Fostering Change

This week on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Dionna Carter, founder of the Foster Teen Christmas Outreach, an initiative that began in 2019 and has now raised more than $1.3 million in gift cards for teens in foster care. As Dionna explains, “Teens are often forgotten during the holidays — everyone wants to buy toys for the little kids, but teens also want to feel included and seen.”What started with one county has grown into a statewide movement, driven by simple generosity and community partnership. Each year, thousands of youth receive gift cards that offer dignity, autonomy, and a reminder that their community cares.Dionna also leads the Foster Hope Holiday Fest, happening Sunday, December 7 in Columbus, Ohio — a resource fair designed to support youth preparing to age out of foster care. “We wanted to be a bridge,” Dionna shares, “because so many teens lose support networks as they age out. This event shows them that help is available.”In this episode, Rob and Dionna discuss:How a small idea grew into a statewide giving movementWhy gift cards matter for teens in foster care during the holidaysThe impact of the Foster Hope Holiday Fest and how the community can participateHow listeners anywhere can start similar outreach efforts in their own countiesDionna’s message is simple and powerful: “Even if you impact one youth, it is so worth it.”Learn More & Support:Foster Hope Holiday Fest – December 7, Columbus, OH https://onedotchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3054175Website: www.dionnacarter.comInstagram: @FlyAndShyyyFacebook: Dionna CarterLinkedIn: Dionna Carter🎧 After you listen, please like, comment, and share the episode to help spread hope and support to teens who need it most this holiday season.

As we close out National Adoption Awareness Month, Fostering Change honors the advocates, parents, and changemakers who work to ensure every child waiting in foster care finds a permanent, loving family.This week, host Rob Scheer welcomes back Marcy Bursac, nationally recognized adoption advocate, author, podcast host, and adoptive mom. After adopting siblings from foster care, Marcy founded The Forgotten Adoption Option, developed free tools used by over 12,000 prospective parents, and launched a national reading program to help normalize adoption conversations in schools.Her new book, It’s Okay to Talk About Adoption, invites people to open their hearts and conversations—because when we talk about adoption, we help waiting children find families faster.In this episode, Rob and Marcy explore:Why conversations matter“There are more than 100,000 children in U.S. foster care waiting for adoption—and many adults do not know adoption from foster care is often free. Awareness can change outcomes.”The Forgotten Adoption OptionHow her nonprofit breaks down barriers and helps families navigate adoption with clarity and confidence.Her new book“We need to give people permission to talk about adoption—without fear, stigma, or shame.”Marcy’s message is powerful:“Every time someone starts a conversation about adoption, a waiting child or sibling group moves one step closer to a permanent family.”Book Release UpdateIt’s Okay to Talk About Adoption is now available in audiobook and eBook formats. Paperback pre-orders are open through January 15, 2026.Purchase links:Kindle: https://bit.ly/4oDvifpBookBaby: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/it%E2%80%99s-okay-to-talk-about-adoptionAudiobook available on Apple Books, Google Play, Chirp, eStories, Hoopla, OverDrive, and Everand.Learn MoreWebsite: www.forgottenadoptionoption.orgInstagram: @marcybursac | @forgottenadoptionoptionAfter listening, please like, comment, and share our podcast. Your support helps expand the conversation and bring awareness to the thousands of children waiting in foster care.As we conclude National Adoption Awareness Month, we invite you to keep talking—in your homes, schools, and communities. Every conversation helps move a child closer to belonging.New episodes release every Tuesday. Questions, comments, or guest suggestions: dthalberg@comfortcases.orgThank you for listening and for being a good human.

As Fostering Change continues our celebration of National Adoption Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the voices reshaping what adoption looks like in America—and making it more equitable, inclusive, and accessible for all families.This week, host Rob Scheer sits down with Becky Fawcett, founder of Helpusadopt.org, a national nonprofit adoption grant program helping thousands of families overcome the financial barriers to adoption. What began in Becky’s New York City apartment in 2007 has grown into a multimillion-dollar organization that has transformed countless lives—and this month, Helpusadopt.org celebrates its 18th anniversary.Becky’s own adoption journey—welcoming her daughters Jane and Brooke—inspired a lifelong commitment to changing a system that makes building a family so difficult for so many. Her mission is simple and powerful: every child deserves a loving, permanent home, and no parent should be prevented from adopting because of cost.In this inspiring conversation, Rob and Becky discuss:• The personal story behind Helpusadopt.org—and how one mother’s vision became a national movement for adoption equality.• The staggering financial realities of adoption and how these costs prevent too many children from finding homes.• What it means for Helpusadopt.org to reach its 18-year milestone—and how its impact continues to grow across all 50 states.• The importance of inclusion and diversity in adoption: “Love makes a family—not money, not zip codes, not who you love or where you come from.”• How you can help ensure that more families can adopt—and that every child waiting for a home has the chance to thrive.Becky’s story reminds us that changing the world doesn’t always start in a boardroom. Sometimes, it begins at a kitchen table—fueled by love, determination, and the belief that every child deserves a family.👉 Learn more about Becky Fawcett & Helpusadopt.org:Website: www.helpusadopt.orgFacebook: facebook.com/helpusadopt.orgInstagram: @helpusadoptTikTok: @helpusadoptLinkedIn: Helpusadopt.org🎧 Enjoying the episode?Please like, comment, and share the podcast! Your support helps us reach more listeners who want to learn about these important topics.New episodes of Fostering Change drop every Tuesday.Questions, comments, or guest suggestions? Email us at: dthalberg@comfortcases.orgAs we continue through National Adoption Awareness Month, visit comfortcases.org to learn more about our mission, our partnerships, and how you can make a difference—because when we invest in families, we invest in a brighter future for every child.Thank you for listening—and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN.

This November, Fostering Change continues our special series for National Adoption Awareness Month, celebrating families formed through adoption and raising awareness about the unique needs of children in foster and kinship care.Throughout the month, we’re spotlighting extraordinary advocates, educators, and parents who are helping every child feel safe, seen, and supported.We also invite you to join Comfort Cases’ 2nd Annual “Coats for a Cause” Drive, hosted by CNN’s Laura Coates.Our goal is to collect 500 brand-new coats for youth in need this winter.Every coat donated provides warmth, dignity, and comfort to a child or teen who needs it most.Learn more and get involved at: https://www.comfortcases.org/lauracoates🎙️ This Episode: Featuring Laura Adams, Founder & President of iCARE4 Adoptive And Foster Families (iCARE4AAFF)With more than 30 years in education and nonprofit leadership—and as the mother of four daughters, including two adopted internationally—Laura Adams is on a mission to ensure that every school is equipped to meet the emotional and learning needs of adoptive, foster, and kinship children.Through iCARE’s professional development programs and her innovative Connection Kits™, Laura is helping educators build trauma-informed, healing-centered schools where connection leads to confidence—and where children not only learn but thrive.💬 In This Conversation:• The urgent need for trauma-informed professional development in schools“Adopted, foster, and kinship children make up nearly 15% of our classrooms, yet most educators have never received any formal training on how to support them.”• Why connection—not compliance—is the foundation for learning“Children who feel safe and seen are children who can learn.”• How Connection Kits™ are transforming classrooms nationwide• The power of collaboration between schools, families, and child welfare professionals“When we work together, we create communities of belonging—and connected, we thrive.”Laura’s insights remind us that healing often begins in the classroom.By equipping teachers with shared language and the right tools, we can build schools that don’t just educate—but nurture.🌐 Connect with Laura Adams & iCARE4AAFFWebsite: https://icare4aaff.orgFacebook: https://facebook.com/iCARE4AAFFInstagram: https://instagram.com/icare4aaffLinkedIn: Laura Adams – iCARE4AAFF🎧 After you listen:Like, comment, and share this episode! Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue spreading awareness about these vital topics.📅 New episodes every Tuesday — subscribe so you never miss an inspiring story.Questions, comments, or guest suggestions?Email us at dthalberg@comfortcases.org💙 Thank you for listening — and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN.

Welcome to the first episode of Fostering Change for National Adoption Awareness Month—a month dedicated to celebrating families formed through adoption and raising awareness of the thousands of children still waiting for their forever homes. As we move toward National Adoption Day on November 22, we’ll be sharing special conversations all month long.We also invite you to visit comfortcases.org to explore how Comfort Cases is celebrating this important month through meaningful partnerships and programs—including our 2nd Annual “Coats for Comfort” Coat Drive, ensuring every child in foster care has warmth, dignity, and hope this winter.Today, our host Rob Scheer welcomes back one of our favorite guests, Peter Mutabazi—author, speaker, and founder of Now I Am Known. Many of you know Peter as the “Foster Dad Flipper,” a man who has opened his home and heart to more than 40 foster children and adopted three. He joins us again to talk about his brand-new book, Love Does Not Conquer All, a raw and beautiful reflection on the realities of foster care, parenting children with trauma, and learning that love—while powerful—is only the beginning.In this deeply moving episode, Rob and Peter discuss:How to love children for who they truly are, not who we hope they’ll become.Why every child needs at least one adult they can call, depend on, and trust.How to prepare kids for independence by teaching life skills—“Every foster parent should give their kids the tools to survive when they’re on their own: laundry, banking, cooking, confidence.”The importance of empathy and connection—“Empathy isn’t in our DNA,” Rob shares. “It must be taught.”Peter’s wish for the system: “I wish I could foster a family before a child is taken—mentor parents the way we mentor kids. Imagine the change if we did for parents what we do in foster care.”How to handle the heartbreak of goodbyes when a child leaves your home: “Be the uncle. Stay in their life. Don’t disappear.”This conversation reminds us that parenting, in all its forms, is an act of courage, consistency, and unconditional care. And don’t miss the end—there’s a heart-warming surprise you’ll want to experience for yourself.👉 Learn more about Peter Mutabazi and his mission:Website: petermutabazi.comBook: Love Does Not Conquer All (available wherever books are sold)Organization: Now I Am KnownFacebook: Peter MutabazInstagram: @fosterdadflipper🎧 After you listen to this episode, please remember to “like” and comment and also share our podcast. We look to you—our loyal listeners—to help us grow our audience so more people can listen and learn about these vital topics.And remember: we’re back every Tuesday with a new episode of Fostering Change. If you have questions, comments, or guest suggestions, please email us at dthalberg@comfortcases.org.As we celebrate National Adoption Awareness Month, we invite you to honor the families who open their hearts and homes—and to remember the thousands of children still waiting for theirs. Together, we can make sure every child knows they are seen, valued, and loved.Thank you for listening—and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN.

Advisory: This episode includes sensitive discussion about addiction, family estrangement, and emotional loss.This week on Fostering Change, host Rob Scheer welcomes back two dear friends — Julie and David Bulitt — for one of the most personal and moving conversations of the season. Rob and his husband Reece have known the Bulitts for many years, and their honesty, humor, and heart have made them audience favorites.Julie is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 30 years of experience in family therapy, and David is a leading family-law attorney in the D.C. metro area who has spent decades helping parents and children navigate painful transitions. Together, they’ve raised four daughters, built nearly 40 years of marriage, co-authored two acclaimed books (The Five Core Conversations for Couples and Secrets of Strong Couples), and co-host the podcast Conversations for Couples.In this emotional and thought-provoking episode, Rob, Julie, and David explore what it means to lose a child while they’re still alive — to addiction, estrangement, or emotional distance — and how families can begin to heal.Topics discussed include:* Ambiguous loss: Grieving a child who is still living and learning to coexist with that pain.* Addiction and family systems: How substance use can fracture relationships, redefine love, and challenge every parent’s hope.* Parenting through heartbreak: “We can love our children fiercely and still have to let go,” Julie shares. “Healing doesn’t mean forgetting — it means finding peace with what is.”* Balancing love and self-protection: “You reach a point where love also means protecting yourself and your family from chaos,” David reflects.* Hope beyond the silence: Grace, therapy, and community as pathways to reconnection.This episode is a testament to honesty, empathy, and the complicated beauty of parenthood. If you or someone you love is struggling with a similar loss, may this conversation offer comfort and understanding.👉 Learn more about Julie & David Bulitt:Website: www.thebulitts.comPodcast: Conversations for CouplesFacebook: @TheBulittsInstagram: @thebulittsTikTok: @thebulitts🎧 After you listen, please like, comment, and share this episode so more families can discover stories of resilience, hope, and healing.We’re back every Tuesday with a new episode of Fostering Change.Have a guest suggestion or feedback? Email us at dthalberg@comfortcases.org.Next week, we kick off our National Adoption Awareness Month series — celebrating families built through love and the thousands of children still waiting for theirs.Thank you for listening — and for being a GOOD HUMAN. 💙

⚠️ Advisory: This episode includes discussion of child abuse and family trauma.Welcome to this week’s episode of Fostering Change, where host Rob Scheer speaks with Susan Chesnutt — a family law attorney, child welfare advocate, and former foster youth based in Vero Beach, Florida.Susan’s journey is one of resilience and purpose. After growing up in the foster care system, she became a child abuse investigator for Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF), then earned her law degree and founded The Chesnutt Law Firm, focusing exclusively on child welfare and family law. She also hosts the podcast From Foster Care to Family Law: A Child Welfare Focus, where she and her guests unpack the toughest issues facing families today.In this powerful conversation, Rob and Susan explore:✅ Lived experience as a foundation for advocacy.“I know what it’s like to feel powerless in a system that’s supposed to protect you. That’s why I fight so hard to make sure every child—and every parent—has a voice.”✅ What really happens inside a DCF investigation.Susan breaks down the process from the inside, reminding families that “you have rights, even when it feels like you don’t.”✅ Why empathy matters in family law.Her trauma-informed approach prioritizes safety, healing, and understanding over blame.✅ A call for systemic change.“We can’t fix the child welfare system until we start valuing families instead of labeling them. Real reform begins with compassion.”Susan’s unique perspective—combining lived experience, government service, and legal advocacy—shows how justice and empathy must go hand in hand.👉 Learn more about Susan Chesnutt:🌐 thechesnuttlawfirm.com🎧 After you listen: Please like, comment, and share this episode! Your support helps us reach more people and amplify these vital conversations.🗓 New episodes drop every Tuesday.Questions, comments, or guest suggestions? Please email us at dthalberg@comfortcases.org.💙 Thank you for listening—and for being a GOOD HUMAN.

CONTENT WARNING: ADULT/DISTURBING THEMES — ABUSE & VIOLENCEWelcome to this week’s episode of Fostering Change. Our host, Rob Scheer, sits down with an extraordinary guest — Baron Li, co-owner of Four Tiers Contracting and founder of the CKMD Army.Baron’s journey is one of unimaginable pain, resilience, and redemption. A former foster youth who endured 17 placements and severe childhood abuse — including being burned with a clothing iron and cigarettes at just three years old — Baron later survived an attempted murder-for-hire plot that left him shot nine times. Yet, through it all, he transformed trauma into purpose.Today, Baron is building homes and hope through Four Tiers Contracting, employing and mentoring aged-out foster youth, and expanding CKMD Army — a nationwide movement uniting the foster care community with a 50-state resource network.In this powerful and emotional conversation, Rob and Baron discuss:How a childhood marked by violence and instability shaped Baron’s mission to help others rebuild their livesHis incredible survival story: “I was shot nine times, left for dead — but I chose not to be a victim. I chose to live, to forgive, and to give back.”How Four Tiers Contracting provides aged-out foster youth with steady employment, mentorship, and a pathway to independenceThe vision behind CKMD Army (Can’t Keep Me Down) — a 50-state foster care resource network empowering youth, families, and advocates nationwideWhy Baron believes resilience is forged through service — and that “purpose is the only thing stronger than pain.”Baron Li’s story is a testament to the human spirit — proof that even after the darkest moments, there is light. Trauma can shape us, but it never has to define who we become.👉 Learn more about Baron Li and his work:All Links: linktr.ee/baronbliLinkedIn: CKMD Army🎧 After you listen, please “like,” comment, and share the episode. Your support helps us reach more listeners and shine a light on vital conversations like this.Fostering Change releases new episodes every Tuesday.Questions, comments, or guest suggestions? Please email us at dthalberg@comfortcases.org.Thank you for listening — and thank you for being a GOOD HUMAN.