Fostering Change

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 HighlightsThe role of operational partnerships in supporting nonprofit impactHow The Boxery contributes to Comfort Cases through logistics and infrastructureBringing creativity and brand voice to a traditional industryThe importance of customer-focused, solution-driven marketingHow initiatives like Givebox integrate giving into everyday business operationsAbout the GuestMordy 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 PartnershipThe 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: [email protected]🎥 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 HighlightsThe importance of supporting youth as they transition out of foster careHow corporate partnerships can expand resources and opportunities for young peopleThe role of Kids’ Voice of Indiana in advocating for older youth and preparing them for independenceThe impact of mentorship, advocacy, and youth voice in shaping better outcomesReal-life success stories, including pathways to higher education and career developmentAbout the GuestsSarah 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 WorkThe collaboration between Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Kids’ Voice focuses on:Transition support for youth aging out of foster careElevating youth voice and advocacyExpanding access to education and career pathwaysThese 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 MoreKids’ Voice of Indiana: https://kidsvoicein.org/Facebook: @AnthemMedicaidInstagram: @anthembcbsX (Twitter): @AnthemBCBSLinkedIn: 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 HighlightsWhy childhood photographs play a vital role in identity and emotional developmentThe often-overlooked reality is that many youth in foster care grow up without documented memoriesHow Photo Safe protects images through secure archival systems and strict confidentialityThe lasting emotional impact of framed photographs and preserved milestonesHow preserving memories helps youth maintain a connection to their own storyAbout the GuestKaren 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 HighlightsHow media and storytelling can redefine traditional ideas of familyWhy foster care stories deserve a place in global conversations about belongingPedro’s experience of becoming a parent and how it shaped his perspective on adoptionWhat the Scheer family story revealed about permanency and resilienceThe role of documentaries in shifting public understanding and reducing stigmaAbout the GuestPedro 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 reformAbout the GuestTemple 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 HighlightsLate and adult adoption as meaningful and transformativeHow writing and embodied storytelling support trauma integrationWhat “wholeness” means for identities shaped by early lossThe role adoptive families play in supporting adult adoptees over timeAbout the GuestDr. 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 RecommendationRob 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 GuestRachel 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 missionAbout the GuestStephen 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 solutionsAbout the GuestYvonne 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 HighlightsThis 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 GuestsKelsey 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 MoreWebsite: 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 soonQuotes 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 2026Why This Episode MattersThis 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 ConnectMain Website: https://isaiah117house.com/York County Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isaiah117houseyorkcoscYork County Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaiah117houseyorkcoscLinkTrees:York County: https://linktr.ee/isaiah117houseyorkcoscGreenville County: https://linktr.ee/isaiah117housegreenvillescHorry 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 HighlightsYouth 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 ColemanJenny 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.ResourcesStop 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 HighlightsEducation & Foster CareThe 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 ModelHow personalized coaching, milestone-based incentives, and digital tools keep children in foster care engaged and supported.Tech for GoodUsing technology to track progress, close equity gaps, and create accountability that centers student success.Lived Experience as LeadershipHow Shanté’s own foster care journey informs her research, innovation, and belief in changing — not “beating” — the odds.Why It MattersThe 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 & TasselTurnWebsite: www.tasselturn.orgInstagram: @tasselturnLinkedIn: TasselTurn✨ Why This Episode MattersThis 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 [email protected].🎥 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 / ThemeHow 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 PointsResilience 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 BioDr. 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. KellyWebsite: www.sparkhopeedu.com Facebook: @LTW24 Instagram: @leadwithhope.23 LinkedIn: Dr. Brandi Kelly✨ A New Year Note from Fostering ChangeAs 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 futureThis 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 BioBecky 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 compassionThe creation and explosive growth of It’s A 10 HaircareBuilding a billion-dollar company rooted in authenticity, quality, and empowermentHigh-profile collaborations with DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Travis Kelce, Tyson Beckford, and moreHer commitment to philanthropy — from pandemic aid to wildfire relief to youth empowermentThe upcoming 20th anniversary of It’s A 10 in 2026Carolyn’s forthcoming book on beauty, confidence, and perseveranceAbout Carolyn AronsonCarolyn 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 BioJen 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 JenWebsite: www.jenlilley.comFacebook: facebook.com/JenLilleyOfficialInstagram: @Jen_LilleyX (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 [email protected]🎥 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 movementThe often unseen crisis of child bedlessnessSHP’s “Humans Helping Humans” approach to volunteerismWhat it takes to start a chapter in your own communityWhy staying focused on a simple mission fuels sustainable growthLuke’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.orgFacebook: facebook.com/SHPLukeInstagram: instagram.com/lukemickelsonX: 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 [email protected].🎥 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 movementWhy gift cards matter for teens in foster care during the holidaysThe impact of the Foster Hope Holiday Fest and how the community can participateHow listeners anywhere can start similar outreach efforts in their own countiesDionna’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/3054175Website: www.dionnacarter.comInstagram: @FlyAndShyyyFacebook: Dionna CarterLinkedIn: 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 OptionHow 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 UpdateIt’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/4oDvifpBookBaby: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/it%E2%80%99s-okay-to-talk-about-adoptionAudiobook available on Apple Books, Google Play, Chirp, eStories, Hoopla, OverDrive, and Everand.Learn MoreWebsite: www.forgottenadoptionoption.orgInstagram: @marcybursac | @forgottenadoptionoptionAfter 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: [email protected] 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.orgFacebook: facebook.com/helpusadopt.orgInstagram: @helpusadoptTikTok: @helpusadoptLinkedIn: 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: [email protected] 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 & iCARE4AAFFWebsite: https://icare4aaff.orgFacebook: https://facebook.com/iCARE4AAFFInstagram: https://instagram.com/icare4aaffLinkedIn: 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 [email protected]💙 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.comBook: Love Does Not Conquer All (available wherever books are sold)Organization: Now I Am KnownFacebook: Peter MutabazInstagram: @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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].💙 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 & VIOLENCEWelcome 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 livesHis 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 independenceThe vision behind CKMD Army (Can’t Keep Me Down) — a 50-state foster care resource network empowering youth, families, and advocates nationwideWhy 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/baronbliLinkedIn: 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 [email protected] 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.orgFacebook: facebook.com/CASASHaWInstagram: instagram.com/casa_shawEmail: [email protected]🎧 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: [email protected]🎥 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 storiesThe journey behind Trash Bag Tales and turning pain into empowermentWhy the award-winning documentary Feeling Wanted is used in child welfare training worldwideWhat 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 futureHer 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 [email protected].🎥 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.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SupportTheGirlsandWomenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/isupportthegirls/?hl=enTwitter/X: https://x.com/i_support_girls?lang=enThreads: https://www.threads.com/@isupportthegirlsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@isupportthegirls?lang=enLinkedIn: 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.

Today is International FASD Awareness Day, a day that deserves our full attention. On this powerful episode of Fostering Change, host Rob Scheer is joined by Patricia (Patti) Kasper, a Neurobehavioral Coach and Trainer who discovered she had FASD as an adult.Patti’s story is one of resilience and advocacy. After learning about her diagnosis, she shifted her work to focus on the 15 million U.S. adults living with undiagnosed FASD, bringing awareness, education, and hope to those who may not even realize how deeply FASD affects their lives.In this conversation, you’ll hear:✨ Patti’s personal journey of discovery and healing✨ The hidden challenges of adults living with undiagnosed FASD✨ How Rob’s own connection to FASD fuels Comfort Cases’ mission✨ The importance of spreading awareness on International FASD Awareness DayPatti is also the host of the podcast Living with FASD and author of Sip by Sip: Candid Conversation with Adults Living with FASD. You can find her book here: books.by/yourfasdcoach.🔗 Connect with Patti Kasper:Facebook: facebook.com/Patricia.Kasper.Your.FASD.CoachInstagram: instagram.com/patriciakasperthefasdcoachThreads: threads.com/patriciakasperthefasdcoachLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patricia-kasperEmail: [email protected]📢 After listening, please leave us a review—it helps us reach more people and continue these important conversations. Have guest suggestions or questions? Email our producer: [email protected].💙 Thank you for supporting Fostering Change. Together, we can bring dignity and hope to children and families everywhere.🎥 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 Season 7 of Fostering Change!Believe it or not, this is our 243rd episode — and it’s all thanks to YOU and your support. Starting this season, new episodes will drop every Tuesday, just like you requested!👉 We’d love your help: after watching/listening, please leave a review. It takes just a minute and makes a huge difference with the “mysterious algorithm,” helping us share our incredible guests with even more people.🌟 Today’s Guest: Bob DaltonWe’re kicking off Season 7 with our friend and Comfort Cases supporter, Bob Dalton — founder of Sackcloth & Ashes, the company behind stunning Italian-made blankets. For every blanket sold, one is donated to a local shelter. Bob and his team have already given countless blankets to Comfort Cases, and we couldn’t be more grateful.In this episode, Rob and Bob dive into:Why community matters now more than everHow Sackcloth & Ashes is transforming giving with a one-for-one modelBob’s exciting new app LOCL, designed to reconnect us with our neighbors, groups, and events nearby💡 More About Bob:Bob Dalton is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and social designer on a mission to reclaim human connection in the digital age. Named a Forbes Changemaker and CNN Champion of Change, he’s donated hundreds of thousands of blankets through Sackcloth & Ashes and now, through LOCL, is building digital tools to help people connect locally.📌 Learn More:🌐 sackclothandashes.com🌐 locl.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.

Welcome to our final Best of Summer episode of Fostering Change! 🌟 Next week kicks off Season 7 (premiering Tuesday, September 2) and—by popular demand—we’re back to WEEKLY episodes.This week, Rob Scheer is joined by:👩‍💼 Jennifer Perry – Co-Founder of FosterMore & Executive Director of Children’s Action Network📚 Lara Love Hardin – FosterMorey Award Winner & New York Times bestselling author of The Many Lives of Mama Love (an Oprah Book Club pick!)Lara opens up about her journey through addiction, incarceration, and the painful separation from her children—and how she rebuilt her life through resilience, recovery, and storytelling. Together, Rob, Jennifer, and Lara shine a light on the foster care system, the power of second chances, and the urgent need to support youth in care.🎧 Listen & Subscribe:YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | wherever you get your podcasts!💬 Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!📅 Don’t miss it: In honor of National Foster Care Awareness Month, new episodes will be released every Tuesday in May.🌐 Learn more & support our mission: www.comfortcases.org📌 More Information:Children’s Action NetworkFosterMore📱 Follow & Connect:Children’s Action Network: Instagram @childrensactionnetwork | X @childrensaction | Facebook Children’s Action NetworkFosterMore: Instagram @foster_more | X @fostermore | Facebook FosterMoreLara Love Hardin: Instagram @laralovehardin | Facebook Lara Love Hardin📖 Get Lara’s book, The Many Lives of Mama Love, at your favorite bookstore.🎥 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.

"When good people get together, great things happen." – Jamie TrumanIn this Best of Fostering Change episode, Rob Scheer sits down with Jamie Truman of Truman Charities, an organization dedicated to helping both local and national charities — including Comfort Cases — by hosting multiple fundraising events each year. The best part? 100% of the funds raised go directly to the charities they support.Over the past 15 years, Jamie and her husband Jerry have helped raise more than $2 million for various causes. Jamie is also the author of Vanishing Fathers: The Ripple Effect on Tomorrow's Generation, a #1 Amazon Best New Release, with all proceeds benefiting charities supporting at-risk youth.In this inspiring conversation, we discuss:The power of giving back to your communityHow Truman Charities creates a meaningful impactThe vital role fathers play in shaping future generationsJamie also hosts The Truman Charities Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about Jamie & Truman Charities:📚 Order her book: Vanishing Fathers on Amazon🌐 Website: trumancharities.com📸 Instagram: @jamie_trumancharities📍 Facebook: trumancharities💼 LinkedIn: jamietruman✉️ Email: [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe! Have a guest suggestion or feedback? Email us at [email protected].🎥 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 back to a special Best of Fostering Change episode!This week, we revisit a powerful conversation originally aired in March, featuring two changemakers in the world of child welfare and LGBTQ+ advocacy: Kate Trambitskaya, CEO of Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children, and Brian Rosenberg, founder of GWK Academy Family Building.Join host Rob Scheer for an honest and urgent discussion about how federal cutbacks are impacting foster youth, LGBTQ+ families, and other vulnerable communities—and how you can help make a difference.🔍 Why This Episode Matters:💡 Kate Trambitskaya is a returning guest who continues to lead efforts that support expectant mothers, children in institutional care overseas, and adoptees here in the U.S.🌈 Brian Rosenberg introduces the future of GWK Academy—expanding from supporting gay and queer men to serving all LGBTQ+ individuals in their family-building journeys starting March 2025.🛠️ How You Can Help:🔥 Don’t just listen—take action.💬 Leave a comment or question below.❤️ Like, share, and subscribe to spread the message.📩 Contact us at: [email protected]🌐 Learn more at: https://www.comfortcases.org📲 Connect with Our Guests:Spence-Chapin Services to Families and ChildrenFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/spencechapinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/spencechapinsvc/Twitter/X: https://x.com/spencechapinsvcLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71342/GWK Academy / Gays With KidsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GaysWithKidsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gays_with_kidsInstagram (GWK Academy): https://www.instagram.com/gwkacademyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GWKLinkedIn (Brian Rosenberg): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrrosenberg/🎧 Subscribe for more powerful conversations that lead to real, lasting chang🎥 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 July and welcome back to a Best Of episode of Fostering Change! In this lively and heartwarming conversation, host Rob Scheer reconnects with fan-favorite Doogie Sandtiger, also known as The Croc King — a man with a passion for comfort and color who has collected over 3,000 pairs of Crocs.You may have seen Doogie on The Today Show or follow him on social media. But beyond the viral Croc fame, Doogie's story is deeply personal. Like Rob — and many youth in foster care — Doogie never learned how to tie his shoes as a child. That’s where Crocs became more than footwear — they became a symbol of independence and identity.This episode is not just fun (we promise it is!), but it also delves into the real-life challenges faced by youth in foster care and how individuals like Rob and Doogie are working to make a difference.👉 Know someone who should be a guest on Season 7 of Fostering Change?Email us at: [email protected]🔗 Follow Doogie “The Croc King” on Social Media:📘 Facebook: facebook.com/doogielicious📸 Instagram: instagram.com/doogielish🎵 TikTok: tiktok.com/@hardcroclife4me💙 Thank you for listening and supporting Fostering 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.

BEST OF SEASON 6 — As we close out Season 6 and gear up for Season 7 of Fostering Change, we’re highlighting some of our most powerful conversations from the past year. With over 220 episodes behind us, we’re grateful to every guest and listener who has helped us grow this platform into what it is today.In this featured episode, Rob Scheer is joined by guest co-host Rita Soronen, CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, for an incredible conversation with Andrew Bridge — former foster youth, attorney, and author of The Child Catcher: A Fight for Justice & Truth.Andrew shares his story of surviving 11 years in Los Angeles County foster care, his rise to become a Harvard Law graduate and Fulbright Scholar, and his fight to protect children in broken systems. His new book, The Child Catcher, tells the true story of a legal battle to rescue youth trapped in a secretive and abusive institution in rural Alabama.💥 Proceeds from The Child Catcher support CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) chapters nationwide. To support, visit AndrewBridgeAuthor.com and select your preferred chapter — 50% of pre-sale royalties will be donated directly.📩 Have questions, comments, or guest suggestions? Email us at [email protected]—📚 About Andrew BridgeSpent 11 years in foster careGraduated from Wesleyan University and Harvard Law SchoolLed efforts to shut down abusive institutionsFormer CEO of The Alliance for Children’s RightsCo-founder of National Adoption Day and New Village Girls AcademyNYT bestselling author of Hope’s BoyServes on the Arizona Foster Care Review Board📲 Follow Andrew:Facebook: facebook.com/andrew.bridge.9041Instagram: @andrewbridgejdTwitter/X: @AndrewBridgeJDThreads: @AndrewBridgeJD🔗 Learn More About The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption:Website: https://www.davethomasfoundation.org/Instagram: @dtfaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaveThomasFoundationforAdoption/🎥 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 Season 6 FINALE of Fostering Change! 🎉What an incredible season it's been — filled with inspiring, motivating, and heartfelt stories. THANK YOU for being part of our journey, for tuning in each week, and for all your comments and reviews. We do this for YOU. 💙📅 Coming Soon:Starting June 17, join us for our "Best of" Summer Series — a special collection of our favorite episodes. Whether you’re re-listening or discovering them for the first time, we hope these powerful stories inspire you all over again.🔥 Mark your calendar:Season 7 premieres on September 2, and we’re returning to weekly episodes every Tuesday! More guests, more voices, and even more impact. Have a guest suggestion? Email us at: [email protected]🎙️ Today’s Season Finale Guest: Dr. Kisha DavisThere’s no better way to wrap this season than with the amazing Dr. Kisha Davis — family physician, public health leader, and a dear friend of Rob Scheer and the Comfort Cases family.Kisha shares the powerful legacy of her grandmother in her new biography:📖 “The Making of a Pearl” – Buy the book on AmazonIn this episode, you'll hear heartfelt stories of resilience, love, and history passed down over weekday breakfasts with her grandmother, Ida Pearl Green, who lived to be 106. Dr. Davis also discusses her work in the Quince Orchard community, her role as Montgomery County’s Chief Health Officer, and her involvement in the documentary Finding Fellowship — co-produced with her brother and previous Fostering Change guest, Jason Green.✨ Don’t miss this powerful conversation about family, legacy, and leadership.🔗 Connect with Dr. Kisha Davis:📘 Facebook: facebook.com/kisha.davis2📸 Instagram: @drkishadavis🐦 Twitter/X: @kishadavismd📱 Threads: @drkishadavis💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/daviskisha#ComfortCases #FosteringChange #FosterCareAwareness🎥 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 Fostering Change! Today marks the final installment of our special episodes for National Foster Care Awareness Month. We hope you've enjoyed the series—and, more importantly, learned something meaningful from each conversation. As always, we encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments and pass these episodes along to others.In today’s episode, we welcome back one of Rob’s favorite guests: Charell Star, who first joined us in Season 5. Charell gained national attention when she was featured in Humans of New York (link below), and she returns to discuss her powerful new book, Trash Bag Tales and Other Stories from an Accidentally Happy Life. The book offers readers a raw, heartfelt, and often humorous look at what it means to claim the joyful life you deserve.Charell is also the featured subject in the award-winning documentary Feeling Wanted, which chronicles her time in foster care and is now used as a training resource by child welfare organizations around the world.We absolutely loved this episode—and we’ve already invited Charell back for Season 7!📚 Want to read Charell’s book?Find it at your favorite bookstore or purchase it on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Trash-Bag-Tales-Stories-Accidentally/dp/B0F24H8DXS📲 Connect with Charell:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charellstar/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charellstar/Read her “Humans of New York” story:https://www.instagram.com/p/CUK7yfSrFT3/?hl=en🎧 One more episode of Season 6 drops next week! After that, we’ll take a short break and share some “Best Of” episodes before returning with Season 7 this fall.💌 Got thoughts or guest suggestions? Email us at: [email protected] 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.

On today’s episode of Fostering Change, we continue our special acknowledgment that May is National Foster Care Awareness Month. We hope you have taken some moments to reflect on what you can do to support those in the foster care system: donate, volunteer your time, mentor, or even consider taking steps to be a CASA or foster parent. Thank you for all you do!If you’d like a simple way to support Comfort Cases, here’s an idea: You can participate in the Hundred X program. Click on the following link, and you’ll be guided to complete surveys about brands and companies you are familiar with. Comfort Cases will receive $1.60 for every survey you fill out (and it only takes 2 minutes max for each!) https://programs.hundredx.com/givewithoutspendingNow, on to today’s episode: For 8 years, we have worked with the team at Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Indiana, and have expanded that partnership throughout the country, literally giving away THOUSANDS of our Comfort Cases backpacks to social service agencies and youth experiencing foster care.Today, we speak with Aimee Christian, a Fostering Connections Case Manager with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Aimee and Rob Scheer have a lively discussion that focuses on the positive changes that can be made to improve the foster care system.Some of the points they cover include changing our vocabulary so we’re not labeling these youth, changing the focus from just on the child to the entire family, and building and improving relationships with the birth family and the foster family.Aimee and Rob will certainly motivate you to—at minimum—give new thoughts to the foster care system and—at best—possibly motivate you to consider becoming a foster parent yourself!We know you’ll enjoy this interview. Thank you again to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield for being such a valuable and supportive partner to Comfort Cases all these years! ​​The partnership between Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Comfort Cases has grown since 2018. Since the expansion, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s affiliated health plans have hosted dozens of packing parties across 16 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico, providing thousands of Comfort Cases and XL duffel bags to youth in foster care nationwide.For more information about the foster care system or how you can support Comfort Cases, please visit our website: www.comfortcases.org. If you have any questions, comments, or guest suggestions, please reach out to us at [email protected].🎥 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 week’s episode of the Comfort Cases Podcast, Rob Scheer sits down with Amy Vale, foster parent and founder of For the Cubs, a purpose-driven brand creating sensory tools to support emotional regulation in children and adults alike.Amy shares how her own foster care journey inspired a mission: to design products that provide real comfort, like Percy, a weighted plush bear that mimics the feeling of a hug. Their conversation explores:✅ The power of pairing entrepreneurship with advocacy✅ How sensory tools support those facing trauma, ADHD, anxiety, and more✅ The lack of comforting resources for children entering care✅ What empathetic corporate responsibility really looks likeThis powerful episode is part of our ongoing spotlight series for National Foster Care Awareness Month. Don’t miss this heartfelt discussion about healing, innovation, and how we can all do better for youth in care.🔗 Learn more about For the Cubs: www.forthecubs.com📅 New episodes every Tuesday in May💙 Learn more about Comfort Cases: www.comfortcases.org📧 Contact: [email protected]🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Google Podcasts—wherever you tune in.🎥 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.

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, and we’re kicking it off with one of our most powerful episodes yet.This week on Fostering Change, host Rob Scheer is joined by special guest co-host Jennifer Perry, Executive Director of the Children’s Action Network and Co-Founder of FosterMore. Jennifer’s tireless advocacy has brought national attention to the urgent needs of the 108,000+ children in U.S. foster care currently waiting for adoptive families.Together, they sit down with Lara Love Hardin, author of The Many Lives of Mama Love—a 2024 Oprah Book Club selection and New York Times bestseller. In this profoundly moving conversation, Lara shares her remarkable journey through opioid addiction, incarceration, the devastating loss of her children, and how she fought her way back to rebuild her life.This episode is a raw and inspiring look at:The transformative power of storytellingThe realities of addiction, incarceration, and recoveryThe broken pieces of the foster care system—and how we can fix themThe power of second chances and redemption🎧 Listen, share, and comment on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts—or wherever you get your podcasts!📅 New episodes air every Tuesday throughout May in honor of National Foster Care Awareness Month. Remember to subscribe so you don’t miss a single story.🌐 Learn More & Support:Comfort Cases – https://www.comfortcases.org📧 Contact: [email protected]🔗 Featured Organizations:Children’s Action NetworkWebsite: https://www.childrensactionnetwork.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/childrensactionnetworkTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/childrensactionFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildrensActionNetworkFosterMoreWebsite: https://fostermore.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foster_moreTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/fostermoreFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FosterMore📚 About Lara Love Hardin:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laralovehardinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/laralovehardin📖 Buy The Many Lives of Mama Love: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-many-lives-of-mama-love-a-memoir-of-lying-stealing-writing-and-healing-lara-love-hardin/19897569 or wherever you buy books🎥 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.

When people think of fostering or adopting, the image that often comes to mind is a cute little baby. But what’s often forgotten are the older children—pre-teens and teens—who are just as in need of love, support, and a forever family.On this episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer welcomes Randi Thompson, co-founder of Kidsave—a remarkable nonprofit helping youth ages 9–17 in foster care and orphanages find meaningful, lasting connections and permanent homes. Randi is truly one of the “Good Humans” we’re honored to feature!Kidsave offers several incredible programs, including their flagship Weekend Miracles initiative, which connects older youth with families who are considering fostering or adoption. As Kidsave says:“When a child feels like they have someone in their corner, the world opens up to them, and they thrive.”🎉 Upcoming Kidsave Miracle Galas:📍 Washington, DC – May 29📍 Los Angeles – June 7📍 Houston – June 21💙 May is National Foster Care Awareness Month!Comfort Cases is celebrating with events, fundraisers, and new weekly episodes every Tuesday in May. The Season 6 finale airs June 3!💡 Have guest ideas for Season 7 (coming this Fall)? Reach out to our producer:📧 [email protected] | [email protected]🔗 Learn more about Kidsave and connect with them here:📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KidsaveInternational📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsave/🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.net/@kidsave🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kidsave💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kidsave/🌐 Website: https://www.kidsave.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 today’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer sits down with another incredible “Good Human” — Tristian Smith. After losing his mother at the age of seven, Tristian entered the foster care system, where he experienced over 25 placements and attended 13 different schools. Despite these hardships, he never let his circumstances define him.Tristian shares the powerful story behind his memoir, Against All Odds, which chronicles his journey through the challenges of foster care and his path to becoming a voice for change.Now a retired U.S. Army Officer, Tristian continues to serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), a Foster Care Review Board Member, and a mentor to youth aging out of the system. His commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and reform is genuinely inspiring.📘 Get Tristian’s book, Against All Odds, available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.🔗 Connect with Tristian: Instagram: @undeterred_anomalyLinkedIn: Tristian Smith📩 Have questions or guest suggestions? Please email us at [email protected]🎥 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.

Don’t you just love a really good person? On today’s episode of Fostering Change you’re about to meet one. Shawn Henss is truly the definition of what we call a “Good Human.” A nice guy, with a HUGE heart. Shawn is the founder of Giving Sole, a non-profit organization that gives new shoes to youth in foster care. Technically, Shawn’s son came up with the idea for Giving Sole at the age of 10! Since founding Giving Sole in 2018, they have given away more than 3,000 new, brand-name shoes and sneakers to youth in foster care throughout Arizona, and are looking to share this generosity throughout the US.We can go on longer here, but we’d rather you listen to Shawn’s story directly from him in this beautiful interview with our host, Rob Scheer.To find out more information about Giving Sole, including how to donate, please visit: www.givingsole.org.You can also follow them on various social media channels:Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/givingsole/Instagram@giving_soleTwitter/X@givingsoleThreadshttps://www.threads.net/@giving_soleLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/giving-sole#fostercare #givingsole #adoption🎥 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.