In this heartfelt episode of The Call to Foster Podcast, hosts Shasta Miller, Jessica Huckstep, and Ashton Kever sit down with Yolanda, a kinship foster parent, and her 13-year-old nephew, Jeremiah, to share their inspiring story. Yolanda opens up about her own experience in foster care as a child and how it shaped her decision to step in when Jeremiah needed a safe, loving home. Together, they discuss the challenges and joys of fostering teens, the importance of family bonds, and practical advice for navigating technology, setting boundaries, and finding support.

Jeremiah offers a unique perspective from a youth in care by sharing what helped him feel safe, his coping strategies, and his honest advice for future foster parents. From powerful insights on “loving beyond the hurt” to the role of community and counseling, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and real-life experiences that every foster parent or prospective foster family needs to hear.

If you’ve ever considered fostering or want to better understand the impact you can make, this conversation will leave you inspired and informed. Learn how to get started on our website.

In this episode, Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton, talk with Makenzie Muse. Makenzie is an older youth in foster care with a passion for independence. She shares her story and encourages foster parents to just listen. She also speaks highly of her foster placement and highlights that foster parents don't have to make big, grand gestures to win over the kids in their care. Sometimes, they just need the quality time and attention.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website.

In this episode, Ashton and Shasta welcome a few guests who are making a difference in the lives of foster parents and children across Missouri. Their guests are:

• Jennifer Adams from FosterAdopt Connect
• Riannon Franklin from the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association
• Kenya Willis from the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition

Together, they explore many of the resources available to the Missouri foster care community, including support and independence programs tailored for older youth, innovative respite field trips, and family finding initiatives. Discover the physical resources available, such as clothing and food, and learn about the comprehensive foster parent training and support groups.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website.