In this episode, Matthew Darrah speaks with Rod and AnnaFreeland about their journey of adoption, which includes six children—twobiological and four adopted from China and domestically. They discuss themotivations behind their decision to adopt, the complexities of theinternational adoption process, and the cultural differences they navigate as afamily. The Freelands emphasize the importance of community support, faith, andthe unique challenges that come with parenting adopted children. They also shareinsights for prospective adoptive parents and highlight the ongoing need foradoption and support within the community.

⁠https://www.panhandleorphan.org/⁠

Sponsors:

Belmar Bakery

(806) 355-0141

https://www.belmarbakery.com/

In this episode of All Things Foster, host Matt Darrah speaks with Kristen Bostic from Coalition Health Services about the importance of supporting first-time mothers through the Nurse-Family Partnership program. They discuss the critical early years of a child's development, the challenges faced by vulnerable families, and the impact of community support in fostering. Kristen shares her personal journey with foster care and the significance of building a supportive network for families in need. The conversation highlights measurable outcomes of the program and the need for continued resources and funding to support these initiatives.

Coalition Health Services:

https://www.cohs.net

https://www.panhandleorphan.org/

Episode Sponsor:

Sundy Sharp

-AMC Mortgage -

(806) 599-9606

www.buywithsundy.com

In this heartfelt conversation, John Abbott shares his journey of adopting his granddaughter Harper at the age of 80. He reflects on his life experiences, the challenges and blessings of parenthood, and the transformative power of love and faith. John emphasizes the importance of community support and encourages others, especially older individuals, to consider fostering or adopting children in need. His story is a testament to the idea that it's never too late to make a difference in a child's life and that love can flourish in unexpected circumstances.

Summary

In this episode of All Things Foster, host Matt Darrah speaks with Shelby Graham, a dedicated foster parent and educator, about her journey in the foster care system. Shelby shares her unique experiences, from her background in social work to her personal journey of fostering children. The conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of fostering, the heartbreak of letting go, and the importance of community support for foster families. Shelby emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding from both the community and caseworkers, as well as the significance of building a supportive network for those involved in foster care. The episode concludes with encouragement for potential foster parents to take the leap and get involved in the lives of children in need.

Sponsor:

Falcon Ridge IT

(806)410-0246

falconridgeit.com

https://www.panhandleorphan.org/donate

In this episode of All Things Foster, the conversationrevolves around the theme of trauma, its reversibility, and the power of hope in the healing process. Matt Darrah, along with guests Hannah and Loretta, explore the complexities of trauma, the importance of emotional intelligence, and practical strategies for fostering resilience. They share personal storiesand insights on how safe, consistent adults can significantly impact the lives of children in foster care. The discussion emphasizes that healing is a non-linear journey, filled with challenges, but ultimately, there is hope for recovery and growth.

Episode Sponsor:

Bracken Hochstein at (806) 341-6205or brhochstein@excelcg.com, or visit excelcg.com.

Trade Wars Registration link:

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/panhandleorphancarenetwork/event/tradewars2025/

In this episode of All Things Foster, Matt Darrah and Hannah discuss the complexities of vicarious trauma, self-awareness, and anticipatory grief, particularly in the context of foster care. They explore how emotional intelligence can serve as a protective factor against the effects of trauma, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in recognizing signs of burnout and compassion fatigue. The conversation also highlights the often-overlooked concept of anticipatory grief experienced by foster parents and caregivers, as they navigate the emotional challenges of fostering children who may eventually return to their biological families. The episode concludes with key takeaways on the importance of community support and the need for self-care in the face oftrauma.

https://www.panhandleorphan.org/

Episode Sponsor:

https://falconridgeit.com/

Book:

Atlas ofthe Heart:

https://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Heart-Meaningful-Connection-Experience/dp/0399592555/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FV8NCY92QDGP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2TuRNlaRbBaVbwMgVYEvyBgcq0V5scrSMerIQbFSBwy58yv4aZzfXLWO8YS6w9JMzaeZL6CdpYOESRcc3Pi7Xs6G8SaEDaEaOtFumzkmFcUq6vLV92uvGpg-xzYjz_PwXD6EdljTphjidG7qbtcflUq0H_YdNl4a9O5m6eLfv98qLVlvuBrYL8_azgldVMsTgBEyLYw06ZTdjryk2Zf3F5tKqmOlxnQ6ia2agIj_j6U.3cjq_n-UJTBAYm5qtJWTqxOSq9tfkJPQicer2kL8lcQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=atlas+of+the+heart+brene+brown&qid=1749823071&sprefix=atlas+of+the%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-1

Trade Wars2025 Registration Link:

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/panhandleorphancarenetwork/event/tradewars2025/

In this episode, Matt Darrah and Hannah discuss the complexities of trauma, diagnoses, and the impact of labels on mental health. They explore how trauma can be reversible and emphasize the importance of understanding diagnoses without letting them define one's identity. The conversation delves into various trauma-related disorders, the societal implications of labels, and the significance of community support in the healing process. They also highlight the need for self-advocacy and the power of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses in navigating mental health challenges.

https://www.panhandleorphan.org/donate

Episode Sponsor:

Sundy Sharp with AMC Mortgage: 806-683-0313 or check out her website: www.buywithsundy.com or www.amcmtg.com

In this episode, Matt Darrah and Hannah Doggett explore the complexities of trauma, emphasizing the interplay between nature and nurture. They discuss how trauma can be perceived differently based on individual experiences and the importance of hope and healing. The conversation delves into the genetic aspects of trauma, the impact of early childhood experiences, and the role of community and socioeconomic factors. They highlight the reversibility of trauma through neuroplasticity and the significance of storytelling in processing trauma. The episode concludes with a message of empowerment, encouraging listeners to seek help and understand that healing is possible.

https://www.panhandleorphan.org/donate

Episode Sponsor:

www.bniwesttexas.com/lsl