Building Bridges in Foster Care
12/03/24 • 66 min
Embark on an unexpected journey with Ted Stackpole, a pastor who, alongside his wife Angie, opened their hearts and home to foster care and adoption, transforming their lives and those of the many children they've welcomed. Initially hesitant, their adventure began through a connection with a church family and an exploration of adoption ministry. Their path led to the formation of a supportive community that helped navigate the complex world of fostering and adoption, ultimately expanding their family to 11 children. Ted and Angie now serve as missionary chaplains, dedicating their lives to fostering and adoption communities across the nation.
Our conversation shines a light on the powerful role that church-based ministries play in supporting foster families. With the leadership of experienced foster and adoptive families, these ministries offer a lifeline, providing wraparound care systems that include meal deliveries and house cleaning, preventing burnout among foster parents. We explore the impact of such ministries, where five families fostered 50 children and completed 18 adoptions in three years, and discuss how the church can be a beacon of support for vulnerable populations, even if not everyone feels called to foster or adopt.
We also delve into the spiritual dimensions of fostering and adoption, viewing these acts as services to Jesus while navigating the challenges of family dynamics. From managing the complexities of fostering multiple children to creating nurturing environments for those who have experienced trauma, we discuss the vital support systems that make these journeys possible. Innovative approaches, such as online classes and Project One Home, offer valuable resources for foster families, fostering connections and stability. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of community champions in sustaining these efforts and the need for personal spiritual reflection to maintain balance and growth.
Haven Retreats Biscuits and Bubbles 5k and Fun Run Registration:
https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Jacksonville/BiscuitsandBubbles5kmandFunRun
Embark on an unexpected journey with Ted Stackpole, a pastor who, alongside his wife Angie, opened their hearts and home to foster care and adoption, transforming their lives and those of the many children they've welcomed. Initially hesitant, their adventure began through a connection with a church family and an exploration of adoption ministry. Their path led to the formation of a supportive community that helped navigate the complex world of fostering and adoption, ultimately expanding their family to 11 children. Ted and Angie now serve as missionary chaplains, dedicating their lives to fostering and adoption communities across the nation.
Our conversation shines a light on the powerful role that church-based ministries play in supporting foster families. With the leadership of experienced foster and adoptive families, these ministries offer a lifeline, providing wraparound care systems that include meal deliveries and house cleaning, preventing burnout among foster parents. We explore the impact of such ministries, where five families fostered 50 children and completed 18 adoptions in three years, and discuss how the church can be a beacon of support for vulnerable populations, even if not everyone feels called to foster or adopt.
We also delve into the spiritual dimensions of fostering and adoption, viewing these acts as services to Jesus while navigating the challenges of family dynamics. From managing the complexities of fostering multiple children to creating nurturing environments for those who have experienced trauma, we discuss the vital support systems that make these journeys possible. Innovative approaches, such as online classes and Project One Home, offer valuable resources for foster families, fostering connections and stability. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of community champions in sustaining these efforts and the need for personal spiritual reflection to maintain balance and growth.
Haven Retreats Biscuits and Bubbles 5k and Fun Run Registration:
https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Jacksonville/BiscuitsandBubbles5kmandFunRun
Previous Episode
Navigating Parenthood and Partnership Together
Imagine embarking on a journey that fundamentally reshapes your notion of family. That's what my husband, Brad Harvin, and I, Rebecca Harvin, experienced when we decided to embrace foster care and adoption. Through raw and heartfelt exchanges, Brad opens up about the surprise and commitment he felt when I first shared my unwavering intention to foster and adopt. His spontaneous decision to join me on this path has deeply impacted our lives. Therapy has played a crucial role in navigating this transformation, as we unpack the challenges and growth it has brought to our relationship. Our story offers a candid peek into our partnership, touching on our mutual support and shared vision for creating a loving family and community.
Adopting and fostering are accompanied by emotional highs and lows, especially as we welcome new children into our lives. We unpack the excitement, uncertainty, and emotional burdens that come with managing trauma and maintaining a peaceful home environment. Brad and I bring to light how we handle these challenges differently yet strive to balance our roles as partners, supporting each other and our children. By sharing our personal experiences, we highlight the importance of emotional resilience, mutual understanding, and the complex dynamics that shape our family life.
Our journey would not be complete without the supportive community we've built around us, particularly for Brad as a dad and husband. Forming meaningful connections with other men in similar situations, like our friend Dave, has been vital. We discuss the comfort in sharing experiences and navigating the nuances of parenting within the foster and adoption context. Additionally, we explore the transition from foster care to adoption, reflecting on attachment, permanency, and the emotional intricacies of family dynamics. Through these honest conversations, we aim to foster a community where listeners feel connected, understood, and inspired to share their own experiences.
Haven Retreats Biscuits and Bubbles 5k and Fun Run Registration:
https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Jacksonville/BiscuitsandBubbles5kmandFunRun
Next Episode
Forging Lifelong Bonds: Navigating Foster Care and Adoption Through Friendship with Danielle Browning
How does a missed meeting at Starbucks transform into a lifelong friendship that helps navigate the challenges of foster care and adoption? Join us as Danielle Browning and I share the story of our unique bond, forged through shared experiences and mutual support. We open up about the unspoken rules of friendship that have been our lifeline as we journey through the complexities of parenting children from hard places. Through candid conversations and shared laughter, our friendship has become a source of emotional stability and reassurance, illuminating the path through some of life’s most demanding moments.
Danielle and I dig into the profound freedom our friendship offers, a space where we can express difficult truths without fear of judgment. Whether it’s a road trip filled with anxiety or the everyday struggles of post-adoption life, we stand by each other as unwavering pillars of support. Our bond is the epitome of a "ride or die" partnership, showcasing the importance of having someone who truly understands the intricacies of the adoption and foster care community. We navigate the unpredictable paths together, celebrating the resilience and strength found in our shared journey.
From the pride of watching our children reach significant milestones to grappling with dreams that didn’t turn out as expected, our conversation touches on the highs and lows of motherhood and friendship. We reflect on the complexities of relationships, the evolving bonds with our teenagers, and the joy that comes from supportive connections amidst life's challenges. The episode wraps up with a lighthearted lightning round, sharing what brings joy to our everyday lives, from delightful homemade treats to inspiring podcasts. Tune in to experience the warmth and wisdom of a friendship that is as rewarding as it is resilient.
https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Jacksonville/BiscuitsandBubbles5kmandFunRun
Haven Retreats Biscuits and Bubbles 5k and Fun Run Registration:
https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Jacksonville/BiscuitsandBubbles5kmandFunRun
Behind the Curtain: Honest Conversations about Foster Care and Adoption - Building Bridges in Foster Care
Transcript
Thank you for joining us today . On Behind the Curtain , I'm your host , rebecca Harvin , and my guest today is Ted Stackpole . Ted and Angie Stackpole are seasoned pastors , having dedicated 25 years to pastoral ministry , including a successful 15-year tenure as lead pastors at First Assembly of God in Palatka , florida . Ted serves on the executive team of Foster Care Network , part
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