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/

Kate Yanof - Arrow Foster Parent Recruiter

In this episode, we interview Kate Yanof, a foster parent recruiter for Arrow Child & Family Ministries. Her life experiences with foster care and adoption drive her passion for the work she does and what she plans to do within the foster system in the future. Kate is such a joy to talk to and has such a drive to make a difference. If you’re considering becoming a foster parent, she has information you will need and would love to get you connected!

Kate with Arrow - Kate.Yanof@arrow.org

Arrow Child & Family Ministries - https://arrow.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 Hannah Rucker with KVUE news. She is the amazing face you see each week on the Forever Families segment. The Forever Families segment is focused on youth in foster care who need adoptive homes. Each week, Hannah interviews one of these youths in an effort to find that permanent home for them. Hannah's heart is so big and you will love hearing her passion behind everything she does. We are huge fans of Hannah and I know you will be too after this episode!

Forever Families - https://www.kvue.com/foreverfamilies

Hannah Rucker - https://www.instagram.com/hannahruckertv/?hl=en

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 Whitney Bates, the founder and executive director of Bates Mission. Bates Mission focuses on supporting former foster youth in Texas with resources for their household necessities, life skills training, job opportunities, and more. Whitney’s heart for these young adults has grown through her own life experiences and watching the generosity and lifestyle of her parents growing up. Whitney has so much passion and drive to help these young adults in any way she can and I know you will love learning about her story with Bates Mission.

Bates Mission: https://batesmission.org/

Heart Gallery of Central Texas: heartgallerytexas.com

Foster Community (foster care and adoption resources): ⁠www.fostercommunity.org

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 Chrystal Smith, the founder and CEO of Foster Village. This is a non-profit founded out of Austin that supports and serves local foster families. You will hear about her inspiration for starting this non-profit and how it is growing to support foster families across the nation. You will love Chrystal’s heart and thought behind everything that she does.

Foster Village Austin: https://www.fostervillageaustin.org/

Heart Gallery of Central Texas: heartgallerytexas.com

Foster Community: https://fostercommunity.org/

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/