In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney engage with Hollie Strand, a forensic examiner with extensive experience in child safety and trafficking. The conversation delves into the complexities of sex trafficking, the grooming process used by predators, and the alarming connection between foster care and trafficking. Hollie shares insights on the importance of internet safety for children, the role of parents in protecting their kids, and the necessity of building a supportive community for vulnerable children. The episode emphasizes the critical need for foster care as a proactive measure to prevent trafficking and offers practical advice for parents and foster families.

Takeaways

• Hollie Strand has 26 years of experience in child safety and trafficking.
• Sex trafficking is often misunderstood; it involves the exchange of goods for sexual acts.
• Victims of trafficking may not see themselves as victims due to psychological manipulation.
• Grooming involves breaking down a person's spirit to make them compliant.
• Foster care can create vulnerabilities that lead to trafficking.
• Internet safety is crucial for children to prevent exploitation.
• Parents must actively supervise their children's online activities.
• Building a safety net of supportive adults is essential for at-risk youth.
• Foster parents can play a significant role in preventing trafficking.
• Community involvement is vital in supporting foster care and child safety.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Travis welcome Callie Priest, the director of strategic partnerships for WindShape Homes. They discuss the mission of WindShape Homes, which was founded by the founders of Chick-fil-A to support children in foster care. Callie shares her unique journey into the foster care space, emphasizing the importance of mobilizing local churches to engage in foster care and provide support for vulnerable families. The conversation also covers the various programs and services offered by WindShape Homes, including their group care model and partnerships with churches to create supportive communities for foster families. Additionally, they introduce the new WindShape Homes podcast, aimed at raising awareness and sharing stories related to foster care. In this conversation, Callie discusses the barriers to awareness in foster care, the importance of collaboration among organizations, and the challenges of competition in the nonprofit sector. She emphasizes the need for a redemptive narrative in foster care and highlights the essential needs of children in the system, particularly the importance of Christ in their lives. The discussion also touches on the role of organizations in creating a supportive ecosystem for foster care and the necessity of working together to improve outcomes for children.

Takeaways

• WindShape Homes was founded to support children in foster care.
• Callie Priest has a background in nonprofit leadership and church ministry.
• The importance of mobilizing local churches to engage in foster care.
• WindShape Homes offers a group care model and foster care services.
• The organization partners with churches to create a supportive community for foster families.
• Callie emphasizes the need for clinical care in foster care programs.
• WindShape Homes has expanded its services to include a child placing agency.
• The organization aims to provide stability and support for vulnerable families.
• Callie highlights the complexity of the foster care system.
• The launch of the WindShape Homes podcast aims to raise awareness and share stories. Awareness is a significant barrier in foster care.
• A redemptive narrative is needed in foster care discussions.
• Collaboration among organizations is crucial for success.
• Competition among nonprofits can hinder progress.
• Foster care requires a community effort for better outcomes.
• Children in foster care need stable families and access to the gospel.
• Organizations should focus on collective impact rather than individual branding.
• The foster care system is complex and requires diverse expertise.
• Healthy ecosystems in foster care can lead to better care.
• Generosity and cooperation are essential in the nonprofit sector.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes welcome Greg and Sam Hollback, a couple who have adopted two Native American daughters through the I Belong Project. They discuss their life in Daytona Beach, their community engagement, and their professional backgrounds in youth advocacy and education.

The Hollbacks share their adoption journey, including the challenges and joys of finding their daughters, the importance of cultural considerations in adoption, and how they incorporate Lakota heritage into their family life. They reflect on their experiences as a multicultural family and the significance of belonging and identity for their children.

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Learn more about Youth Advocate Programs:
https://www.yapinc.org/

Takeaways

• Living in Daytona Beach offers a unique lifestyle for families.
• Adoption processes can take time and require patience.
• Cultural understanding is crucial in the adoption journey.
• Incorporating a child's heritage can enrich family life.
• Community engagement is important for personal fulfillment.
• Children need time and attention to adjust in new environments.
• Adopting cross-culturally requires sensitivity and awareness.
• Language learning can strengthen family bonds and cultural identity.
• The importance of being accepted as a family in diverse communities.
• Adoption is about love and connection, not perfection.