In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-hosts Courtney and Travis celebrate the 10th anniversary of America's Kids Belong (AKB). They discuss the organization's journey from its inception, driven by personal experiences as foster parents, to its current status as a trusted nonprofit in the foster care space. The conversation highlights little things like the evolution of AKB's logo, to bigger things like the importance of trust in their operations, and the significant impact of their initiatives, including the I Belong Project and the Foster Friendly app. Brian shares a powerful origin story of the organization and imparts leadership wisdom he's gained as a national nonprofit leader.

The hosts also discuss the importance of supporting foster families and communities, the transformation of community engagement through innovative programs, and the future of nonprofits. They share additional leadership insights, the significance of National Foster Care Month, and ways individuals can get involved in supporting foster care initiatives. The discussion emphasizes the need to change perceptions about foster children, families, and social workers to foster a more empathetic and supportive environment.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian and Courtney engage with Kayla and Chris Habegger, a couple navigating the world of non-traditional kinship care. They discuss their journey into fostering, the importance of community awareness, and the dynamics of kinship care. The conversation highlights the emotional and practical aspects of fostering, emphasizing the need for understanding and support within families and communities.

Kayla and Chris Habegger share their experiences as new foster parents, discussing the challenges and insights gained from their journey. They emphasize the importance of empowering children to share their stories, understanding the complexities of trauma, and the need for ongoing training and support in foster care. The couple reflects on their goals for reunification with the child's biological family and the significance of maintaining healthy relationships throughout the process.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes speak with Scott Fuller, Vice President of Advancement at Murphy Harpst Children's Center. They discuss the organization's century-long commitment to caring for vulnerable children in foster care, Scott's personal journey into the field, and the innovative therapeutic programs offered, including equine therapy. The conversation highlights the importance of community support and the evolution of child welfare services in Georgia.

This conversation also delves into the complexities of congregate care and residential group homes, exploring the evolving landscape of child welfare. The speakers discuss the myths surrounding residential care, pros and cons of residential foster care settings, the importance of community in healing, and the challenges faced by youth transitioning to adulthood. They emphasize the need for supportive policies and community involvement to address the gaps in foster care and ensure that every child receives the love and attention they need to thrive.