In today’s episode, we’re talking about how foster care has impacted our families: the hard parts and the really good ones. Foster care is mission work, and like anything meaningful, it comes with its share of challenges and rewards. If you’re curious about foster care or are already in it and looking for people who truly understand, this conversation is for you. We share how this journey has stretched us, grown our faith, and pushed us to rely on God more than ever. It’s been refining in all the best (and hardest) ways. We believe we’re all called to make disciples, and sometimes that looks like opening our homes to kids who need love and stability. Foster care has helped us develop tools we didn’t know we needed, and we’ve seen so much growth, both in ourselves and our families. At the end of the day, God is good no matter what, and this experience has taught us to trust Him in deeper ways.

Episode Highlights:

• How Foster Care has Impacted Our Families
• Foster Care is Mission Work
• The Bigness of God
• Hard Conversations with Bio Kids

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

This week, we’re talking with Sandra Flach, mom of 8 (5 through adoption), advocate for foster and adoptive families, and someone who knows firsthand what it’s like to parent kids with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Two of Sandra’s children are diagnosed with FASD, and she’s passionate about helping other parents understand and navigate this journey.

Sandra shares her own parenting story, why so many kids are misdiagnosed, and the surprising fact that 1 in 20 school-aged children are impacted by FASD—more than autism. She’s all about giving parents the tools and encouragement they need, and you’ll walk away from this conversation with so many practical insights.

Sandra will be speaking at our upcoming FASD workshop. You won’t want to miss it. Make sure to register for the workshop using the link below.

Episode Highlights:

• Meet Sandra!
• Foster Care & Adoption
• What is FASD?
• FASD Symptoms

Find more on Guest:

• Justice for Orphans
• Sandra's Website

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Register for the FASD Workshop
• Schedule Coffee with a Hope Bridge Team Member
• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

Register for the FASD Workshop

Today, we're wrapping up our July Replay Series with an episode that continues to inspire and uplift.

We're thrilled to revisit our conversation with Jamie Finn—bestselling author, founder and President of Foster the Family, host of the Real Mom podcast, and owner of Goods and Better. Jamie is a trusted voice in the foster and adoptive community, known for her authenticity, wisdom, and heart.

As a mom of seven through foster care, adoption, and birth, Jamie shares both personal stories and professional insight. In this episode, she talks about her devotional book Filled, written specifically to encourage and support foster parents navigating the highs and lows of this journey.

This conversation is full of encouragement, practical advice, and the kind of honest truth that reminds us we’re not alone. Don’t miss this powerful close to our July Replay Series!

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Jamie Finn
• Foster Care & Adoption
• Community
• Self Care Vs. Soul Care
• Jamie’s New Book- Filled

Find more on Guest:

• Jamie’s New Devotional Book- Filled
• Foster the Family
• Find Foster the Family on Social:
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
• Real Mom Podcast
• Shop Goods and Better

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

This July, we’re revisiting some of the most powerful and moving episodes of The ReStoried Podcast in our Replay Series. These stories have left a lasting impact—and we believe they’re worth hearing again.

In this replay episode, we revisit the unforgettable story of Stacey, a devoted foster and adoptive mom, and Asia, a courageous biological mom whose journey through addiction and mental health struggles led to her losing custody of her children.

Stacey’s path crossed with Asia’s when she became the foster parent to Asia’s kids—offering not just a stable home, but a lifeline of hope during Asia’s darkest moments. Through Stacey’s consistent love, guidance, and encouragement, Asia found the strength to pursue treatment and step into recovery—with her faith leading the way.

What unfolded was more than a foster care placement; it was the beginning of a redemptive relationship. Today, Asia calls Stacey not just a friend, but a mother figure. Together, they now co-parent the children they both love, a living example of what’s possible when grace, support, and connection come together.

Join us as we replay this powerful episode that beautifully highlights the importance of relationship in foster care—and the incredible things that happen when we show up for one another.

Episode Highlights:

• Stacey & Asia’s Background Story
• Foster Care
• Struggles with Addiction & Mental Health
• Relationships with Bio Families
• The importance of community
• Living Life with a Blended Family

Find more on Guest:

• Dwell Retreat
• Sky Hope Recovery Program for Women

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

This episode is part of our special July Replay Series, where we're revisiting some of our most meaningful and impactful conversations.

In this episode, we dive into the crucial role foster families play in the reunification process. Our discussion aims to encourage foster families to embrace their part in the team effort required for successful reunification. We'll provide an overview of foster care, emphasizing why reunification is the primary goal despite common misconceptions.

Many people struggle with the idea of children returning to their biological homes, but this is the cornerstone of foster care. Building relationships with caseworkers and biological families can seem daunting, yet it is essential for smoother, more effective reunification. These relationships not only improve outcomes for the children but also allow foster families to better advocate for the needs of both the children and their parents.

We stress the importance of unity and shared goals among all parties involved, with the child's safety as the ultimate priority and reunification as the next.

One frequent challenge for foster families is feeling excluded from the team, which can lead to misunderstandings with caseworkers. We'll explore strategies for foster families to strengthen their rapport with caseworkers and ensure their advocacy is seen as supportive rather than obstructive.

Join us as we discuss how fostering collaboration and understanding can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.

Episode Highlights:

• How Foster Parents Can Support Reunification
• Being a part of the team
• Being an advocate
• Ways to support reunification

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Family Registration Form
• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

Register for the FASD Workshop

We’re bringing back this episode because it’s especially fitting for summer. Maybe this season has felt heavy—hard to juggle new rhythms, tiring for your biological family, or filled with questions about whether foster care is still good for your home.

This conversation is a timely reminder: foster care can be good for your family. It’s not about dragging them through it, but leading them well—anchored in purpose and grace.

What is the difference between dragging your biological family through the muck and mire of foster care versus leading them through it well?

If you are a foster or adoptive parent, more than likely, you know what we are talking about when it comes to facing some adversity from the people who love you when you first share the news that you are becoming Foster Parents. Although it can sometimes be disheartening, we believe there is a way to confidently lead your family through this journey while mirroring the love of Jesus to those around you.

In today’s episode, you are getting a sneak peek into one of our breakout sessions from the Mobilize Ohio Conference titled “Dragging vs. Leading.” Our panel is made up of four women who collectively have a wealth of experience and knowledge from all different perspectives of the foster care journey.

We hope the wisdom shared throughout this episode will give you the strength and knowledge to find a group of people who get you, even if you are still waiting for the people who love you to get on board.

We encourage you to keep pressing forward on God’s calling on your life despite any challenges you may face; you are touching more lives than just the kiddos who walk through your door.

Episode Highlights:

• Initial reactions of biological families to foster care
• Hesitation from bio family in regard to foster care
• The Positive Impact of Foster Care on Your Biological Family
• The challenges of Biological children in Foster Care
• Finding your why

Find more on Guest:

• Find Rhonda's Children's Books on Foster Care
• Find Bethany’s Podcast

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 continuing our Spiritual Formation Series here at Hope Bridge, and this month, we focused on an especially timely theme: Experiencing God’s gift in nature.

Whether it’s a walk in the woods, sitting on your porch, or just paying attention to the sky—it all counts. Nature has a way of slowing us down and pointing us back to our Creator.

And guess what? Science backs it up. Spending time outside is good for our spiritual, mental, and emotional health—it’s not just a nice idea, it’s truly life-giving.

Tune in as we talk about how to connect with God through creation and explore simple ways to make this a meaningful part of your life.

Episode Highlights:

• God’s Creation
• Experiencing God’s Gift In Nature
• Overall Health Benefits of Being in Nature
• Scientific Research of Being Outdoors
• Simple Ways to Experience Nature

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

At Hope Bridge, two of our biggest priorities are supporting single moms and engaging the local church. But bringing those two things together isn’t always simple. In this episode, we’re discussing a sensitive but important topic: church hurt—specifically, how it affects single moms.

This conversation is not meant to overgeneralize or place blame. We are incredibly grateful for the many churches we partner with that do amazing work to support families. At the same time, we also want to honor the stories of single moms who have felt excluded from ministries, overlooked for leadership, or disconnected from small groups. Sometimes, the hurt comes through unsolicited advice that, while well-intended, causes pain. Other times, it’s not about what’s said—but what isn’t. The absence of acknowledgment or representation can leave single moms feeling invisible.

God created us for community. Even when that community has caused hurt, the need for connection remains. We talk about the importance of continuing to seek out healthy church spaces, even after past wounds. Sometimes, God meets us most powerfully outside of a traditional church setting—but we have to be seeking Him. Church is meant to be a place of restoration, hope, and belonging. In this conversation, we explore how we can help the Church reflect that vision more fully—especially for single moms.

Episode Highlights:

• Single Moms
• Church Hurt
• Church Community
• How to pursue healing
• Single Moms Program at Hope Bridge

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Check out our Single Moms Program
• July Empower U Registration
• Schedule Coffee with Mel!
• Link for Friendly Faces/Spiritual Development
• Single Mom Connection Form
• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

Register for the FASD Workshop