What They're Worth

Today’s guest, Kaycee, saw a need in her community and filled it. She and her husband started a nonprofit, Reel Hope, which creates video interviews with children waiting for adoptive families in Minnesota. While creating these videos, they met their then 12-year-old son! On this episode we get real about the perceptions of adoption in the church and the world, Mom-guilt and unrealistic expectations, the importance of jumping in, and the difference building relationships makes in gaining the courage to step into foster care and adoption. If you’re considering foster care or adoption, or are simply curious about a role you can play, this episode is for you!

Melissa Corkum is a transracial adoptee and adoptive mom, parent trainer and enneagram coach. She is also a cohost over at The Adoption Connection podcast. What doesn't this superwoman do? Grab some coffee and sit down with us as Melissa shares with us her personal story of adoption, adopting her children, and her passion for post-placement support. Melissa has kindly gifted our listeners free access to her and her cohost, Lisa's Compassion Challenge for foster and adoptive parents. Check it out at www.theadoptionconnection.com/wtw

There couldn’t be a more timely episode as our nation wrestles with issues of racial injustice. We recorded this episode prior to the murder of George Floyd, but the content is even more relevant now. Our guest on this episode, Lydia, is a transracial adoptee turned adoption worker. Lydia reflects on her experience of being a different race within the family, the community, and the church. Lydia is transparent about her journey in discovering her identity as an adoptee, a Christian, and a Black woman. She reminds us that adoptee and biological mom voices are not heard nearly enough. Grab your thinking caps and a heart to listen to this powerful testimony. To hear more from Lydia, be sure to follow her on Instagram. Her handle is @adoptee2adoptionworker

Kristina Pihanich 7:55 AM (16 minutes ago) to me Healing is not a one time gig. Our guest, Tina Bauer, shares her journey of healing as an adoptee and past foster youth against the odds. There is nothing more powerful than a story of a life lived and learned. Join us as we reflect on attachment, labels, and how adoptive parents can foster and support healing in the lives of their children. We are inspired by this passionate, vulnerable, young woman who is allowing her pain to become a bridge for others. You won’t want to miss this. You can find Tina on Instagram- c.m.db

On today's episode, Olivia and Jordan join us to tell us their heart and mission of helping those in foster care. Olivia, her husband, and her family head a nonprofit organization, Champions of Change, where their missions statement is, "Little Deeds. Huge Impact." Not currently foster or adoptive parents, they've helped thousands of children in foster care and others in need through their philanthropy. Learn the little deeds and huge impact this family has spearheaded as we interview Olivia and her ten year old daughter, Jordan. Visit their website at https://championsofchangeusa.org/

On today’s episode, our guest Courtney tells a tale of her family’s journey to bring home their son. The details? Their son is overseas and he has a heart condition that is exactly what Courtney and her husband resolved they couldn’t handle. Join us to learn about the international adoption process, selection process, travel, waiting, and the joys and struggles of caring for a medically high needs child. There is nothing easy about this journey, but it’s beautiful, and it’s especially clear that the Lord and this family have a heart for this.

Episode 12: Rooted Here by What They're Worth

Do you believe in miracles? Our guest this episode, Erin will give you a run for your money if you don’t. There is no doubt that pursuing parenthood through adoption is not for the faint of heart. Many have the perception that infant adoption is easier or less complicated than other forms. Many underestimate the multiple layers of decisions and choices that lead an infant into their adoptive home. With grace, faith, kindness, and bravery, Erin recounts the story of becoming a mother to her children. If you need some encouragement and a reminder that your work and prayers are not in vain, this is it. This episode brought tears to our lives. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we did.

Despite the rise of exposure to foster care and adoption in the media, many families and many kids in foster care are dealing with their battles in secret. Our guest this episode, Katie Rose of Attach Families, has made it her life mission to change that fact. Katie started her nonprofit with the goals of educating society about the crisis of developmental trauma and reactive attachment disorder and the need for appropriate treatment, and aims to create safe places for support and acceptance for families and those affected most, the children. Katie has been “through the ringer” but she has stayed in the fight and is the proud parent of two adopted sons. Her story will fire you up- and hopefully lead you to do something about it. Be sure to follow Katie and Attach Families on any social site or at attachfamilies.org

What if instead of listing obstacles we listed opportunities? What if we stopped limiting ourselves and stretched the boundaries instead? Trish and Roy, both therapists with no set plan to be foster parents, stepped up when God called them to be obedient to parent a large sibling group. They aren’t the traditional pairing of parents. They’re best friends. They didn’t live together when this all started. In the moment where they were needed, they dropped everything to make a safe home for their children. And now, years later, they’re still in it and killing it by inspiring us all that these kids are truly worth it. Humor, storytelling, and golden nuggets of wisdom are in this episode along with two of the most inspiring people we have had the honor of knowing. If you need the encouragement that God will make a way when it seems there is no way, this is the episode for you. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed the conversation. And look for more from Trish in the coming episodes! You can find Trish's resources here: https://www.trishjonker.com/