In this episode we interview Maria McCord, a Collaborative Family Engagement Coach for Texas CASA. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate and their job is to be a voice for children in foster care. Maria became involved in the foster care system when she herself was a child in foster care. You will hear how her story begins with a caring CASA volunteer giving her the information and support she needed and how it has evolved into a career full of making a difference within the system. If her story inspires you to get involved, consider becoming a CASA volunteer!

Texas CASA - https://texascasa.org/

Become a CASA - https://texascasa.org/become-a-casa/

Heart Gallery of Central Texas: heartgallerytexas.com

Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE): https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Adoption_and_Foster_Care/About_TARE/Adoption/

Department of Family and Protective Services: https://www.dfps.texas.gov/

Kate Yanof - Arrow Foster Parent Recruiter

In this episode, we interview Kate Yanof, a foster parent recruiter for Arrow Child & Family Ministries. Her life experiences with foster care and adoption drive her passion for the work she does and what she plans to do within the foster system in the future. Kate is such a joy to talk to and has such a drive to make a difference. If you’re considering becoming a foster parent, she has information you will need and would love to get you connected!

Kate with Arrow - Kate.Yanof@arrow.org

Arrow Child & Family Ministries - https://arrow.org/

Heart Gallery of Central Texas: heartgallerytexas.com

Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE): https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Adoption_and_Foster_Care/About_TARE/Adoption/

Department of Family and Protective Services: https://www.dfps.texas.gov/

In this episode we interview Hannah Rucker with KVUE news. She is the amazing face you see each week on the Forever Families segment. The Forever Families segment is focused on youth in foster care who need adoptive homes. Each week, Hannah interviews one of these youths in an effort to find that permanent home for them. Hannah's heart is so big and you will love hearing her passion behind everything she does. We are huge fans of Hannah and I know you will be too after this episode!

Forever Families - https://www.kvue.com/foreverfamilies

Hannah Rucker - https://www.instagram.com/hannahruckertv/?hl=en

Heart Gallery of Central Texas: heartgallerytexas.com

Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE): https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Adoption_and_Foster_Care/About_TARE/Adoption/

Department of Family and Protective Services: https://www.dfps.texas.gov/