ReStoried

In this episode, we dive into the crucial role foster families play in the reunification process. Our discussion aims to encourage foster families to embrace their part in the team effort required for successful reunification. We'll provide an overview of foster care, emphasizing why reunification is the primary goal despite common misconceptions. Many people struggle with the idea of children returning to their biological homes, but this is the cornerstone of foster care. Building relationsh...

In this episode of Restoried, we introduce our newest team member, Larkyn Forchione, the new Youth Empowerment Coordinator. Larkyn shares her journey as a single foster and adoptive mom, how God led her to Hope Bridge, and her passion for serving young people impacted by foster care. We also announce the transition from our former "Aged Out Youth Program" to the newly named Youth Empowerment Program. This change reflects our commitment to supporting youth and young adults impacted by th...

In this month’s spiritual formation conversation, we continue our series by reflecting on the practice of fasting and why it matters for our walk with Christ. Spiritual formation helps re-center our lives on Jesus when everything else competes for our attention. Fasting is more than just abstaining from food; it’s intentionally setting something aside to create space to seek God. Looking at Jesus in the wilderness, we see how fasting prepares us to depend on God rather than comfort, con...

In this really special episode for Foster Care Awareness Month, Nicole sits down with DiEmma, the biological mom of her three adopted kids—for an honest conversation about what it actually looks like to choose relationship in the middle of really hard things. What started over ten years ago in the middle of addiction, loss, and the foster care system has slowly grown into something neither of them expected, a relationship built on respect, compassion, and a shared love for the same kid...

In this episode of Restoried, Brian Troyer discusses the power of scripture memorization as a key practice for spiritual formation. Moving beyond simply studying the Bible, he emphasizes how hiding God’s Word in our hearts transforms the way we think, respond, and live. Through personal stories, Brian shares how scripture became a source of strength, truth, and real-life change during both challenging parenting seasons and his cancer journey. This episode is both an encouragement and a challe...

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, this episode of Restoried highlights the incredible impact of volunteers at Hope Bridge and the vital role they play in supporting foster families, single moms, and vulnerable children. While not everyone is called to foster, we are all called to care, and Hope Bridge gives people tangible ways to step into that calling. Simply put, this work would not be possible without the faithful, consistent presence of volunteers who give their time, talents, an...

In this episode of Restoried, we’re talking about Sabbath, what it actually looks like in real, everyday life. It’s not just about taking a day off, but about creating a rhythm of stopping, resting, delighting, and spending time with God. We get into how Sabbath can sometimes feel rigid or unrealistic, but how it can actually become something really freeing and life-giving. Even small, intentional shifts, like unplugging from your phone or slowing down enough to connect with the people ...

In honor of Social Work Appreciation Month, we’re resharing one of our earlier conversations with Blake Boyer. Blake is a Christian social worker whose passion is encouraging and equipping believers who are fostering, adopting, and supporting children and families involved in the child welfare system. She also mentors social workers as they navigate the challenges of this important work. In this episode, Blake shares honestly about the realities of the child welfare system and the unique pres...

On this episode of Restoried, Mel sits down to talk with Jen Zwick and Cat Tortola about hope, faith, and transformation. Cat isn’t just a graduate of the Hope Bridge Single Moms Program; she’s now the Single Mom Program’s coordinator, helping other single moms navigate life, growth, and family. She shares her journey from feeling stuck and overwhelmed to finding support, community, and confidence through Hope Bridge. Cat shares about her experience moving into transitional housing, ste...

In this episode of Restoried, we sit down with Jamie Fuller to hear her family’s unexpected journey into kinship care. It’s a story shaped by loss, faith, and God’s redemptive work. What Jamie thought would be a season of empty nesting turned into something she and her husband, JP, never imagined. They welcomed their two nephews after the tragic loss of their parents. Jamie shares honestly about what it’s like to suddenly step into trauma-informed parenting while also grieving the life ...

In this episode of Restoried, we sit down with Ryan North of One Big Happy Home for a real and encouraging conversation about foster care, adoption, connected parenting, and staying faithful in hard seasons. With more than 30 foster placements and years of lived experience, Ryan shares what he and his wife, Kayla, have learned about building strong relationships with kids impacted by trauma. Ryan talks about why connection matters more than predictions or diagnoses, how creativity and f...

Today on Restoried, we’re joined by Kim Bezek, one of our breakout speakers for Mobilize Ohio. Kim is a children’s ministry director at a local church and a mom of five, parenting kids with a wide range of abilities, including Down syndrome and ADHD. Kim shares honestly about what it’s like to embrace a life that doesn’t look the way you originally imagined, and how that experience connects so deeply with foster and adoptive parenting. She talks about raising kids who don’t fit the “mol...

On this episode, we sit down with Reuben Watson, one of the breakout speakers for Mobilize Ohio, to hear his incredible story of faith, resilience, and redemption. Reuben grew up in foster care, facing abuse and neglect, and even attempted suicide at just eight years old. Adopted as a teenager, he found hope and healing through Jesus, who carried him through every dark season and gave him a new purpose. Today, Reuben serves as Director of Unity in Action at the Lexington Leadership Foun...