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As we conclude our Best of Fostering Change series, we revisit one of our favorite conversations from Season 7 with Emmy Award-winning journalist and producer Pedro Andrade. Pedro is the creator and host of the HBO Max documentary series Somewhat Familiar, which follows his and his husband's journey to parenthood while exploring the many ways families are formed around the world. One episode of the series holds special meaning for the Fostering Change community. Pedro featured Rob Scheer and the Scheer family, sharing an honest and heartfelt look at foster care, adoption, and what permanency can look like in real life. In this conversation, Rob and Pedro continue that discussion, exploring how storytelling can broaden our understanding of family, elevate the voices of children in foster care, and inspire more compassionate conversations about belonging. Conversation Highlights How storytelling can reshape our understanding of family and belonging Why foster care deserves a place in global conversations about family Pedro's journey to parenthood through adoption The impact of featuring the Scheer family in Somewhat Familiar The role documentaries and media can play in reducing stigma and inspiring change Looking Ahead Thank you for joining us throughout our Best of Fostering Change summer series. Next week, we begin an exciting new chapter. Season 8 premieres with the same meaningful conversations, inspiring guests, and commitment to children and families, but under a brand-new name: Comfort Cases UnPacked We'll continue exploring the issues surrounding foster care while also unpacking the stories, challenges, solutions, and conversations that matter most. We hope you'll join us as we begin this exciting new season! Connect with Pedro Andrade Instagram: @pedroandradeTV Series: Somewhat Familiar with Pedro Andrade (HBO Max) Thank You for Listening If you've enjoyed these conversations, please follow, like, comment, and share the podcast. Your support helps us grow our audience and bring these important stories to more people. From all of us at Fostering Change, thank you for listening, for sharing this journey with us through seven incredible seasons, and for believing that every child deserves dignity, belonging, and hope. We'll see you next week for the premiere of Comfort Cases UnPacked.

With just two episodes remaining in our Best of Fostering Change series, we’re revisiting one of the most moving conversations from Season 7. Rob sits down with Lindsay Lendyak, South Carolina State Director for Isaiah 117 House, an organization transforming one of the most traumatic moments in a child’s life: the day they enter foster care. Rather than spending hours in a government office while caseworkers search for a placement, children are welcomed into a warm, home-like environment. There, they can enjoy a meal, receive clean clothes, play, rest, and simply be children. It’s a model built on dignity, compassion, and the belief that a child’s first hours in foster care shouldn’t add to their trauma. Conversation Highlights * What “Removal Day” is really like for children entering foster care * How Isaiah 117 House replaces fear and uncertainty with comfort, stability, and hope * The critical role trauma-informed volunteers play during a child’s first hours in care * Why supporting caseworkers and foster families strengthens the entire child welfare system * How Isaiah 117 House continues to expand its impact through community partnerships Looking Ahead There’s just one more Best of Fostering Change episode before we begin an exciting new chapter. This fall, we’ll return with Season 8 under our new podcast name: Comfort Cases UnPacked Same mission. Same meaningful conversations. A new name that better reflects our commitment to unpacking the issues, challenges, and solutions surrounding foster care and child welfare. We can’t wait for you to join us for this next chapter! Connect with Isaiah 117 House Website: isaiah117house.comYork County Facebook: facebook.com/isaiah117houseyorkcoscYork County Instagram: instagram.com/isaiah117houseyorkcoscYork County Linktree: linktr.ee/isaiah117houseyorkcoscGreenville County Linktree: linktr.ee/isaiah117housegreenvillescHorry County Linktree: linktr.ee/isaiah117househorrycosc Thank You for Listening If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, like, comment, and share Fostering Change. Your support helps us reach more people and continue these important conversations about foster care, adoption, and child welfare. Join us next week for our final Best of Fostering Change episode before we return this fall as Comfort Cases UnPacked. Thank you for listening—and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN.

Our Best of Fostering Change series continues with an inspiring conversation that reminds us of the life-changing power of education. Rob sits down with Shanté Elliott—a former foster youth, learning scientist, social entrepreneur, and founder of TasselTurn, an innovative organization helping foster and housing-insecure students graduate from high school and successfully transition into adulthood. What began with a $300 grant has grown into a nationally recognized platform that combines mentorship, coaching, technology, and milestone-based incentives to help young people realize their potential. Through her own lived experience and groundbreaking research, Shanté is proving that when we invest in young people—and redesign systems to support them—extraordinary things can happen. The educational barriers many foster and housing-insecure youth face How TasselTurn is helping students stay engaged and reach graduation Why technology can be a powerful tool for creating opportunity and accountability How Shanté's own foster care journey inspired her life's work The importance of believing in young people's potential—and building systems that help them succeed We're now halfway through August, with just three more "Best of Fostering Change" episodes before we launch Season 8 this fall. When we return, you'll hear the same meaningful conversations and inspiring guests—but under our new podcast name: Comfort Cases UnPacked. We can't wait to share this exciting next chapter with you! Website: https://www.tasselturn.org Instagram: @tasselturn LinkedIn: TasselTurn If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to like, follow, comment, and share the podcast. Your support helps us reach more people, elevate important conversations, and advocate for children and families experiencing foster care. Thank you for listening—and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN. Conversation HighlightsLooking AheadConnect with Shanté Elliott & Tassel Turn Thank You for Listening

As August begins, our Best of Fostering Change series continues with one of Season 7’s most popular and heartfelt conversations. Rob welcomes back his good friend Peter Mutabazi—author, speaker, foster and adoptive father, and founder of Now I Am Known. Known to many as the “Foster Dad Flipper,” Peter has welcomed more than 40 children into his home and adopted three. In this powerful conversation, Peter discusses his book, Love Does Not Conquer All, and shares an honest look at foster parenting and the deep commitment required to help children heal from trauma. He reminds us that while love is essential, healing also requires patience, consistency, trust, and the willingness to keep showing up—day after day. Episode Highlights • Why love alone isn’t enough—and what children in foster care truly need to heal • How practical life skills can help children build confidence and independence • The importance of every child having at least one trusted adult in their corner • Why families should receive support before children enter foster care • Navigating the heartbreak of saying goodbye—and maintaining meaningful relationships afterward Looking Ahead Only four more Best of Fostering Change episodes remain before we launch Season 8 this fall under our new name: Comfort Cases UnPacked. You can expect the same meaningful conversations, inspiring guests, and unwavering commitment to children and families—now entering an exciting new chapter. We can’t wait to share it with you! Connect with Peter Mutabazi Website: https://petermutabazi.com Organization: Now I Am Known Book: Love Does Not Conquer All, available wherever books are sold Facebook: Peter Mutabazi Instagram: @fosterdadflipper Thank You for Listening If you enjoyed this episode, please like, follow, comment, and share the podcast. Your support helps us reach more people, raise awareness, and continue these important conversations about foster care, adoption, and child welfare. Thank you for listening—and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As our Best of Fostering Change series continues, we're revisiting an important conversation about a topic that's too often overlooked—but can have a profound impact on girls experiencing foster care. Rob is joined by Yvonne Esipila Patron, Co-Founder and CEO of the PATESI Foundation, a global nonprofit working to end menstrual and postpartum poverty through education, access, and empowerment. This episode also highlights the meaningful partnership between Comfort Cases and the PATESI Foundation. Through this collaboration, every Comfort Cases backpack distributed to girls ages 11 and older includes an emergency menstrual kit, helping ensure that no girl has to face menstruation without the basic products, dignity, and confidence she deserves. Conversation Highlights Why menstrual poverty remains an overlooked global issue The unique challenges girls in foster care face during times of transition How the Comfort Cases and PATESI partnership is making a tangible difference Why postpartum poverty deserves greater awareness The important role men and boys play in breaking stigma and supporting lasting change Looking Ahead There's much more to come. This fall, we'll return with all-new episodes featuring inspiring guests and meaningful conversations—along with a new name for the podcast, which we'll announce very soon. Same mission. Same commitment to children and families. An exciting new chapter begins this September. Connect with the PATESI Foundation Website: https://www.patesifoundation.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patesifoundation Instagram: @patesifoundation 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our Best of Fostering Change series continues with an unforgettable conversation featuring Susan Chesnutt—a family law attorney, former child abuse investigator, and former foster youth whose life has come full circle through advocacy and service. Susan has experienced the child welfare system from nearly every perspective. Raised in foster care herself, she later investigated child abuse cases for Florida's Department of Children and Families before earning her law degree and dedicating her legal career to representing children and families. Today, through The Chesnutt Law Firm and her podcast, From Foster Care to Family Law, she works to make the child welfare system more compassionate, transparent, and effective. Conversation Highlights How Susan's own foster care experience shaped her career in child welfare law What really happens during a child protective services investigation—and what families should know Why empathy and trauma-informed advocacy are essential in family law The importance of protecting both children's safety and families' rights Susan's vision for a child welfare system rooted in compassion, accountability, and healing Looking Ahead We're enjoying revisiting these memorable conversations throughout the summer, but there's even more ahead. This fall, we'll return with all-new episodes featuring inspiring guests and important conversations—under a new podcast name we'll announce very soon. We can't wait to share what's next, so stay tuned! Connect with Susan Chesnutt Website: https://thechesnuttlawfirm.com 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's Best of Fostering Change episode brings back one of our most powerful and personal conversations from Season 7. We look back to September, at Rob's powerful conversation with Dr. Danisha Keating—author, speaker, educator, and former foster youth whose remarkable journey is one of resilience, healing, and hope. At just 16 years old, Danisha was removed from her home, separated from her eight siblings, and given just five minutes to pack her belongings into a trash bag. Rather than allowing that moment to define her, she reclaimed her story—eventually earning her Ph.D., becoming the guardian of five of her younger siblings, and dedicating her life to helping others heal from trauma and find their own voice. Conversation Highlights Dr. Keating's journey from foster care to earning her Ph.D. Healing from trauma and learning to reclaim your own story The importance of finding your voice while honoring the stories of others The challenges foster youth face in navigating systems that often tell their story for them Why education became the foundation for hope, healing, and opportunity Looking Ahead All-new episodes return this fall with more inspiring guests and meaningful conversations. While our mission remains the same, the podcast will soon have a new name that better reflects where we're headed. We'll be announcing all the details in the coming weeks, so stay tuned! Connect with Dr. Danisha Keating Website: https://danishakeating.com Instagram: @drdanishakeating Facebook: Danisha Keating YouTube: The Dr. Danisha Keating Show TikTok: @drdanishakeating 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Throughout July and August, we're revisiting some of our favorite conversations from Season 7 as part of our Best of Fostering Change series. This week's featured episode originally aired during the 2025 holiday season and showcases an extraordinary story of resilience, determination, and reinvention. Carolyn Aronson, founder and CEO of It's A 10 Haircare, shares her remarkable journey from experiencing foster care as a child to building one of the world's most successful beauty brands. Today, It's A 10 Haircare is a global company valued at more than $1 billion, with products sold in more than 130 countries. Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Carolyn is a passionate philanthropist whose work supports youth, foster care organizations, LGBTQ+ initiatives, disaster relief efforts, and workforce development. Her story is a powerful reminder that our past does not define our future—and that success is measured not only by what we achieve, but by how we lift others along the way. Conversation Highlights Carolyn's journey from foster care to founding a billion-dollar global company Building It's A 10 Haircare through authenticity, perseverance, and innovation How her childhood experiences shaped her leadership and philanthropy The importance of giving back and creating opportunities for others Lessons on resilience, entrepreneurship, and believing in yourself Looking Ahead All-new episodes will return this fall with more inspiring guests and meaningful conversations. While the mission remains the same, the podcast will soon have a new name that better reflects where we're headed. We'll be announcing all the details in the coming weeks, so stay tuned! Connect with Carolyn Aronson Website: https://www.itsa10haircare.com Instagram: @itsa10ceo 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we wrap up Season 7 of *Fostering Change*, we’re joined by Kym Renner, President and CEO of the RennerVation Foundation and a longtime leader in child welfare and public service. With more than 25 years of experience in Los Angeles County’s child welfare system, Kym brings a powerful perspective at the intersection of public policy, foster care, and community-based support. Alongside her brother, Jeremy Renner, she co-founded the RennerVation Foundation to create opportunities and meaningful support for foster and at-risk youth throughout Nevada. This conversation is especially meaningful for Comfort Cases. Earlier this year, we partnered with the RennerVation Foundation for a Packing Party and community event in Lake Tahoe. Later this summer, Rob will spend time at Camp RennerVation meeting directly with campers and hearing about their experiences in foster care. Together, these moments reinforce a simple truth: the best solutions begin by listening to young people themselves. Conversation Highlights: Why foster youth must have a voice in shaping the programs designed to support them How public systems and community organizations can work together to create better outcomes The impact of Camp RennerVation and the Foundation’s Pave Your Way program Building meaningful support that feels accessible, welcoming, and relevant to young people Why collaboration between nonprofits can create lasting change for youth in foster care A Special Season Finale Message: This episode marks the conclusion of Season 7 of *Fostering Change*. Beginning next week and continuing throughout the summer, we’ll be revisiting some of our favorite conversations from this past season in a special “Best Of” series. We’ll also be releasing our special six-part investigative series: *The F Word: America’s Foster Care Crisis* This limited series takes an honest look at some of the biggest challenges facing child welfare today while highlighting real solutions and practical ideas for reform. Featuring former foster youth, advocates, attorneys, policymakers, and frontline professionals, *The F Word* explores where the system is falling short and what we can do to help fix it. Finally, we’re excited to announce that when we return with brand-new episodes in September, the podcast will have a new name: *Comfort Cases UnPacked* Same mission. Same meaningful conversations. Same commitment to children and families. Just a new name that better reflects what we’ve always done: unpacking the issues, challenges, and solutions surrounding foster care and child welfare. We can’t wait to share Season 8 with you. Learn More: Website: https://www.rennervationfoundation.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rennervationfoundation Instagram: @officialrennervationfoundation TikTok: @officialrvfoundation LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rennervationfoundation/posts/ 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, we celebrated Father's Day with a special conversation between Rob and his son, Tristan. This week, we're continuing that theme with a powerful discussion about what it means to show up for young people who need someone in their corner. Rob is joined by Corey McKinney, a speaker, mentor, author, and former foster parent whose life has been dedicated to helping young people navigate some of life's toughest challenges. Through his work with the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program and other youth-focused initiatives, Corey has spent more than three decades encouraging young people to overcome obstacles, believe in themselves, and build brighter futures. But some of his most meaningful lessons came through foster parenting. In his book Foster Dad, Corey shares the joys, challenges, heartbreaks, and unexpected rewards of opening your home to a child in need. More importantly, he shares what can happen when a young person experiences consistency, encouragement, and unconditional support. This is a conversation about mentorship, fatherhood, foster care, and the life-changing impact of simply being present. Conversation Highlights What inspired Corey to become a foster parent The experiences that led him to write Foster Dad The joys and challenges of opening your home to youth in foster care Why attachment and connection are worth the risk The importance of consistency and showing up for young people How mentoring and foster parenting often intersect Remaining connected to former foster youth long after placement ends Why positive adult relationships can change the trajectory of a young person's life About Corey McKinney Corey McKinney is a professional speaker, mentor, author, and former foster parent dedicated to helping young people overcome gun violence, bullying, and peer pressure. A former Division I basketball player and longtime mentor with the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program, Corey has spent more than 35 years working with youth. He is the author of Coach Daryl's Colts and Foster Dad, inspired by his experiences as both a mentor and foster parent. Why This Episode Matters One of the most common questions prospective foster parents ask is: "What if I get attached?" Corey's answer is simple: that's the point. Children and youth in foster care need adults who are willing to invest in them, encourage them, and remain present through both good and difficult moments. This conversation reminds us that foster parenting is not about being perfect. It's about being available. It's about showing up consistently and creating relationships that can last long after a placement ends. Whether you're a foster parent, mentor, coach, teacher, or simply someone who cares about young people, Corey's story demonstrates the profound difference one committed adult can make. 🎧 Thank you for listening to Fostering Change. Join us next week for another conversation focused on creating brighter futures for youth experiencing foster care. Connect with Corey McKinney Website: www.coreymckinney.net Facebook: CoreyMcKinney Instagram: @TheCoreyMcKinney TikTok: @TheCoreyMcKinney LinkedIn: Corey McKinney 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Father's Day approaches, this week's episode of Fostering Change is one of our most personal conversations yet. For years, listeners have heard Rob Scheer share his family's story through the lens of a former foster youth, adoptive father, advocate, and founder of Comfort Cases. This week, he sits down with his youngest son, Tristan, for an honest and heartfelt conversation about family, foster care, belonging, and the journey they've shared together. Tristan joined the Scheer family as an infant, alongside his older brother, Greyson, instantly transforming the family from two children to four. Today, at 17 years old, he's a high school junior, an accomplished football and track athlete, and a young man beginning to think about college, adulthood, and the future ahead. Together, father and son reflect on growing up in a family built through foster care and adoption, what it was like being surrounded by advocacy and public service, and how Tristan defines family, belonging, and home. More than a Father's Day episode, this is a conversation about love, resilience, healing, and the lasting impact of showing up for one another. Conversation Highlights Tristan's perspective on growing up in the Scheer family What it means to be part of a family formed through foster care and adoption Growing up around Comfort Cases, advocacy, and public service The values Rob and Reece worked to instill in their children How family is built through commitment, consistency, and love Lessons learned from fatherhood, family, and shared experiences Athletics, college aspirations, and Tristan's hopes for the future Why belonging matters at every stage of life Why This Episode Matters This conversation reminds us that foster care is not ultimately about systems, policies, or paperwork. It's about people. It's about children finding stability, growing into young adults, building relationships, and creating futures for themselves. As Father's Day arrives, we also recognize that families come in many forms. Some young people have traditional fathers in their lives. Others are guided by foster fathers, adoptive fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, mentors, coaches, teachers, or caregivers who step forward when they're needed most. And many are still searching for that connection. To all those who show up, stay present, and help a young person know they matter: Happy Father's Day. And to every young person experiencing foster care, may this conversation remind you that family is not defined by biology alone. Family is built through love, commitment, and the people who choose to stay. 🎧 Thank you for listening to Fostering Change. Join us next week for another powerful conversation focused on creating brighter futures for youth experiencing foster care. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who gets to tell the story of adoption? For generations, adoption narratives have often been shaped by agencies, systems, and families. But increasingly, adoptees themselves are taking ownership of those stories and offering perspectives that are more complex, nuanced, and deeply personal. This week on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by acclaimed author, educator, and activist Shannon Gibney, whose award-winning memoir, The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be, explores transracial adoption, identity, race, belonging, and the lifelong process of understanding where we come from. As an adoptee, Shannon brings lived experience to a conversation that challenges assumptions and invites listeners to think more deeply about identity, voice, and perspective. Together, Rob and Shannon explore how adoption stories evolve over time, why adoptee voices matter, and what it means to reclaim ownership of one's own narrative. This is not a conversation about simple answers. It's a conversation about listening, understanding, and making space for experiences that have too often been left out of the discussion. Conversation Highlights How adoption narratives are evolving to include more adoptee-centered perspectives The unique complexities of transracial adoption and identity formation Why race, culture, and belonging remain important parts of the adoption conversation How Shannon uses "speculative memoir" to explore memory, identity, and possibility What it means for adoptees to reclaim and tell their own stories Why listening to lived experience strengthens conversations about adoption and foster care About Shannon Gibney Shannon Gibney is an award-winning writer, educator, and activist whose work explores race, identity, family, and adoption. She is the author of several acclaimed books, including The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be: A Speculative Memoir of Transracial Adoption, which received a Michael L. Printz Honor and a Minnesota Book Award. In addition to her writing, Shannon teaches at Minneapolis College and was named Educator of the Year in 2023. Her work encourages readers and audiences to engage thoughtfully with questions of identity, belonging, and social justice. Connect with Shannon Gibney 🌐 Website: Shannon Gibney 📧 Email: shannongibney@gmail.com Closing Thought Identity is not a destination. It is a lifelong journey. This conversation reminds us that adoption is not a single event but an experience that continues to shape people across a lifetime. By listening to adoptee voices, we deepen our understanding of belonging, family, and the many ways people make sense of their own stories. 🎧 Join us next week for another powerful conversation as Fostering Change continues to explore the people, ideas, and experiences shaping the future of foster care and adoption.https://youtu.be/k8YuD5iw_uE 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens to a child when they grow up in foster care… and no one ever comes for them? Not when they’re five. Not when they’re ten. Not even when they’re fifteen. This week on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Jennifer Pinder, Executive Director of You Gotta Believe!, an organization that has spent the last 30 years proving that it is never too late for a young person in foster care to have a permanent, loving family. As an adoptee herself, Jennifer brings both lived experience and professional leadership to this conversation — helping challenge the harmful belief that older youth are “too old” for adoption or permanency. Together, Rob and Jennifer discuss why older youth are so often overlooked, the emotional realities of aging out of foster care alone, and how You Gotta Believe! is redefining what family can look like for teenagers and young adults in care. At the center of this conversation is a simple but powerful truth: every child deserves belonging, commitment, and someone who will show up for them — no matter their age. Conversation Highlights Why do thousands of youth age out of foster care each year without permanent family connections The misconceptions and fears that prevent many families from considering older youth adoption How You Gotta Believe! focuses exclusively on permanency for older youth in foster care Why lived experience matters in leadership, advocacy, and building trust with young people What permanency and belonging truly mean for youth who have spent years in the system About Jennifer Pinder Jennifer Pinder is the Executive Director of You Gotta Believe!, a nonprofit dedicated to finding permanent families for older youth in foster care. Since joining the organization in 2020, she has led efforts in advocacy, communications, fundraising, and strategic growth as the organization celebrates its 30th anniversary. An adoptee herself, Jennifer brings a deeply personal connection to the organization’s mission and works alongside a team that includes many individuals with lived experience in child welfare. Connect with Jennifer & You Gotta Believe! 🌐 Website: You Gotta Believe! 📸 Instagram: @jennifer_yougottabelieve 💼 LinkedIn: Jennifer Pinder LinkedIn Closing Thought Family is not about perfection. It is about commitment. Consistency. Showing up. This conversation is a reminder that no young person should leave foster care believing they are unwanted or forgotten — and that it is never too late for someone to belong. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As National Foster Care Awareness Month comes to a close, this episode of Fostering Change focuses on something deeply important: what happens when organizations stop working in silos and start working together for young people. This week, Rob Scheer is joined by two Los Angeles-based leaders making a meaningful impact in the lives of youth connected to foster care: Beth Ryan, Executive Director & Founder of Stepping Forward LA, and Jorie Das, Executive Director of Friends of the Children Los Angeles. Together, their organizations are helping young people navigate some of the most difficult transitions imaginable — aging out of foster care, finding stability, building community, and creating long-term support systems rooted in consistency and trust. Beth Ryan’s work through Stepping Forward LA focuses on youth transitioning out of foster care, with programs centered around mentorship, housing support, internships, workforce readiness, and a first-of-its-kind app designed by and for foster youth. Jorie Das leads Friends of the Children Los Angeles, which provides long-term professional mentorship to youth facing systemic barriers through a unique 12+ year commitment model focused on stability, prevention, and long-term success. Throughout the conversation, Rob, Beth, and Jorie explore how collaboration between nonprofits can strengthen outcomes for youth — and why consistent relationships remain one of the most powerful tools for healing and success. Episode Highlights Why aging out of foster care remains one of the biggest challenges facing young adults How mentorship and long-term relationships improve outcomes for youth The importance of nonprofit collaboration instead of competition How Los Angeles reflects both the scale of the foster care crisis and the opportunity for innovation Why Foster Care Awareness Month must lead to meaningful action and engagement About the Guests Beth Ryan is the Executive Director & Founder of Stepping Forward LA, a nonprofit supporting youth aging out of foster care through mentorship, housing support, workforce development, and community-based solutions. As the organization approaches its 10-year anniversary, Stepping Forward LA continues expanding its impact across Los Angeles. Jorie Das is the Executive Director of Friends of the Children Los Angeles, an organization providing long-term professional mentorship to youth facing systemic barriers. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded across Los Angeles County, helping youth and caregivers through a prevention-focused model built on consistency and trust. Key Questions from This Episode What prompted the creation of Stepping Forward LA and Friends of the Children Los Angeles? What are the biggest challenges youth face when aging out of foster care? Why does long-term mentorship matter so much? How can nonprofits collaborate more effectively to support youth? What role do community, housing, and workforce development play in long-term stability? How can people move beyond awareness and take meaningful action? Connect with the Guests Stepping Forward LA 🌐 Website: Stepping Forward LA 📸 Instagram: @steppingforwardla Friends of the Children Los Angeles 🌐 Website: Friends of the Children Los Angeles 📸 Instagram: @friendsla Closing Thought Real change rarely happens alone. This conversation is a reminder that when organizations, mentors, communities, and advocates work together, young people experience something powerful: consistency, connection, and the belief that they are not navigating life alone. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Christie Werts, a former foster youth, Army veteran, author, and adoptive mother whose life has come full circle through foster care. Christie shares her journey in her book, Life’s Sad Story, God’s Love Story, tracing a path from childhood trauma and separation to healing, compassion, and building a family of her own. This is an especially emotional conversation for Rob, who reflects openly on the painful experience of his own mother leaving him and his siblings — and the lasting impact that loss has had throughout his life. Together, Rob and Christie explore how childhood trauma shapes identity, how healing can emerge in unexpected ways, and what it means to return to the foster care system — not as a child, but as a parent determined to create something different. At the center of Christie’s story is compassion: a decision to foster and later adopt her husband’s ex-wife’s child in order to keep siblings connected and together. And by the end of the conversation, Christie leaves listeners with a message that becomes the emotional heartbeat of the episode: this is ultimately a love story — about God, healing, and hope. As Christie shares: “There’s a love story ahead of you. And it’s gonna be ok.” Episode Highlights Christie’s journey from foster youth to foster and adoptive parent The emotional impact of childhood separation and abandonment How trauma and healing can exist side by side A remarkable decision to keep siblings together through adoption The role of faith, compassion, and second chances in rebuilding family About the Guest Christie Werts is a former foster youth, Army veteran, author, speaker, and mother of five whose life has come full circle through foster care and adoption. After experiencing trauma in the system as a child, she later returned to foster care as a parent, ultimately adopting a child connected to her own family. Through her book, Life’s Sad Story, God’s Love Story, Christie shares a deeply personal journey of resilience, faith, healing, and compassion. Key Questions from This Episode What inspired you to write Life’s Sad Story, God’s Love Story? How did your childhood experiences in foster care shape your life? What led you to step back into foster care as a parent? How did the decision to adopt your husband’s ex-wife’s child come about? What did healing look like for you over time? How have kindness and compassion shaped your family today? What message do you hope listeners take from your story? Connect with Christie 📱 TikTok: @Cjthemom5 📘 Facebook / Instagram: Christie Werts 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by David Sussillo, a neuroscientist, author, and former youth who experienced a childhood marked by instability, poverty, and time in group homes. His story begins in environments many children in foster care and group settings know all too well — uncertainty, trauma, and systems that don’t always provide the support they should. But his story doesn’t end there. Through a combination of resilience, critical intervention, and moments where someone stepped in, David found a path forward. Today, he is a leading neuroscientist who has worked at Stanford, Google, and Meta, studying the very thing that shaped his life: the human brain. His memoir, Emergence, is not just a story of survival — it is a powerful reminder of what can happen when even one opportunity changes the trajectory of a child’s life. This conversation challenges us to ask a difficult but necessary question: how many children are out there right now, just one moment away from a different future? Episode Highlights Growing up in instability, poverty, and group home environments How trauma shapes memory, identity, and development The role of mentors, teachers, and small interventions From survival to success in neuroscience and research Reflecting on resilience, loss, and the paths not taken About the Guest David Sussillo is a neuroscientist, author, and adjunct professor at Stanford University. After a childhood marked by instability and time in group homes, he earned a PhD in computational neuroscience from Columbia University and has worked at leading institutions, including Google Brain and Meta. His memoir, Emergence: A Memoir of Boyhood, Computation, and the Mysteries of Mind, tells the story of his journey from trauma to transformation. Key Questions from This Episode What led you to write Emergence now? What was it like to revisit your childhood experiences through writing? How did you navigate growing up in group homes and unstable environments? Who were the people who helped change your path? What role did small moments or opportunities play in your journey? How do you reflect on your success alongside those who didn’t have the same outcome? What would you say to a young person facing similar challenges today? Closing Thought Sometimes it doesn’t take everything changing — it takes one moment, one person, one opportunity. And for a child navigating instability, that can be the difference between surviving and becoming something far beyond anyone's expectations. Connect with David 🌐 Website: https://www.davidsussillo.com 🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/SussilloDavid 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-sussillo-736a1290/ 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode kicks off National Foster Care Awareness Month — a time not just to reflect, but to act. On today’s Fostering Change, Rob Scheer welcomes back Laura, The Foster Parent Partner, a therapeutic foster parent, mentor, and now author of First-Time Fostering, releasing May 12. This conversation focuses on a question many people ask, but far fewer answer: what does it actually take to become a foster parent? Not the idea of it — the reality. Laura brings practical, real-world insight into what fostering looks like day to day, what new foster parents need to understand, and how to move from thinking about it to stepping into it. As a returning guest, she builds on her previous conversation with Rob to go deeper into the emotional, logistical, and human side of fostering. As we begin National Foster Care Awareness Month, this episode serves as a starting point for those considering how they can be part of the solution. Episode Highlights Why National Foster Care Awareness Month should lead to action, not just recognition The gap between thinking about fostering and actually saying yes What foster parenting really looks like day to day Common fears and misconceptions that hold people back How support, mentorship, and community make fostering possible About Laura Known as The Foster Parent Partner, Laura is a therapeutic foster parent, content creator, and mentor who supports individuals navigating the foster care journey. Through her platform, she helps new foster parents move through the licensing process and prepare for their first placement with confidence. Her new book, First-Time Fostering, is a practical, honest guide designed to equip future foster parents with the tools, expectations, and clarity needed to take that first step. Key Questions from This Episode What inspired you to write First-Time Fostering — and who is it for? What makes this book different from others about foster care? Why does Foster Care Awareness Month matter, and how should people respond? What are the biggest fears that stop people from fostering? What does fostering really look like on a daily basis? What role does community play in helping foster parents succeed? What should someone do if they’re on the fence right now? Closing Thought Awareness is only the beginning. What matters is what comes next. Foster care doesn’t need more observers — it needs more people willing to step in, show up, and say yes. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Jennifer Griffith, author of Both Sides of Then: Finding Love After Abandonment and host of the About Your Mother podcast. This conversation centers on a deeply personal and universal question: how much of who we become is shaped by the relationship we have—or don’t have—with our mother? Jennifer’s memoir explores abandonment, generational trauma, and the search for understanding and connection. While her story is not rooted in foster care, the themes resonate deeply. Many children in foster care experience separation from their biological parents, particularly their mothers, making this conversation especially relevant to identity, belonging, and emotional development. Together, Rob and Jennifer explore how early relationships shape us, how patterns are passed down, and how telling the truth about our stories can open the door to healing and transformation. Episode Highlights How maternal relationships influence identity and self-worth The lasting emotional impact of abandonment and separation Understanding and breaking cycles of generational trauma Why storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing How these themes connect to the experiences of youth in foster care About the Guest Jennifer Griffith is an author, speaker, and host of the About Your Mother podcast, where she explores the stories that shape identity and relationships. Her debut memoir, Both Sides of Then: Finding Love After Abandonment, examines generational trauma, resilience, and the lasting influence of family history. Through her work, she encourages others to better understand their past and find meaning in the connections that define them. Key Questions from This Episode What did writing your story teach you about understanding where we come from? Why is the “mother story” such a powerful lens for identity? What does healing look like when relationships are complicated or absent? How do early experiences of separation shape a child’s sense of self? Where does healing begin for someone carrying a difficult family story? Connect with Jennifer 🌐 Website: https://byjennifergriffith.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byjennifergriffith/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byjennifergriffith/ Closing Thought Understanding where we come from doesn’t always give us easy answers — but it can give us clarity. And sometimes, that clarity is the first step toward healing, growth, and a different path forward. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer welcomes back Jodi Grinwald, founder of Today is the Day, co-founder of Applaud Our Kids Foundation, and author of the new book Today is the Day: LIVE IT!. Jodi is a returning guest to the podcast, and we’re excited to continue this important conversation around opportunity, connection, and impact. Jodi’s work is grounded in a simple but powerful idea: if the table doesn’t exist, build it — and make sure others have a seat. Her new book, Today is the Day: LIVE IT!, expands on that philosophy, encouraging readers to take action, lead with purpose, and create meaningful impact in their own lives and communities. 👉 Learn more and purchase the book: https://todayisthedayliveit.com/live-it This episode also builds on a recent crossover conversation — Rob was a guest on Jodi’s podcast, Today is the Day Changemakers. 🎧 Watch Rob’s episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1rN8EtfTJM&t=501s Through Applaud Our Kids, Jodi is helping children gain access to music, dance, and acting programs that might otherwise be out of reach. While her work is not exclusively focused on foster care, the connection is clear. Children experiencing instability or hardship often miss out on opportunities that build confidence, identity, and a sense of belonging. This conversation explores what it means to create those opportunities — and why access, connection, and creative expression can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Episode Highlights What it means to “build the table” and create opportunities for others Why access to the arts can be transformational for children The role of connection in building confidence and long-term impact How purpose can drive action, even when the path is unclear Why opportunity and exposure matter for youth facing hardship About the Guest Jodi Grinwald is a leadership and connection strategist, speaker, and founder of Today is the Day Changemakers—a global platform and podcast that reaches listeners in more than 135 countries. She helps organizations strengthen the connections that power performance, shape culture, and accelerate growth. She is also the co-founder and CEO of the Applaud Our Kids Foundation, expanding access to performing arts education for children ages 7–18. Jodi is the author of Today is the Day: LIVE IT! along with 30 other leadership voices. The book is a powerful reflection on courage, leadership, resilience, and connection—calling individuals to step into purpose, create opportunity, and lead with intention. Key Questions from This Episode What does “build the table” mean, and how can people apply it in their own lives? Why is access to the arts so important for children and youth? How can programs like Applaud Our Kids support children experiencing instability? What role does creative expression play in identity and confidence? How can someone take the first step toward making a difference? About Applaud Our Kids Foundation The Applaud Our Kids Foundation provides access to performing arts education for children ages 7–18, helping them build confidence, discipline, and a sense of identity through creative expression. Connect with Jodi 🌐 Websites: TodayistheDayLiveIt.com ApplaudOurKids.org 📸 Instagram: @todayisthedayliveit @applaudourkids 🔗 LinkedIn: Jodi Grinwald 📘 Facebook: Today is the Day Live It Applaud Our Kids Closing Thought Creating change doesn’t always require building something new — sometimes it means opening a door that should have been open all along. This episode is a reminder that when we create space for young people to explore who they are, we help shape who they can become. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Katy Encalade, President and CEO of Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions, who has spent more than two decades helping to create and support families. Katy brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to this conversation. She has been a foster parent, an egg donor, and a surrogate — offering a rare view across multiple paths of supporting children and building families. Her experience as a foster mom serves as a meaningful bridge, grounding this conversation in the realities of child welfare while expanding the lens to include other ways people can step in to help. While Fostering Change often focuses on foster care, adoption, and permanency, this episode broadens that perspective. Katy encourages listeners to consider that there are many ways to support children and families — whether by opening your home, helping someone become a parent by choosing to be a surrogate or egg donor, or finding other ways to show up with compassion and responsibility. Episode Highlights How foster care, surrogacy, and egg donation connect through a shared purpose of supporting children and families The importance of lived experience, including Katy’s time as a foster parent Why stability, care, and belonging remain central across all family-building paths The role of ethics, transparency, and trust in family-building work Encouraging people to explore different ways they can help support children and families About the Guest Katy Encalade is the President and CEO of Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions, an organization that has helped create more than 2,000 families worldwide. A former foster parent, egg donor, and surrogate, she brings both personal experience and professional expertise to her work. Katy has spent more than two decades advocating for ethical, transparent, and relationship-driven approaches to family-building, previously served as Board Chair of the Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy, and now serves as Board Chair of Families Out Loud. Connect with Katy 🌐 Website: www.CreateAHappyFamily.com 📘 Facebook: Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions 📸 Instagram: @createahappyfamily 🎵 TikTok: @createahappyfamily 🔗 LinkedIn: Katy Encalade 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Mordy Kurtz of The Boxery, a company that demonstrates how even behind-the-scenes business operations can play a meaningful role in supporting children in foster care. At Comfort Cases, partnerships are essential. The Boxery has been a valued partner, providing boxes and shipping materials that help deliver Comfort Cases to children across the country. While this support may not always be visible, it is critical to ensuring that essential items reach youth who need them. Mordy leads marketing and growth at The Boxery, bringing creativity and purpose to an industry often viewed as purely transactional. Through initiatives like Givebox, the company is demonstrating how businesses can integrate giving into their everyday operations and make a meaningful impact in their communities. This conversation explores how companies of any size or industry can align their operations with purpose and become active participants in supporting causes like foster care. Episode Highlights The role of operational partnerships in supporting nonprofit impact How The Boxery contributes to Comfort Cases through logistics and infrastructure Bringing creativity and brand voice to a traditional industry The importance of customer-focused, solution-driven marketing How initiatives like Givebox integrate giving into everyday business operations About the Guest Mordy Kurtz leads marketing and growth at The Boxery, where he focuses on creative branding, customer-first marketing, and building systems that help businesses operate more effectively. With more than 15 years of experience, including work with nonprofits, he brings a purpose-driven approach to business and is helping expand The Boxery’s impact through initiatives like Givebox. About the Partnership The Boxery supports Comfort Cases by providing essential packaging and shipping materials for nationwide distribution. This partnership highlights the importance of infrastructure and logistics in delivering resources to children experiencing foster care. Connect & Learn More 🌐 Website: theboxery.com 📘 Facebook: The Boxery 📸 Instagram: @theboxery 🐦 X (Twitter): @TheBoxery 🧵 Threads: @theboxery 🎵 TikTok: @theboxery 🔗 LinkedIn: Mordy Kurtz | The Boxery 📧 Email: marketing@theboxery.com 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by leaders and advocates working directly with young people transitioning out of foster care: Sarah Baumgartner of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Brian Robinson of Kids’ Voice of Indiana, and Princess Martinez Casanova, a foster youth leader and member of the Youth Impact Board at Kids’ Voice. For Comfort Cases, partnerships have always been central to the mission. The organization’s first corporate Packing Parties began in Indiana with Elevance Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in 2008. Since then, Anthem has remained a longstanding partner, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to corporate responsibility and to supporting children and youth experiencing foster care. Today, that commitment continues through collaboration with Kids’ Voice of Indiana, working together to raise the voice of youth transitioning out of foster care by creating resources, providing transition support, and expanding opportunities for education and career advancement. As Foster Care Awareness Month approaches in May, this conversation highlights the importance of recognizing the needs of young people preparing to age out of the system — and the role partnerships play in helping them build strong, independent futures. Episode Highlights The importance of supporting youth as they transition out of foster care How corporate partnerships can expand resources and opportunities for young people The role of Kids’ Voice of Indiana in advocating for older youth and preparing them for independence The impact of mentorship, advocacy, and youth voice in shaping better outcomes Real-life success stories, including pathways to higher education and career development About the Guests Sarah Baumgartner is the Older Youth Case Manager on the Foster Care Team at Anthem Indiana Behavioral Health Services. She brings more than 20 years of experience in mental health, including residential treatment, school-based counseling, and private practice. Her work focuses on supporting older youth as they transition from foster care to adulthood. Brian Robinson is the Director of Older Youth Initiatives for Kids’ Voice of Indiana. With more than 25 years of experience working with children and families, including serving as a Guardian ad Litem since the early 1990s, he centers his work on preparing older youth in foster care for independence. Princess Martinez Casanova is a bilingual education advocate, foster youth leader, and member of the Youth Impact Board at Kids’ Voice of Indiana. After immigrating from Mexico as a teenager and entering foster care at fourteen, she is now attending DePauw University on a full scholarship, studying Education Studies and Spanish, and advocating for foster youth and immigrant communities. About the Work The collaboration between Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Kids’ Voice focuses on: Transition support for youth aging out of foster care Elevating youth voice and advocacy Expanding access to education and career pathways These efforts reflect a shared commitment to helping young people move from foster care into adulthood with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to succeed. Connect & Learn More Kids’ Voice of Indiana: https://kidsvoicein.org/ Facebook: @AnthemMedicaid Instagram: @anthembcbs X (Twitter): @AnthemBCBS LinkedIn: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield – Medicaid Health Plans 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Karen Segal, founder of Photo Safe, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting what many children in foster care often miss: photographs and personal memories. For most families, childhood photos are a given. They capture milestones, friendships, and the small moments that help us understand who we are and where we come from. But for many children experiencing foster care, frequent moves and disrupted connections mean those memories are rarely preserved. Photo Safe was founded to close that gap. Through a network of volunteer photographers, the organization has provided more than 60,000 professionally taken and framed photographs to youth connected to foster care and their families. At the heart of Photo Safe’s work is a commitment to safety and confidentiality. Every image is securely archived and preserved so children can access their memories safely now and decades into the future. In this conversation, Rob and Karen explore why photographs matter for identity, how preserving childhood moments can help young people build a sense of belonging, and why something as simple as a picture can become a powerful anchor in a child’s life. Episode Highlights Why childhood photographs play a vital role in identity and emotional development The often-overlooked reality is that many youth in foster care grow up without documented memories How Photo Safe protects images through secure archival systems and strict confidentiality The lasting emotional impact of framed photographs and preserved milestones How preserving memories helps youth maintain a connection to their own story About the Guest Karen Segal is the founder of Photo Safe, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving childhood photographs for youth in foster care. After a 30-year career in financial technology with firms including Merrill Lynch, Citigroup, and Barclays, she now serves as a Quality Executive at Ernst & Young. Through Photo Safe’s volunteer network of photographers, the organization has provided more than 60,000 framed photographs to children and families connected to foster care while maintaining rigorous standards of privacy, security, and long-term archival preservation. Connect with Photo Safe 🌐 Website: www.photosafe.org 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/photosafe.org 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by his friend, Pedro Andrade, an Emmy Award–winning journalist, producer, and global storyteller whose work explores identity, culture, and what it truly means to be a family. Pedro is the host and producer of the HBO Max documentary series Somewhat Familiar, which follows Pedro and his husband as they adopt a baby and travel the world exploring how families are formed across cultures and communities. One episode of the series is especially meaningful to the Fostering Change community. Episode five featured Rob Scheer and the Scheer family, offering an honest look at foster care, adoption, and what permanency can look like in real life. In this conversation, Rob and Pedro revisit that experience and explore how storytelling can expand our understanding of family, bring visibility to foster care, and inspire more compassionate conversations about belonging. Episode Highlights How media and storytelling can redefine traditional ideas of family Why foster care stories deserve a place in global conversations about belonging Pedro’s experience of becoming a parent and how it shaped his perspective on adoption What the Scheer family story revealed about permanency and resilience The role of documentaries in shifting public understanding and reducing stigma About the Guest Pedro Andrade is an Emmy Award–winning journalist, producer, and global storyteller known for his work exploring culture, identity, and human connection. He is the host and producer of the HBO Max documentary series Somewhat Familiar, which follows Pedro and his husband as they navigate adoption while exploring family structures around the world. Through his work, Pedro highlights diverse stories of belonging and invites audiences to see family through a wider, more compassionate lens. Connect with Pedro 📸 Instagram: @pedroandradeTV 🎬 Series: Somewhat Familiar with Pedro Andrade on HBO Max 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change Podcast, Rob Scheer is joined by Temple Lentz — nonprofit CEO, local elected official, and debut novelist — for a thoughtful conversation about what happens when the systems designed to protect vulnerable families don’t always work the way they’re supposed to. Temple is the author of the novel Not Quite Home, which explores the cracks in America’s social service safety net. While the book is fiction, its themes are grounded in real-world experience. Having worked both inside nonprofit leadership and as an elected official, Temple brings a rare systems-level perspective to the conversation. Together, Rob and Temple discuss the gap between policy and lived reality, how well-intentioned systems can sometimes cause unintended harm, and why storytelling may be one of the most powerful tools we have to illuminate the need for reform. Episode Highlights • Why systems meant to help families often fall short • The unintended consequences of well-intentioned policies • What people misunderstand about how social service systems actually function • Why fiction can humanize policy failures more effectively than reports and data • How civic engagement and storytelling can open doors to meaningful reform About the Guest Temple Lentz is a nonprofit CEO, local elected official, and debut novelist. She earned a BA from the University of Chicago and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Claremont Lincoln University. Her writing has appeared in outlets including the Portland Mercury, Vancouver Business Journal, Live Wire! Radio, New City Chicago, and the Windy City Times. Her first novel, Not Quite Home, examines the human impact of systemic gaps within America’s social safety net. Connect with Temple 🌐 Website: templelentzbooks.com 📘 Facebook: Temple Lentz 📸 Instagram: @gototemple 🐦 X/Twitter: @gototemple 🧵 Threads: @gototemple 🔗 LinkedIn: Temple Lentz 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer sits down with Dr. Liz DeBetta — an award-winning writer, educator, and solo performance artist whose work explores adoption, trauma, identity, and healing through storytelling. Dr. Liz is the founder of Migrating Toward Wholeness, a trauma-informed, arts-based healing framework, and the author of Adult Adoptees and Writing to Heal. Her work centers on an often-overlooked truth: adoption isn’t a moment — it’s a lifelong identity journey. This conversation is especially meaningful for Rob, who reflects on his own experience adopting his son Alex, who joined the Scheer family at 18 and was formally adopted at 22 — a powerful reminder that belonging and permanency have no age limit. Together, Rob and Dr. Liz explore how adults navigate adoption-related grief and identity, why healing can unfold later in life, and how storytelling becomes a transformative tool for reclaiming voice and wholeness. Episode Highlights Late and adult adoption as meaningful and transformative How writing and embodied storytelling support trauma integration What “wholeness” means for identities shaped by early loss The role adoptive families play in supporting adult adoptees over time About the Guest Dr. Liz DeBetta is an award-winning writer, educator, and solo performance artist whose work focuses on adoption, trauma, and identity through narrative expression. She is the founder of Migrating Toward Wholeness™, the author of Adult Adoptees and Writing to Heal, and the creator of the acclaimed one-woman show Un-M-Othered, which examines adoption and patriarchy through embodied storytelling. Holding a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies, she blends research, lived experience, and art to support healing and identity integration. Connect with Dr. Liz 🌐 Website: www.lizdebetta.com 📘 Facebook: Dr. Liz DeBetta 📸 Instagram: @dr.liz.debetta 🎵 TikTok: @dr.liz.debetta 🔗 LinkedIn: Liz DeBetta, Ph.D. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Fostering Change was originally scheduled to air in March — but after recording, Rob Scheer felt the conversation was too important to wait. He personally requested that it be released early so listeners could hear it as soon as possible. Rob is joined by Rachel Bruno, a Nashville-based author, speaker, and advocate whose deeply personal experience with the child welfare system ignited a powerful call for accountability and reform. After her children were unlawfully removed by child protective services, Rachel found herself confronting a system where parental rights, due process, and family integrity are often overlooked. Instead of staying silent, she fought back — ultimately securing a seven-figure civil rights settlement and emerging as a leading national voice for families facing similar injustices. Rachel is the author of Fractured Hope: A Mother’s Fight for Justice and founder of Giver of Light, an organization dedicated to supporting families navigating child welfare involvement. Together, Rob and Rachel discuss hope after trauma, the urgent need for accountability, and why lived experience must guide ethical, child-centered reform. Episode Highlights • How one mother’s fight sparked national conversations about reform • What families experience when due process is ignored • Accountability and justice within child welfare • How Giver of Light supports families in crisis • Why lived experience belongs at the center of policy change 📘 Book Recommendation Rob strongly recommends Rachel’s book: Fractured Hope: A Mother’s Fight for Justice — a powerful firsthand account that exposes the realities families face inside the child welfare system and why reform is urgently needed. 👉 Get the book directly from Rachel: https://rachelbruno.com/book/ Purchasing directly supports her advocacy and helps amplify voices too often unheard. About the Guest Rachel Bruno is an author, speaker, and advocate for parental rights. Her lived experience navigating the child welfare system made her a national leader in reform. After securing a civil rights settlement for the unlawful removal of her children, she authored Fractured Hope and founded Giver of Light. She continues to serve in leadership and advisory roles, promoting family integrity, accountability, and ethical child welfare practices. Connect with Rachel & Giver of Light 🌐 Website: www.thegiveroflight.org 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/rachelbrunospeaks 📸 Instagram: @rachelbrunospeaks 🐦 X/Twitter: @bruno.rachel 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachelbruno 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nonprofits exist to serve people — not paperwork. But too often, outdated financial systems slow growth, strain leadership, and pull focus away from mission-driven work. This week on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer sits down with Stephen Garten, Founder & CEO of Charity Charge, a Public Benefit Corporation built exclusively to support the financial needs of nonprofit organizations. Stephen launched Charity Charge in 2015 after recognizing a widespread problem: nonprofits were forced to rely on banking and financial tools never designed for how they actually operate. Today, Charity Charge serves more than 3,000 nonprofits nationwide, offering nonprofit-specific credit cards, bookkeeping and compliance tools, gift cards, and over $60 million in working capital — empowering leaders to focus on impact instead of infrastructure. Rob and Stephen also reflect on their recent crossover conversation, following Rob’s appearance on Stephen’s podcast, The Charity Charge Nonprofit Spotlight, where they continued discussing leadership, transparency, and sustainability in the social sector. 🎧 Watch or listen to Rob’s interview here: https://www.charitycharge.com/nonprofit-resources/rob-scheer-comfort-cases/ Episode Highlights • Why traditional banking often fails nonprofit organizations • How Charity Charge was built specifically for mission-driven leaders • The connection between financial transparency and donor trust • Lessons learned from supporting thousands of nonprofits nationwide • What it takes to build long-term sustainability without losing sight of mission About the Guest Stephen Garten is the Founder and CEO of Charity Charge, a Public Benefit Corporation providing financial infrastructure built exclusively for nonprofits. Since launching in 2015, Charity Charge has supported more than 3,000 organizations, delivered over $60 million in working capital, and granted more than $1 million through the Charity Charge Foundation. His work has been featured by Forbes, Fast Company, and The Today Show, and he hosts The Charity Charge Nonprofit Spotlight, highlighting nonprofit and social impact leaders across the country. Connect with Charity Charge 🌐 Website: www.charitycharge.com 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/CharityCharge 📸 Instagram: @charitycharge 🐦 X/Twitter: @charitycharge 🔗 LinkedIn: Charity Charge 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Fostering Change continues through Season 7, this episode dives into an urgent but often unseen issue: menstrual and postpartum poverty, and how it impacts girls in foster care and communities around the world. Rob Scheer sits down with Yvonne Esipila Patron, Co-Founder and CEO of the PATESI Foundation, an organization working globally to ensure women and girls have the dignity, resources, and education they deserve. In 2025, Comfort Cases and PATESI began a powerful partnership to make sure no girl entering foster care faces her first night without essential menstrual supplies. Through this collaboration, PATESI donates up to 10,000 emergency menstrual kits each year, included in Comfort Cases® backpacks for girls ages eight and up — providing dignity, protection, and confidence during moments of deep transition. Together, Rob and Yvonne unpack why menstrual poverty remains invisible, why postpartum poverty continues long after childbirth, and why involving men and boys is key to ending stigma and driving real change. Episode Highlights • The global impact of menstrual poverty and why it’s rarely discussed • How entering foster care can make menstruation even more stressful for young girls • What the Comfort Cases × PATESI partnership delivers each year • Why postpartum poverty deserves national attention • How male allyship strengthens long-term solutions About the Guest Yvonne Esipila Patron is the Co-Founder and CEO of the PATESI Foundation, a global nonprofit dedicated to ending menstrual and postpartum poverty. With a background in public health and sustainable development, she has spent her career advancing reproductive health equity, youth empowerment, and community-driven solutions. Connect with PATESI 🌐 Website: www.patesifoundation.org 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/patesifoundation 📸 Instagram: @patesifoundation 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Fostering Change continues into the new year, this episode tackles one of the most urgent issues facing child welfare today: the national shortage of foster parents and what it means for children who need safe, stable homes. Rob Scheer is joined by Kelsey Davis, National Director of Foster Parent Recruitment, and Stacy Brindley, National Treatment Director at StepStone Family & Youth Services. Together, they explore why fewer families are stepping forward, how misconceptions about fostering hinder progress, and why supporting foster parents is essential to better outcomes for children. With more than 343,000 children in foster care and fewer than 200,000 licensed foster homes nationwide, this conversation goes beyond the numbers. Kelsey and Stacy share how StepStone approaches recruitment differently, centers trauma-informed care, and treats the entire family as part of the healing process. Episode Highlights This episode explores why the foster parent shortage continues to grow and how it directly impacts children who need consistency and belonging. The discussion challenges common myths about fostering, explains why recruitment messaging must change, and emphasizes that strong outcomes depend on strong support for foster parents. Listeners also hear why trauma-informed care must include the whole family, not just the child, and how communities can get involved with StepStone through volunteering, respite support, and national initiatives beyond fostering. As Rob notes, “We must get more qualified families to support our youth in foster care.” And as Kelsey reminds us, fostering works best when families know they are not doing it alone. About the Guests Kelsey Davis is the National Director of Foster Parent Recruitment at StepStone Family & Youth Services. A former Title I educator with an MBA in Marketing, she leads national strategies to recruit, train, and retain foster families through people-centered, community-driven outreach. Stacy Brindley is StepStone’s National Treatment Director and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 30 years of experience. She has worked across residential treatment, therapeutic foster care, independent living, and in-home services, and now leads trauma-informed and evidence-based practices nationwide. Learn More Website: https://www.stepstoneyouth.com/ 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode, Rob Scheer sits down with Lindsay Lendyak, South Carolina State Director for Isaiah 117 House, to talk about one of the most overlooked moments in foster care: Removal Day. Instead of children waiting for hours in government offices, Isaiah 117 House creates a warm, home-like space where kids can exhale, eat a meal, change into clean clothes, and feel safe while caseworkers find placement. Lindsay shares why this model is a true game changer for children, foster families, and social workers alike, and how South Carolina is rapidly expanding its footprint. What You Will Hear in This Episode * What Removal Day really looks like, and why so many youth remember it as the hardest day of their lives * How Isaiah 117 House replaces a cold, adult-centered setting with comfort, dignity, and stability * The heart of the model: trauma-informed volunteers providing steady, calm presence during a chaotic moment * How community support builds a stronger system around children and the professionals serving them * South Carolina growth updates, including York County and new houses coming soon Quotes to Highlight * Lindsay on why this matters: “Nearly all of them recount removal day as the worst day of their lives.” * Lindsay on the mission: “We can fix how foster care begins for our kids.” * Lindsay on what kids experience at Isaiah 117 House: “It’s a yes… For a kid who’s lived a life of nos, that is a game changer.” * Lindsay on why the system needs community: “Every single person should help a child in foster care. Full stop.” South Carolina Updates * York County opened September 2025 * Greenville County expected to open early spring 2026 * Horry County fundraising begins February 2026 * Lexington County kickoff coming early 2026 Why This Episode Matters This conversation is a reminder that children enter foster care because of choices other people made, and that the first hours of care should not add trauma. Isaiah 117 House proves that a better beginning is possible, and it starts with community saying yes to dignity. Links and Ways to Connect Main Website: https://isaiah117house.com/York County Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isaiah117houseyorkcoscYork County Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaiah117houseyorkcosc LinkTrees:York County: https://linktr.ee/isaiah117houseyorkcoscGreenville County: https://linktr.ee/isaiah117housegreenvillesc Horry County: https://linktr.ee/isaiah117househorrycosc 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Fostering Change continues into the new year, this episode tackles one of the most urgent — and evolving — challenges facing young people today: staying safe, informed, and supported in a digital world. Rob Scheer is joined by Jenny Coleman, a nationally recognized expert in child welfare and abuse prevention, and a former foster parent whose work is grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience. Jenny serves as Director of Stop It Now!, a national organization focused on preventing child sexual abuse through education and early intervention. She also leads What’s OK?, a first-of-its-kind online platform and free helpline where teens and young adults can anonymously ask questions about relationships, boundaries, sexting, consent, and online behavior — without fear or shame. In this conversation, Jenny helps parents, caregivers, and educators better understand how to talk with young people about tough topics — especially as AI-generated and non-consensual images become an increasing form of peer-driven harm. Episode Highlights Youth Safety in the Digital AgeHow sexting, cyberbullying, and online exploitation are changing — and what adults need to know. New & Alarming TrendsWhy recent data shows a sharp rise in AI-generated inappropriate images targeting teens, most often created and shared by peers. What’s OK?How this research-backed platform empowers youth ages 14–21 to ask honest questions and get reliable guidance. What Caregivers Can DoPractical steps for parents and caregivers, including how to respond, stay connected, and support youth without judgment. A Foster Care PerspectiveWhy trauma-informed, prevention-focused conversations are especially critical for foster and adopted youth. About Jenny Coleman Jenny Coleman, MA, LMHC, has spent more than 30 years working in child welfare as a clinician, educator, and prevention advocate. She is the Director of Stop It Now! and leads What’s OK?, an innovative online resource for youth navigating questions about sexual behavior, consent, and boundaries. A former foster parent and longtime foster care trainer, Jenny brings a compassionate, prevention-centered approach to keeping young people safe. Resources Stop It Now!: www.stopitnow.orgWhat’s OK?: www.whatsok.org ✨ Why This Episode MattersThis episode is a reminder that prevention starts with conversation. When young people have access to trustworthy information — and adults willing to listen without judgment — safety and resilience follow. 🎧 Fostering Change continues next week with another powerful conversation. Thank you for being part of a community committed to protecting, educating, and supporting young people — especially when the topics are hard, but the stakes are high. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we continue an exciting new year of Fostering Change, this episode centers on possibility — what happens when lived experience, research, and belief in young people come together to rewrite outcomes. This week, Rob Scheer is joined by Dr. (Candidate) Shanté Elliott, a learning scientist, social innovator, and founder of TasselTurn — an organization reimagining how children in foster care and students experiencing housing insecurity move through school, graduation, and the transition to adulthood. Having experienced foster care herself, Shanté brings rare and powerful insight to her work. She blends academic research, technology, and deep empathy to help children in foster care not only stay in school, but truly see themselves as capable, worthy, and supported. What began in 2020 with a $300 grant has grown into a nationally recognized platform connecting young people with coaching, mentorship, and meaningful incentives tied to educational milestones. Now a PhD candidate at Northwestern University, Shanté has been recognized as a Forbes Changemaker, L’Oréal Paris Woman of Worth, and Echoing Green Fellow, with her work featured in Forbes, The Imprint, and Reader’s Digest. In this conversation, she shares how education — when paired with trust and opportunity — can become a powerful pathway to stability, confidence, and economic mobility for children in foster care. 🎧 Episode Highlights Education & Foster Care The real barriers children in foster care face in completing high school and navigating what comes next — and why traditional systems often fall short. The TasselTurn Model How personalized coaching, milestone-based incentives, and digital tools keep children in foster care engaged and supported. Tech for Good Using technology to track progress, close equity gaps, and create accountability that centers student success. Lived Experience as Leadership How Shanté’s own foster care journey informs her research, innovation, and belief in changing — not “beating” — the odds. Why It Matters The long-term impact of investing in education as a tool to disrupt cycles of poverty and instability for children in foster care. Shanté Elliott is a learning scientist, social entrepreneur, and founder of TasselTurn — a national platform supporting children in foster care and students experiencing housing insecurity through key educational milestones. A former child in foster care and first-generation college graduate, she is currently a PhD candidate at Northwestern University, where her research focuses on educational identity and narrative. Since launching TasselTurn in 2020 with just $300, Shanté has built a nationally recognized organization rooted in the belief that young people deserve more than survival — they deserve systems designed for their success. 🔗 Connect with Shanté & TasselTurn Website: www.tasselturn.org Instagram: @tasselturn LinkedIn: TasselTurn ✨ Why This Episode Matters This conversation is a powerful reminder that when we stop asking children in foster care to overcome broken systems — and instead commit to changing those systems — futures shift. Shanté Elliott isn’t just turning tassels; she’s helping young people step into adulthood with confidence, support, and real opportunity. 🎧 Fostering Change continues next week with another powerful conversation as Season 7 unfolds. Thank you for listening, believing, and being part of a community that shows up for children in foster care — not just in words, but in action. If you have questions or a guest suggestion, please reach out to our producer at dthalberg@comfortcases.org. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year from all of us at Fostering Change! We hope you had a joyful holiday season filled with rest, connection, and moments that centered what matters most. As we step into 2026 together, we’re excited to continue bringing you meaningful conversations that uplift, educate, and inspire. Season 7 is already shaping up to be one of our most impactful yet — and we’re thrilled to kick off the year with today’s guest. 🎙 Introduction This week, Rob Scheer is joined by Dr. Brandi Kelly, an award-winning educator, licensed clinical social worker, leadership coach, and founder of Spark HOPE Edu. For more than 20 years, Dr. Kelly has served children and families as a school social worker, principal, and superintendent, always guided by her belief in the transformative power of H.O.P.E. — Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence. Her approach blends emotional wellness, compassionate leadership, and practical tools that empower students — especially those experiencing trauma, foster care, or instability — to build resilience and recognize their inherent worth. Through Spark HOPE Edu and her coaching programs, Dr. Kelly now equips caregivers, educators, and community leaders to create environments where every child feels safe, supported, and capable of thriving. Her message is the perfect way to begin a new year: intentional, uplifting, and rooted in the belief that we can all lead with hope. Main Topic / Theme How Dr. Kelly’s H.O.P.E. framework cultivates resilience, emotional wellness, and confidence in children — particularly those who have experienced trauma — by equipping the adults who support them to lead with compassion, clarity, and purpose. Key Discussion Points Resilience Through H.O.P.E. How Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence help youth overcome adversity and build self-worth. Education + Healing Why collaboration between educators, caregivers, and social workers is essential for children in foster or kinship care. Leadership for Youth Helping children see themselves as leaders regardless of their circumstances. Coaching for Connection Dr. Kelly’s January 2026 six-week cohort designed to help adults strengthen resilience and relational skills using the H.O.P.E. model. Guest Bio Dr. Brandi Kelly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, award-winning educator, and founder of Spark HOPE Edu. Over her two-decade career, she has served as a school social worker, principal, and superintendent — earning multiple leadership awards. Her H.O.P.E. framework (Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, Excellence) provides a roadmap for helping youth—and the adults who guide them—build resilience and belonging. She is the author of Lead with H.O.P.E. and host of the Lead with HOPE podcast. Connect with Dr. Kelly Website: www.sparkhopeedu.com Facebook: @LTW24 Instagram: @leadwithhope.23 LinkedIn: Dr. Brandi Kelly ✨ A New Year Note from Fostering Change As we launch into 2026, we want to thank you — our listeners — for being part of this powerful community. We hope your holiday season was restful and meaningful, and that this new year brings purpose, possibility, and renewed hope. We’re excited to continue this incredible Season 7 journey with you. Fostering Change returns next Tuesday with another inspiring conversation as we work together to support children, families, and caregivers across the country. Here’s to a year of compassion, courage, and making a difference — one story, one act, and one child at a time. Happy New Year, and thank you for being GOOD HUMANS. 🎉 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we close out an extraordinary year of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer welcomes Becky Santoro, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Foster Village Charlotte — a nonprofit reshaping foster care by focusing on the people raising and supporting children every day: foster, kinship, and birth families. A former educator and foster parent herself, Becky witnessed firsthand how overwhelmed and isolated caregivers can feel. She also saw something powerful: children thrive when the adults caring for them are supported, equipped, and connected. That realization led her to co-found Foster Village Charlotte in 2018 — a community-driven model that has since expanded nationwide through a growing network of Foster Village affiliates. Today, Becky and her team not only serve families across the Charlotte region, but also coach and mentor emerging affiliates across the U.S., helping communities build their own “village” of wraparound care. From practical resources to emotional connection to dignified, trauma-informed visitation spaces, Foster Village is reimagining what it means to care for children by caring for the caregivers who love them. 🎙️ In This Episode, Rob and Becky Discuss: • Why Foster Village exists and how it bridges gaps between foster, kinship, and birth families • The powerful connection between caregiver support and positive child outcomes • The Connection Cottage — a trauma-informed, dignified visitation center helping families reconnect • How Foster Village Charlotte coaches and mentors new affiliates nationwide • The Foster the Movement year-end funding campaign supporting urgent needs into 2026 • What resilience, compassion, and community look like in action — and what gives Becky hope for the future This uplifting conversation is the perfect way to wrap up 2025 — rooted in gratitude, connection, and the reminder that we build stronger futures when we build them together. 👤 Guest Bio Becky Santoro is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Foster Village Charlotte, an organization providing holistic support for foster, kinship, and birth families. Since 2018, Becky has grown Foster Village Charlotte into a cornerstone of community care while mentoring new Foster Village affiliates across the country. Her work strengthens families, builds community, and empowers children to thrive. 🔗 Connect with Foster Village Charlotte 🌐 Website: https://www.fostervillagecharlotte.org 💙 Foster the Movement Year-End Campaign: https://www.fostervillagecharlotte.org/foster-the-movement-2025 📘 Facebook: Foster Village Charlotte 📸 Instagram: @fostervillagecharlotte 💼 LinkedIn: Foster Village Charlotte 🎄 From Our Family to Yours — Happy New Year! As we celebrate this holiday season, we wish you a New Year filled with hope, compassion, and community. Thank you for listening, sharing, and helping raise awareness for children and families impacted by foster care. ✨ Fostering Change returns next Tuesday as we continue an incredible Season 7. More powerful conversations. More inspiring leaders. More reminders of the change we can create together. Until then — thank you for being GOOD HUMANS. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we head into Christmas week, Fostering Change brings you an extraordinary story of resilience, determination, and transformation. Rob Scheer is joined by Carolyn Aronson, founder and CEO of It’s A 10 Haircare — one of the most successful Latina-owned beauty brands in the world. Carolyn’s journey began in foster care, where she learned independence, grit, and perseverance at a young age. From those early experiences, she built a career as a hairstylist and salon owner before creating a single product that would change the beauty industry forever. Today, It’s A 10 Haircare is a billion-dollar global brand, selling more than 10 million bottles annually in over 130 countries, and inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs. Beyond her business success, Carolyn is a devoted philanthropist whose generosity supports foster care organizations, youth empowerment, LGBTQ+ advocacy, disaster relief efforts, and workforce development programs. Her message is simple yet powerful: success isn’t measured only by what you build — but by how you give back. In this inspiring conversation, Rob and Carolyn explore how her time in foster care shaped her vision, the creation and growth of an iconic global brand, and why purpose and philanthropy remain central to her work. In this episode, Rob and Carolyn discuss: How Carolyn’s early experiences in foster care fueled her ambition and compassion The creation and explosive growth of It’s A 10 Haircare Building a billion-dollar company rooted in authenticity, quality, and empowerment High-profile collaborations with DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Travis Kelce, Tyson Beckford, and more Her commitment to philanthropy — from pandemic aid to wildfire relief to youth empowerment The upcoming 20th anniversary of It’s A 10 in 2026 Carolyn’s forthcoming book on beauty, confidence, and perseverance About Carolyn Aronson Carolyn Aronson is a self-made Latina billionaire, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. After navigating the foster care system, she built It’s A 10 Haircare into a global beauty powerhouse now valued at over $1 billion. Her Rewind It 10 men’s line has earned national attention through celebrity collaborations, and she has donated millions in products and funding to causes nationwide. Carolyn continues to inspire through her message of grit, generosity, and reinvention. Connect with Carolyn: 🌐 Website: www.itsa10haircare.com 📸 Instagram: @itsa10ceo 🎄 From all of us at Fostering Change, we wish a very Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, and a joyful and peaceful holiday season to all. 🎙️ Don’t miss our final episode of 2025, airing next week — a special year-end conversation you won’t want to miss. 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share. Your support helps us continue lifting up stories that inspire real change. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Fostering Change, Rob welcomes a cherished friend and longtime champion of Comfort Cases — actress, producer, author, and foster care advocate Jen Lilley. While millions know Jen from her work in television and film, her most meaningful role has been off-camera: as a foster and adoptive mother deeply committed to supporting children and families in crisis. Jen recently served as emcee for the 2025 Fostering Futures Gala — her second time hosting Comfort Cases’ signature event — and continues to use her platform to elevate foster care awareness nationwide. In this heartfelt conversation, Rob and Jen dive into themes of faith, courage, storytelling, and the transformational impact fostering has had on Jen’s life. They also explore her book, Wake Up Your Faith, and her upcoming 2026 release, Called to Foster? In this episode, Rob and Jen discuss: • Why Jen remains deeply committed to Comfort Cases and the foster care community • Her book Wake Up Your Faith and the message she hopes readers embrace • Called to Foster?, a forthcoming guide for prospective foster parents • What fostering and adopting two children taught her about love, patience, and identity • How Jen balances motherhood, advocacy, and a thriving entertainment career • The responsibility and privilege of using her platform to inspire compassion • Practical encouragement for anyone considering fostering or adoption ⸻ Guest Bio Jen Lilley is an award-winning actress, producer, author, and passionate child welfare advocate. She has appeared in an Academy Award–winning film, starred in multiple Emmy-winning series, and featured in a wide range of beloved movies. Off-screen, Jen is a devoted mother to two children adopted from foster care and a powerful voice for families navigating the child welfare system. She is the author of Wake Up Your Faith and the upcoming Called to Foster?, arriving May 2026. Jen is also a treasured supporter of Comfort Cases and recently served as emcee for the 2025 Fostering Futures Gala. ⸻ Connect with Jen Website: www.jenlilley.com Facebook: facebook.com/JenLilleyOfficial Instagram: @Jen_Lilley X (Twitter): @Jen_Lilley 🎧 After you listen, please like, comment, and share the episode to help us continue raising awareness for children in foster care. 📅 New episodes of Fostering Change drop every Tuesday. Questions or guest suggestions? Email dthalberg@comfortcases.org 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we move deeper into the holiday season, Fostering Change continues to shine a light on the small acts of kindness that create powerful, lasting impact. This week, Rob Scheer sits down with his longtime friend Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) — a nonprofit built on one simple mission: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.” What started in 2012, when Luke built a single bed for a family in need, has grown into a global movement. Today, SHP has 400+ chapters across 46 states and 4 countries, and has delivered nearly 300,000 beds to children who would otherwise be sleeping on the floor. As Luke shares: “When I found out a child was sleeping on a pile of clothes, it changed me. I realized I could sit there and do nothing, or I could get my feet on the ground and build another bed.” SHP empowers communities to take action by building beds locally, training new chapters, and helping neighbors come together through service — proving that every community can solve this issue in its own backyard. In this episode, Rob and Luke discuss: How one small idea grew into a global movement The often unseen crisis of child bedlessness SHP’s “Humans Helping Humans” approach to volunteerism What it takes to start a chapter in your own community Why staying focused on a simple mission fuels sustainable growth Luke’s story is a powerful reminder that transformative change often begins with a single decision to help someone else. 👉 Learn more & get involved: Website: www.shpbeds.org Facebook: facebook.com/SHPLuke Instagram: instagram.com/lukemickelson X: x.com/ShpLuke 🎧 After listening, please like, comment, and share the episode so more people can join the mission to ensure no child in your town sleeps on the floor. For guest suggestions or questions, email dthalberg@comfortcases.org. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Dionna Carter, founder of the Foster Teen Christmas Outreach, an initiative that began in 2019 and has now raised more than $1.3 million in gift cards for teens in foster care. As Dionna explains, “Teens are often forgotten during the holidays — everyone wants to buy toys for the little kids, but teens also want to feel included and seen.” What started with one county has grown into a statewide movement, driven by simple generosity and community partnership. Each year, thousands of youth receive gift cards that offer dignity, autonomy, and a reminder that their community cares. Dionna also leads the Foster Hope Holiday Fest, happening Sunday, December 7 in Columbus, Ohio — a resource fair designed to support youth preparing to age out of foster care. “We wanted to be a bridge,” Dionna shares, “because so many teens lose support networks as they age out. This event shows them that help is available.” In this episode, Rob and Dionna discuss: How a small idea grew into a statewide giving movement Why gift cards matter for teens in foster care during the holidays The impact of the Foster Hope Holiday Fest and how the community can participate How listeners anywhere can start similar outreach efforts in their own counties Dionna’s message is simple and powerful: “Even if you impact one youth, it is so worth it.” Learn More & Support: Foster Hope Holiday Fest – December 7, Columbus, OH https://onedotchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3054175 Website: www.dionnacarter.com Instagram: @FlyAndShyyy Facebook: Dionna Carter LinkedIn: Dionna Carter 🎧 After you listen, please like, comment, and share the episode to help spread hope and support to teens who need it most this holiday season. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we close out National Adoption Awareness Month, Fostering Change honors the advocates, parents, and changemakers who work to ensure every child waiting in foster care finds a permanent, loving family. This week, host Rob Scheer welcomes back Marcy Bursac, nationally recognized adoption advocate, author, podcast host, and adoptive mom. After adopting siblings from foster care, Marcy founded The Forgotten Adoption Option, developed free tools used by over 12,000 prospective parents, and launched a national reading program to help normalize adoption conversations in schools. Her new book, It’s Okay to Talk About Adoption, invites people to open their hearts and conversations—because when we talk about adoption, we help waiting children find families faster. In this episode, Rob and Marcy explore: Why conversations matter “There are more than 100,000 children in U.S. foster care waiting for adoption—and many adults do not know adoption from foster care is often free. Awareness can change outcomes.” The Forgotten Adoption Option How her nonprofit breaks down barriers and helps families navigate adoption with clarity and confidence. Her new book “We need to give people permission to talk about adoption—without fear, stigma, or shame.” Marcy’s message is powerful: “Every time someone starts a conversation about adoption, a waiting child or sibling group moves one step closer to a permanent family.” Book Release Update It’s Okay to Talk About Adoption is now available in audiobook and eBook formats. Paperback pre-orders are open through January 15, 2026. Purchase links: Kindle: https://bit.ly/4oDvifp BookBaby: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/it%E2%80%99s-okay-to-talk-about-adoption Audiobook available on Apple Books, Google Play, Chirp, eStories, Hoopla, OverDrive, and Everand. Learn More Website: www.forgottenadoptionoption.org Instagram: @marcybursac | @forgottenadoptionoption After listening, please like, comment, and share our podcast. Your support helps expand the conversation and bring awareness to the thousands of children waiting in foster care. As we conclude National Adoption Awareness Month, we invite you to keep talking—in your homes, schools, and communities. Every conversation helps move a child closer to belonging. New episodes release every Tuesday. Questions, comments, or guest suggestions: dthalberg@comfortcases.org Thank you for listening and for being a good human. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Fostering Change continues our celebration of National Adoption Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the voices reshaping what adoption looks like in America—and making it more equitable, inclusive, and accessible for all families. This week, host Rob Scheer sits down with Becky Fawcett, founder of Helpusadopt.org, a national nonprofit adoption grant program helping thousands of families overcome the financial barriers to adoption. What began in Becky’s New York City apartment in 2007 has grown into a multimillion-dollar organization that has transformed countless lives—and this month, Helpusadopt.org celebrates its 18th anniversary. Becky’s own adoption journey—welcoming her daughters Jane and Brooke—inspired a lifelong commitment to changing a system that makes building a family so difficult for so many. Her mission is simple and powerful: every child deserves a loving, permanent home, and no parent should be prevented from adopting because of cost. In this inspiring conversation, Rob and Becky discuss: • The personal story behind Helpusadopt.org—and how one mother’s vision became a national movement for adoption equality. • The staggering financial realities of adoption and how these costs prevent too many children from finding homes. • What it means for Helpusadopt.org to reach its 18-year milestone—and how its impact continues to grow across all 50 states. • The importance of inclusion and diversity in adoption: “Love makes a family—not money, not zip codes, not who you love or where you come from.” • How you can help ensure that more families can adopt—and that every child waiting for a home has the chance to thrive. Becky’s story reminds us that changing the world doesn’t always start in a boardroom. Sometimes, it begins at a kitchen table—fueled by love, determination, and the belief that every child deserves a family. 👉 Learn more about Becky Fawcett & Helpusadopt.org: Website: www.helpusadopt.org Facebook: facebook.com/helpusadopt.org Instagram: @helpusadopt TikTok: @helpusadopt LinkedIn: Helpusadopt.org 🎧 Enjoying the episode? Please like, comment, and share the podcast! Your support helps us reach more listeners who want to learn about these important topics. New episodes of Fostering Change drop every Tuesday. Questions, comments, or guest suggestions? Email us at: dthalberg@comfortcases.org As we continue through National Adoption Awareness Month, visit comfortcases.org to learn more about our mission, our partnerships, and how you can make a difference—because when we invest in families, we invest in a brighter future for every child. Thank you for listening—and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This November, Fostering Change continues our special series for National Adoption Awareness Month, celebrating families formed through adoption and raising awareness about the unique needs of children in foster and kinship care. Throughout the month, we’re spotlighting extraordinary advocates, educators, and parents who are helping every child feel safe, seen, and supported. We also invite you to join Comfort Cases’ 2nd Annual “Coats for a Cause” Drive, hosted by CNN’s Laura Coates. Our goal is to collect 500 brand-new coats for youth in need this winter. Every coat donated provides warmth, dignity, and comfort to a child or teen who needs it most. Learn more and get involved at: https://www.comfortcases.org/lauracoates 🎙️ This Episode: Featuring Laura Adams, Founder & President of iCARE4 Adoptive And Foster Families (iCARE4AAFF) With more than 30 years in education and nonprofit leadership—and as the mother of four daughters, including two adopted internationally—Laura Adams is on a mission to ensure that every school is equipped to meet the emotional and learning needs of adoptive, foster, and kinship children. Through iCARE’s professional development programs and her innovative Connection Kits™, Laura is helping educators build trauma-informed, healing-centered schools where connection leads to confidence—and where children not only learn but thrive. 💬 In This Conversation: • The urgent need for trauma-informed professional development in schools “Adopted, foster, and kinship children make up nearly 15% of our classrooms, yet most educators have never received any formal training on how to support them.” • Why connection—not compliance—is the foundation for learning “Children who feel safe and seen are children who can learn.” • How Connection Kits™ are transforming classrooms nationwide • The power of collaboration between schools, families, and child welfare professionals “When we work together, we create communities of belonging—and connected, we thrive.” Laura’s insights remind us that healing often begins in the classroom. By equipping teachers with shared language and the right tools, we can build schools that don’t just educate—but nurture. 🌐 Connect with Laura Adams & iCARE4AAFF Website: https://icare4aaff.org Facebook: https://facebook.com/iCARE4AAFF Instagram: https://instagram.com/icare4aaff LinkedIn: Laura Adams – iCARE4AAFF 🎧 After you listen: Like, comment, and share this episode! Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue spreading awareness about these vital topics. 📅 New episodes every Tuesday — subscribe so you never miss an inspiring story. Questions, comments, or guest suggestions? Email us at dthalberg@comfortcases.org 💙 Thank you for listening — and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the first episode of Fostering Change for National Adoption Awareness Month—a month dedicated to celebrating families formed through adoption and raising awareness of the thousands of children still waiting for their forever homes. As we move toward National Adoption Day on November 22, we’ll be sharing special conversations all month long. We also invite you to visit comfortcases.org to explore how Comfort Cases is celebrating this important month through meaningful partnerships and programs—including our 2nd Annual “Coats for Comfort” Coat Drive, ensuring every child in foster care has warmth, dignity, and hope this winter. Today, our host Rob Scheer welcomes back one of our favorite guests, Peter Mutabazi—author, speaker, and founder of Now I Am Known. Many of you know Peter as the “Foster Dad Flipper,” a man who has opened his home and heart to more than 40 foster children and adopted three. He joins us again to talk about his brand-new book, Love Does Not Conquer All, a raw and beautiful reflection on the realities of foster care, parenting children with trauma, and learning that love—while powerful—is only the beginning. In this deeply moving episode, Rob and Peter discuss: How to love children for who they truly are, not who we hope they’ll become. Why every child needs at least one adult they can call, depend on, and trust. How to prepare kids for independence by teaching life skills—“Every foster parent should give their kids the tools to survive when they’re on their own: laundry, banking, cooking, confidence.” The importance of empathy and connection—“Empathy isn’t in our DNA,” Rob shares. “It must be taught.” Peter’s wish for the system: “I wish I could foster a family before a child is taken—mentor parents the way we mentor kids. Imagine the change if we did for parents what we do in foster care.” How to handle the heartbreak of goodbyes when a child leaves your home: “Be the uncle. Stay in their life. Don’t disappear.” This conversation reminds us that parenting, in all its forms, is an act of courage, consistency, and unconditional care. And don’t miss the end—there’s a heart-warming surprise you’ll want to experience for yourself. 👉 Learn more about Peter Mutabazi and his mission: Website: petermutabazi.com Book: Love Does Not Conquer All (available wherever books are sold) Organization: Now I Am Known Facebook: Peter Mutabaz Instagram: @fosterdadflipper 🎧 After you listen to this episode, please remember to “like” and comment and also share our podcast. We look to you—our loyal listeners—to help us grow our audience so more people can listen and learn about these vital topics. And remember: we’re back every Tuesday with a new episode of Fostering Change. If you have questions, comments, or guest suggestions, please email us at dthalberg@comfortcases.org. As we celebrate National Adoption Awareness Month, we invite you to honor the families who open their hearts and homes—and to remember the thousands of children still waiting for theirs. Together, we can make sure every child knows they are seen, valued, and loved. Thank you for listening—and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Advisory: This episode includes sensitive discussion about addiction, family estrangement, and emotional loss. This week on Fostering Change, host Rob Scheer welcomes back two dear friends — Julie and David Bulitt — for one of the most personal and moving conversations of the season. Rob and his husband Reece have known the Bulitts for many years, and their honesty, humor, and heart have made them audience favorites. Julie is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 30 years of experience in family therapy, and David is a leading family-law attorney in the D.C. metro area who has spent decades helping parents and children navigate painful transitions. Together, they’ve raised four daughters, built nearly 40 years of marriage, co-authored two acclaimed books (The Five Core Conversations for Couples and Secrets of Strong Couples), and co-host the podcast Conversations for Couples. In this emotional and thought-provoking episode, Rob, Julie, and David explore what it means to lose a child while they’re still alive — to addiction, estrangement, or emotional distance — and how families can begin to heal. Topics discussed include: * Ambiguous loss: Grieving a child who is still living and learning to coexist with that pain. * Addiction and family systems: How substance use can fracture relationships, redefine love, and challenge every parent’s hope. * Parenting through heartbreak: “We can love our children fiercely and still have to let go,” Julie shares. “Healing doesn’t mean forgetting — it means finding peace with what is.” * Balancing love and self-protection: “You reach a point where love also means protecting yourself and your family from chaos,” David reflects. * Hope beyond the silence: Grace, therapy, and community as pathways to reconnection. This episode is a testament to honesty, empathy, and the complicated beauty of parenthood. If you or someone you love is struggling with a similar loss, may this conversation offer comfort and understanding. 👉 Learn more about Julie & David Bulitt:Website: www.thebulitts.comPodcast: Conversations for CouplesFacebook: @TheBulittsInstagram: @thebulittsTikTok: @thebulitts 🎧 After you listen, please like, comment, and share this episode so more families can discover stories of resilience, hope, and healing. We’re back every Tuesday with a new episode of Fostering Change. Have a guest suggestion or feedback? Email us at dthalberg@comfortcases.org. Next week, we kick off our National Adoption Awareness Month series — celebrating families built through love and the thousands of children still waiting for theirs. Thank you for listening — and for being a GOOD HUMAN. 💙 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⚠️ Advisory: This episode includes discussion of child abuse and family trauma. Welcome to this week’s episode of Fostering Change, where host Rob Scheer speaks with Susan Chesnutt — a family law attorney, child welfare advocate, and former foster youth based in Vero Beach, Florida. Susan’s journey is one of resilience and purpose. After growing up in the foster care system, she became a child abuse investigator for Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF), then earned her law degree and founded The Chesnutt Law Firm, focusing exclusively on child welfare and family law. She also hosts the podcast From Foster Care to Family Law: A Child Welfare Focus, where she and her guests unpack the toughest issues facing families today. In this powerful conversation, Rob and Susan explore: ✅ Lived experience as a foundation for advocacy. “I know what it’s like to feel powerless in a system that’s supposed to protect you. That’s why I fight so hard to make sure every child—and every parent—has a voice.” ✅ What really happens inside a DCF investigation. Susan breaks down the process from the inside, reminding families that “you have rights, even when it feels like you don’t.” ✅ Why empathy matters in family law. Her trauma-informed approach prioritizes safety, healing, and understanding over blame. ✅ A call for systemic change. “We can’t fix the child welfare system until we start valuing families instead of labeling them. Real reform begins with compassion.” Susan’s unique perspective—combining lived experience, government service, and legal advocacy—shows how justice and empathy must go hand in hand. 👉 Learn more about Susan Chesnutt: 🌐 thechesnuttlawfirm.com 🎧 After you listen: Please like, comment, and share this episode! Your support helps us reach more people and amplify these vital conversations. 🗓 New episodes drop every Tuesday. Questions, comments, or guest suggestions? Please email us at dthalberg@comfortcases.org. 💙 Thank you for listening—and for being a GOOD HUMAN. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENT WARNING: ADULT/DISTURBING THEMES — ABUSE & VIOLENCE Welcome to this week’s episode of Fostering Change. Our host, Rob Scheer, sits down with an extraordinary guest — Baron Li, co-owner of Four Tiers Contracting and founder of the CKMD Army. Baron’s journey is one of unimaginable pain, resilience, and redemption. A former foster youth who endured 17 placements and severe childhood abuse — including being burned with a clothing iron and cigarettes at just three years old — Baron later survived an attempted murder-for-hire plot that left him shot nine times. Yet, through it all, he transformed trauma into purpose. Today, Baron is building homes and hope through Four Tiers Contracting, employing and mentoring aged-out foster youth, and expanding CKMD Army — a nationwide movement uniting the foster care community with a 50-state resource network. In this powerful and emotional conversation, Rob and Baron discuss: How a childhood marked by violence and instability shaped Baron’s mission to help others rebuild their lives His incredible survival story: “I was shot nine times, left for dead — but I chose not to be a victim. I chose to live, to forgive, and to give back.” How Four Tiers Contracting provides aged-out foster youth with steady employment, mentorship, and a pathway to independence The vision behind CKMD Army (Can’t Keep Me Down) — a 50-state foster care resource network empowering youth, families, and advocates nationwide Why Baron believes resilience is forged through service — and that “purpose is the only thing stronger than pain.” Baron Li’s story is a testament to the human spirit — proof that even after the darkest moments, there is light. Trauma can shape us, but it never has to define who we become. 👉 Learn more about Baron Li and his work: All Links: linktr.ee/baronbli LinkedIn: CKMD Army 🎧 After you listen, please “like,” comment, and share the episode. Your support helps us reach more listeners and shine a light on vital conversations like this. Fostering Change releases new episodes every Tuesday. Questions, comments, or guest suggestions? Please email us at dthalberg@comfortcases.org. Thank you for listening — and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Fostering Change, host Rob Scheer welcomes Tracey Heisler, Executive Director of CASA of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties (CASA SHaW) in New Jersey. CASA—Court Appointed Special Advocates—ensures that children in the child welfare system have a voice in the courtroom and access to the support they need to thrive. With nearly two decades of leadership at CASA SHaW, Tracey shares: 💬 How CASA changes lives: “Kids with a CASA do better in school, get services faster, and have someone in their corner when everyone else changes.” ⚖️ The danger of funding cuts that could silence advocacy for vulnerable children. 🤝 The critical role of volunteers and how you can step up to be that one stable, consistent advocate. 💙 Tracey’s personal journey from foster parent to nonprofit leader—and what it’s taught her about resilience and compassion. Her message is clear: Advocacy isn’t optional—it’s essential. And CASA’s fight today is every child’s fight. 👉 Learn more about CASA SHaW and how to get involved: Website: www.casashaw.org Facebook: facebook.com/CASASHaW Instagram: instagram.com/casa_shaw Email: info@casashaw.org 🎧 Like, comment, and share this episode to help us spread awareness and inspire change. 📅 New episodes of Fostering Change drop every Tuesday! For questions or guest suggestions, email: dthalberg@comfortcases.org 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a special Best of Edition of Fostering Change! Originally aired during National Foster Care Awareness Month, this powerful conversation is worth revisiting. In this episode, host Rob Scheer sits down with the incredible Charell Star—author, speaker, and foster care advocate. Many first discovered Charell through her moving feature in Humans of New York. Now she returns to share wisdom from her brilliant new book, Trash Bag Tales and Other Stories from an Accidentally Happy Life. Her story is raw, funny, and deeply empowering—proving that resilience, joy, and self-discovery can grow from even the hardest beginnings. 👉 In this conversation, Rob and Charell explore: How humor and honesty can reshape the way the world sees foster care stories The journey behind Trash Bag Tales and turning pain into empowerment Why the award-winning documentary Feeling Wanted is used in child welfare training worldwide What it means to move beyond survival and claim the life you deserve ✨ Learn more about Charell Star: 📖 Book: Trash Bag Tales and Other Stories from an Accidentally Happy Life → https://www.amazon.com/Trash-Bag-Tales-Other-Accidentally/dp/1646639741 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charellstar 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charellstar 📖 Humans of New York Feature: https://www.humansofnewyork.com/post/618907346047008768 🎧 If you’re new to Fostering Change or a long-time listener, don’t miss this inspiring episode! Please like, comment, and share to help spread these stories of hope and dignity. New episodes release every Tuesday—stay tuned and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN. 💙 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this week’s episode of Fostering Change, hosted by Rob Scheer. 💙 Today’s guest is Dr. Danisha Keating—author, speaker, and former foster youth whose journey from heartbreak to healing is nothing short of extraordinary. At just 16, CPS workers separated her from her eight siblings and handed her a trash bag with five minutes to pack her life. By 24, she became the guardian of her five younger siblings, choosing resilience and purpose over despair. Dr. Keating is the bestselling author of Taking My Voice Back: Healing What Broke Me and From Foster to PhD. In this powerful conversation, she and Rob dive into: ✨ How to heal from trauma, shame, and blame ✨ The importance of protecting your story while still speaking your truth ✨ The systemic barriers youth in foster care face—including files that hold pieces of their own lives ✨ Why education became her lifeline and how she stepped boldly into her future Her story is proof that no matter what you’ve lived through, you have the power to write the next chapter. As Dr. Keating reminds us: “When you’re in foster care, the courts and the files decide your story — not you. That’s why I had to learn how to take my voice back.” 👉 Learn more about Dr. Danisha Keating: 🌐 Website: danishakeating.com 📱 Instagram: @drdanishakeating 📘 Facebook: Danisha Keating ▶️ YouTube: The Dr. Danisha Keating Show 🎵 TikTok: @drdanishakeating 🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this episode to help us reach more listeners. We’re back every Tuesday with new conversations on Fostering Change. For guest suggestions or feedback, please email us at dthalberg@comfortcases.org. 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What started with one simple question—“What can I do with my old bras?”—turned into a global movement. 🌍 In this inspiring episode of Fostering Change, host Rob Scheer is joined by Dana Marlowe, founder of I Support the Girls and Accessibility Partners. Dana’s work provides dignity to marginalized women and youth through access to bras, new underwear, and menstrual hygiene products. Together, Dana and Rob discuss: ✨ How to start a nonprofit and build strong partnerships with other grassroots organizations ✨ The importance of supporting youth and building confidence through dignity ✨ The powerful partnership between Comfort Cases and I Support the Girls ✨ ISTG’s upcoming 10-year anniversary in July 🎉 As a human rights advocate, Dana has dedicated her life to amplifying the voices of invisible populations while also making technology more inclusive for people with disabilities. When she isn’t sorting hygiene products or striving for equity, you’ll find her cheering at her sons’ sports games, walking her Silver Lab, or even at early morning dance raves. 💙 Follow I Support the Girls: Website: http://www.isupportthegirls.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SupportTheGirlsandWomen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isupportthegirls/?hl=en Twitter/X: https://x.com/i_support_girls?lang=en Threads: https://www.threads.com/@isupportthegirls TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@isupportthegirls?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/29214127/admin/dashboard/ 🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube! Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation: 👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.