RedCircle VERIFY_TOKEN_98d59df5-1384-4ba2-9116-9d8df00089ed -- Rendered At Wed, 27 May 2026 23:53:38 +0000 Fostering Bridges https://redcircle.com/shows/fostering-bridges en-US All rights reserved. Fostering Bridges Welcome to Fostering Bridges —a podcast dedicated to uplifting, supporting, and empowering foster, adoptive, and kinship parents. Whether you’re in the early days of your journey or have years of experience, this space is for you. We dive into real conversations, share stories of resilience, and explore the resources, strategies, and heart-centered approaches that help build stronger families. In each episode, you’ll hear from experts, fellow parents, and advocates who understand the challenges and joys that come with fostering and adopting. We’ll talk about everything from self-care to navigating the system, creating lasting connections, and honoring the unique needs of every child. This is Fostering Bridges —where we come together to learn, grow, and build the bridges that help our families thrive. 98d59df5-1384-4ba2-9116-9d8df00089ed Welcome to Fostering Bridges—a podcast dedicated to uplifting, supporting, and empowering foster, adoptive, and kinship parents. Whether you’re in the early days of your journey or have years of experience, this space is for you. We dive into real conversations, share stories of resilience, and explore the resources, strategies, and heart-centered approaches that help build stronger families.

In each episode, you’ll hear from experts, fellow parents, and advocates who understand the challenges and joys that come with fostering and adopting. We’ll talk about everything from self-care to navigating the system, creating lasting connections, and honoring the unique needs of every child.

This is Fostering Bridges—where we come together to learn, grow, and build the bridges that help our families thrive.

]]> episodic no Fostering Bridges duane@bridgescommunityministries.com no full From Foster Care to Forever Family – with Rep. Cody Harris From Foster Care to Forever Family – with Rep. Cody Harris Fostering Bridges In this inspiring episode of Fostering Bridges, host Duane Stark sits down with Texas State Representative Cody Harris for a candid conversation about faith, family, and the journey from fostering to adoption.

Cody and his wife didn’t plan to adopt at first—but when God opened the door, they said yes. Their story unfolds with honesty, humor, and heartfelt reflection as they talk about:

  • The moment they got the call about their future daughter
  • The ups and downs of the foster-to-adopt process
  • How faith sustained them through uncertainty
  • The vital role the church can play in supporting foster families
  • What adoption has taught them about grace, belonging, and God’s love

This episode is a powerful reminder that adoption is more than paperwork—it’s a picture of redemption, restoration, and unconditional love.

🎙️ Fostering Bridges is dedicated to uplifting, supporting, and empowering foster, adoptive, and kinship parents through real stories and practical encouragement.

Listen now and be encouraged to keep fostering hope, healing, and faith—one story at a time.

#FosterCare #Adoption #FaithAndFamily #CodyHarris #DuaneStark #FosteringBridges #Podcast

]]> <p>In this inspiring episode of <em>Fostering Bridges</em>, host <strong>Duane Stark</strong> sits down with <a href="https://house.texas.gov/members/3580" rel="nofollow"><strong>Texas State Representative Cody Harris</strong></a> for a candid conversation about <strong>faith, family, and the journey from fostering to adoption</strong>.</p><p>Cody and his wife didn’t plan to adopt at first—but when God opened the door, they said yes. Their story unfolds with honesty, humor, and heartfelt reflection as they talk about:</p><ul><li>The moment they got the call about their future daughter</li><li>The ups and downs of the foster-to-adopt process</li><li>How faith sustained them through uncertainty</li><li>The vital role the church can play in supporting foster families</li><li>What adoption has taught them about grace, belonging, and God’s love</li></ul><p>This episode is a powerful reminder that adoption is more than paperwork—it’s a picture of redemption, restoration, and unconditional love.</p><p>🎙️ <em>Fostering Bridges</em> is dedicated to <strong>uplifting, supporting, and empowering foster, adoptive, and kinship parents</strong> through real stories and practical encouragement.</p><p><strong>Listen now and be encouraged to keep fostering hope, healing, and faith—one story at a time.</strong></p><p>#FosterCare #Adoption #FaithAndFamily #CodyHarris #DuaneStark #FosteringBridges #Podcast</p> a824b833-080e-48dc-a509-7af81bfe176e https://redcircle.com/shows/98d59df5-1384-4ba2-9116-9d8df00089ed/episodes/71d86ad7-b4dd-481b-8a06-fed786e1fe0b Thu, 30 Oct 2025 10:00:42 +0000 1362 no full “One Photo Can Change a Life” — Gillian Sheridan on Heart Gallery of East Texas “One Photo Can Change a Life” — Gillian Sheridan on Heart Gallery of East Texas Fostering Bridges Some kids in foster care get overlooked—not because they aren’t amazing, but because they’re older, part of a sibling group, or have extra needs. In this episode, host Duane Stark visits with Gillian Sheridan, Director of the Heart Gallery of East Texas, to talk about how one photo and one story can completely change a child’s future.

Gillian explains how the Heart Gallery advocates for children who are waiting for adoption, shares the story behind its statewide relaunch, and offers practical ways churches, businesses, and individuals can get involved. Together, they discuss what it looks like when a community comes together to give kids the permanent families they deserve.

Listen in to hear:

  • What the Heart Gallery is and how it helps specific children find forever families
  • Why Texas launched Heart Galleries in every region
  • Real outcomes from East Texas and how collaboration makes a difference
  • How to get involved—whether by praying, hosting a display, volunteering, or supporting foster families

Learn more by searching Heart Gallery of East Texas or The Fostering Collective East Texas to connect, host a display, or explore training opportunities.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend or leader who could help open a door for a child. 💙

#FosterCare #Adoption #HeartGallery #FosteringBridges #EastTexas #KinshipCare #TraumaInformed #CommunitySupport


YouTube:

https://youtu.be/BNikM0ZA8J0


Facebook Short:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/4180158758902749


Website:

www.fosteringbridges.com/podcast


]]> <p>Some kids in foster care get overlooked—not because they aren’t amazing, but because they’re older, part of a sibling group, or have extra needs. In this episode, host <strong>Duane Stark</strong> visits with <strong>Gillian Sheridan</strong>, Director of the Heart Gallery of East Texas, to talk about how one photo and one story can completely change a child’s future.</p><p>Gillian explains how the Heart Gallery advocates for children who are waiting for adoption, shares the story behind its statewide relaunch, and offers practical ways churches, businesses, and individuals can get involved. Together, they discuss what it looks like when a community comes together to give kids the permanent families they deserve.</p><p><strong>Listen in to hear:</strong></p><ul><li>What the Heart Gallery is and how it helps specific children find forever families</li><li>Why Texas launched Heart Galleries in every region</li><li>Real outcomes from East Texas and how collaboration makes a difference</li><li>How to get involved—whether by praying, hosting a display, volunteering, or supporting foster families</li></ul><p>Learn more by searching <strong>Heart Gallery of East Texas</strong> or <strong>The Fostering Collective East Texas</strong> to connect, host a display, or explore training opportunities.</p><p>If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend or leader who could help open a door for a child. 💙</p><p>#FosterCare #Adoption #HeartGallery #FosteringBridges #EastTexas #KinshipCare #TraumaInformed #CommunitySupport</p><p><br></p><p>YouTube:</p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/BNikM0ZA8J0" rel="nofollow">https://youtu.be/BNikM0ZA8J0</a></p><p><br></p><p>Facebook Short:</p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/4180158758902749" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/reel/4180158758902749</a></p><p><br></p><p>Website:</p><p><a href="http://www.fosteringbridges.com/podcast" rel="nofollow">www.fosteringbridges.com/podcast</a></p><p><br></p> 9e385e37-0fe8-4274-af2e-dce9b503fbd9 https://redcircle.com/shows/98d59df5-1384-4ba2-9116-9d8df00089ed/episodes/e712c799-b892-4589-8baf-64492e4bf1e4 Tue, 21 Oct 2025 10:00:18 +0000 1161 no full From Two to Six Overnight: A Foster Mom’s Incredible Leap of Faith From Two to Six Overnight: A Foster Mom’s Incredible Leap of Faith Fostering Bridges In this episode of Fostering Bridges, Duane Stark talks with Dolores Price, who shares the remarkable story of how she and her husband Hunter went from a quiet home of two to a full house of six—all within just 48 hours.

What began as a plan to adopt one baby turned into welcoming four pre-teens into their family. Dolores reflects on the heartbreak of infertility, the surprise of sudden parenthood, and the faith that carried them through each unexpected turn.

🎧 In this conversation:

  • How one weekend changed their lives forever
  • The challenges and blessings of fostering older children
  • Learning to trust God’s plan even when it looks different than expected
  • Why presence matters more than perfection

💬 “We thought we needed an infant—God knew we needed four big kids.”

Subscribe for more real and encouraging stories from foster, adoptive, and kinship families who are building bridges of hope one home at a time.

#FosteringBridges #FosterCare #AdoptionStory #FaithAndFamily #Parenting #FosterParents #AdoptionJourney #RealStories

]]> <p>In this episode of <strong>Fostering Bridges</strong>, Duane Stark talks with <strong>Dolores Price</strong>, who shares the remarkable story of how she and her husband Hunter went from a quiet home of two to a full house of six—all within just 48 hours.</p><p>What began as a plan to adopt one baby turned into welcoming four pre-teens into their family. Dolores reflects on the heartbreak of infertility, the surprise of sudden parenthood, and the faith that carried them through each unexpected turn.</p><p>🎧 <strong>In this conversation:</strong></p><ul><li>How one weekend changed their lives forever</li><li>The challenges and blessings of fostering older children</li><li>Learning to trust God’s plan even when it looks different than expected</li><li>Why presence matters more than perfection</li></ul><p>💬 “We thought we needed an infant—God knew we needed four big kids.”</p><p>Subscribe for more real and encouraging stories from foster, adoptive, and kinship families who are building bridges of hope one home at a time.</p><p>#FosteringBridges #FosterCare #AdoptionStory #FaithAndFamily #Parenting #FosterParents #AdoptionJourney #RealStories</p> 8cb45bd3-b10a-44e4-b2db-55421c424d3a https://redcircle.com/shows/98d59df5-1384-4ba2-9116-9d8df00089ed/episodes/7b4156d4-2e2e-45e8-96ee-7f6bea93381b Tue, 14 Oct 2025 10:00:51 +0000 2393 no full Finally Home: Saying Yes When It Costs Everything - Kristin Orphan Finally Home: Saying Yes When It Costs Everything - Kristin Orphan Fostering Bridges Join host Duane Stark on Fostering Bridges as he sits down with Kristin Orphan, co-founder of Finally Home, a nationwide ministry supporting foster, adoptive, and kinship families. Kristin shares her powerful journey—from unexpected kinship care to full-time ministry—and the lessons learned when obedience leads through seasons of sacrifice.


Discover how Finally Home equips families with practical resources, trauma-informed tools, and community connections to help every child feel safe, stable, and finally home.


🔗 Learn more at www.fosteringbridges.com and www.finallyhome.net

.

]]> <p><span>Join host Duane Stark on Fostering Bridges as he sits down with Kristin Orphan, co-founder of Finally Home, a nationwide ministry supporting foster, adoptive, and kinship families. Kristin shares her powerful journey—from unexpected kinship care to full-time ministry—and the lessons learned when obedience leads through seasons of sacrifice.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span>Discover how Finally Home equips families with practical resources, trauma-informed tools, and community connections to help every child feel safe, stable, and finally home.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span>🔗 Learn more at </span><a href="http://www.fosteringbridges.com" rel="nofollow">www.fosteringbridges.com</a><span> and </span><a href="http://www.finallyhome.net" rel="nofollow">www.finallyhome.net</a></p><p><span>.</span></p> 206a1b41-d4b7-45f5-b21f-efdcc69867ca https://redcircle.com/shows/98d59df5-1384-4ba2-9116-9d8df00089ed/episodes/610479f3-db71-47d8-81f9-01c83ee275be Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:00:55 +0000 1709 no full In It Together - Senator Gelser Blouin (Oregon Legislature) In It Together - Senator Gelser Blouin (Oregon Legislature) Fostering Bridges Senator Gelser Blouin (Oregon Legislature), recipient of the 2021 Carl Levin Award for Effective Oversight, discusses the process of passing child welfare legislature and where to start if you have an idea for policy change.


https://fosteringbridges.com/podcast


]]> <p>Senator Gelser Blouin (Oregon Legislature), recipient of the <a href="https://www.levin-center.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Press-Release-Senator-Gelser-2021-Carl-Levin-Award-2.pdf" rel="nofollow">2021 Carl Levin Award for Effective Oversight</a>, discusses the process of passing child welfare legislature and where to start if you have an idea for policy change.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://fosteringbridges.com/podcast" rel="nofollow">https://fosteringbridges.com/podcast</a></p><p><br></p> a1b5e5e0-9f04-4fe7-bcad-314e81e0bc2f https://redcircle.com/shows/98d59df5-1384-4ba2-9116-9d8df00089ed/episodes/cb4785f1-03e6-4e80-a316-62d07f0098e6 Mon, 07 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000 1566 no full Give Us An Opportunity - Tonya Fuller (Texas DFPS) Give Us An Opportunity - Tonya Fuller (Texas DFPS) Fostering Bridges Tonya Fuller, Faith-Based and Community Engagement Specialist for the Texas Department of Families and Protective Services shares insights into the process of children entering foster care and how community members can help.

]]> <p>Tonya Fuller, Faith-Based and Community Engagement Specialist for the Texas Department of Families and Protective Services shares insights into the process of children entering foster care and how community members can help.</p> 7b6582cd-bc7c-43ad-8276-a87435c7c86d https://redcircle.com/shows/98d59df5-1384-4ba2-9116-9d8df00089ed/episodes/9b17e1a4-0da1-42a0-8458-c9736876f807 Mon, 31 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000 1665 no full Don't Be Afraid To Love Them - Ruth Babel Don't Be Afraid To Love Them - Ruth Babel Fostering Bridges Ruth Babel shares her experience taking in 88 children over a decade and provides tips on working with the bio parents of foster children.


https://fosteringbridges.com/podcast

]]> <p>Ruth Babel shares her experience taking in 88 children over a decade and provides tips on working with the bio parents of foster children.</p><p><br></p><p>https://fosteringbridges.com/podcast</p> 5a4ff7fe-d8d5-4086-907f-efa5497ad3cd https://redcircle.com/shows/98d59df5-1384-4ba2-9116-9d8df00089ed/episodes/79f52d1e-039f-4b3c-bc74-d66b9cd50997 Mon, 24 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000 1601 no full It's a Calling - Jana Morris It's a Calling - Jana Morris Fostering Bridges Jana Morris discusses being "called" into foster care.


https://fosteringbridges.com/podcast

]]> <p>Jana Morris discusses being &#34;called&#34; into foster care.</p><p><br></p><p>https://fosteringbridges.com/podcast</p> 491a38c1-f618-4859-82b7-e8785e0fb8ff https://redcircle.com/shows/98d59df5-1384-4ba2-9116-9d8df00089ed/episodes/1a15e1bb-8c56-49c2-b08a-5165817d673f Mon, 17 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000 1740 no full From Empty Nest to Baby in a Crib From Empty Nest to Baby in a Crib Fostering Bridges John Thigpen shares his experience of going from being an empty nester to having a baby in the house, challenges, decisions, and the joy of saying yes to hard things.

Watch on Youtube.

https://fosteringbridges.com/podcast

]]> <p>John Thigpen shares his experience of going from being an empty nester to having a baby in the house, challenges, decisions, and the joy of saying yes to hard things.</p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/fVRqfXPEVAM" rel="nofollow">Watch on Youtube.</a></p><p>https://fosteringbridges.com/podcast</p> 5f5f3702-8556-4230-b7f8-bc5f32488178 https://redcircle.com/shows/98d59df5-1384-4ba2-9116-9d8df00089ed/episodes/6d289324-32c0-4cae-8654-b31e0acd509a Mon, 03 Mar 2025 23:40:23 +0000 1451 no full A Place For Every Child - Brooke Gray of Every Child A Place For Every Child - Brooke Gray of Every Child Fostering Bridges In this episode, Brooke Gray of Every Child shares how everyday individuals can get involved in foster care even if they cannot take a child into their house.


https://fosteringbridges.com/podcast

]]> <p>In this episode, Brooke Gray of Every Child shares how everyday individuals can get involved in foster care even if they cannot take a child into their house.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://fosteringbridges.com/podcast" rel="nofollow">https://fosteringbridges.com/podcast</a></p> 4bf01fd0-10ff-480d-a5dd-f64485c18e4e https://redcircle.com/shows/98d59df5-1384-4ba2-9116-9d8df00089ed/episodes/aa9ba563-f08c-454d-907d-5b8719b21bc3 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000 1318 no full Find Your Fit - Justin Hayes Find Your Fit - Justin Hayes Fostering Bridges Justin Hayes of The Fostering Collective shares how they mobilize community members to engage in the foster care system through a personalized experience of helping individuals find their fit.


https://www.thefosteringcollective.org/


https://fosteringbridges.com/podcast

]]> <p>Justin Hayes of The Fostering Collective shares how they mobilize community members to engage in the foster care system through a personalized experience of helping individuals find their fit.</p><p><br></p><p>https://www.thefosteringcollective.org/</p><p><br></p><p>https://fosteringbridges.com/podcast</p> 37acdb8e-f5b3-4e3f-b985-7c80ca10caf2 https://redcircle.com/shows/98d59df5-1384-4ba2-9116-9d8df00089ed/episodes/9ccb7463-f0f3-4e78-a42e-d0cae8ae9b6c Mon, 17 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000 1018 no full Don't Call Me A Saint - Duane Stark Don't Call Me A Saint - Duane Stark Fostering Bridges In this episode, Duane Stark shares his thoughts on why he doesn't like people calling him a saint when they learn about his experiences as a foster and adoptive dad.


Visit the YouTube link below for the video:

https://youtu.be/iquuzzvWYfY?si=B0MD02HplFkY2-Da

]]> <p>In this episode, Duane Stark shares his thoughts on why he doesn&#39;t like people calling him a saint when they learn about his experiences as a foster and adoptive dad.</p><p><br></p><p>Visit the YouTube link below for the video:</p><p>https://youtu.be/iquuzzvWYfY?si=B0MD02HplFkY2-Da</p> 6a0d7d79-10d2-48b5-bb4f-bc042e0a5ca8 https://redcircle.com/shows/98d59df5-1384-4ba2-9116-9d8df00089ed/episodes/0faaf1df-6935-42ed-99e3-38a95871adae Sat, 15 Feb 2025 14:00:00 +0000 401 no full It Often Doesn't Go As Planned - Matthew Rothrock It Often Doesn't Go As Planned - Matthew Rothrock Fostering Bridges Matthew Rothrock (Oregon) shares some of the challenges of foster care while discussing how plans, expectations, boundaries, and desires can all change with little to no notice.


https://fosteringbridges.com/podcast

]]> <p>Matthew Rothrock (Oregon) shares some of the challenges of foster care while discussing how plans, expectations, boundaries, and desires can all change with little to no notice.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://fosteringbridges.com/podcast" rel="nofollow">https://fosteringbridges.com/podcast</a></p> 6d51315c-1f84-4496-b187-816efe4eebc2 https://redcircle.com/shows/98d59df5-1384-4ba2-9116-9d8df00089ed/episodes/4d57ff80-9546-41eb-9309-15bef3018678 Fri, 14 Feb 2025 14:00:00 +0000 2089 no full Say Yes To God - Matt Heverly Say Yes To God - Matt Heverly Fostering Bridges Matt Heverly shares some of the challenges and blessings of being a foster parent.


Resources & websites mentioned in this episode:

Edgewater Christian Fellowship

Safe Families

Isaiah 58:12

Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins

    and will raise up the age-old foundations;

you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,

    Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

]]> <p>Matt Heverly shares some of the challenges and blessings of being a foster parent.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Resources &amp; websites mentioned in this episode:</strong></p><p><a href="https://edgewaterfellowship.org/" rel="nofollow">Edgewater Christian Fellowship</a></p><p><a href="https://edgewaterfellowship.org/safe-families/" rel="nofollow">Safe Families</a></p><p><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+58%3A12&version=NIV" rel="nofollow">Isaiah 58:12</a></p><p>Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins</p><p>    and will raise up the age-old foundations;</p><p>you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,</p><p>    Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.</p> 59b70867-e393-4223-bb4f-be21ff5b6e7a https://redcircle.com/shows/98d59df5-1384-4ba2-9116-9d8df00089ed/episodes/36053ef1-428c-47bf-839a-b6764bb8d773 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 14:00:00 +0000 1227 no full Becoming A Foster Parent In East Texas - Amy Bobbitt Becoming A Foster Parent In East Texas - Amy Bobbitt Fostering Bridges In this episode, we talk with Amy Bobbitt of East Texas. Amy has been a Foster Home Developer with MCH Family Outreach for the past six years. We discuss what is involved with becoming certified as a foster parent and the role of a child-placing agency.


You can visit MCH.org or call 903-509-1171 to connect with Amy.

https://www.mch.org/services/foster-care/

https://fosteringbridges.com/

]]> <p>In this episode, we talk with Amy Bobbitt of East Texas. Amy has been a Foster Home Developer with MCH Family Outreach for the past six years. We discuss what is involved with becoming certified as a foster parent and the role of a child-placing agency.</p><p><br></p><p>You can visit MCH.org or call 903-509-1171 to connect with Amy.</p><p>https://www.mch.org/services/foster-care/</p><p>https://fosteringbridges.com/</p> 4ee0eb63-bfc4-4bd7-8343-54a8211ea49e https://redcircle.com/shows/98d59df5-1384-4ba2-9116-9d8df00089ed/episodes/d5eeb51a-f903-4d2b-b8fa-647073e659a9 Thu, 30 Jan 2025 14:00:00 +0000 1135 no full Embrace The Mess - Frant Matz Embrace The Mess - Frant Matz 1 1 Fostering Bridges In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at a long-term foster family (The Matz Family - Oregon). Frank discusses family roles, bonding with foster children, and relational challenges.

]]> <p>In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at a long-term foster family (The Matz Family - Oregon). Frank discusses family roles, bonding with foster children, and relational challenges.</p> 44e0c419-e262-4bf1-959a-bb4113449f4d https://fosteringbridges.com/ Mon, 20 Jan 2025 14:00:00 +0000 1274 no