Supporting adopted, foster and homeless families!
Previous Episodes
Until There's None Left | His Mission to Save the Orphans in Our Own Backyards
"Eric, you're flying over kids to reach kids." That was the message Eric Porter received from God one day 14 years ago. As a pastor, he heard story after story of kids in his local community being neglected, abandoned and abused. When he began to witness it firsthand, he knew something had to change. So, when God said "go", he packed up his wife and kids and set out on a new mission: to rescue the orphan in his own backyard. That is how his ministry Backyard Orphans was founded and today they have saved over 2600 children through their powerful training programs, outreach initiatives and active global engagement. Today is part one of a two part special, so please be sure to tune in next week as we hear what's on the horizon for Eric and his team and how you can partner with Backyard Orphans.
Bridging the Gap for Youth and Families | Kandi Shaw’s Commitment to Community Care
This episode spotlights Kandi Shaw, a dedicated therapist and advocate who has spent nearly two decades supporting children and families in Ellis County. Drawing on her expansive experience as a trauma-informed therapist, member of the Child Welfare Board, writer of adoption home studies, and leader in transitional living programs, Kandi offers listeners an in-depth look at the interconnected supports available for foster youth, young adults, and single parents in the community.
Kandi shares her passion for guiding young adults ages 18–24—especially those aging out of foster care or lacking family support—through transitional living and skills-building programs. She discusses the crucial role of connection, family support, and trauma-informed approaches in helping youth and parents develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. The episode delves into the unique challenges faced by foster and adoptive parents as they nurture teens from hard places, the importance of customized parenting strategies and accountability, and ways to foster genuine, healing relationships.
Finding Blessings Through Faith in the Unexpected | April Walker’s Family Journey
This heartwarming episode features April Walker as she shares her family’s remarkable path through eight years of hope, heartbreak, and unwavering faith on the road to parenthood. After she and her husband were told by doctors they might never have children, they explored foster care and adoption—only to be met with setbacks, losses, and challenging moves. April’s story unfolds with emotional honesty as she recounts the initial loss of a beloved child she cared for in a hospital, their move out-of-state, and the long wait to start a family.
Listeners will follow April and her husband through their surprise pregnancy after years of waiting and their heartfelt longing for a daughter, only to be delightfully turned upside down with the joyous arrival of sons. Just as they moved past diapers and let go of expectations, an unexpected opportunity appeared: a baby girl in need within their extended family.
Embracing Hope in Hard Places | Emily Hindman’s Foster Care Journey
This week’s episode features Emily Hindman, a remarkable leader in the Ellis County foster and adoption community who truly wears many hats. Emily is a licensed professional counselor with 24 years of experience, a practicing attorney specializing in family law and adoptions, and the secretary of the Ellis County Child Welfare Board. Through her private counseling practice, she primarily serves foster youth and teens, while her law office focuses on helping families navigate CPS cases, custody, and—her true passion—adoption, having completed over 225 adoptions since becoming an attorney.
Serving Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Families | Rebecca Pettis
Meet Rebecca Pettis—a foster mom, adoptive mom, and tireless advocate for families in Waxahachie and beyond. In this heartwarming episode, Rebecca shares her journey as a mother of eight (two biological, four adopted, and two foster children) and her deep involvement in supporting the foster care community through Oaks Church. Rebecca opens up about her many roles: teaching others how to become foster parents, guiding churches in orphan care, and running a foster closet that provides free essentials to foster, adoptive, and kinship families. Whether it’s diapers, clothes, cribs, or encouragement, Rebecca’s mission is to ensure every child and caregiver feels seen, supported, and loved.
God’s Miraculous Rescue in Foster Care | Linda Bobo Reddoch's
In this episode, Linda opens up about her incredible story: how her foster parents’ bold prayers and relentless pursuit led to a divine intervention, how trust and compassion built unlikely bridges between families, and how God’s grace transformed even the most broken circumstances. She shares the heartbreak of her early years, the challenges of navigating adoption and identity, and the joy of witnessing her birth mother’s own redemption story.
God’s Unexpected Call to Heal Hearts
In this episode, Kyle shares how his path took surprising turns, from youth ministry to CPS investigator to group home director, and how every step prepared him for his current mission: equipping parents with the tools and compassion they need to truly connect with their children. He opens up about the challenges and rewards of implementing trust-based relational intervention (TBRI), why understanding the “why” behind a child’s behavior matters, and how even seasoned parents can be surprised by what foster care brings.
Tragedy Struck & She Leaned Into God | Foster & Adoptive Mom Shares Powerful Testimony
God’s calling on Tina’s life was truly unexpected. Kids grown and a grandmother herself, she never dreamed she would end up fostering and adopting two children, both with special needs. Then when tragedy struck her family, Tina had a choice to make: she could either let the grief consume her, or trust God and lean into His plan and the promise He gave her.
Adoptive Mom of 9 Shares BEST Advice for All Foster Parents
If you've ever considered fostering, then you will want to tune into today's episode. Listen to Tanya Orr as she shares her experience not only as a foster mom, but as the founder of her own child placement agency. Hear insider tips, honest advice and practical insight that every foster and aspiring foster parent needs to know!
Local Non-Profit Helps Children & Families In Need
Not everyone is called to foster or adopt, but everyone can help fill a need in the foster care community. Listen to founder and president Janna Horn as she shares how God called her to leave her full time job (and excellent income) to create "Standing in the Gap" from the ground up. if you've ever wondered if there is a place for you in the foster care community, the answer is a resounding "Yes!" Janna's story will both educate and inspire you as you take your first brave step towards God's call on your life.
Redeemed from Jail & Given Purpose
Aged out of the system, Daniel found himself without a family and without hope. Overcome with grief he felt there was only one way out. Until God showed him He had so much more in store for him. From jail cell to living a life dedicated to the LORD, listen to Daniel's powerful story of redemption and how his years in the foster care system have paved a way for him to help others facing his former reality.
Infertility and Foster Care: The Unexpected Answer to their Prayers
Welcome to the Fostering and Adoption Podcast with Nikki and Sam! Today is our very first episode and we could not be more excited to share this incredible story of love, grief and hope. Learn how this couple's journey of infertility set them on the path to not only adopt, but to also welcome 15 and counting foster children into their home. Through foster care, God has completely changed the trajectory of this family's life and brought new meaning to the words "selfless love".