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

We can’t believe it; this is the 100th episode of the Restoried podcast! To celebrate, we’re switching things up with another “hot seat” episode, where we put each other on the spot with some of the most hilarious, outrageous, and unexpected questions yet.

This episode is lighthearted, full of laughs, and the perfect chance to really get to know the people behind the mic.

We’re beyond grateful for YOU, our listeners, who have walked with us through 100 episodes of stories, hope, and community. We couldn’t have done it without you, and we’re just getting started.

Here’s to the next 100!

PLUS we’re celebrating with a Hope Bridge merch giveaway!

Make sure you’re following us on social media so you don’t miss your chance to win.

Episode Highlights:

• Celebrating 100 episodes of the Restoried podcast
• Hosts in the “hot seat” answering hilarious and unexpected questions
• A chance to get to know your hosts like never before
• Special Hope Bridge merch giveaway (details on our socials)

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

Every July, our team takes a step back to look at where we’ve been and where we’re headed. This year, that meeting didn’t quite go the way we expected. We realized something important; our growth and referrals were outpacing what our staff could realistically handle. That made us stop and ask: How can we invite more people to come alongside us in this work.

That’s where The Bridge comes in.

It’s a new software we’re launching that makes it super simple to get connected. Think of it as a hub where real needs get posted, and you can jump in to help meet them. Churches, organizations, and social workers can share needs, and volunteers can step up.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to help, I just don’t know how,” this is your chance. The Bridge is all about connecting people who want to serve with people who need support.

We’re really excited about this, and we’d love for you to join us.

Check out The Bridge by clicking the link below!

Episode Highlights:

• Introducing a New Software called The Bridge
• Bridging the Gap Between Those Who Want to Serve & Those in Need
• Becoming a Part of the Bridge
• Meeting Needs in Our Community
• Push vs. Pull Method
• Posting an Offer on the Bridge

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Learn More about the Bridge
• Join The Bridge Here
• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

In this Spiritual Formation episode, we’re talking about how technology shapes our daily lives and what it looks like to set some healthy boundaries around it. With phones, TVs, and social media always at our fingertips, it’s so easy to get distracted and miss out on the moments that really matter.

This month, we challenged ourselves to try a few simple shifts, like no phones at the table, not scrolling before spending time with God or right before bed, and setting time limits on apps. We’ll share what worked, what didn’t, and how even small changes helped us be more present with God and with our families.

Episode Highlights:

• How technology can easily distract us from what matters most
• Simple boundaries we tried: no phones at the table, no scrolling before bed, and starting the day with God first
• What we noticed when we limited screen time
• Ways tech boundaries can create more space for family and faith
• Small shifts that help us grow in love for God and others

Find More on Hope Bridge/Links from this Episode:

• The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch
• Rule Your Tech or It Will Rule You by Jedd Medefind
• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

Register for the FASD Workshop

In this episode, we’re talking with Kim Meeder: author, speaker, and co-founder of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Bend, Oregon. Kim’s story is full of redemption and purpose. After walking through her own childhood trauma, she created a space where broken kids and rescued horses could heal together.

At Crystal Peaks, every session is one-on-one: one child, one horse, one leader. It’s completely free for kids ages 6–18 and tailored to meet each child right where they are; whether that’s through riding, gardening, crafting, or just connecting. The ranch exists to rescue horses, mentor kids, bring hope to families, and inspire others to do the same.

Over the years, Kim and Troy have helped launch over 200 similar ministries around the world! In our conversation, Kim shares stories from the ranch, how healing happens through simple moments, and why she believes every life can be restored.

Episode Highlights:

• Meet Kim Meeder
• Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch
• Trauma & Healing
• Faith in God
• Purpose

Find more on Guest:

• Crystal Peak's Website
• The Heart of Crystal Peaks
• CrystalPeaksYouthRanch - YouTube

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

Register for the FASD Workshop

We’re back with another episode in our Spiritual Formation series, and this time we’re exploring the quiet, but powerful, practice of solitude.

In a culture that celebrates busyness and constant activity, solitude can feel counter-cultural, even uncomfortable. But solitude isn’t simply about stepping away from noise or slowing down our schedules. It’s about intentionally stepping toward God, making space to be fully present with Him.

In this episode, we talk about what it means to “Be still,” how to resist the pull of distraction, and why solitude can be one of the most life-giving practices for our souls.

If you’re longing for a deeper connection with God in the midst of life’s noise, this conversation will encourage you to slow down, be still, and truly meet with Him.

Episode Highlights:

• Spiritual Formation Disciplines
• Meet Brittany!
• Solitude
• Slowing down

Find More on Hope Bridge/Links from this Episode:

• The Way of the Heart: Connecting with God Through Prayer, Wisdom, and Silence by Henri Nouwen
• Out of Solitude: Three Meditations on the Christian Life by Henri Nouwen
• Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God's Transforming Presence by Ruth Haley Barton
• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

Register for the FASD Workshop