Episodes
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“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as 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.
As we kick off National Adoption Awareness Month, host Sandra Flach talks with adult adoptee, Jacob Sturges. Jacob recently graduated from North Central University in Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Humanitarian Leadership and holds his ministerial credentials with the International Ministerial Fellowship. He has spoken in churches, schools, and conferences about his family’s journey of international adoption, as well as how to love, care, and serve orphaned and vulnerable children.
Listen in as Jacob shares his adoption story and how he traveled this past summer to his birthplace and homeland, South Korea where he met his birth mom.
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: [email protected]
sandraflach.com
Hope For the FASD Journey Support Group
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“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” -Psalm 46:1
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 discusses the primary, secondary and tertiary symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. She also unpacks how she provides accommodations for her nineteen year-old son 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: [email protected]
sandraflach.com
Hope For the FASD Journey Support Group
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"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light." -Ephesians 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 and founder of Soul Filling LLC, Francine Apy. As a mother, blessed three times through adoption, an aunt to five adopted nieces and nephews, and an advocate, Francine harnesses the power of resilience and the science behind positive psychology to support and elevate the adoption community. Whether through her writing, coaching, speaking engagements, educational courses, podcast engagements, or her line of adoption-themed gifts and apparel, Francine's commitment to fostering understanding and openness around adoption is unwavering.
Listen to Sandra and Francine’s conversation about adoption on Episode 450.
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: [email protected]
sandraflach.com
Hope For the FASD Journey Support Group
soulfillingadoption.com
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"Wherever you go, I will go." -Ruth 1:16
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode host Sandra Flach talks with Ryan North. Ryan is the co-founder of One Big Happy Home and creator of the Empowered Parent Podcast—a popular resource for practical strategies on raising children with trauma & attachment issues. He is a recognized expert on childhood trauma, is a TBRI Practitioner, and develops training materials for parents, schools, churches, and child-placing agencies. Ryan is a sought-after speaker and is known for his engaging and practical approach.
Listen in as Ryan shares about trauma training for parents and churches as well as his new book, Wherever You Go: A 28-Day Devotional for Adoptive & Foster Parents.
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: [email protected]
sandraflach.com
Hope For the FASD Journey Support Group
onebighappyhome.com
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"When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, It was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by 4 men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, They removed the roof from above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” -Mark 2:1-5
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode host Sandra Flach talks with Jayne Schooler. Jayne is recognized nationally and internationally as an expert in adoption, foster care, and trauma-informed care. She has been a child-welfare trainer for more than 35 years and is the author or co-author of 8 books.
Listening as Jayne shares about her new book, Caring for Kids From Hard Places—How to Help Children & Teens with a Traumatic Past. Published by Focus on the Family, the book is an excellent resources for not just parents but churches, schools, or anyone working with 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: [email protected]
sandraflach.com
Hope For the FASD Journey Support Group
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"He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" -Micah 6:8
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this final FASD Awareness Month episode host Sandra Flach speaks with Debbie Raymond & her son Wyatt York. They are a passionate mom & son team of FASD advocates living in southeastern Washington state. Debbie is a single mom of 2 adopted children—Lydia (27), and is neurotypical, and Wyatt (23) who is on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum. Wyatt graduated high school in 2020 and is a volunteer dog handler/trainer and a part-time greeter/clerk at a local market. Wyatt enjoys photography and hip-hop dancing.
Deb is a freelance writer and a moderator in Jeff Noble’s FASD Success Group. She also facilitates online FASD support groups for young adults with FASD—as well as co-leading Hope for the FASD Journey community with Sandra Flach.
Listen in as they discuss advocating for and accommodating individuals 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: [email protected]
sandraflach.com
Hope For the FASD Journey Support Group
FASDUnited.org
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"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." -James 1:2-5
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this FASD Awareness Month episode, host Sandra Flach speaks with Barrett Brackett. Barrett is an adoptive mom of three brilliant kiddos with neurobehavioral conditions, including FASD. She lives out her passion and calling–forged by experience–by offering care to those who have experienced trauma in a variety of contexts. She holds a Competence and Character Growth Model Certificate from the Townsend Institute at Concordia University, a Formation Certificate from the CCEF School of Biblical Counseling, and a Narrative Focused Trauma Care Certificate from The Allender Center at The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. When she’s not devouring a book or geeking out on neuroscience, Barrett enjoys leading worship with her husband and welcoming their community into their home
Listen in as they discuss 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: [email protected]
sandraflach.com
Hope For the FASD Journey Support Group
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"Are not 5 sparrows sold for 2 pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." -Luke 12:6-7
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this FASD Awareness Month episode host Sandra Flach speaks with Dr. Jacqueline Pei, Ph.D. Dr. Pei is Professor and Director of Training for the School and Clinical Child Psychology Program at the University of Alberta College of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Pediatrics Member, Women and Children’s Health Research Institute
Intervention Research Lead, for the Canada FASD Research Network.
Listen in as they discuss the challenges in diagnosing 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: [email protected]
sandraflach.com
Hope For the FASD Journey
Email: [email protected]
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"There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." -Romans 3:22-24
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
September is FASD Awareness Month and our special guest today is JJ Dunham Reed. JJ is a strong coffee-drinking, homeschooling, Jesus-seeking mama. A happily married wife to a wonderful God-fearing man, a strong FASD Advocate creating FASD-informed resources and services in her community, and one of many primary care providing biological mothers of children with FASD. In 2021 she boldly stepped onto the stage of FASD Advocacy after years of knowing something was going on with one of her younger sons, there was confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure and still, there were no answers, resources, or services to turn to. Finding this great deficit unacceptable, JJ founded Our Families Are FASDtastic Families: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder(s) Education, Caregiver Peer Support & FASD Awareness Advocacy. JJ boldly stands up to stop the shame, blame, and stigmas associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders so that all families of individuals with an FASD can be confident in seeking wrap-around support and so that the support will be there when they need it most.
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: [email protected]
sandraflach.com
Hope For the FASD Journey
www.DunhamReed.com
Email: [email protected]
Social Media:
Facebook and Instagram @JJDunhamReed,
@FASDtasticFamilies and @FASDtasticKidJJ
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"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." -Deuteronomy 31:6
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
September is FASD Awareness Month and we’re kicking it off a special guest, Maggie May. Maggie is an adult born in Ireland with an FASD. She speaks internationally about the impact prenatal exposure to alcohol has had on her life. Maggie provides advice for parents and caregivers of people with FASD and supports individuals, like herself, living with FASD. She also runs monthly online support and social groups for kids, teens and adults living with FASD in 5 different countries. Maggie is an ambassador for FASD Awareness UK and the FASD Red Shoes Rock Ireland Ambassador. She is also a member of the International Adult Leadership Collaborative of FASD Change-Makers.
Listen in as host, Sandra Flach, talks with Maggie about growing up with FASD and how she navigates life as an adult.
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: [email protected]
sandraflach.com
Hope For the FASD Journey
FB Group: Flying With Broken Wings
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"For the LORD gives wisdom; From his mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of His saints.Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; For wisdom will come into your heart, And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul." -Proverbs 2:6-10
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
Maybe you’re dancing a jig because the kids are back in school and you’re getting a much needed break. Or, maybe you cringe every time the phone rings knowing it’s probably the school…again…because your child is in trouble…again. Or maybe you homeschool one or more kiddos and feel overwhelmed trying to get them to sit still and pay attention.
Whether you have kids in public school, private school or you homeschool—this episode is for you. Listen in as host, Sandra Flach, shares her family’s school experiences. Sandra will also unpack ways to support your child for success this school year.
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: [email protected]
sandraflach.com
Hope For the FASD Journey
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"Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." Isaiah 1:17
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive dad, Darrin Jahnel. Darrin is the founder and CEO of Jahnel Group, a 135-person software consulting company headquartered in Schenectady, NY. He leads with energy and is obsessed with creating an amazing work environment for his team. Jahnel Group has made the Inc. 5,000 list 7 years in a row and has won multiple best workplace awards for their amazing culture. In addition to being a successful businessman, Darrin is happily married and has four children (ages 13-23)—including two by adoption.
Listen in as Darrin shares his passion for investing into the lives of kids from hard places.
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: [email protected]
sandraflach.com
Hope For the FASD Journey
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"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode host Sandra Flach talks with Kim Sheagren. Kim and her husband Joel are adoptive parents to two children, now young adults ages 21 and 19. Their oldest son lives with effects of fetal alcohol exposure and their parenting journey has been, and continues to be, wide and vast. Their priority is continued learning of FASD, supporting and encouraging other caregivers, and working to successfully and safely launch their kids into adulthood.
Listen in as Kim shares her parenting journey and how she’s found help and hope through the Hope For the FASD Journey support 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: [email protected]
sandraflach.com
Hope For the FASD Journey
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“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” -Galatians 6:2
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach, talks with Andrea Bowling. Andrea is a US Army veteran and licensed clinical mental health counselor with 20 years of experience in human services. She primarily works with children and families involved in the child welfare system. Andrea is author of the new children’s book, From Foster to Forever—Jack’s Journey Home.
Listen in as Andrea shares why she wrote From Foster to Forever and how she hopes it will help children in foster care feel less scared and experience healing.
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: [email protected]
sandraflach.com
Andrea’s Instagram: @author_andereabowling
From Foster to Forever at Amazon & Barnes and Noble
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“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” -Colossians 3:12
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach, talks with returning guest, Dr. Jerrod Brown, PhD. Dr. Brown is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. 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, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth fire-setting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Neuropsychology, 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. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters and is also regularly featured on several national and international podcasts.
Here Dr. Brown explains the vital role hormones play in the human body and how prenatal exposure and childhood trauma can disrupt this important body system. Listen in as he explains the signs of hormonal dysfunction and how parents and caregivers can help the children in their care.
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: [email protected]
sandraflach.com
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“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 to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach, talks with Dr. Kimberly Offutt. Kim is an inspirational speaker, author, child advocate, social worker, and adoptive parent. She began her career in child welfare as a foster care case manager for the State of Georgia. Dr. Kim has served at Bethany Christian Services for more than 20 years in various capacities in the child welfare field, advocating on behalf of children who are in foster care and available for adoption. She has developed statewide and national recruitment programs, led church engagement recruitment teams, and created innovative programs focused on youth most at risk of aging out of foster care.
As a speaker, leader, and program developer, Kimberly has used her unique personal and professional skills to impact the lives of children and families around the world. Kimberly and her husband, Dr. Marcus Offutt, have seven children (four adopted from foster care) and six grandchildren.
Listen in as Kim shares her passion for vulnerable children and families and offers hope to those of us on the journey.
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: [email protected]
sandraflach.com
bethany.org
They Need You Now—One Mother’s Plea for the Church to Embrace Adoption
Kim’s Social Media: FB DrKimberly Grace & Insta drkimberlygrace
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"But He knows the way that I take; When He has tried me, I shall come out as gold." -Job 23:10
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach, talks with Barb Clark. Barb is the Director of training at Families Rising and is a parent to five adult children. She is passionate about learning from her many mistakes, and sharing them with others so they can avoid the same mistakes. She uses humor and real-life experiences to help professionals and caregivers challenge the use of traditional strategies and push them to think outside of the box. Barb is committed to improving the education & lives of individuals who were prenatally exposed to drugs & alcohol through her work at Families Rising, as the lead coach in the FASD Caregiver Kickstart and as a private consultant.
Listen in as Barb shares what she’s learned from her own parenting journey and how she trains and supports foster and adoptive parents today.
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: [email protected]
SandraFlach.com
wearefamiliesrising.org
FASDsucess.com
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"Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” -John 8:10-11
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach, talks with Melissa Pemberton. Melissa is a trauma aware parent coach, podcaster and owner of Mending Families, LLC. She has close to 20 years of experience working with families in the child welfare system from case management, to writing home studies, to running a foster care nonprofit and is trained in a variety of curricula.
Listen in as Melissa shares how her own experience with childhood trauma has shaped her journey.
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: [email protected]
SandraFlach.com
Mending Families
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"Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me." Psalm 27:10
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach, talks with Marina Carrier. Marina lived through early trauma as an illegitimate unwanted child. As a little girl she was sexually abused and left for dead. As an adult, she became a teacher, married, and adopted a child. Then, God called her back to the Church where she learned what it means to live in “spirit and in truth.”
Listen in as Marina shares how the suffering of her childhood became revealed and unraveled as she embraced her faith and allowed her heart to change. With greater understanding of the effects of trauma and PTSD, healing in faith brought compassion and a heart to bless and serve others who also bear the heavy burdens of lovelessness and shame.
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: [email protected]
SandraFlach.com
Overcoming.live
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"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." -Isaiah 26:3
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
Throughout the month of June, we’re focusing on dads! This week we’re talking with foster and adoptive dad, Adam Southerland. Adam is the missions and ministry pastor at New Hope Community Church in Queensbury, NY. He grew unpin southeast Michigan, where he married his wife Hanna. Their oldest daughter was adopted as an infant in 2018, followed by two biological sons. Adam and Hannah are currently foster parents and lead their church’s foster and adoption ministry—including CarePortal.
Listen in as Adam shares his family’s “yes” to adoption and foster care.
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: [email protected]
SandraFlach.com
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