In this episode we interview Monica with Learning Bridge. This is an amazing program that matches tutors with foster and unhoused youth. Monica is passionate about serving these youths and is a joy to listen to. One of the best things about Learning Bridge is their extremely intentional matching process where they do their best to match kids with tutors who will click with them personally. Give it a listen, you may just be in need of exactly what Learning Bridge offers!

(Names used in episode have been changed to protect privacy.)

Learning Bridge - https://learningbridgetx.org/

Heart Gallery of Central Texas: heartgallerytexas.com

Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE): https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Adoption_and_Foster_Care/About_TARE/Adoption/

Department of Family and Protective Services: https://www.dfps.texas.gov/

In this episode we interview Kat Duprey, a longtime friend of Jon and Sarah. Kat is pure joy, and has an incredible life story. She walks us through her early years in foster care through aging out and starting a family of her own through adoption and foster care. Her vulnerability on the ups and downs of life will make you think deeply about the foster care system and slowing things down a little.

Heart Gallery of Central Texas: heartgallerytexas.com

Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE): https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Adoption_and_Foster_Care/About_TARE/Adoption/

Department of Family and Protective Services: https://www.dfps.texas.gov/

In this episode, we sit down with Randyl and Erin, who both work within the Texas foster care system, focusing on adoption and post-adoption services. Their passion for supporting children and families—and their heart for this work—shine throughout the conversation.

If you’re a family navigating life after adoption, this episode is especially for you. From practical support to ongoing resources, there are many tools available to help families thrive and maintain a strong, successful adoption. Take a listen as Randyl and Erin share their insight, encouragement, and the resources available to families on their post-adoption journey.

DFPS Find Help for Your Adopted Child - https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Child_Protection/Adoption/adoption_support.asp#contacts

DFPS Social Media Toolkit: Post Adoption Services - https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Child_Protection/Adoption/adoption_support/toolkit/

Heart Galleries of Texas website - www.HGTX.org

Heart Gallery of Central Texas: heartgallerytexas.com

Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE): https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Adoption_and_Foster_Care/About_TARE/Adoption/

Department of Family and Protective Services: https://www.dfps.texas.gov/

In this episode we interview Adian, an amazing 16 year old in foster care who is looking for an adoptive home. He is fun to talk to, loves to joke around, and has a wide range of skills and interests. While Adian is super adaptable and positive about life, he is looking for a family that will support him and ensure that he always has someone to lean on. This was such a fun interview and we can't wait for you to laugh along with us. The question is, can you picture Adian in your family?

Adian’s Heart Gallery Profile - https://partnershipsforchildren.org/heartgallery/adian/

Heart Gallery of Central Texas: heartgallerytexas.com

Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE): https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Adoption_and_Foster_Care/About_TARE/Adoption/

Department of Family and Protective Services: https://www.dfps.texas.gov/

In this episode we interview James Van Bibber, a father of 3 adopted children and a board member for Partnerships For Children. His story is eerily similar to the movie “Instant Family”. James walks us through his story from seeing his children for the first time on a news segment all the way to now, with grown children and a voice within the child welfare system. You will love hearing his story and it will encourage you in parenting.

Heart Gallery of Central Texas: heartgallerytexas.com

Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE): https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Adoption_and_Foster_Care/About_TARE/Adoption/

Department of Family and Protective Services: https://www.dfps.texas.gov/

In this episode we interview Kristi Kirk, the president of Concordia University Texas. Kristi is also a mother, step mother, kinship, and foster mother. Her story will blow you away! From her start as a teen mom who was able to thrive with the support of her community, all the way up to where she is now in her career as president of a university and as a mother. Kristi is an inspiration to those mothering in all stages of life and is an example of how to care for those who are struggling.

Concordia University Texas - https://www.concordia.edu/

Heart Gallery of Central Texas: heartgallerytexas.com

Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE): https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Adoption_and_Foster_Care/About_TARE/Adoption/

Department of Family and Protective Services: https://www.dfps.texas.gov/

In this episode we interview Michalina Armulowicz, the founder and executive director of Mosaic Advocacy. Mosaic Advocacy provides free support and mentor services for parents whose children are in foster care. The passion inside of Michalina is inspiring and will make you ready to make a change. Mosaic Advocacy is truly a labor of love and I can't wait for you to hear Michalina introduce it to you.

Mosaic Advocacy - https://www.mosaicadvocacy.org/

Heart Gallery of Central Texas: https://heartgallerytexas.com

Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE): https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Adoption_and_Foster_Care/About_TARE/Adoption/

In this episode we interview Maria McCord, a Collaborative Family Engagement Coach for Texas CASA. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate and their job is to be a voice for children in foster care. Maria became involved in the foster care system when she herself was a child in foster care. You will hear how her story begins with a caring CASA volunteer giving her the information and support she needed and how it has evolved into a career full of making a difference within the system. If her story inspires you to get involved, consider becoming a CASA volunteer!

Texas CASA - https://texascasa.org/

Become a CASA - https://texascasa.org/become-a-casa/

Heart Gallery of Central Texas: heartgallerytexas.com

Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE): https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Adoption_and_Foster_Care/About_TARE/Adoption/

Department of Family and Protective Services: https://www.dfps.texas.gov/