Mary Slager will challenge your thinking about getting involved in foster care. You’re never too old to get involved somehow…and it may be that you’re called to foster children even after your own children are grown and gone. Listening to Mary’s experiences erases some of the age constraints you might be feeling!

Chris Shandrow will encourage you to get your church involved in serving the foster care community. Chris is the Lead Pastor of Compass Church in Bloomington, Illinois. Compass was planted in 2013 with the goal of making God accessible to everyone.
 

Emma Williams, a woman who was in and out of several foster homes, shelters, and adoptive family situations in her life, will give you amazing insight into the sometimes hard realities facing children in foster care.
 

Not everyone is called to adopt or foster, but we can all do something. Today you will learn who our nation’s orphans are, and whether you are an adoptive or foster parent in need of support or called to put your arm around those who are, Dr. Sharen Ford provides several tools to equip you to “do something!”

We are excited to offer the premiere episode of The Forgotten Podcast as a special encore presentation! Jami Kaeb's story of how her family's journey of adoption and foster care resulted in the creation of The Forgotten Initiative serves as the foundation of what The Forgotten Initiative is all about: bringing joy and purpose to the foster care community--agency workers, foster parents, vulnerable adults and children--and those who love and serve them.

You will be encouraged and inspired as you learn their stories, hear their passion, and and find out how you can become the catalyst for change in your community!

Angie Ringger is a foster parent in Phoenix, Arizona. She and her husband, Mike, have fostered 11 children and have a compelling story about trusting in God’s plan and direction for life and growing in faith through the journey of foster care. Whether you currently foster, are considering becoming a foster parent or even if you’re sure fostering is not God’s plan for you, Angie’s story will increase your trust that God knows what He’s doing in your life!

Nicole Argo is a pastor’s wife and mom of two who grew up in foster care. Nicole’s story explains the emotions and struggles children often face when in foster care. She shares how critical every effort to help those in the foster care community is and how showing and sharing the love of Jesus can make a difference in a child’s life.

Nicole Argo is a pastor’s wife and mom of two who grew up in foster care. Her firsthand account of the emotions and struggles that face children in foster care on a regular basis will help you understand how critical every effort to help those in the foster care community is and how showing and sharing the love of Jesus will make a difference in every life.

Marla Ringger talks about what it’s like being a grandma of many, including the unique dynamic of loving and bonding with children who became part of her family through adoption and foster care. You’ll love hearing the story of how Marla’s heart softened towards orphaned and vulnerable children as well as how she takes practical steps to make sure her 15(!) grandchildren know she loves them. You’ll want Marla to be your grandma by the end of the show!
 
 

In this episode, you’ll discover a new perspective on bio-parents and how their past influences their present and future, an engaging response to the “I could never do that” statement, and an honest look at how foster parents can make a difference in bio-parents’ lives.

In this episode, you’ll discover what the benefits of becoming a TFI Advocate are, and how to find balance in ministry, parenting and marriage. This episode also talks about why Families Serving Families is Selena’s favorite initiative from TFI.
 

Gary Ringger shares his journey from young business man looking to achieve “the American dream” to now serving as an advocate for the orphaned and vulnerable child as President of Lifesong for Orphans. You will see first hand how God can take our weaknesses and use them for His glory! Listen in as Jami and Gary (her dad!) share memories, laughter and even a few tears in this very special episode.

In this episode, you’ll discover the story behind The Mentoring Project, why it’s important to start a mentoring program small—one step at a time, and the many benefits a mentor provides to at-risk kids.

In this episode, you’ll discover the beauty of following God’s plan instead of our own, how foster and orphan care influence the intersection of other issues, as well as learn tips on how to prioritize marriage and family in the midst of ministry.

In this episode, you’ll discover the importance of grieving infertility, the down side to “color blind” philosophy, and the value of your child’s story.

In this episode, you’ll discover that you’re a textbook for foster care and adoption—what are people learning from you? You’ll also learn new strategies for keeping your marriage and family strong—we can’t do it all. We also talk the fact that what you are doing is always worth it.

In this episode with Jason Johnson, you’ll discover how to find the “perfect” time to foster or adopt, how to navigate the concern of loving a child that might leave your family, and learn a new way to look at comments from strangers about your adoptive or foster family.

Welcome to the very first episode of The Forgotten Podcast! In this episode, you’ll discover what to expect from The Forgotten Podcast, hear Jami’s story and how TFI started, as well as what adoption and foster care feel like through the eyes of children.