The Call to Foster

Our hosts, Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton talk to a very special guest this month - Shasta's husband, Chris Miller. Chris grew up in foster care, experiencing 6 or 7 placements before finally aging out of the system. While his story was not always positive, Chris does his best to share that even through the hard times, there is a lot of positive swirled in his life. Listen along as Chris shares his story and advice for anyone considering becoming a foster or adoptive parent. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

This month, Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton talk with Tori Ward. Tori was introduced to foster parenting at a young age when her parents became licensed. She saw, first-hand, the impact foster parents have in the lives of children. As soon as she could, she became a foster parent and is a mentor and advocate for foster parenting. Tori is living proof that you can be a foster parent at a young age and be successful and make a difference. Want to know more about Tori? Check out this short interview she did with DSS.If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

Listen in on a conversation with the Founder and current CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Monica Kelsey. Safe Haven Baby Boxes' (SHBB) mission is to prevent the illegal abandonment of newborns through education, raising awareness of the safe haven law, and offering the only anonymous option, the Baby Box. Monica talks about how the organization got started, where the idea came from, and the impact of the boxes across the United States. Currently, Missouri has one box in Mehlville, MO, and several other Missouri communities trying to raise the appropriate funding to acquire a box. A former foster parent herself, Monica encourages anyone considering foster care or adoption to take the leap and "Just do it!"If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

This month, Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton sit down with Deborah Stukey. Deborah is a retired school teacher and principal and is a resourceful learner. Her natural educating talents, as well as the training she received as an educator and to become a foster parent, has been extremely valuable in her foster parenting journey. Deborah has an adopted son with significant medical challenges and has learned a lot about how to take care of children with high medical needs while learning to care for him! She encourages all foster parents and potential foster parents to not shy away from caring for kids with high medical need - the learning curve is not too sharp and she says it is worth it! Most of all, she encourages all foster parents to never stop asking questions, even the hard ones. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

This month we had a wonderful call with the Kueblers! Alexus Kuebler, a former foster child, is passionate about being a safe home for Missouri's foster children. She knew she wanted to be a foster and adoptive parent since she was taken into care. The Kueblers are excited to work with families to achieve reunification. Listen along and soak up their passion! If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

The fight for children starts July 4, 2024. In this episode of the Call to Foster, our hosts are joined by Darrell Missey, the Director of Children's Division, and Rebekah Weigel, Writer and Producer of "SOUND OF HOPE: The Story of Possum Trot". Hear from the writer of this incredible film about the writing process, the characters, and the true story of Possum Trot, Texas, as well as her experience as a foster parent and social worker. Rebekah has great advice and practical solutions that you need to hear. You don't want to miss this movie - get your tickets today! Want more information about how you can host a private showing of this film? Learn more on the Angel Studios website. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

In this episode, our hosts speak with author, youth pastor, and foster parent, David Wermuth. David has over 11 years of experience as a foster parent to older teen boys with a goal of independence. He used his experience as a foster parent to share stories of encouragement and helpful tips in his book, "101 Considerations for Foster Parents." A licensed therapist in Missouri, David specializes in working with children and families. You won't want to miss this episode! Pick up your own copy of David's book or share it with a foster parent you know.If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

Listen along as Jessica and Shasta talk with Jason Seter, a foster parent and co-trainer in Missouri for over 10 years. Jason admits that they started fostering to adopt, but then quickly fell in love with fostering and realized the great need for foster homes. Having cared for children from one day old to fifteen years old, he has found that each child is unique and different. Jason also discusses the reality that some families "get it together" after their children have been adopted to someone else and the opportunities he has had to help his children foster their relationships with their biological families - even after they are his adopted children. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton talk with Missouri Foster Parent Pauline Roberts in this episode. Pauline shares a lot of practical advice and wisdom with for future and current foster parents. She stresses the importance of remembering that foster parents are coming into this family's story at one of the worst possible moments imaginable. These parents love their children and she is passionate about knowing the main goal of foster care, reunification. Listen along as she speaks candidly and whole-heartedly about her journey as a foster parent. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

In this episode, Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton talk with a very impressive foster parent, Ali Keck, who at the time of recording was 25 years old! After only 3 months of foster parenting, Ali has a lot of practical advice and experience to share with young, new, or even seasoned foster parents. She also addresses how foster parenting fits in when it comes to her personal life and her passion truly shines through. Don't miss this episode! Be sure to share with anyone you know who might be interested in foster parenting and send them to our website to get started: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

In this episode, Shasta, Jessica and Ashton spoke with Jared Baker, a current foster parent in Missouri. Jared and his wife are ambassadors, advocates, and trainers for future foster parents and are passionate about the cause. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, share this episode with them! You can also find out more information on our website at https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

Shasta, Jessica and Ashton chat with Abby Pancoast about her foster parenting journey. Abby admits that they became foster parents with the intention to adopt and discusses the heartbreak that can come with reunification. She also shares some insight into what it might look like to be a foster parent during the holiday seasons. If you're considering becoming a foster parent, don't hesitate to visit our website to get started: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

In this episode of The Call to Foster, Ashton sits down with Angie Swarnes, Deputy Director of Children's Division over Permanency, and Marcy Bursac, local author and founder of the Forgotten Adoption Option. We were honored to get to hear Marcy's story firsthand. The impact Marcy is making with her nonprofit is undeniable and we look forward to working with her more in the future. To learn more about Marcy and The Forgotten Adoption Option, visit her website https://forgottenadoptionoption.com/ .If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent or adopting through foster care, you can learn more on our website at https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm

In honor of National Adoption Month, we spoke to adoptive parent and Southwest Regional Director for the Children's Division, Pam Alston. Pam brings a unique perspective to our podcast as an employee of the Children's Division. Her story is a perfect example of how children might find you and their permanent home through foster care. While this podcast is usually focused on reunification, as that is the first goal when a child enters care, sometimes a child is seeking more than a temporary loving home, and you could be the one to provide it.  If you're considering becoming a foster parent, visit our website dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/.

We had the privilege of speaking with Dave and Patty Hedrick this month about their journey with foster care. They stress how important it is to pour into the kids and find common interests. Eager to care for more kids, the Hedricks want potential foster parents to know that age doesn't count you out and that these kids will keep you young. If you're considering becoming a foster parent, visit our website dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/.

In this episode, hosts Shasta Miller, Jessica Huckstep, and Ashton Kever, had the privilege of talking with Miss Black Missouri, USA, Eugenia Doreen. Eugenia was previously a foster youth in Missouri and shares her experience in the foster system. Now, a successful college graduate working at a law firm, Eugenia has built a platform supporting and encouraging foster youth to follow their dreams, go to college, and helping them navigate the system. She has great advice for current and potential foster parents - you don't want to miss this one! If you're considering becoming a foster parent, visit our website dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/.

Join Shasta and Jessica as they talk with Mary Bailey, an experienced foster parent in Missouri. Mary touches on a lot of great topics, but one thing she is clear about in this discussion is the importance of knowing your boundaries. As a potential foster parent, it is okay for you to have a preference of the children you will care for and it is especially helpful when you can be open about those boundaries with Children's Division. We are so grateful that we have foster parents like Mary sharing the love they have in their hearts with Missouri children who need it most!

Brandon and Liz Matthews share their moving story of their journey into foster parenting and many inspiring stories of their experiences. This pair is full of passion and we are proud to have them as Foster Parent Ambassadors for the State of Missouri. If this heartwarming story inspires you to look into fostering, don't hesitate to reach out to your nearest Children's Division office or email fostercare@dss.mo.gov to get started. Please share this podcast with anyone you know who might be considering becoming a foster parent!

Listen as Amanda Kane, a foster parent, and Colleen Mulhollan, a biological mother, share their story of reunification. Their relationship went from strangers to sisters over the span of the case. Now, like sisters, they spend time together regularly and share holidays as one big family unit.

In celebration of National Foster Care Month, The Call to Foster invited special guests, Darrell Missey, Director of the Missouri Children's Division, and Lauren Masterson, Permanency and Foster Care Licensing Manager, to join Shasta in interviewing Missouri foster parent, Rebecca Kadlez. Rebecca has an incredible story that begins with her own experience as a foster child and her ability to use that experience to help current foster children as a resource parent. In this episode, learn all about Rebecca and her time as a foster parent and foster parent ambassador.