In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Kristin Allender and Travis Vangsnes interview Sophia Pantoja who shares her experiences growing up in the foster care system. Sophia discusses her journey from entering care at age ten due to her parents' drug addiction to her experiences in various foster homes and a group home. She reflects on the challenges she faced, including behavioral issues, feelings of isolation, and the impact of her upbringing on her maturity.

Sophia also shares a harrowing experience with sex trafficking after running away from a group home, emphasizing the importance of awareness and support for vulnerable youth. The conversation concludes with Sophia offering valuable insights for foster parents on how to create a safe and open environment for their foster children. She also reflects on her transition from nursing to social work, driven by her desire to help others. The conversation concludes with insights into the I Belong project, which aims to support foster children in finding adoptive families.

Checkout the I Belong Project:
https://americaskidsbelong.org/meet-the-kids/

Takeaways

• Sophia entered foster care at age ten due to parental drug addiction.
• She experienced multiple placements, including a group home.
• Behavioral issues stemmed from feeling misunderstood and isolated.
• Coping mechanisms included seeking independence and maturity.
• Sophia's experiences shaped her perspective on adulthood.
• She emphasizes the importance of not feeling alone in struggles.
• Trafficking can occur when youth feel they have no safe options.
• Foster parents should create an open and supportive environment.
• Many foster homes are not safe spaces for children.
• Building trust is crucial for foster youth to share their experiences. It's important to help foster kids see their self-worth.
• Foster children need a sense of normalcy and freedom.
• Shared experiences can empower foster youth.
• Love and stability are essential for foster children.
• Foster alumni can provide valuable insights to current foster kids.
• Transitioning from nursing to social work can be fulfilling.
• Foster care has both positives and negatives.
• Encouragement is vital for foster alumni.
• Compassion is crucial in the field of social work.
• The I Belong project helps connect foster kids with families.

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.

Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.

Meet kids awaiting adoption.

Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.

Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

This episode kicks off the Foster Friendly Podcast’s "aging out" series with Sensei Dave Armstrong, a foster care and juvenile justice alum, former Air Force veteran, mentor, author, and advocate. Dave shares how instability, trauma, and survival shaped his early years, and how two consistent adults helped redirect his life toward service, discipline, and purpose.

Travis, Kristin, and Dave discuss what foster parents need to understand about trust, why youth from foster care often gravitate toward the military, and how authentic, steady adult support can change a child’s trajectory. Dave also explains the thinking behind his book, his nonprofit work, and why he believes every caring adult should pick one kid and stay with them.

Book Sensei Dave to speak and checkout his books and resources:
https://www.upna.net/speaking

Takeaways

• Sensei Dave's background and journey from foster care to military service
• The importance of authentic relationships and trust-building with foster youth
• The role of mentorship and consistent adult presence in youth development
• The impact of martial arts on discipline, respect, and personal growth
• The significance of understanding trauma and individual needs in foster care
• Strategies for foster parents to build trust and resilience
• The connection between military service and life skills for foster youth
• The importance of hope and positive identity in overcoming adversity
• Authentic relationships and consistency are crucial for foster youth to build trust.
• Martial arts can teach discipline, respect, and humility, transforming lives.
• Foster parents should avoid expecting immediate trust; trust is earned over time.
• Every child is unique and requires tailored support and understanding.
• Mentors and caring adults can significantly alter the trajectory of foster youth.
• Building a safe, supportive environment is essential for healing and growth.
• Foster youth need to feel that their lives matter and that they have agency.
• Resilience can be cultivated through hope, purpose, and positive relationships.
• The military provides structure, discipline, and a sense of belonging that can benefit foster youth.
• Impacting even one child's life can be a profound and lasting legacy.

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.

Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.

Meet kids awaiting adoption.

Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.

Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Kristen Allender reflect on the impactful leadership of Brian Mavis (co founder of America's Kids Belong) who is taking on a new ministry role and stepping out of the organization and the podcast. They share his memorable quotes and leadership principles that have shaped AKB's work in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the importance of community support, family over programs, and the need for asset-based approaches to community change.

The conversation shifts to the Foster Friendly initiative, highlighting its recent achievements in Tennessee, including an innovation award and the activation of over a thousand businesses to support foster families! They also delve into the Foster Friendly app, explaining its purpose and how it connects foster families with community resources. Finally, they look ahead to upcoming conversations and initiatives, emphasizing the importance of sharing stories and experiences from those who have experienced foster care.

Download the Foster Friendly App:
https://americaskidsbelong.org/foster-friendly-communities/foster-friendly-app/

Pickup a copy of Brian's book- Go Upstream: Diving Into Foster Care To Heal 10 Social Wounds
https://a.co/d/04kn7GW0

Learn more how your business can become Foster Friendly:
https://americaskidsbelong.org/foster-friendly-business/

Takeaways

• Brian Mavis transitioned to a local pastoring role, leaving a significant impact on America's Kids Belong.
• Personal hobbies, like horseback riding, can provide essential self-care and stress relief.
• The right people in an organization matter more than impressive credentials.
• A great family is more beneficial than any program for children in need.
• Real community change should focus on existing assets rather than deficits.
• Leadership should prioritize retention of current supporters before recruiting new ones.
• Humility in leadership includes acknowledging past mistakes and learning from them.
• Community support systems are crucial for fostering families.
• Equine therapy can be a valuable resource for emotional well-being.
• Collaboration among sectors is essential for effective community change. Trust is essential in the nonprofit sector.
• Collaboration can lead to greater impact.
• Brian Mavis was a visionary leader.
• Foster Friendly has activated over a thousand businesses.
• The Foster Friendly app connects families with resources.
• Community support is crucial for foster families.
• Innovative solutions can emerge from unexpected partnerships.
• Recognizing the contributions of individuals is important.
• Future conversations will focus on aging out of foster care.
• National Adoption Awareness Month will bring new resources.

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.

Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.

Meet kids awaiting adoption.

Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.

Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.