiffany-21 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

The Riverside Project Podcast

1
From Foster Youth to Social Worker (feat. Travis Hand, Texas Children’s Hospital) 36:17

2 years之前36:17

36:17

It’s a joy to have Travis Hand, a Licensed Master Social Worker who currently serves as a Behavioral Health Specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital, on our latest episode of the podcast. Once a teen struggling to navigate the challenges of growing up in the foster care system, Travis gained a strong passion for social work in college. This conversation is full of perspective and encouragement for each of us as we find our place along the River! Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/travis-hand-20 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

The Riverside Project Podcast

1
Improving the System Together (feat. Shaundricka Easley, Texas Department of Family Protective Services) 28:56

2 years之前28:56

28:56

We are delighted to have the Deputy Regional Director at the Texas Department of Family Protective Services, Shaundricka Easley, on the podcast. She has been with the department for over 15 years and had various roles during that time as well as served all 13 counties across the Houston area. Shaundricka gives us unique insight from her vast experience, including some of the challenges she faces on a daily basis, how to support the children within the system, what can happen when we work together, and so much more! Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/shaundricka-easley-19 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

The Riverside Project Podcast

1
Walking with Families for the Long Haul (feat. Jenni Lord) 42:43

2 years之前42:43

42:43

“Who is with them long term?” This is the question that Jenni Lord started asking after her organization helped fund hundreds of adoptions. What she realized is that the breakdown of these adoptive families often stemmed from the parents not being equipped to handle the behaviors and challenges that came along with trauma. Today, Jenni Lord is a resolute advocate for fostering family healing through the power of genuine connection. Her journey blends personal experiences with a visionary commitment to transforming the child welfare landscape. In 2008, she established Chosen, a trailblazing nonprofit dedicated to nurturing children’s recovery from trauma by empowering their families. In this episode, Jenni shares her firsthand experience with trauma through her adoptive brother, why many parents and caregivers are ill-equipped to handle trauma behaviors on their own, new initiatives to meet practical needs in the system, and more! Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/jenni-lord-18 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

The Riverside Project Podcast

1
A Dedication to Child and Family Well-Being (feat. Jesse Booher, DePelchin Children's Center) 44:17

2 years之前44:17

44:17

DePelchin Children’s Center has existed for over 130 years and has continued to evolve to meet the needs of the community. Their mission is to strengthen the lives of children by enhancing their mental health and physical well-being in Houston and central Texas. Jesse Booher is the Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of DePelchin Children’s Center, which provides foster care and adoption services in Texas communities. As COO, Jesse oversees a diverse array of programs ranging from child abuse prevention to foster care to residential services to adoption. In this episode, Jesse shares how he started out working in child welfare, the differing perspectives that typically come with each role, and the value of community-based care. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/jesse-booher-17 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

The Riverside Project Podcast

1
Creating Safe Spaces for the Next Generation (feat. Chandler James) 32:42

2 years之前32:42

32:42

It all started with a simple napkin exercise. Chandler James was asked to write his dream on a napkin. Initially, it seemed like a silly exercise but when he was finished his napkin read: creating safe spaces for the next generation. Chandler James is our Director of Church Mobilization here at The Riverside Project. He has worked in a number of local churches both as a Student Pastor and as a Next Gen Pastor. Chandler and his wife, Caitlin, are licensed foster parents of a few teenagers. He is passionate about investing in the next generation through foster care and in the church. In this episode, Chandler shares how churches can be mindful of the opportunities right in front of them, how to invest in the next generation, and his own experience as a foster parent. Listen in! Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/chandler-james-16 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

The Riverside Project Podcast

1
Finding Success in Education for Foster Youth (feat. Dr. Danisha Keating) 49:31

2 years之前49:31

49:31

Foster youth face many challenges, and education can be one of them. In fact, studies show that just 4% of children who have experienced foster care will go on to obtain a four-year college degree. Children who are involved within the foster care system also experience a higher number of school transitions, lower academic achievement, heightened experiences of exclusionary school discipline, higher drop out rates, and decreased access to postsecondary education. Accessible resources and healthy relationships are needed to help youth build a strong educational foundation that will guide them into adulthood. In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Danisha Keating. She is an author, CEO, business leader, and holds a Ph.D. in Psychology. As a former foster youth, she has learned the importance of furthering her education and building a network around her. Since 2009, Danisha has helped students understand the value of education and the importance of striving to define success by what that means to each individual. Ever since Danisha can remember, she has been passionate about education and helping others achieve success. This is one you don't want to miss! Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/danisha-keating-15 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx…

The Riverside Project Podcast

1
What Is International Foster Care? (feat. Krista Kesseler) 28:29

2 years之前28:29