• 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.

The post A Tribute to Brian Mavis’s Leadership Impact and Big Wins for Foster Care appeared first on America's Kids Belong.

•  The Foster Friendly Podcast celebrates its 100th episode. 
•  Kristin Allender is joining the podcast as its new cohost. 
•  Kristin’s experience as an adoptee helped lead her toward a career in social work. 
•  Her career has included child abuse investigations, adoption work, and leadership within America’s Kids Belong. 
•  Courtney reflects on the encouragement and practical tools she has gained from the podcast while fostering. 
•  Listening to different perspectives can help even experienced foster parents continue learning and growing. 
•  Children must remain the priority in every part of the foster care system. 
•  Foster families need strong communities of support if they are going to thrive. 
•  Recruiting foster families without simultaneously building support around them can contribute to burnout and attrition. 
•  Everyone can play a role in foster care, even if they never become a foster or adoptive parent. 
•  Businesses can use their unique resources and expertise to remove practical barriers for foster families. 
•  A Tennessee car dealership helped foster families access larger vehicles so sibling groups could stay together. 
•  Small acts of community support can create ripple effects far beyond a single family. 
•  The podcast has worked to elevate the voices of former foster youth and others with lived experience. 
•  Upcoming episodes will include a series focused on young adults who have aged out of foster care. 
•  Courtney encourages listeners to continue supporting the podcast as it enters its next chapter. 
•  Every child deserves to have a voice, to be loved, and to be seen.

The post Celebrating Our 100th Episode and Meet Our New Cohost Kristin Allender appeared first on America's Kids Belong.

Indigo is bright and friendly. Indigo, born in 2013, is a vibrant African American girl who enjoys spending time with others and watching Disney movies. She also enjoys listening to Read more

The post appeared first on America's Kids Belong.

Long Hollow Church recently opened its doors for an I Belong Project® filming day in Middle Tennessee, welcoming children, volunteers, creatives, Faith Communities, businesses and community partners for a day designed to help kids feel seen, celebrated and cared for.

The post A Day of Belonging at Long Hollow Church in Hendersonville, TN appeared first on America's Kids Belong.

A Special Night for 14 Young Ladies Not only are the Atlanta Braves officially the first Major League Baseball team to earn the Foster Friendly®  designation, but they continue to partner in so Read more

The post Beyond the Game: Atlanta Braves Wives Create an Amazing Night of Belonging appeared first on America's Kids Belong.

• Courtney is stepping down from the podcast but will remain involved as a guest.
• She will continue her work in foster care and help her husband with their construction company.
• Courtney's experience has provided her with a well-rounded perspective on parenting and foster care.
• She has made a significant impact on the podcast and the community.
• Travis and Brian reflect on their experiences working with Courtney.
• Courtney's children are well-behaved and respectful, showcasing her parenting skills.
• The podcast has been a platform for Courtney to share her insights and experiences.
• Courtney's transition is bittersweet, filled with both excitement and sadness.
• The team expresses gratitude for Courtney's contributions and leadership.
• Courtney's journey is a testament to her dedication to foster care and family. Emotional vulnerability is a key aspect of human connection.
• Foster parents need to be resource finders.
• It's important to let go of expectations in foster care.
• Businesses can play a crucial role in supporting foster families.
• The foster care system must prioritize the needs of children.
• Adoption requires understanding the perspectives of adoptees.
• Being present in the messy middle is essential for foster parents.
• Community support can significantly impact foster care outcomes.
• Foster care is a way to influence future generations positively.
• Keep pressing on in the mission of supporting children.

The post Courtney’s Farewell Episode: Celebrating Her Incredible Impact at America’s Kids Belong appeared first on America's Kids Belong.

This blog comes from a recent conversation on The Foster Friendly Podcast. When Judy Wright was asked, “Would you please just hold her until she dies?” she said “yes.” That decision Read more

The post The Foster Mom Who Refused to Give Up on a Baby Meant to Die appeared first on America's Kids Belong.