What They're Worth

On this episode, we welcome our friend, boutique owner, and adoptee, Maria Alosi. Maria was adopted from Russia at age four and struggled with processing her adoption for much of her life. Maria shares her story of adoption identity and managing relationships, including how becoming a parent launched her into her own healing process. We also discuss the role of boundaries, connection, and full-disclosure relationships. If you are an adoptee, an adoptive/foster parent, or if you want to know how to understand and love adoptees better, listen in!

Come along and meet Bryan and Elizabeth, parents to three adopted boys. Learn how they came to adopt a young sibling group and years later, through many trials, adopted their oldest son when he was technically "aged out" of the foster care system. They encourage us to set realistic expectations, celebrate the little wins, and to continue the good fight, even when it might seem hopeless! You can follow Elizabeth on Instagram @mama_and_her_groms

From deciding not to foster at all to fostering and adopting 10 children, Amber and Alex get real about the beautiful mess of foster care and adoption. They encourage us that there is no shame in knowing your limits and boundaries, share how hard but worthwhile unconditional love is, and encourage us that though this is tough stuff, we can absolutely do it! Follow Amber and Alex on Instagram @fostering_family12 -- you won't regret it!

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, more commonly known as FASD is an under spoken phrase in the foster care and adoption community (and in the community overall). This episode is eye-opening and educational. Natalie learned about FASD firsthand after multiple diagnoses and advocating for the best treatment and support for her son. Finally, an FASD diagnosis brought clarity to their family and enabled them to begin making necessary adaptations to help her so thrive. Natalie and her husband now host their own podcast all about FASD education and started a website to create awareness and community. If you are considering foster care or adoption or already in the trenches, learn the signs and gain awareness of how you can best support children or adults struggling with the affects of FASD. Natalie's Instagram: @fasdhope Natalie's Website: http://www.fasdhope.com/ Natalie's Email: [email protected] Listen to Natalie's Podcast, FASD Hope anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Natalie's Book Recommendation: “Trying Differently Rather Than Harder: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders” by Diane Malbin (1999/2017) Proof Alliance- (FASD nonprofit) https://www.proofalliance.org/ NOFAS (FASD nonprofit) https://nofas.org/

Does the foster care system always honor children and their parents? Or does it sometimes miss complexity and fail to offer support to the family of origin, which could have preserved the unity of that family? Our guest today, Embo, is a resilient, passionate, driven, young woman; the daughter of immigrants trying to make it in America. She also so happens to be a former foster youth. Embo's story shines light on the flaws from her time in the system, the values that carried her through the hard times, and the convictions that continue to inspire her today. Follow along with Embo on Instagram @embopriscilla

In this episode, Michelle shares what life was like growing up with foster and adoptive siblings and how those experiences shaped who she is and her career path as a TBRI educator, parent coach, and Safe and Sound protocol practitioner. What we love and appreciate about Michelle’s episode is similar to what we love about all of the stories our guests bravely offer: transparency about the good and tough stuff surrounding growing up with her adoptive and foster siblings. In the second half of the episode, Michelle helps us understand a little more about TBRI and Safe and Sound Protocol. Michelle has been so kind as to share some resources with our listeners: Sign up for Bringing Playfulness Back- 5 day Play ideas which include calming ideas as well at www.hopeparenting.com/coaching-with-hcp Learn more about Safe and sound Protocol and sign up for the free checklist- www.hopeparenting.com/ssp-with-hcp You can find Michelle on Instagram @hopeful_connections_parenting

This episode’s guests feels like a childhood best friend. From seeing his fashion, photography skills, and enjoying his humor, you wouldn’t guess everything he went through growing up in a large family facing poverty in California. Richard entered foster care along with many of his siblings when he was 15-years-old. Through his story, we get a unique look and perspective into teenagers who enter care for the first time. Richard shares about what helped him to fight for himself and continue growing into a healthy person and how we can people the type of people teens in care need. This episode will make you laugh and have hope, and break your heart in the best way. A must-listen for any hopeful foster parent or anyone interacting with kids in the foster care system. Enjoy! You can find Richard on Instagram @richardgierman

Listen along to Cathy Crossno, the first birth mom guest on What They’re Worth, talk about the decision to choose adoption for her daughter nineteen years ago. Cathy talks about it all — the pregnancy, hospital stay, forming a relationship, guilt, shame, and God’s hand and forgiveness in the whole thing. We really appreciate her vulnerability, honesty, and reflection as she shares with us the hardest decision she ever made, along with the beautiful relationship she now holds with her daughter. You can find Cathy on Instagram @chasingcrossnos

“Nothing goes to waste when it comes to love.” Annie Marek-Barta entered foster care at the age of 17 and was adopted when she was 26 years old. Take a seat and listen to Annie tell her story of an abusive past, God’s handiwork in her adult adoption, and the impact of foster parents saying yes. She is truly an inspiration, and we feel so privileged we had the chance to connect with her. We promise this is an episode you won’t want to pause. You can find Annie on Instagram @anniemarekbarta

Today’s episode is a first! Our first male adoptee voice on the show and our first professional athlete! Steven Benedict shares his story of growing up in foster care and as an adoptee, from his bond with his passionate and fierce adoptive mother, learning and broadening his perspective about his birth mother, coping with loss, to developing a healthy masculinity and providing the support our boys need. This episode is for anyone who knows or loves young men or simply needs an empowering and thought-provoking story. Connect with Steven: Instagram @steviey_b and @fostering_success Website: https://www.stevieyb.com/ Enjoy!