In this episode, we’re leaning into an important conversation about aged-out youth in foster care and the challenges they face when transitioning into adulthood. Without consistent support or resources, many young adults leaving foster care struggle to break free from generational cycles of dysfunction, often feeling isolated and unprepared for life on their own.

At Hope Bridge, we’re committed to stepping into that gap. You’ll hear how we’re working to support this vulnerable community through:

• Birthday Blessings – celebrating milestones with aged-out youth so they feel seen and valued.
• Thanksgiving Together – joining ACTION Ohio at the Compassion Center for their annual holiday dinner, bringing community and belonging to foster care teens and alumni.
• Elev8:28 – a new connection group launching this October for young adults who have aged out of foster care, offering community, encouragement, and hope.

Looking ahead, we’re exploring ways to provide affordable housing, safe environments, and mentoring relationships for these young adults to help them thrive.

Want to make a difference? You can get involved through prayer, volunteering, or financial contributions. Together, we can ensure no young adult has to navigate this journey alone.

Episode Highlights:

• Aged Out Youth Program at Hope Bridge
• Exciting updates!
• Thanksgiving Together
• Elev8:28 Connection Group
• Future Goals for this Initiative
• Partner with us to serve Aged Out Youth

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Thanksgiving Together Registration
• Contribute Financially to our Aged-Out Youth Program
• Become a Sponsor for Thanksgiving Together
• Become a Volunteer
• Register for Elev8:28
• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

RSVP for Thanksgiving Together Here!

In this episode, we’re excited to introduce one of our newest team members, Alesia Jarrard. Married for 17 years and mom to three boys, Alesia brings a unique perspective to our community as an adoptee who has firsthand experience with the adoption journey.

Alesia’s story begins in South Korea, where her parents met while her father was serving in the military. After moving back to Ohio, her early years were marked by instability, including her father’s struggles with alcohol, her mother’s mental health challenges, and time spent living with her grandparents while her dad was incarcerated.

At age five, Alesia’s life changed when her adoptive parents, who lived next door to her grandparents, boldly stepped forward and welcomed her into their family. While she describes her adoption experience as positive, she also carries the layers of trauma and the complex relationships that come with being an adoptee.

Today, Alesia is living out her calling by serving children and families in Stark County. She began as a board member with Foster Our Community, became an active volunteer with Hope Bridge, and now serves as our Stark County Care Community Coordinator.

Join us as Alesia shares her journey of adoption, belonging, and how her story fuels her passion for supporting vulnerable children and families.

Episode Highlights:

• Meet one of our newest team members- Alesia
• Alesia’s New Role at Hope Bridge as Stark County Care Community Coordinator
• Alesia’s Adoptee Story
• Navigating relationships with biological families
• Pastor’s Brunch & Learn

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Pastor & Ministry Leader Brunch & Learn with Bishop W.C. Martin
• Prayer Night with Bishop W.C. Martin
• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

Today on the podcast, we’re continuing our series on spiritual formation with a focus on prayer. For many, prayer can feel like a last resort or a quick ritual before meals. But what does it really mean to commune with God in prayer?

Prayer is more than words. It’s pushing back against the darkness. It shapes our hearts to look more like His, and it moves the needle in ways we can’t always see.

We’re excited to share that Hope Bridge has some incredible prayer opportunities coming up:

• Prayer Night with Bishop W.C. Martin — Bishop Martin, from Possum Trot, will be joining us to lead a powerful evening of prayer for vulnerable children and families.
• Hope Bridge Prayer Network — By joining the Prayer Network, you become part of a movement inviting God’s presence and power into the lives of children and families in need. As a prayer partner, you’ll receive monthly prayer update emails with a Scripture focus, a story, and specific needs; focused prayer prompts that give you a theme each month; and, at times, urgent requests when pressing needs arise. Every prayer matters, and your voice makes a difference.

If you’re ready to go deeper in prayer and stand with us for vulnerable children and families, find the links for Prayer Night and the Prayer Network below.

Episode Highlights:

• Spiritual Formation Disciplines
• Prayer
• Prayer Night with Bishop Martin
• Join our Prayer Network

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Register for Prayer Night with Bishop Martin
• Join our Prayer Network
• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram