ReStoried

In this special mini episode, we share an important update about the future of Restoried. As Hope Bridge continues to grow, the team has been reflecting on how to ensure everything we do remains relational, intentional, missional, and prayerful. Those values have led to an important decision for the podcast.  Rather than focusing on producing more content, the goal is to create space for stories t...

In this episode, we dive into the crucial role foster families play in the reunification process. Our discussion aims to encourage foster families to embrace their part in the team effort required for successful reunification. We'll provide an overview of foster care, emphasizing why reunification is the primary goal despite common misconceptions. Many people struggle with the idea of childre...

In this inspiring episode, we explore a powerful story of redemption through an interview with Bethany, a dedicated foster mom, and Jaliyah, the biological mother of Bethany's former foster children. Their journey has been marked by many challenges, but their unwavering commitment to each other has led to a heartwarming reunion. Jaliyah worked incredibly hard to regain custody of her children...

In this episode of Restoried , we introduce our newest team member, Larkyn Forchione , the new Youth Empowerment Coordinator. Larkyn shares her journey as a single foster and adoptive mom, how God led her to Hope Bridge, and her passion for serving young people impacted by foster care.  We also announce the transition from our former "Aged Out Youth Program" to the newly named Youth Empo...

In this episode of Restoried, we are introduced to Shelly Mast, the newest county coordinator serving Holmes County and the surrounding area, and a longtime foster mom herself.  Shelly shares her journey into foster care, which began in 2020 during the chaos of COVID, and how God used both the beauty and heartbreak of that season to shape her faith and calling. She opens up about the challenges of...

In this month’s spiritual formation conversation, we continue our series by reflecting on the practice of fasting and why it matters for our walk with Christ. Spiritual formation helps re-center our lives on Jesus when everything else competes for our attention.  Fasting is more than just abstaining from food; it’s intentionally setting something aside to create space to seek God. Looking at Jesus...

For Foster Care Awareness Month, we’re continuing our For the One series with one of our most honest and challenging conversations yet.  In this episode, we wrestle with the tension between awareness and action. As believers, many of us know the foster care crisis exists. We’ve heard the statistics, seen the social media posts, and maybe even prayed for the children and families impacted by it. Bu...

In this really special episode for Foster Care Awareness Month, Nicole sits down with DiEmma, the biological mom of her three adopted kids—for an honest conversation about what it actually looks like to choose relationship in the middle of really hard things.   What started over ten years ago in the middle of addiction, loss, and the foster care system has slowly grown into something neither of th...

In this special episode of Restoried , we’re coming together as the four directors of HopeBridge to launch something that is deeply personal to us: our new campaign and heart posture, “For the One.” This conversation is really about what has been forming in us for a long time—how we see people, how we do ministry, and how we stay anchored in the middle of work that can often feel overwhelming in s...

In this episode of Restoried, Brian Troyer discusses the power of scripture memorization as a key practice for spiritual formation. Moving beyond simply studying the Bible, he emphasizes how hiding God’s Word in our hearts transforms the way we think, respond, and live. Through personal stories, Brian shares how scripture became a source of strength, truth, and real-life change during both challen...

In this episode, we’re taking time to reflect on some of our favorite takeaways from Mobilize Ohio 2026. Every year, we’re amazed by the way God shows up in this space, and this year was no different.  Our theme was Surrounded , and it was powerful to see each speaker bring that to life through their own stories and experiences. It all came together in a way that felt both grounding and deeply enc...

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, this episode of Restoried highlights the incredible impact of volunteers at Hope Bridge and the vital role they play in supporting foster families, single moms, and vulnerable children. While not everyone is called to foster, we are all called to care, and Hope Bridge gives people tangible ways to step into that calling. Simply put, this work would not be...

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and in this episode of Restoried , we sit down with author, speaker, and advocate Stephanie Ellison to talk about the realities of child abuse, especially the parts we don’t always see.   Stephanie shares pieces of her own story growing up in instability, navigating trauma, and learning how those experiences shaped her as both a child and an adult. She helps...

In this episode of Restoried , we’re talking about Sabbath, what it actually looks like in real, everyday life. It’s not just about taking a day off, but about creating a rhythm of stopping, resting, delighting, and spending time with God.  We get into how Sabbath can sometimes feel rigid or unrealistic, but how it can actually become something really freeing and life-giving. Even small, intention...

In this episode, we are having a conversation on a powerful concept many child welfare workers feel but don’t always have language for: moral injury .  We unpack the difference between simple burnout and the deeper, soul-level injury that happens when we know what compassionate, ethical care should look like, yet are forced to operate inside systems that often make that impossible.   We reflect on...

In honor of Social Work Appreciation Month , we’re resharing one of our earlier conversations with Blake Boyer. Blake is a Christian social worker whose passion is encouraging and equipping believers who are fostering, adopting, and supporting children and families involved in the child welfare system. She also mentors social workers as they navigate the challenges of this important work. In this...

In this episode, we sit down with Kirsten Smith , Summit County Coordinator for Hope Bridge, to hear her incredible journey as a mother of nine adopted children from foster care. Kirsten shares openly about her family’s story, beginning with her and her husband Josh navigating infertility and feeling God’s call toward adoption. She reflects on bringing home sibling groups, the challenges of raisin...

On this episode of Restoried , Mel sits down to talk with Jen Zwick and Cat Tortola about hope, faith, and transformation. Cat isn’t just a graduate of the Hope Bridge Single Moms Program; she’s now the Single Mom Program’s coordinator, helping other single moms navigate life, growth, and family. She shares her journey from feeling stuck and overwhelmed to finding support, community, and confidenc...

In this episode of Restoried , Brian and Anne revisit the spiritual formation practice of Pilgrim Feast , a rhythm inspired by the biblical feasts where God’s people gathered to remember His faithfulness and celebrate together. Pilgrim Feast invites families to reframe vacations and special time away as gifts from God; moments to worship, reconnect, and intentionally celebrate His goodness.  Anne...

In this episode of Restoried , we sit down with Jamie Fuller to hear her family’s unexpected journey into kinship care. It’s a story shaped by loss, faith, and God’s redemptive work. What Jamie thought would be a season of empty nesting turned into something she and her husband, JP, never imagined. They welcomed their two nephews after the tragic loss of their parents.  Jamie shares honestly about...

Foster care doesn’t just enter a home; it enters a marriage. With Valentine’s Day approaching, this episode of Restoried opens an honest conversation about how foster care changes marriage when court dates, therapy, and survival replace date nights and quiet conversations.  Lisa is joined by her husband JJ as they reflect on eight years as licensed foster parents and over a decade supporting child...

In this episode of Restoried , we sit down with Ryan North of One Big Happy Home for a real and encouraging conversation about foster care, adoption, connected parenting, and staying faithful in hard seasons. With more than 30 foster placements and years of lived experience, Ryan shares what he and his wife, Kayla, have learned about building strong relationships with kids impacted by trauma.  Rya...

Today, we’re continuing our spiritual formation series by talking about the discipline of generosity . Jesus has so much to say about generosity in the Bible, and we’re reminded that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive.  We discuss how generosity isn’t just a spiritual concept; it also has real mental and physical benefits, backed by science.  We’re also joined by Lewis Yoder , Execut...

Today on Restoried , we’re joined by Kim Bezek, one of our breakout speakers for Mobilize Ohio . Kim is a children’s ministry director at a local church and a mom of five, parenting kids with a wide range of abilities, including Down syndrome and ADHD.  Kim shares honestly about what it’s like to embrace a life that doesn’t look the way you originally imagined, and how that experience connects so...

This week, we’re replaying one of our favorite conversations with Trisha White Priebe, an adult adoptee, writer, and speaker, and a mainstage speaker at Mobilize Ohio 2026. As we lead up to Mobilize Ohio, this week we’re replaying a powerful conversation with one of our mainstage speakers, and next week we’ll be sharing a brand-new episode featuring another Mobilize Ohio mainstage speaker. These c...