On this episode, we sit down with Reuben Watson, one of the breakout speakers for Mobilize Ohio, to hear his incredible story of faith, resilience, and redemption. Reuben grew up in foster care, facing abuse and neglect, and even attempted suicide at just eight years old. Adopted as a teenager, he found hope and healing through Jesus, who carried him through every dark season and gave him a new purpose. Today, Reuben serves as Director of Unity in Action at the Lexington Leadership Foun...

In our annual December end-of-year update episode, we take time to reflect on all the incredible ways God has been moving through Hope Bridge over the past year. This season has brought so much growth and blessing, like settling into our new home at the Compassion Center, launching new support groups, introducing The Bridge to help meet practical needs, and celebrating our first mom graduating from our single mom program. We’ve been able to host more gatherings and events, expand our team, an...

Even though it’s December, we’re jumping ahead to spring to talk about Mobilize Ohio 2026 on March 21st! In this episode, we’re talking into this year’s theme, “Surrounded,” what to expect, and how the conference has grown over the years. We’ll revisit the very first Mobilize and the story behind Hope Bridge, then share how this year we’re focusing on foster and adoptive families. You’ll hear from Ryan and Kayla North, who speak and coach in the foster care and adoption space, and Trish...

In this episode, we are discussing our next spiritual formation discipline: Pruning & Simplicity. Pruning is about cutting back so we can grow more fruitfully. It’s recognizing the areas of our lives that are chaotic or distracting and making intentional choices to remove them. As we prune, we create space for God to work in us and in those around us. Simplicity goes hand-in-hand with pruning. It’s about streamlining our lives so we can focus on who God is and what He wants fo...

We’re bringing back this episode because it’s the perfect one to revisit as we head into Thanksgiving and Christmas. The holidays can be really special, but they can also be a lot, especially for foster and adoptive families. In this replay, we chat about why this season can feel extra sensitive for kids from hard places, how old memories and big feelings can pop up, and why all the schedule changes and family gatherings can make things harder than usual. We also share simple, practical...

November is National Adoption Month, and we’re taking some time to talk about the real, everyday side of adoption, from one adoptive mom to another. We’re sitting down as two adoptive mamas, one a little more seasoned, one still new to the journey, to talk honestly about what life looks like after adoption. Because let’s be real… once the paperwork is done, everyone tends to assume everything’s smooth sailing. But adoption day isn’t the finish line, it’s just another chapter in a story ...

In today’s episode, we’re jumping back into our spiritual formation series and talking all about spending intentional time with God. This isn’t about following a strict formula or checking off a spiritual to-do list. It’s about genuinely connecting with Him in ways that feel natural and meaningful to you. Whether it’s through prayer, Scripture, stillness, or simply being aware of His presence during everyday moments, God delights in pouring into us and refreshing our souls. We want to become ...

This November, in honor of Adoption Awareness Month, we’re sharing real stories on the Restoried Podcast about foster care and adoption. Adoption isn’t just paperwork. It’s a journey of faith, trust, and transformation. In this episode, some of our Hope Bridge staff share their own adoption experiences, showing both the challenges they’ve faced and the incredible joys that have shaped their families. Through honest conversation and reflection, you’ll hear what it really means to trust G...

We’re wrapping up our Aged-Out Youth Series with an important and practical conversation about how you can make a difference. In this episode, we’re sharing tangible ways to step in and support aged-out youth—one of the most vulnerable demographics in our community. You’ll learn: Practical steps for getting involved with Hope Bridge How to use your time, talents, and treasures to make an impact Simple, meaningful ways to support aged-out youth right where you are Jo...

This October, for our series highlighting former foster youth, we’re talking with Ariana Rodriguez, Miss Kentucky and an incredible advocate for foster youth. Ariana grew up bouncing between kinship placements and foster homes. After aging out of the system, she even experienced homelessness, living out of her car. Looking for ways to pay for college, she entered the pageant world, and everything changed. She became the first former foster youth to win the title of Miss Kentucky and wen...

In today’s episode, we sit down with Lyric, a former foster youth whose story is a powerful testimony of resilience, faith, and transformation. Lyric grew up in and out of foster care, navigating kinship placements, residential care, and multiple foster homes after the loss of her mom. Along the way, she experienced the heartbreak of instability, the pain of losing people she loved, including a foster mom she was very close to who became sick, and the fear of abandonment that shaped much of h...

In this episode, we’re leaning into an important conversation about aged-out youth in foster care and the challenges they face when transitioning into adulthood. Without consistent support or resources, many young adults leaving foster care struggle to break free from generational cycles of dysfunction, often feeling isolated and unprepared for life on their own. At Hope Bridge, we’re committed to stepping into that gap. You’ll hear how we’re working to support this vulnerable community...

In this episode, we’re excited to introduce one of our newest team members, Alesia Jarrard. Married for 17 years and mom to three boys, Alesia brings a unique perspective to our community as an adoptee who has firsthand experience with the adoption journey. Alesia’s story begins in South Korea, where her parents met while her father was serving in the military. After moving back to Ohio, her early years were marked by instability, including her father’s struggles with alcohol, her mothe...

Today on the podcast, we’re continuing our series on spiritual formation with a focus on prayer. For many, prayer can feel like a last resort or a quick ritual before meals. But what does it really mean to commune with God in prayer? Prayer is more than words. It’s pushing back against the darkness. It shapes our hearts to look more like His, and it moves the needle in ways we can’t always see. We’re excited to share that Hope Bridge has some incredible prayer opportunities coming...

We can’t believe it; this is the 100th episode of the Restoried podcast! To celebrate, we’re switching things up with another “hot seat” episode, where we put each other on the spot with some of the most hilarious, outrageous, and unexpected questions yet. This episode is lighthearted, full of laughs, and the perfect chance to really get to know the people behind the mic. We’re beyond grateful for YOU, our listeners, who have walked with us through 100 episodes of stories, hope, a...

Every July, our team takes a step back to look at where we’ve been and where we’re headed. This year, that meeting didn’t quite go the way we expected. We realized something important; our growth and referrals were outpacing what our staff could realistically handle. That made us stop and ask: How can we invite more people to come alongside us in this work. That’s where The Bridge comes in. It’s a new software we’re launching that makes it super simple to get connected. Think ...

In this Spiritual Formation episode, we’re talking about how technology shapes our daily lives and what it looks like to set some healthy boundaries around it. With phones, TVs, and social media always at our fingertips, it’s so easy to get distracted and miss out on the moments that really matter. This month, we challenged ourselves to try a few simple shifts, like no phones at the table, not scrolling before spending time with God or right before bed, and setting time limits on apps. ...

In this episode, we’re talking with Kim Meeder: author, speaker, and co-founder of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Bend, Oregon. Kim’s story is full of redemption and purpose. After walking through her own childhood trauma, she created a space where broken kids and rescued horses could heal together. At Crystal Peaks, every session is one-on-one: one child, one horse, one leader. It’s completely free for kids ages 6–18 and tailored to meet each child right where they are; whether that’s th...

We’re back with another episode in our Spiritual Formation series, and this time we’re exploring the quiet, but powerful, practice of solitude. In a culture that celebrates busyness and constant activity, solitude can feel counter-cultural, even uncomfortable. But solitude isn’t simply about stepping away from noise or slowing down our schedules. It’s about intentionally stepping toward God, making space to be fully present with Him. In this episode, we talk about what it means to...

In today’s episode, we’re talking about how foster care has impacted our families: the hard parts and the really good ones. Foster care is mission work, and like anything meaningful, it comes with its share of challenges and rewards. If you’re curious about foster care or are already in it and looking for people who truly understand, this conversation is for you. We share how this journey has stretched us, grown our faith, and pushed us to rely on God more than ever. It’s been refining in all...