Fostering Voices Podcast

Summary:

In this thought-provoking podcast episode, we delve into the world of adoption through the eyes of Mea Han Fajardo, an extraordinary international adoptee and the visionary behind FostAdopt Connections. Join us as we explore Mea's deeply personal journey and how she has transformed her experiences into a powerful platform, fostering meaningful opportunities and connections for children in foster care and group homes.

Throughout the conversation, Mea opens up about the unique challenges and joys of being an adoptee, offering valuable insights that shed light on the intricacies of the adoption process. Her heartfelt reflections inspire empathy and understanding, as we gain a profound appreciation for the resilience and strength of those touched by adoption. Mea's passion for making a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable kids shines through, and we express our sincerest gratitude for her willingness to share her remarkable story with our listeners.

So tune in and join us in this moving discussion as we celebrate the power of human connection and the transformative influence of compassion and love in the world of adoption.

Resource Links:

FostAdopt Connections

20 Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew - Nightlight

Link to book:

Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew: Eldridge, Sherrie: 9780440508380: Amazon.com

Connect with us!

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

Instagram: @FosteringVoices

Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Chapter Markers:

00:01 - Open

00:04 - On Today's Episode

00:33 - Welcome Mea Han Fajardo

01:33 - Mea's Story - Adopted at 10

02:58 - The Life-Long Experience

03:48 - We don't talk About it

04:01 - Gratitude and Lonliness

05:34 - The Space to Grieve

07:01 - Grieving with Intent

08:02 - How to Grieve

09:41 - Being Allowed to Grieve

10:32 - Normalizing Grief

11:29 - Breaking Open

12:50 - Grieving with Others

14:31 - Unlocking Grief

17:09 - The Mystery of Being an Adoptee

18:17 - Sympathizing with Adoptees

20:45 - Sharing my Adoption Story

22:38 - Reflection for Compassion

23:59 - An Adult Relationship with Parents

25:13 - Searching for Relationship

26:50 - Don't Hold on so Tightly

27:01 - Being Prepared when your Kid Starts Searching

27:44 - We Accept Your Family

29:42 - Loving Myself

31:26 - The Takeaway

32:27 - On Behalf of Adoptive Parents

33:25 - Resources

35:04 - Closing

Summary:

Matthew Blades is a familiar and friendly voice known to many in Arizona from the successful Matthew and Priscilla in the Morning show on Mix 96.9 FM. Matthew's own journey of battling physical and mental health challenges led him to step away from broadcasting and embark on a healing journey. Now, he sits in front of the podcast mic, hosting the insightful "Learn From Those Who Lived It" podcast, where he engages in conversations with individuals who have overcome unimaginable circumstances and found their path to healing.

Matthew's commitment to spreading joy continues with his new podcast, "I Needed That," co-hosted with Fitness Expert Chris Powell. Drawing from his personal experiences, Matthew shares valuable lessons in his workshops and speaking engagements, touching the lives of others. Today, we dive into an important topic: self-care. This discussion resonates with everyone, particularly those involved in the foster care world. Get ready to join us as we explore the significance of self-care and welcome Matthew Blades to the podcast. Prepare to be inspired and uplifted!

Resource Links:

Learn From People Who Lived It - Podcast

2021 Top 10 Self-Care Resources - PDF

Caregivers Guide to Wellbeing - PDF

Connect with us!

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

IG: @FosteringVoices

www.fosterarizona.org

Chapter Markers:

00:04 - On Today's Episode

00:34 - Welcome Matthew Blades!

02:25 - Matthew's Story

04:40 - Your Super Power

05:12 - 3 Ways to Screw up Your Kids

07:10 - I am a Human FIrst!

07:41 - Shame, Fear, and Guilt

11:06 - The Recordings in our Heads

12:33 - Moving Forward

13:49 - Spinning the Plates

15:52 - It's not Control; It's Fear

16:59 - Letting Go

18:44 - You're a Transitional Character

20:44 - Speaking it Out Loud

21:47 - Redefining Success

23:59 - Your Real Life - Personal Inventory

26:43 - The Value of Self

27:51 - Having a Self Care Strategy

30:03 - Kim's Weekend

31:31 - Being Selfish

33:36 - The Blame Game

35:00 - Giving Yourself Permission

38:02 - The Takeaway

40:04 - Resources - Closing Thoughts

43:16 - You are not Broken

44:05 - Wrap Up

45:00 - Thank You!

Summary:

At just 25 years old, Lindsey found herself pregnant and the parent of two children in the custody of the Department of Child Safety. She endured a heartbreaking struggle with homelessness, residing in motels and even living on the streets, surrounded by others in similar desperate circumstances. Desperate for change, Lindsey discovered a lifeline—a housing program for pregnant women with substance use disorders. This pivotal moment led her to the Family Involvement Center, igniting her path to healing and the reunion of her fractured family.

Now, Lindsey is an active force in her city, advocating for change through various organizations such as the Parent Advisory Board, the Prevention Advisory Collaborative, and the Family Navigation Action Team. Her passion for improving child welfare has brought her before community audiences, the governor's office, and dependency judges. Lindsey's dedication to serving her community is truly inspiring.

Join us as we delve into Lindsey's extraordinary journey, her triumphs, and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact and becoming a beacon of hope and change in foster care.

Resource Links:

Family Involvement Center

Birth-Foster Family Connections • Bright Spots

RiseIssue_35_Parent-Advocacy.pdf

Connect with us!

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

IG: @FosteringVoices

www.fosterarizona.org

Chapters:

00:01 - Open

00:34 - Welcome Lindsey Shine

02:09 - Lindsey's Story

03:47 - Going to the Wrong Attorney

04:21 - Leaving with Nothing

06:21 - Getting Help

07:05 - 5 Months and 3 Years

08:00 - Keeping Hope Alive

09:11 - Homelessness

10:27 - A Fork in the Road

12:19 - One More Shot

14:06 - Severance Trial

15:51 - Transition from Visitation

16:54 - A Traumatic Space

17:54 - A Glorified Babysitter?

19:11 - Being Friends with the Fosters

19:53 - A Broken System Challenge

22:13 - Choosing a Solution

23:38 - Choosing Responsibility

25:07 - Advocating in a Meaningful Way

27:18 - Normalizing Relational Support

28:28 - Deficiencies are Opportunities

30:45 - The Takeaway

32:30 - Being the Change

32:54 - Resources

34:25 - Wrap Up

34:56 - Thank You!

Summary:

In honor of national reunification month, in this episode we have a conversation with Judge Colleen McNally about what reunification means for kids and their families. Before retiring, Judge McNally served the people of Arizona for over 16 years in the Maricopa County Superior Court of Arizona. Since retiring, she has devoted her time and efforts to supporting families that have experienced the foster care system and continues to advocate for better systems in Arizona.

Resource Links:

How did Cradle to Crayons adapt the Safe Babies Court Team™ approach in Maricopa County, Arizona?

On the Road to Reunification: Experiencing Foster Care with My Sister by My Side By D'Artagnan Caliman

American Bar Association - Celebrating Reunification Month

Foster Cooperative

Prevent Child Abuse Arizona

Foster Arizona 

PO Box 20787 

Mesa, AZ 85277

Connect with us!

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast  IG: @FosteringVoices

www.fosterarizona.org

Chapters:

0:00 - Open

0:33 - Intro

1:32 - Who is Judge McNally?

3:39 - We all have Trauma

5:36 - The Courtroom Experience

7:00 - How can the System be Supportive?

8:44 - It's the Simple Things

10:32 - A Drink of Water

10:50 - The Challenge of Severance

12:42 - The Reality of Reunification

14:04 - And Now What?

16:00 - What is your Wish for Change?

18:43 - Reunification Day

20:53 - Kid Initiatives

22:06 - How can the Community Support?

22:35 - ACE Questionnaires

23:55 - Love for a Child vs. Love for an Adult

25:55 - Fear

27:54 - Send an Encouraging Note

29:26 - Reflections on the First Reunification Day

30:59 - Ways for the Community to Connect

33:17 - The Takeaway

34:34 - Get Involved

35:23 - Resources

37:21 - Thank You

Summary:

What comes to mind when you think about Recovery and Recovery spaces? Often the images that come to mind are uncomfortable and we think of these spaces as the last place we would ever want to be, but what if we told you that Recovery…Is For Everybody!

Join us in a conversation as we talk to Jillian about her journey into recovery and why the room of recovery can be the most freeing, accepting. and healing space around.

Resource Links:

Celebrate Recovery

Grief Share

Mending the Soul

Alcoholics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous

Chapter Markers:

00:01 - On Today's Episode               
00:34 - Introduction                     
01:20 - Jillian's Story                  
05:19 - Enter Celebrate Recovery         
05:47 - It Stuck                         
07:34 - A Journey of Recovery            
11:22 - Being a Leader in Recovery       
14:05 - What are the Misconceptions?     
16:45 - Recovery is for Everyone         
18:48 - More than Just a Meeting         
19:16 - The First Steps                  
20:34 - The Fellowship of Recovery       
23:08 - It's Also About Your Loved Ones  
24:08 - The Hardest Part                 
25:20 - It's an Ongoing Process          
25:54 - What's Brought you the Most Joy? 
26:57 - Who is Welcome?                  
28:21 - The Takeaway                     
28:54 - Resources                        
30:13 - Call to Action                   
32:15 - Wrap Up                          
32:39 - Outro    

Connect with us! 

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast  IG: @FosteringVoices

www.fosterarizona.org

Summary:

Chapters:

0:00 - Start                            

0:48 - Introduction                     

1:03 - Today's Topic                    

1:07 - Introduce Today's Guest Mark Gill

1:42 - Set Up Today's Topic             

1:58 - Mark's Testimony                 

5:53 - The Denial                       

6:37 - Peer Pressure                    

8:18 - The Next Level                   

8:38 - The Big Moment                   

10:56 - The Wake Up                      

11:50 - The Aftermath                    

12:31 - Becoming Something Else          

14:15 - The Next Phase                   

15:31 - Coming Home                      

16:27 - One More Option                  

21:01 - Three Questions                  

24:08 - An Impactful Story               

25:33 - What Breaks Your Heart?          

28:45 - Understanding the Story          

30:31 - Being a Better Community         

33:49 - Advice for Parents               

36:07 - It's Too Easy                    

37:22 - The Takeaway                     

41:32 - Closing                          

44:01 - Outro

Links:

https://drugabusestatistics.org/teen-drug-use/

https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/bulletins_youthsud.pdf

https://www.celebraterecovery.com/

https://alcoholicsanonymous.com/

https://na.org/

Connect with us! 

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast  IG: @FosteringVoices

www.fosterarizona.org

Summary:

What happens when you choose to put your comfort space aside and open up your heart and home to a child in foster care? Spoiler alert, it can be humbling, messy, and chaotic at times, but it can also be the most rewarding experience that will change your life and the life of another, forever.

Join us as we have a conversation with Stacy Bradley on Fighting the Fear of Stigma in Foster Care and Adoption. Stacy is an adoptive mom and former foster parent who has gone on the journey, advocated hard for her kiddos, and is a pretty cool person to boot!

Links:

What Happened to You : Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing

Hardcover – April 27, 2021

by Oprah Winfrey (Author), Bruce D. Perry (Author)

https://a.co/d/hke5wqN

Keeping secrets: how children in foster care manage stigma

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0308575918823436

Poverty, by America 

Hardcover – March 21, 2023

by Matthew Desmond (Author)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593239911?aaxitk=73e15f98719317c85bc0256cb8f76c56&pd_rd_plhdr=t&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&ref=dacx_dp_577378484348386487_580878620785794769

Connect with us! 

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast  IG: @FosteringVoices

www.fosterarizona.org

Summary:

Truth…Parenting is hard, but those little moments of sweetness can make the tough days bearable. But what happens when those moments feel few and far between? 

Often in our foster care and adoption journeys the struggle to connect with our children can be an all too frequent reality. Join us as we welcome Chris and Caitlin and have a real conversation about connecting when connection is hard. It’s a tough conversation to have, but one that many of us need to face.

Chapters: 

0:00 – Intro

1:15 – A Beginning in the World of Foster Care

4:12 – The First Experience with a Placement

8:35 – The Beginning of the Real Journey

9:35 – The Mixed Emotions of Adoption Day

10:40 – An Amazing Creative Beginning

11:25 – Day One of 'Now I'm Mom' to this Amazing Person

17:17 – Managing School Life and Home Life

21:04 – Connecting With Teachers and Making Them Part of the Team

23:09 – Setting Expectation as a Parent

34:58 – Let's Have a Little Fun With This!

35:56 – Understanding in the Community

36:25 – Tactics That Work

41:18 – Continuing the Conversation with Resources

43:10 – Connect With Us!

Links:

The Connected Child: Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family:

• Great Quote From the Book
• Buy the Book Here

What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing 

• Great Quote from the Book
• Buy the Book Here

Foster Cooperative

Connect With Us!

www.fosterarizona.org

Summary:

Life can be tough sometimes, but for a young adult aging out of foster care the transition can be life altering and either set them up for success or leave them without a connection or direction. Join us as we have a conversation with Zack, a young adult with lived experience, and how connection and having a community changed his trajectory in life.

Chapters: 

0:00 – Intro

0:26 – Welcome, Zack!

1:10 – What Brought Zack To Foster Arizona

3:43 – Becoming An Adult In Foster Care

5:38 – Embracing A New Situation

9:52 – Having Pride And Satisfaction In Accomplishments

11:16 – Showing The Way To Those Struggling Through

18:18 – Excitement Moving Forward

29:55 – One Takeaway

27:06 – Connect With Us!

Links:

Aging Out Institute

Foster Arizona Housing Project

ChildWelfare.gov

https://fosterarizona.org/get-involved/

Connect With Us!

www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: Community is what gets us through life. In today's conversation we talk with Anika Robinson about finding your people and the importance of community and connection in our everyday lives.

Chapters: 

0:00 – Intro

0:26 – Welcome Anika!

1:44 – Advocacy for Children

3:10 – Establishing Connections

8:38 – ASA Now

14:04 – Finding Hope in Dark Times

20:39 – The Powerful Impacts of Community

27:50 – The Need For Community

29:55 – One Takeaway

33:27 – Community Connections

37:02 – Connect With Us!

Links:

Supporting Infants, Toddlers and Families Impacted by Caregiver Mental Health Problems, Substance Abuse, and Trauma – A Community Action Guide PDF

Foster Cooperative

ASA Now

Connect With Us!

Foster Arizona