In a recent episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian Mavis, Courtney Williams, and Travis Vangsnes answered recent listener submitted questions. This was a great way to delve into some of the complexities and emotional nuances of foster care.…
The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy. – N.D. Kalu In a recent episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis…
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African proverb In the realm of foster care, where challenges abound and resources are often stretched thin, WindShape Homes shines as a testament to…
This post is part of our podcast series on Go Upstream. In Episode 1, we set the stage with the heart behind the book and the vision for a world where every child belongs. “It is easier to build strong…
“Leadership should be born out of the understanding of the needs of those who would be affected by it.” Marian Anderson The Foster Friendly Podcast was excited to welcome the recent guest, Rapid City Mayor Jason Salumun to the show. Jason…
Kelly and Tracie Ward were recent guests on the Foster Friendly Podcast. The Wards are a compassionate and visionary couple deeply committed to fostering and adoption and have opened their hearts and home to numerous children. In the past two years…
In a recent episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, Kate Angelo shared about her journey in foster care and lessons and insights she’s learned along the way. She faced a tumultuous childhood filled with challenges that many would find overwhelming and…
“I stepped out of my comfort zone and just started serving in whatever ways were needed—big or small,” she recalls. “I’ve learned to listen more closely, to show up even when I’m not sure what to say, and to recognize that sometimes the most meaningful support is simply being present, offering a prayer, or just sitting with someone.”
As America’s Kids Belong embarks on our second decade of working to dramatically improve the experiences and outcomes for kids and families involved in foster care, we long for the day when foster care is no longer needed, But as…
“When the elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers.” African Proverb Brian Mavis expounded on this quote in a recent episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast: “When the big sectors, when they’re not cooperating with each other and they’re not…
As America’s Kids Belong celebrates its 10th year anniversary, we look back at this post from Co-Founder and Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships, Brian Mavis. Brian’s encounter with Cindy would become a catalyzing moment that helped inspire the start of…
We are soon approaching one year since the launch of The Foster Friendly Podcast. While that is something we’re proud of as a new platform to help inspire, resource, and equip folks nationwide–we’re celebrating something much bigger this month at…
