Our guest today is Russ Youngblood. He and his wife Violet have been married for many years. Russ served in the military during Vietnam as a combat Marine and then all over the US, Europe and Israel with the Army Criminal Investigation Division. He now is enjoying his grandchildren and a well-deserved retirement. Russ is one of a few who grew up at TBHC when it was an orphanage. He joins us to share his experience about the life he has lived that was made possible by a place many called home. His story sounds like the American dream. He joins the Podcast today hoping you would be inspired to care for children from hard places.

Our guest today is Russ Youngblood. He and his wife Violet have been married for many years. Russ served in the military during Vietnam as a combat Marine and then all over the US, Europe and Israel with the Army Criminal Investigation Division. He now is enjoying his grandchildren and a well-deserved retirement. Russ is one of a few who grew up at TBHC when it was an orphanage. He joins us to share his experience about the life he has lived that was made possible by a place many called home. His story sounds like the American dream. He joins the Podcast today hoping you would be inspired to care for children from hard places.


                Learning Joy: Russ
            

Ms. Joanna has been with TBHC off and on in some capacity since 1969. She has seen this ministry evolve from institutional style living to home-like cottages through today where we specialize in foster care and adoption. She has worked under five Presidents and held numerous positions within TBHC. Listen to her memories on some of the impactful people that she has had the privilege of working with over the years. 

Ms. Joanna has been with TBHC off and on in some capacity since 1969. She has seen this ministry evolve from institutional style living to home-like cottages through today where we specialize in foster care and adoption. She has worked under five Presidents and held numerous positions within TBHC. Listen to her memories on some of the impactful people that she has had the privilege of working with over the years.


                Over the Years with Ms. Joanna
            

Our guest today is TBHC’s very own Staci Beck. She grew up in Euless Texas. Staci and her husband Bentley have made Waxahachie home for more than 5 years. They are raising their beautiful daughters Cofi and Rosine as well as their 3 dogs who are very important members of the family. Along with Staci’s work at TBHC as our Foster Care Director she has her LPC and has experience in counseling all ages of children. Staci’s story is redemptive and truly shines God’s glory through. She joins us today hoping that what she shares will open more hearts to adoption and foster care.

Our guest today is TBHC’s very own Staci Beck. She grew up in Euless Texas. Staci and her husband Bentley have made Waxahachie home for more than 5 years. They are raising their beautiful daughters Cofi and Rosine as well as their 3 dogs who are very important members of the family. Along with Staci’s work at TBHC as our Foster Care Director she has her LPC and has experience in counseling all ages of children. Staci’s story is redemptive and truly shines God’s glory through. She joins us today hoping that what she shares will open more hearts to adoption and foster care.


                The Job; Guide Them: Staci
            

Our guest today is Dana Holt, TBHC’s Regional Foster Care &amp; Adoption Director. Dana has worn many hats during her 10 years at TBHC. She has recently opened our new Permian Basin branch office in Odessa, TX. She is an advocate for helping children heal from trauma as well as being an extra support for foster families through this process. Dana shares how you can get involved and bring awareness to the needs of foster care during Foster Care Awareness Month!   Day of Prayer-Permian Basin on Tuesday, May 3rd  Permian Basin Gives - One-day Fundraiser - May 17th

Our guest today is Dana Holt, TBHC’s Regional Foster Care &amp; Adoption Director. Dana has worn many hats during her 10 years at TBHC. She has recently opened our new Permian Basin branch office in Odessa, TX. She is an advocate for helping children heal from trauma as well as being an extra support for foster families through this process. Dana shares how you can get involved and bring awareness to the needs of foster care during Foster Care Awareness Month! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1014326809167740" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Day of Prayer-Permian Basin on Tuesday, May 3rd </a> <a href="https://permianbasingives.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Permian Basin Gives - One-day Fundraiser - May 17th</a>


                Foster Care Awareness: Dana
            

Our guest today is Jessica Cawthorn. She grew up in Waxahachie and currently lives in Rockwall, TX with her husband, John and a 3-year-old son Kain! We are excited to explore Jessica’s story with you today. Jessica has been connected to TBHC since she was 13 years old. Her story is one of resiliency and redemption.  She joins us today furthering TBHC mission and hoping to encourage and bring awareness to help youth who were in foster care, currently in foster care, or have aged out of foster care.

Our guest today is Jessica Cawthorn. She grew up in Waxahachie and currently lives in Rockwall, TX with her husband, John and a 3-year-old son Kain! We are excited to explore Jessica’s story with you today. Jessica has been connected to TBHC since she was 13 years old. Her story is one of resiliency and redemption.  She joins us today furthering TBHC mission and hoping to encourage and bring awareness to help youth who were in foster care, currently in foster care, or have aged out of foster care.


                Be Uncomfortable: Jessica
            

We will be visiting with Staci Beck, TBHC's Lead Foster Care Director/Clinical Associate, about Child Abuse Detection and Prevention.  April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Staci will be talking about the different types of abuse that can occur as well as warning signs to look for and what to do when we suspect abuse. Knowing how abuse affects children and communities highlights the need for stable, loving foster homes for these children who have experienced trauma. Don’t miss this impactful episode.  Find out how you can support TBHC and bring awareness: https://tbhc.org/a-staggering-statistic/ Check the Podcast Now I See:  Jason Curry, Fostering and Adopting – Now I See (nis.media)

We will be visiting with Staci Beck, TBHC's Lead Foster Care Director/Clinical Associate, about Child Abuse Detection and Prevention.  April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Staci will be talking about the different types of abuse that can occur as well as warning signs to look for and what to do when we suspect abuse. Knowing how abuse affects children and communities highlights the need for stable, loving foster homes for these children who have experienced trauma. Don’t miss this impactful episode.  Find out how you can support TBHC and bring awareness: <a href="https://tbhc.org/a-staggering-statistic/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://tbhc.org/a-staggering-statistic/</a> Check the Podcast Now I See:  <a href="https://nis.media/jason-curry-fostering-and-adopting/?utm_source=mailpoet&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=the-latest-guest-from-the-nis-podcast_3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jason Curry, Fostering and Adopting – Now I See (nis.media)</a>


                Child Abuse Prevention: Staci
            

Our guest today is Cody Jenkins. Cody spent most of his informative years in Blooming Grove TX. His parents still call this little town home. His current community is Ellis County and he serves on staff at First Baptist Church Red Oak as the Spiritual Formation Pastor. Using his words, Cody describes his family as “we’re pretty awesome”. He and his wife Bristi were married May 1, 2010 and have 4 children.  Akiann 10, Ainslee 8, Blaiklee, Cainan. Cody is passionate about Jesus but also about Aggie Football and when you're around him watching a game you may think he has lost his mind.  Cody’s story is God shaping and a glimpse of his grace and sovereignty through the journey. He joins me today to encourage someone else through His family story of adoption. Podcast brought to you by ImagiNation Learning Center. Find out more at imaginationcenter.com

Our guest today is Cody Jenkins. Cody spent most of his informative years in Blooming Grove TX. His parents still call this little town home. His current community is Ellis County and he serves on staff at First Baptist Church Red Oak as the Spiritual Formation Pastor. Using his words, Cody describes his family as “we’re pretty awesome”. He and his wife Bristi were married May 1, 2010 and have 4 children.  Akiann 10, Ainslee 8, Blaiklee, Cainan. Cody is passionate about Jesus but also about Aggie Football and when you're around him watching a game you may think he has lost his mind. Cody’s story is God shaping and a glimpse of his grace and sovereignty through the journey. He joins me today to encourage someone else through His family story of adoption. Podcast brought to you by ImagiNation Learning Center. Find out more at <a href="http://imaginationcenter.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">imaginationcenter.com</a>


                A Glimpse of Grace: Cody 
            

Our guest today is Trooper Colunga. Trooper Colunga grew up in Marlin and Waco Texas.  He has lived in Ennis since 1980. He had a great career in Law Enforcement and after 40 years is enjoying a well-deserved retirement. Trooper Colunga has been married to his wife Diana for 10 years and they have 4 children. He is here to share his story of adoption and the value of an education. Through his years of serving in Law Enforcement he has partnered with TBHC to help give our kids a push towards a successful future. His story is one of blessing. He joins our Podcast today hoping to inspire others and help Bring Kids Home.   Podcast brought to you by ImagiNation Learning Center. Find out more at imaginationcenter.com

Our guest today is Trooper Colunga. Trooper Colunga grew up in Marlin and Waco Texas.  He has lived in Ennis since 1980. He had a great career in Law Enforcement and after 40 years is enjoying a well-deserved retirement. Trooper Colunga has been married to his wife Diana for 10 years and they have 4 children. He is here to share his story of adoption and the value of an education. Through his years of serving in Law Enforcement he has partnered with TBHC to help give our kids a push towards a successful future. His story is one of blessing. He joins our Podcast today hoping to inspire others and help Bring Kids Home. Podcast brought to you by ImagiNation Learning Center. Find out more at <a href="http://imaginationcenter.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">imaginationcenter.com</a>


                Shaping Our Hearts: Colunga
            

Our guest today is Mallori Gallegos. She lives in Roanoke TX with her five-year-old son Isaiah! She services in ministry with kids at Cross Timbers Church specifically in The Hope Center. I’m excited to explore Mallori and Isaiah’s story with you today. Her story is proof that God’s plans for our lives are always bigger and better than any we can imagine. She joins us today furthering TBHC mission and hoping to encourage single moms to know they are not alone.

Our guest today is Mallori Gallegos. She lives in Roanoke TX with her five-year-old son Isaiah! She services in ministry with kids at Cross Timbers Church specifically in The Hope Center. I’m excited to explore Mallori and Isaiah’s story with you today. Her story is proof that God’s plans for our lives are always bigger and better than any we can imagine. She joins us today furthering TBHC mission and hoping to encourage single moms to know they are not alone.


                Centered on Hope: Mallori
            

Teen Pregnancy Care Coordinator, Heather, shares the purpose of this new program and how TBHC saw the need to start this program.  She shares the goals that we hope to accomplish with this new ministry.  Find out how you can support this new program.   Episode sponsored by Imagine Nation Learning Center (imaginenationcenter.com).

Teen Pregnancy Care Coordinator, Heather, shares the purpose of this new program and how TBHC saw the need to start this program.  She shares the goals that we hope to accomplish with this new ministry.  Find out how you can support this new program. Episode sponsored by Imagine Nation Learning Center (<a href="http://imaginenationcenter.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">imaginenationcenter.com</a>).


                Teen Pregnancy Care: Heather
            

Hi everyone, I’m Jason Curry President of TBHC Foster Care and Adoption. I am excited about our podcast called Bringing Kids Home. It is a monthly show that helps tell stories of adoption and foster care and get the word out so more people know how to support children in need.-Subscribe so you don’t miss any of our episodes which will launch each month starting January 2021 on the 3rd Monday.

Our guests today are back from last time! Aaron and Charity Clayton completing their story of adoption. If you missed the previous episode, please go back and listen.  You will not want to miss it.   Episode sponsored by Danceworks of Waxahachie. They are transforming lives by using the gift of dance to bring light to the world. Find out more about Danceworks at danceworkswax.net

Our guests today are back from last time! Aaron and Charity Clayton completing their story of adoption. If you missed the previous episode, please go back and listen.  You will not want to miss it. Episode sponsored by Danceworks of Waxahachie. They are transforming lives by using the gift of dance to bring light to the world. Find out more about Danceworks at <a href="http://danceworkswax.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">danceworkswax.net</a>


                Grace Through Hard Things Part 2: Aaron & Charity
            

Our guests today are Aaron and Charity Clayton. The Clayton’s both spent time growing up in Texas - Charity in Desoto and Aaron in Terrell. Their family has lived in the Waxahachie area since 2011, where they have planted and are growing a church called Remedy Church. Aaron has also served as a Trustee for TBHC and they are both stepping back into the world of adoption and are working with us through that process. They have three children.  Sam is 13 and was adopted from Kazakhstan. They are also blessed with biological children.  Juliet is 9, and Valor is 7. One of the things they enjoy doing is traveling as a family seeing what God is doing in other places on mission and other church plants. The Clayton’s story exemplifies “God’s grace through hard things”. They join the podcast today because they “want to encourage and equip adoptive and foster families.  They also want to see more families adopt and foster.”   Episode sponsored by Danceworks of Waxahachie. They are transforming lives by using the gift of dance to bring light to the world. Find out more about Danceworks at danceworkswax.net

Our guests today are Aaron and Charity Clayton. The Clayton’s both spent time growing up in Texas - Charity in Desoto and Aaron in Terrell. Their family has lived in the Waxahachie area since 2011, where they have planted and are growing a church called Remedy Church. Aaron has also served as a Trustee for TBHC and they are both stepping back into the world of adoption and are working with us through that process. They have three children.  Sam is 13 and was adopted from Kazakhstan. They are also blessed with biological children.  Juliet is 9, and Valor is 7. One of the things they enjoy doing is traveling as a family seeing what God is doing in other places on mission and other church plants. The Clayton’s story exemplifies “God’s grace through hard things”. They join the podcast today because they “want to encourage and equip adoptive and foster families.  They also want to see more families adopt and foster.” Episode sponsored by Danceworks of Waxahachie. They are transforming lives by using the gift of dance to bring light to the world. Find out more about Danceworks at <a href="http://danceworkswax.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">danceworkswax.net</a>


                Grace Through Hard Things Part 1: Aaron & Charity
            

My guests today are Philip and Kelly Ledbetter. After some time in other states Philip and Kelly's families eventually came to Texas. They have been married 12 years and are currently living in McKinney Texas. Philip teaches Fencing and Archery and Kelly is a freelance writer who somehow finds time to read over a hundred books a year. They started their journey of adoption with TBHC in 2015. Their adoption was finalized May 9th 2017. It was a long but rewarding journey that I’m excited to experience with all of you today.

My guests today are Philip and Kelly Ledbetter. After some time in other states Philip and Kelly's families eventually came to Texas. They have been married 12 years and are currently living in McKinney Texas. Philip teaches Fencing and Archery and Kelly is a freelance writer who somehow finds time to read over a hundred books a year. They started their journey of adoption with TBHC in 2015. Their adoption was finalized May 9th 2017. It was a long but rewarding journey that I’m excited to experience with all of you today.


                The Surprises Never Stop: Philip and Kelly
            

My guest today is Kristin Morgan. She is one of TBHC’s Board Members. Kristin grew up outside of Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Her family has lived in the DFW Area for about 15 years. She currently works for the SBTC as a special needs consultant. Kristin and her husband Carl have been married for almost 20 years. Their household grew exponentially overnight in 2016 when they welcomed 5 children into their family of 4… that’s right she and Carl have 7 children all together. Today Kristin along with everything else she does is homeschooling 6 of her kids while the oldest is in college. Kristin’s story is Spirit Led and a wonderful brave step of faith in obeying the Lord’s call. She joins us today wanting to support children in foster care and encourage others to foster / adopt through education. Let’s hear her story together and be inspired to obey God’s leading.

My guest today is Kristin Morgan. She is one of TBHC’s Board Members. Kristin grew up outside of Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Her family has lived in the DFW Area for about 15 years. She currently works for the SBTC as a special needs consultant. Kristin and her husband Carl have been married for almost 20 years. Their household grew exponentially overnight in 2016 when they welcomed 5 children into their family of 4… that’s right she and Carl have 7 children all together. Today Kristin along with everything else she does is homeschooling 6 of her kids while the oldest is in college. Kristin’s story is Spirit Led and a wonderful brave step of faith in obeying the Lord’s call. She joins us today wanting to support children in foster care and encourage others to foster / adopt through education. Let’s hear her story together and be inspired to obey God’s leading.


                Meant to be together / We Were The Family: Kristin
            

My guest today is Pastor Jason Collins of Crossroads Rowlett. I have had the privilege of observing his families’ foster care journey from a distance and have heard his passion to minister to the fatherless. Jason and his wife Kristal with their three biological kids started fostering and now have had three sibling groups in their home. They have experienced the hard times and the huge blessings from being a foster family. When asked why be a part of bringing kids… Jason’s response was “God changes lives through foster care, and while not everyone is called to it...many just need to be encouraged or challenged.”

My guest today is Pastor Jason Collins of Crossroads Rowlett. I have had the privilege of observing his families’ foster care journey from a distance and have heard his passion to minister to the fatherless. Jason and his wife Kristal with their three biological kids started fostering and now have had three sibling groups in their home. They have experienced the hard times and the huge blessings from being a foster family. When asked why be a part of bringing kids… Jason’s response was “God changes lives through foster care, and while not everyone is called to it...many just need to be encouraged or challenged.”


                Obstacles or Excuses: Jason
            

My guest today is Maggie Paulus. After growing up in Arkansas, she has lived in Michigan for the past 14 years and has 4 kids with her husband, Brent.  Brent and Maggie currently travel around the country as Family Revivalist with Life Action Ministries. This makes being a parent fun and challenging doing what she calls 'Road School' with her kids. I have seen on Facebook, Maggie dabbling at being a lepidopterist and commenting on a love of cookie butter saying it has "changed her life". Maggie’s story is inspirational and demonstrates how God is in the nitty, gritty details of our life and He doesn’t waste any of our experiences. She joins us today “wanting people to adopt kids if they are inclined”.   Read more about Maggie's story at http://maggiepaulus.com/

My guest today is Maggie Paulus. After growing up in Arkansas, she has lived in Michigan for the past 14 years and has 4 kids with her husband, Brent.  Brent and Maggie currently travel around the country as Family Revivalist with Life Action Ministries. This makes being a parent fun and challenging doing what she calls 'Road School' with her kids. I have seen on Facebook, Maggie dabbling at being a lepidopterist and commenting on a love of cookie butter saying it has "changed her life". Maggie’s story is inspirational and demonstrates how God is in the nitty, gritty details of our life and He doesn’t waste any of our experiences. She joins us today “wanting people to adopt kids if they are inclined”. Read more about Maggie's story at <a href="http://maggiepaulus.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://maggiepaulus.com/</a>


                What Does it Mean to Belong?: Maggie
            

My guest today is Odell Traffanstedt. Del. He and I met at our SBTC annual meeting some time ago and we had breakfast together. Del grew up in Oklahoma &amp; California but is now in Odessa TX serving as Senior Pastor at Mission Dorado Baptist Church. He has adopted 3 kids from TBHC and has 2 biological children.  All kids are spread out from ages 4 up to 25 years old. Del’s story is redemptive and I hope can inspire you in what adoption is all about. He joins us today wanting to support TBHC ministry of bringing kids home.

My guest today is Odell Traffanstedt. Del. He and I met at our SBTC annual meeting some time ago and we had breakfast together. Del grew up in Oklahoma &amp; California but is now in Odessa TX serving as Senior Pastor at Mission Dorado Baptist Church. He has adopted 3 kids from TBHC and has 2 biological children.  All kids are spread out from ages 4 up to 25 years old. Del’s story is redemptive and I hope can inspire you in what adoption is all about. He joins us today wanting to support TBHC ministry of bringing kids home.


                You Are God's Instrument: Del
            

My guest today is Eric Porter. Eric and I have become fast friends over our couple of years of knowing each other. Both in the professional space we share and as fellow adoptive dads. Eric grew up in Owasso, Oklahoma. He and his wife Trisha have been married 21 years and have 6 kids. 4 biological and 2 adopted. He loves to run! I have witnessed this passion as he has participated in TBHC’s Hero 5K. Brewing (Roasting) his own coffee is another love and should be shared with more of his friends. He is the founder and president of Backyard Orphans:  a ministry that guides church leaders to develop a foster care, adoption, and support ministry. He joins me today wanting more people to get involved in orphan care!

My guest today is Eric Porter. Eric and I have become fast friends over our couple of years of knowing each other. Both in the professional space we share and as fellow adoptive dads. Eric grew up in Owasso, Oklahoma. He and his wife Trisha have been married 21 years and have 6 kids. 4 biological and 2 adopted. He loves to run! I have witnessed this passion as he has participated in TBHC’s Hero 5K. Brewing (Roasting) his own coffee is another love and should be shared with more of his friends. He is the founder and president of Backyard Orphans:  a ministry that guides church leaders to develop a foster care, adoption, and support ministry. He joins me today wanting more people to get involved in orphan care!


                We're Getting There: Eric
            

My Guests today are Paul and Deana Olszewski.  They both grew up in Texas.  Paul is from Lufkin, Deana is from Tomball. They currently call Lufkin home where Paul is a high school teacher and pastor of youth at First Baptist Church Keltys. Deana is fulfilling a great responsibility but also one of the greatest privileges of being a stay at home mom. They have had 7 foster children in their homes since 2016. They are excited to share their story for the first time because they want to encourage others families who are interested in this journey and help people know it’s both the hardest and best thing they have ever done.

My Guests today are Paul and Deana Olszewski.  They both grew up in Texas.  Paul is from Lufkin, Deana is from Tomball. They currently call Lufkin home where Paul is a high school teacher and pastor of youth at First Baptist Church Keltys. Deana is fulfilling a great responsibility but also one of the greatest privileges of being a stay at home mom. They have had 7 foster children in their homes since 2016. They are excited to share their story for the first time because they want to encourage others families who are interested in this journey and help people know it’s both the hardest and best thing they have ever done.


                The Best Way to Love: Paul & Deana
            

Today my guest is Ann Schmidt. She is a veteran of adoption and foster care. She and her husband Randy started in caring for children in 1984. They have adopted 5 children, and have also been blessed with 2 biological children. Yes you did the math right - they have 7 children. She has seen the systems impact on kids and has been a beacon of love to everyone in their home. Along with her legacy of adoption, she enjoys a legacy of being a grandparent. They have 6 grandkids with the youngest being 1 years old all the way up to 7 years old. When sharing her story she said “… I always hope that our story will touch someone and make a difference.  I do not think everyone should adopt but I also realize that as Christians we are called to care for orphans". What a great reminder that the lives we have are not our own.

Today my guest is Ann Schmidt. She is a veteran of adoption and foster care. She and her husband Randy started in caring for children in 1984. They have adopted 5 children, and have also been blessed with 2 biological children. Yes you did the math right - they have 7 children. She has seen the systems impact on kids and has been a beacon of love to everyone in their home. Along with her legacy of adoption, she enjoys a legacy of being a grandparent. They have 6 grandkids with the youngest being 1 years old all the way up to 7 years old. When sharing her story she said “… I always hope that our story will touch someone and make a difference.  I do not think everyone should adopt but I also realize that as Christians we are called to care for orphans". What a great reminder that the lives we have are not our own.


                One Team At A Time: Ann
            

Hi everyone, I’m Jason Curry President of TBHC Foster Care and Adoption. I am excited about our podcast called Bringing Kids Home. It is a monthly show that helps tell stories of adoption and foster care and get the word out so more people know how to support children in need. - Subscribe so you don’t miss any of our episodes which will launch each month starting January 2021 on the 3rd Monday.

Bringing Kids Home

The best podcast episodes on global issues affecting everyone. Covering topics such as the #metoo movement, climate change, the impact of technology and some of the biggest global issues facing us right now. For anyone interested in learning more about the world, and some of the issues we're facing, pick an episode below and start listening! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Global Issues

The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!