The Adoption & Foster Care Journey

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." -Corinthians. 1:3-4   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode host Sandra Flach celebrates our 500th show! Listen in as she shares about the high highs and low lows we experience in this life and along this parenting journey. Sandra also reminds us of the good news—God is with us on the mountaintop when things are going well—and we give Him the glory. He is with us in the valley—in the pit—when we are grieving.   Listen in to Sandra’s message about goodness and grief on Episode 500 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon RePlanted Conference Filled Retreat

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   It’s September—International FASD Awareness Month! All month long we will focus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach continues the FASD conversation with Julia Rivera. Julia is a retired attorney and co-founder of the Texas FASD Network. After years of unsuccessfully seeking interventions for her son’s perceived behavioral issues, he was finally diagnosed with the underlying problem—Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Implementing the FASCETS Neurobehavioral Model for FASD revolutionized her parenting and saved her son. When she’s not advocating for FASD awareness, you can find Julia at her home in the Kansas City area with her 3 boys—her hubby Angel, her son who is now 22, and her cat, Buster.    Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Julia Rivera on Episode 499 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon fasdunited.org https://texasfasd.org FASCETS.org

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." -Ephesians 2:10   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   It’s September—International FASD Awareness Month! All month long we will focus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach continues the FASD conversation with adult adoptee, Emily Twomey. Emily was adopted at age two and diagnosed with an FASD. She is currently married and the mom of two boys and three bonus kids. Emily also created and runs a small business—Natures Glow Candle Company based in Maryland.   Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Emily Twomey on Episode 498 HERE.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon fasdunited.org naturesglowcandlecompany.com

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." -Jeremiah 1:5   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   It’s September—International FASD Awareness Month! All month long we will focus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach continues the FASD conversation with adoptive mom and passionate FASD advocate, Michelle Trager.   Michelle is a parent of 4 school-aged kids through both adoption & birth. She is a passionate advocate for children & young adults with special needs—particularly in raising awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders among policymakers, educators, mental health professionals, the justice system, and caregivers & families. Michelle’s personal & professional experiences have equipped her with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.   With experience in youth crisis, foster placement stabilization, community mental health, and school social work, Michelle developed a deep understanding of the intersectionality of various support systems. As a parent navigating these systems, she has firsthand knowledge of their complexities and frequent shortcomings. She is a certified facilitator of the FASCETS NB model and is trained in TBRI. Additionally, she completed an intensive caregiver training program focused on FASD through Jeff Noble & served as a parent mentor to others in that community.   Michelle contributed to policy development as a member of the Advancing Transformations in Juvenile Justice Committee and continues to participate on the Illinois Dept. of Juvenile Justice Family Advisory Committee. She provided testimony at the Illinois Behavioral & Mental Health Committee Hearing in 2021 & remains a vocal advocate for addressing the mental/behavioral health crisis for children and young adults in Illinois, including those with severe disabilities who lack resources. She has presented several times for the Illinois Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders winter conference, sharing her expertise on FASD. In July 2023 shows invited to join Congresswoman Lauren Underwood’s Community Advisory Council, where she continues to bring information to and advocate for her community.    Michelle holds a BA in Psychology from the Univ. of Notre Dame & an MSW with school social work certification from aurora Univ. She is actively engaged in the Chicago-area FASD parent support community, providing legislative updates and organizing advocacy efforts, including those related to the proposed federal bipartisan SUPPORT ACT, which includes crucial language addressing FASD programs.   Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Michelle Trager on Episode 497 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon fasdunited.org trager.FASDIllinois@gmail.com 

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." -Proverbs 9:10   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   It’s September—International FASD Awareness Month! All month long we will focus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach continues the FASD conversation through a neuroscience lens with Dr. Jerrod Brown.    Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences.  Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.   Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Dr. Brown on Episode 496 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon fasdunited.org

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." -Galatians 5:22-23   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   It’s September—International FASD Awareness Month! All month long we will focus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach kicks off our annual FASD series with special guests—Carl Young and Joel Sheagren. Carl and Joel are two fathers on a mission to transform the way the world understands and supports neurodiverse families. Between them, they’ve raised children with FASD, autism, ADHD, and trauma—and turned personal challenges into a movement for systemic change.    Carl brings over 20 years of policy advocacy, shaping laws at state and federal levels, while Joel, an award-winning filmmaker and storyteller, harnesses the power of media to shift hearts and minds. Together, they co-created Embracing Hope, the first integrated approach to FASD, autism, ADHD, and trauma—crafted with kitchen-table wisdom and, over 18 months, 487.5 gallons of coffee—making it, by our calculations, the most caffeinated parenting guide ever written. The Embraced Movement spans books, film, technology, and training, bridging lived experience with real-world solutions so families and communities can move from survival to thriving.   Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Carl Young and Joel Sheagren on Episode 495 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon embracedmovement.org FASD Embraced on Instagram

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.  We love because He first loved us.” -John 4:18-19   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach speaks with adult adoptee Bryan Post. Brian is a best-selling author and one of America’s leading voices in child behavior, adoption trauma, and love-based parenting. A former foster child turned internationally recognized therapist, Bryan has spent over two decades helping families understand and heal the emotional root of challenging behaviors—especially in children affected by trauma, loss, and disrupted attachment.    Bryan’s groundbreaking work has been featured on NBC, ABC, and USA Today. He is the creator of the Fear-to-Love Method and founder of Bondify.ai, the worlds first AI-powered, trauma-informed parenting support App.    Listen in to Sandra and Bryan’s conversation on Episode 494 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon FearToLove.com

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” -Ephesians 3:20   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach speaks with adoptive mom, Wendi Cross. Wendi is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, where she was a 4-year collegiate cheerleader on scholarship and ended her cheer career as a national cheer judge and ESPN2 announcer.   After years of teaching elementary school and judging cheer, Wendi has now dedicated herself wholeheartedly to supporting the mission of xHope. Her passion is to see every child placed in a forever family.   Wife to Rick, Wendi is the mother of 6 wonderful children—including one son adopted from Ethiopia and another, adopted through Sacramento County. As the co-founder and CEO of xHope, Wendi’s desire is to share her family’s personal journey through international and local adoption, foster care, mission work, orphan care, and parenting—spurring others on to dream big and take action. Her new book, Not Forgotten, is a powerful reminder that even when we feel alone, God is near.   Listen in to Sandra and Wendi’s conversation on Episode 493 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com WendiCross.com xHopeMissions.com Not Forgotten - book

"Your hands made me and formed me; Give me understanding to learn your commands." -Psalm 119:73   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach kicks off a 5 Part series on the topic of Neuroplasticity with special guest, Dr. Jerrod Brown.    Dr. Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. He is the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition.  Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. He has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets and is regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs—including this one.   Listen in to Sandra and Dr. Brown’s conversation about Neuroplasticity on Episode 492 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com

"I have said these things to you so that you may have peace. In the world, you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world." -John 16:33   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive mom, Kayla Moffitt. Kayla is totally and completely…. exhausted! As a mom to 5 siblings who spent years in the foster care system, her days are spent sipping unintended cold coffee in the carpool line and folding tiny t-shirts while searching for every single left sock– she has plenty of right ones if you need them! Kayla holds a BA in Creative Writing and an MA in English Language. She works as the Communications Coordinator for Foster the Family where her passion for advocating in the foster care and adoption space is fiercely fueled.   Listen in to Sandra and Kayla’s conversation on Episode 491 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com fosterthefamily.org Kayla’s Instagram: makingthemoffitts Kayla’s Facebook: Kayla Clark Moffitt

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with adult adoptee Jackson TerKeurst. Jackson is an entrepreneur and leader who continues to defy the odds as a first-generation immigrant from West Africa who owns and runs a small business. The adopted son of bestselling author and speaker Lysa aTerKeurst, Jackson is passionate about drawing together people from diverse backgrounds to experience authentic community. His book, The Only Way Forward is Back: A Story of War, Adoption & Finding Your Purpose in God’s Plan has just release. Jackson lives with his wife and their 2 children outside Nashville, TN.   Listen in as Jackson shares his story of war, adoption, and finding your purpose in God’s plan. Available on all platforms.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com https://www.jacksonterkeurst.com/ The Only Way Forward is Back - book Jackson TerKeurst on FaceBook Jackson TerKeurst on Instagram

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light." -Colossians 1:9-12   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive mom, Kristin Orphan. Kristin holds a Master’s of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with an emphasis in Family Dynamics, and she’s a Certified Family Life Educator. Kristin is also an Adjunct University Professor in Psychology. She’s the managing partner of Family Wellness Associates, and a Family Wellness Master Trainer. She and her husband Mark cofounded Finally Home a ministry to equip foster and adoptive families to build healthy homes so kids can heal.   Listen in as Kristin shares her family’s adoption story and how she serves foster and adoptive families through Finally Home. Find Sandra’s conversation with Kristin on Episode 489 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com Finally Home Finally Home on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinallyHome.net/

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither  let them be afraid." -John 14:26-27   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive mom, Crystal Dethlefs. Crystal is a woman of faith, a mother of 7 young adults, and has been married to her high school sweetheart, Mike, for 37 years. She homeschooled her older children thru graduation and has over 22 years of lived experience parenting children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).    Crystal’s personal journey began when 4 of her adopted children—initially diagnosed without guidance by a doctor at an ADHD clinic—were later confirmed to have FASD. This launched her into years of dedicated research, advocacy, and training. She has received training in FASCETS, TBRI®, Families Moving Forward, and participates in Jeff Noble’s Caregiver Club coaching program. Crystal currently serves as the Parent Advocate at The Florida Center FASD Clinic and sits on her local Behavioral Healthcare Advisory Committee. With ministry training from the District School of Ministry, Crystal continues to serve families with both compassion and practical support.   Listen in as Crystal shares her family’s adoption journey and about the importance of finding your tribe and the right tools when parenting kids with FASD.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com crystal.dethlefs@thefloridacenter.org The Florida Center TBRI FASCETS Jeff Noble

"The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need." -Psalm 23:1   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive mom, Sue Roseberger. Sue is an adoptive mom of 3 kids—all adopted through foster care—one diagnosed with FASD. She’s a member of the Hope for the FASD Journey support community and manages ReFurnishings—a furniture thrift store in upstate NY—which is an extension of JFO.   Listen in as Sue candidly shares her adoption journey, becoming a widow, learning about FASD, seeking a diagnosis for her son, and learning she was also prenatally exposed herself. Through it all, Sue has trusted the Lord to guide her.    Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com ReFurnishings

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." -James 1:27   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive mom, Angela Miller. Angie is founder and chairman of Laura’s Village, a nonprofit inspired by her daughter, Laura. As a school teacher she has worked with a nonprofit to care for critically ill orphans overseas and also provided respite for at-risk children here in the U.S. Angie wrote Nosey Rosey to highlight her driving passions: faith, family, adoption, & special needs.    Angie is a biological and adoptive mom to 5 grown children. In addition, she is active in the special needs community, as her oldest daughter, Laura, has severe Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Angie says, “I believe that God has created every person for a purpose. No matter what level of ability exists, everyone is able to make a positive impact on the community.”   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com LaurasVillage.org

"Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge." -Psalm 62:5 & 8   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive mom, Virginia Wells. Virginia is the author of the new book, Praying For a Wounded Child—Encouragement and Prayers for You and the Child You Love. Tune in to hear how adoptive and foster parents can specifically prayer for our kids.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com VirginiaWellsAuthor.com Praying For a Wounded Child - book

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." -Matthew 11:28-30   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   Feeling burdened or burned out? On this episode, host Sandra Flach discusses how to navigate seasons of change, overwhelm, and grief. She also shares a devotion from her upcoming book, Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com

"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." -Isaiah 43:19   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach shares how to survive summer break by implementing a summer schedule. Tune in to learn why the lazy hazy days of summer might be stressful for our children and how a routine can provide the predictability they need.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com

"I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service…" -Timothy 1:12   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach features her conversation with Chris Johnson. Chris serves as Sr. Dir. of Church Partnerships & External Advocacy at Lifeline Children’s Services. With over 2 decades of pastoral experience and a background as the Exec. Dir. of the Kentucky Governor’s Office of Faith & Community Based Initiatives, he’s a seasoned leader and advocate for vulnerable children and families. Chris and his wife Alicia reside in Birmingham, AL. Together, they have 10 children, 7 of whom were adopted from foster care, and they are proud grandparents—including 2 grandchildren also adopted through foster care. Their commitment to serving children extends to fostering over 40 children throughout the years, embodying their dedication to family and community   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com Lifeline Children’s Services

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you have me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” -Matthew 25:35   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach completes our National Foster Care Awareness Month episodes with leading international foster care expert, consultant, and TED Talk speaker, Dr John DeGarmo. He is the director of The Foster Care Institute. John is author of several foster care books, including his newest book The Little Book of Foster Care Wisdom: 365 Days of Inspiration & Encouragement for Foster Care Families and he’s appeared on all the major national TV networks.    John and his wife, Dr. Kelly DeGarmo, have 6 children both biological and adoptive. They’ve fostered more than 60 children over the years and are currently fostering 3— bringing their household to 9 children.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com drjohndegarmofostercare.com