The Riverside Project Podcast

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month! During this month, we’re not only raising awareness about foster care, but we are also celebrating the beautiful work of collaboration in this space. (Watch our new “As One” documentary series here for some incredible stories about the work happening in our city.) With this focus, we are revisiting the very first episode we shared on The Riverside Project Podcast. In this conversation, Jason Johnson joined us to break down the parable of the River and how it relates to issues facing Houston’s child and family welfare system. Foster care isn’t an isolated problem but is connected to many other social issues affecting our city. How does this reality change the way we work together to transform foster care in our communities? We also discussed the power (and the challenge) of collaboration, the role of the Church in caring for vulnerable families, and how you can find your place along the River. Jason is a speaker, writer, former pastor, church planter, and foster parent. He is also the Director of Church Mobilization and Engagement with Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO). Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/jason-johnson-25 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

For young adults who faced significant challenges growing up, it can be very hard to successfully transition into the workforce. They may not have the resources or self-confidence to strive for a fulfilling career. As a result, they may end up unemployed or stuck in a cycle of jobs that don’t offer upward mobility. Today’s guest, Brian Meza, is tackling this problem with his Petra Cares program. We are so excited to spread the word about this inspiring resource, as we believe it’s truly an invaluable asset to our community. As the Executive Director of Petra Cares, Brian partners with Lone Star College to provide automotive industry training for vulnerable young adults, such as those who are aging out of foster care. Brian also helps program graduates find fulfilling job placements. In this episode, Brian shares how his team goes the extra mile to remove any obstacles that could get in the way of their students’ educations, how they have adapted the Petra Cares program over the years to encourage more successful graduations, what putting himself in the shoes of people with challenging backgrounds has taught him about empathy, and so much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/brian-meza-24 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

Adopting children who are of a different race than your own can be a beautiful thing. But many parents who do so make one crucial mistake—they try to disregard the topic of race altogether. They may feel uncomfortable addressing this subject or think that it’s better just to ignore it. But the truth is, in order to set children up for success, you need to understand the unique challenges they face and communicate with them about those challenges. Otherwise, they may feel alone, unsure of their identity, and unequipped to deal with the realities of racial discrimination. Today’s guest, Isaac Etter, was transracially adopted at the age of two. His experiences inspired him to found Identity—a startup focused on helping adoptive and foster families thrive. In this episode, Isaac shares insights on subjects like why it’s important to teach your children about racial issues before they go out into the world, how to show children that they’re loved for the entirety of who they are—not just the fact that they are your adopted child, how to give your child opportunities to connect with diverse communities and individuals who they feel represented by, and so much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/isaac-etter-23 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

Life as a foster parent is a constant learning process. You complete extensive training, but quickly realize that there's always more to learn. As you figure out the best ways to meet the needs of the children in your care, one thing continues to become clear—every child comes with their own unique needs. The best way to grow in how you're supporting the children in your care is to gain experience, and that’s why I’m so grateful to have sat down with Chelsea Floro. Chelsea is an adoptive, foster, and biological mom to eight children. She’s also the founder of The Moses Closet of The Woodlands and the face behind the Real Life Foster Mom blog. In this episode, Chelsea talks about her nine-year journey supporting children and families in foster care, her experiences in learning how to provide the best support for children with special needs, how she’s learned to let go of life’s “what ifs," and so much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/chelsea-floro-22 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

The foster care system’s primary goal is to serve the best interests of the families within it. Whenever possible, that means reuniting biological parents with their children. To help a family heal, birth parents need intentional support. But all too often, they aren’t given the resources they need to overcome their challenging life circumstances and set their family on a positive trajectory. In this episode, I am joined by two incredible women from Decatur, Texas: Catherine Vannatta and Tiffany Maggret. Catherine currently serves as a CASA advocate, while Tiffany is the Founder and Executive Director of One Hope Village, an organization that helps deteriorating families recover by equipping them with robust community resources. Catherine and Tiffany share with us what it’s like to advocate for a child’s rights when they are struggling in the foster care system, how God’s grace inspires them to create safe spaces where birth parents feel comfortable asking for help, how they give families the resources they need to heal and reconnect, and so much more. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/catherine-tiffany-21 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

It’s a joy to have Travis Hand, a Licensed Master Social Worker who currently serves as a Behavioral Health Specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital, on our latest episode of the podcast. Once a teen struggling to navigate the challenges of growing up in the foster care system, Travis gained a strong passion for social work in college. This conversation is full of perspective and encouragement for each of us as we find our place along the River! Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/travis-hand-20 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

We are delighted to have the Deputy Regional Director at the Texas Department of Family Protective Services, Shaundricka Easley, on the podcast. She has been with the department for over 15 years and had various roles during that time as well as served all 13 counties across the Houston area. Shaundricka gives us unique insight from her vast experience, including some of the challenges she faces on a daily basis, how to support the children within the system, what can happen when we work together, and so much more! Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/shaundricka-easley-19 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

“Who is with them long term?” This is the question that Jenni Lord started asking after her organization helped fund hundreds of adoptions. What she realized is that the breakdown of these adoptive families often stemmed from the parents not being equipped to handle the behaviors and challenges that came along with trauma. Today, Jenni Lord is a resolute advocate for fostering family healing through the power of genuine connection. Her journey blends personal experiences with a visionary commitment to transforming the child welfare landscape. In 2008, she established Chosen, a trailblazing nonprofit dedicated to nurturing children’s recovery from trauma by empowering their families. In this episode, Jenni shares her firsthand experience with trauma through her adoptive brother, why many parents and caregivers are ill-equipped to handle trauma behaviors on their own, new initiatives to meet practical needs in the system, and more! Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/jenni-lord-18 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

DePelchin Children’s Center has existed for over 130 years and has continued to evolve to meet the needs of the community. Their mission is to strengthen the lives of children by enhancing their mental health and physical well-being in Houston and central Texas. Jesse Booher is the Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of DePelchin Children’s Center, which provides foster care and adoption services in Texas communities. As COO, Jesse oversees a diverse array of programs ranging from child abuse prevention to foster care to residential services to adoption. In this episode, Jesse shares how he started out working in child welfare, the differing perspectives that typically come with each role, and the value of community-based care. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/jesse-booher-17 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

It all started with a simple napkin exercise. Chandler James was asked to write his dream on a napkin. Initially, it seemed like a silly exercise but when he was finished his napkin read: creating safe spaces for the next generation. Chandler James is our Director of Church Mobilization here at The Riverside Project. He has worked in a number of local churches both as a Student Pastor and as a Next Gen Pastor. Chandler and his wife, Caitlin, are licensed foster parents of a few teenagers. He is passionate about investing in the next generation through foster care and in the church. In this episode, Chandler shares how churches can be mindful of the opportunities right in front of them, how to invest in the next generation, and his own experience as a foster parent. Listen in! Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/chandler-james-16 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

Foster youth face many challenges, and education can be one of them. In fact, studies show that just 4% of children who have experienced foster care will go on to obtain a four-year college degree. Children who are involved within the foster care system also experience a higher number of school transitions, lower academic achievement, heightened experiences of exclusionary school discipline, higher drop out rates, and decreased access to postsecondary education. Accessible resources and healthy relationships are needed to help youth build a strong educational foundation that will guide them into adulthood. In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Danisha Keating. She is an author, CEO, business leader, and holds a Ph.D. in Psychology. As a former foster youth, she has learned the importance of furthering her education and building a network around her. Since 2009, Danisha has helped students understand the value of education and the importance of striving to define success by what that means to each individual. Ever since Danisha can remember, she has been passionate about education and helping others achieve success. This is one you don't want to miss! Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/danisha-keating-15 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

Anytime there is news related to the border or a refugee crisis, we frequently hear this question: “How does our city serve unaccompanied minors and refugees that come to our country without their parents? Does this affect the foster care community?” You may never have heard the term “international foster care” before, but this is a unique and important topic. You may be curious how the federal programs are run, how people can get involved, and how it’s different from domestic foster care. This is why we’re really glad to have Krista Kesseler here to shed some light on the topic of serving youth through international foster care. Krista is the Community Outreach Specialist for the St. Jerome Emiliani Foster Care Program. In this episode, we dive deep into how international foster care works, how many children are served through international foster care in Houston, who it serves, and some practical ways we can get involved today. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/krista-kesseler-14 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

This is not working. What do we do next? After several infertility treatments, Jennifer Clifford and her husband, Ryan, asked themselves this question. After a discussion and an informational meeting about foster care, they came to the conclusion that God was closing the door to biological children and opening the door to foster care, specifically for sibling groups. Foster care came with its own ups and downs as they learned how to navigate the licensing process and the reality of emotions that came with temporary placements. As they reflected on their first placement, they had to ask the question if they were willing to continue to foster in spite of the heartache they knew was a part of this journey. In this episode, Jennifer shares her journey becoming a foster parent and the lessons she learned, the realities of reunification, and how they transitioned to becoming adoptive parents. We’re really grateful to share Jennifer’s story of stepping into foster care and then adoption. Many people reach out to The Riverside Project to find out more about becoming foster parents, and we hope this episode can be a resource to those still considering if foster care is the place they are being called to along the River. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: riversideproject.org/2023/08/07/jennifer-clifford-13 Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx Many thanks to Nathan Cadis Media for the production of this podcast! https://www.nathancadismedia.com

There's a place for everyone in supporting children and families here in Houston. That's something we believe firmly here at The Riverside Project. Today, we have the opportunity to share our conversation with Luevenia Chapman, co-founder and Program Director for Hearts with Hope Foundation, a local general residential operation (GRO) that provides treatment services for girls ages 7-23. She not only has a passion to provide high-quality, trauma-informed care for the girls in their care, but she is also passionate about raising up and supporting other residential care providers and leaders across our city. In this episode, we discuss the importance of listening and collaboration, why there's a place for everyone in this work, the most significant challenge Hearts With Hope has faced since COVID-19, the deep challenges children in care are experiencing, and so much more. We’re really grateful for Luevenia's leadership in this space! We hope this episode inspires you to learn more and find your place along the River. Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: http://riversideproject.org/2023/06/29/luevenia-chapman-12/ Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx/ Many thanks to Nathan Cadis Media for production of this podcast! https://www.nathancadismedia.com/

Healing happens in the context of relationship. As Dr. Bruce Perry says, “Relationships matter: the currency for systemic change is trust, and trust comes through forming healthy, working relationships. People, not programs, change people.” Programs and services for children in foster care are helpful, but when it comes to producing long term healing, the programs that help youth and families access healthy and stable relationships will be far more effective than those that do not. In this episode, Judge Susan Brown and Judge Dena Fisher share with us about Houston PEARLS, a strong and dedicated support system for young ladies between the ages of 14-18 who are in the foster care system. Through Houston PEARLS, each young lady receives two mentors to support their success, and, along with their mentors, they participate in bi-monthly meetings, community service projects, and other fun activities. There are so many ways for our community to get involved with Houston PEARLS! If you want to learn more about serving as a mentor, becoming an ambassador, donating a meal, or offering a resource or activity, please reach out to Martha Michals at mmichals@houstonpearls.org. Guests: Judge Susan Brown, Presiding Judge, 11th Administrative Judicial Region of Texas Judge Dena Fisher, Associate Judge, 315th District Court, Harris County Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx/ Many thanks to Nathan Cadis Media for production of this podcast! https://www.nathancadismedia.com/

Extended relatives, such as grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins, and even close friends (referred to as “fictive kin”) have always been a stabilizing force in the family system. These relationships have historically been, and are still today, a vital source of safety and permanency for children. In this episode, Dr. Valerie Jackson shares how Monarch Family Services got started as a child placing agency providing specialized support for biological families and kinship (relative) caregivers. We discuss how the needs of kinship families (relative caregivers) differ from typical foster families and why additional support is needed to keep these families intact. Want to learn more about kinship care and how you can support families in your community? Visit our Kinship Support page, read through the Kinship Family Resource Guide, or connect using the links below! Guest: Dr. Valerie Jackson https://monarchfamilyservices.com/ Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx/ Many thanks to Nathan Cadis Media for audio and video production of this podcast! https://www.nathancadismedia.com/

We know from ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) research that child abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction are linked to increased risk for poor social, emotional, and physical health outcomes. The Division of Public Health Pediatrics at Texas Children's Hospital was established in 2015 to prevent and mitigate childhood adversities and to provide care for our community’s most vulnerable children. Dr. Christopher Greeley and Diane Kaulen join us to discuss the medical and mental/behavioral challenges experienced by families involved with the foster care system. We also explore how trauma affects physical health, and how our community can work together to ensure that our city's most vulnerable children can access the resources they need to thrive. Guests: Dr. Christopher Greeley, Chief of Public Health Pediatrics Division, Texas Children's Hospital & Vice Chair of Community Health, Baylor College of Medicine Diane Kaulen, Sr. Community Initiatives Coordinator, Texas Children's Hospital https://www.texaschildrens.org/departments/public-health-pediatrics Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx Many thanks to Nathan Cadis Media for audio and video production of this podcast! https://www.nathancadismedia.com/

"Hope is found near the ground, in close proximity to the struggle." In this episode, Nanette Lynch and Clint Wylie with Kingwood Methodist Church tell the story of how their church began serving kids and families involved with the foster care system, and how their ministry has evolved over time. We also discuss the joy of saying "yes" to hard things, and what motivates them to keep showing up for kids in their community. Guests: Nanette Lynch, Oasis Ministry Leader, Kingwood Methodist Church Clint Wylie, Missions Pastor, Kingwood Methodist Church https://kingwoodmethodist.org/ Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx/ Many thanks to Nathan Cadis Media for audio and video production of this podcast! https://www.nathancadismedia.com/

What could it look like to raise the standard of care from "better to nothing" to "excellence" for vulnerable children and families who are involved with the child welfare system? In this episode, Tara Grigg Green (founder and Executive Director of the Foster Care Advocacy Center) shares how FCAC is providing high-quality, multidisciplinary legal representation for youth and families across the city of Houston. We also discuss some of the gaps we see in our current system and what our community can do to help youth and families stabilize and stay together. Fun fact: Tara and Amber both graduated from Jersey Village High School AND were both JVHS cheerleaders. Go Falcons! Guest: Tara Grigg Green, Executive Director, Foster Care Advocacy Center https://www.fcactexas.org/ Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx/ Many thanks to Nathan Cadis Media for audio and video production of this podcast! https://www.nathancadismedia.com/

The Church is called to be in the place where the world is in pain. We often hear from church leaders that they recognize the need and deeply desire to support vulnerable families within their congregations and in their communities, but they just don't know where to start. In this episode, Toni Steere, Director of Legacy 68:5 at Houston's First Baptist Church, shares how their ministry is standing in the gap for families across Houston. We also discuss how other churches can get equipped to care for families in their communities and work together to serve our city. The Riverside Project equips churches to 1) identify and support vulnerable families within their congregations, 2) mobilize their congregations to serve their neighbors, and 3) collaborate with other churches and stakeholders to maximize their impact. Want to get your church involved? Visit riversideproject.org and submit a contact form! Guest: Toni Steere, Director of Legacy 68:5 at Houston's First Baptist Church https://houstonsfirst.org/the-loop/ministries/adoption-foster-orphan-care Connect with us! Website: https://riversideproject.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx/