ReStoried
What kind of stories come to mind when you think of foster care?
Many stories are filled with heartbreak, pain, and sorrow. But what if we could step in and see them turned into stories of hope?
Hope Bridge is on a gospel-led mission to transform the foster care landscape in Ohio. We're here to raise awareness and empower churches and communities to step into action by supporting vulnerable children and families in their local communities.
We’re certainly not the Author of these stories, and it’s true that we can't change the past, but we are called to be key characters in THE story that God has written for His creation.
His is a story of redemption and restoration, a story of HOPE.
In this podcast, we will share how we link arms with churches, county workers, foster families, and those in the community to rewrite the narrative for vulnerable children and families.
We’ll be shining a light on stories of hope, redemption, and transformation and sharing practical ways that you can step in and get involved.
Subscribe now, and together, let's make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Welcome to "ReStoried," a podcast by Hope Bridge.
Episodes
80 episodes
79. Empower U: Teaching Real-Life Skills to Empower Real-Life Moms
In this episode, we’re excited to introduce Jen Zwick, the Family Support Specialist in the Single Moms Program at Hope Bridge. Jen shares her heart for walking alongside single mothers and highlights some of the challenges these families often...
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20:40
78. Overcoming: What Scripture and Science Say About Resilience with Dr. Nicole Wilke
In this episode of ReStoried, we are in conversation with Dr. Nicole Wilke—a researcher, missionary, author, and therapist—about her new book Overcoming: What Scripture and Science Say About Resilience. Nicole has such a hopeful and pr...
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1:04:40
77. Are You a New Foster Family? Listen for Our Favorite Tips
Today, we’re sharing some of our favorite tips and lessons we’ve learned along the way in our foster care journeys. After years of experience, we’ve picked up a few things that have helped us navigate both the challenges and joys of fostering.&...
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29:47
76. Building a Possum Trot in Every Community with Bishop W.C. Martin
Today, we sit down with Bishop W.C. Martin, whose story inspired the movie Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot. Alongside his wife, Donna, and 22 families in their small East Texas church, they adopted 77 children from the foster c...
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36:17
75. Why Every Child Needs a Trauma-Informed Community with Kim Botto
Today on ReStoried, we’re joined by Kim Botto, a passionate advocate for kids and families. With over 30 years of experience working with children and teens in churches, schools, nonprofits, and foster care initiatives, Kim has a heart for crea...
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44:39
74. Spiritual Formation: Resting in Jesus, Not Just Working for Him
How do you make sure that your heart is set on Jesus and not always focused solely on the work at hand?In this episode, we talk about the importance of spiritual formation and how we can intentionally keep our focus o...
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36:54
73. Stepping into Foster Care with a Desire to Adopt
Many people enter foster care with the hope of adoption, but is that wrong? This question has sparked discussion and even some controversy in the foster care community. For some, the desire to adopt stems from infert...
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33:05
72. Why Hope Bridge Invests in Single Moms—And How You Can Too
In this episode, we discuss the heart behind our Single Moms Program and the vital support it provides. Our approach focuses on prevention, intervention, and restoration, with this program serving as a key piece of prevention—offering resources...
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38:19
71. Full Circle: From Foster Youth to Adoptive Mama with Sarah Sikora
In this heartfelt episode of the ReStoried Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Sikora—a dear friend, former foster youth, adoptee, and adoptive mama—whose life has come full circle.Born addicted to drugs, Sarah faced many challenges growing ...
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39:11
70. Being Known with Curt Thompson, MD
In this week’s compelling episode of the ReStoried Podcast, we welcome Curt Thompson, MD, a renowned psychiatrist, speaker, and author, who masterfully weaves together neuroscience, faith, and the power of storytelling.Curt Thompson, MD,...
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43:54
69. From Burnout to Breakthrough: Healing Blocked Care in Parenting with Lisa Qualls
In this episode, we sit down with Lisa C. Qualls—author, speaker, and adoptive mom—to discuss the complexities of adoption, parenting, and connection. Lisa brings a wealth of wisdom from her personal experience as both a birth mom and adoptive ...
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30:42
68. The Willow House: A Beacon of Hope for Vulnerable Families in Carroll County
In this episode, we’re sharing the story behind The Willow House, an exciting new hub created to support foster, adoptive, and kinship families in Carroll County. The Willow House provides essential resources and spaces designed to ...
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30:34
67. Breaking Generational Cycles: Supporting Single Moms with Jesse Coontz from Moms on Target
In this episode, we speak with Jesse Coontz, founder of Moms on Target: A Safe & Supportive Community for Moms to Raise Happy, Healthy Children. Jesse shares her journey and the inspiration behind creating a nonprofit dedicated to empowerin...
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1:17:37
66. Supporting Bio Kids in Foster Families with Daniela Coats
In this episode, we’re excited to sit down with Daniela Coats, a speaker at our upcoming Mobilize Ohio Conference, founder of With Siblings, licensed social worker, and children’s book author. Daniela’s passion for serving foster families focus...
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47:02
65. Anne Pace’s Journey: From Foster Care to Ministry Advocate
In this episode, we sit down with Anne Pace, a new staff member at Hope Bridge who has a personal history with foster care and adoption. Anne serves as the Family Advocacy Ministry (FAM) Specialist, where she provides coaching and support to pa...
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23:52
64. Choosing 'Yes' Every Day with Jamie Finn
Today, we are thrilled to welcome Jamie Finn to the podcast! Jamie is a bestselling author, the founder and President of Foster the Family, the host of the Real Mom podcast, and the founder and owner of Goods and Better. She is a sough...
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43:56
63. The Hot Seat: Get to Know the Hope Bridge Staff
We’re wrapping up the year with something special and light-hearted—a “Hot Seat” episode featuring our amazing staff! Join us as we put Lisa, Nicole, Brian, and Mel in the Hot Seat with rapid-fire questions, surprising answers, and ...
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39:12
62. Come and See What God Has Done in 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate all that God has accomplished through Hope Bridge this year. This episode is a heartfelt look back at the milestones we’ve reached, the lives we’ve impacted, and t...
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42:18
61. Spiritual Formation at Hope Bridge and Why it Matters
In this episode, we’re excited to highlight Brian’s new role at Hope Bridge as the Director of Discipleship. We dive into the heart behind this position, exploring what it looks like in practice and how it’s being implemented to further our mis...
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40:57
60. Belonging: Created to Belong in Community, Mobilize OH 2025 Intro
Loneliness is an epidemic in today’s world—but there’s hope in community. In this episode, we explore why community matters and how it serves as the heart of everything we do at Hope Bridge.We’re also unveiling the theme of the 2025 Mobi...
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28:57
59. The Recipe for Trust: How Chef Kibby Transformed His Parenting Journey
In this episode, we sit down with Chef Kibby, a biological, foster, and adoptive dad who discovered a unique way to build trust and connection with his kids through the everyday act of cooking and sharing meals.At the start of...
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31:14
58. Partner with Hope Bridge this GivingTuesday
In this episode, we’re diving into GivingTuesday—a global day dedicated to generosity and making an impact. Learn what GivingTuesday is all about, why it’s such an important time of year, and how you can partner with Hope Bridge to sup...
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28:48
57. National Adoption Month: Real Stories, Real Challenges, Real Support
November is National Adoption Month, a time to shine a light on the critical need for adoptive families and to celebrate those who have welcomed children into their homes. In this episode, we share our personal journeys, having both...
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33:11
56. Navigating the Holiday Season as Foster and Adoptive Families
In this episode, we dive into the unique challenges the holiday season brings for foster and adoptive families. For children from hard places, the holidays can be an especially sensitive time, filled with triggers and mem...
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31:57
55. Untangling Hope and Healing: Johnna Stein on Foster Care Awareness
In this episode, we are joined by Johnna Stein, Vice President of Training at Promise686. As affiliates of Promise686 here at Hope Bridge, we share a common mission to support vulnerable children and families. Promise686’s vision is rooted in G...
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27:06