Episode 5: Whitney's Story—The Beauty of Chosen Family

Episode 9: How Do We Get Unstuck?

In this episode of Dwelling at the Well, we reflect on our experience at the Unstuck Conference in Orange County—a gathering of nonprofits, advocates, churches, and community leaders working toward better care for youth and families impacted by foster care. We talk about the importance of collaboration and relational connection for those providing services to the foster care community, and why meaningful support is about more than simply offering resources. Together, we explore what it looks like to move from working in isolation to building a support network to make a greater impact within our community.  Key topics covered include: * The shift from siloed foster care efforts to community-wide collaboration * The role of relationships over resources in supporting foster youth and families * How different organizations and faith communities are creating innovative support models * The importance of humility, recognizing limitations, and working collectively * Specific connections made at the conference that will benefit the Village OC * The vision for building an ecosystem of support through relational connections * Practical steps for maintaining relationships and creating a broader support network Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Dwelling at the Well and today's focus on community collaboration 00:30 - Highlights from the Unstuck Conference and its importance for foster care work 01:51 - The significance of relationships over resources in supporting foster youth 03:14 - Why attending the conference was meaningful for Ashley and the Village OC 04:36 - The nonprofit’s mission to support aging-out foster youth relationally 06:41 - The humility of foster care organizations working together for a common goal 07:52 - Building a support network through connection and collaboration 09:02 - New partnerships with community organizations and agencies 10:05 - The excitement of turning conference insights into actionable steps 11:34 - Clarifying the role of Village OC in case management and resource ecosystems 12:56 - The importance of relationships over outdated directories of resources 14:42 - How faith and community are guiding foster care initiatives 16:10 - Stories of innovative programs shared at the conference 17:28 - The power of community-led support models to reduce homelessness and increase stability 20:14 - Practical steps for sustaining collaboration and connection beyond the conference 21:35 - The call for listeners to use their gifts in their own spheres of influence 22:17 - The vision for Village OC’s future collaborations and impact 23:46 - Reflection on how the conference reaffirms the nonprofit’s mission and direction. Resources & Links: * More than Enough [https://cafo.org/morethanenough] — Jason Weber's organization for fostering community collaboration Connect with Ashley & Rebecca * The Village OC⁠ [https://thevillageoc.org/] — Support organization for foster youth aging out of care * ⁠Instagram: thevillage.oc⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thevillage.oc/] — Follow for updates and stories

Episode 8: Lisa's Story—Choosing to Stand in the Gap

In this episode, we’re joined by Lisa, who served as a CASA volunteer (Court Appointed Special Advocate), walking closely alongside youth in foster care. As we begin to widen the lens of these conversations, we step into a perspective shaped by presence, advocacy, and relationship. Lisa shares what she witnessed within the system, what stayed with her, and what it reveals about the importance of having someone who shows up—and continues to stay—as young people navigate the transition into adulthood.

Episode 7: Michelle's Story—A Sacrificial Love

In this episode, Michelle invites us into her foster care journey: three placements, unexpected detours, deep grief, and a faith that has carried her through every season. Her story is a powerful reminder of what it means to love with open hands.

Episode 6: Father Craig's Story—Grace Woven Through Every Chapter

When his mother’s illness led to foster care, Father Craig found himself navigating loss, change, and ultimately, grace. Supported by his family, church, and friends, his journey led him toward ministry and reconciliation—a reminder that even in hardship, God is always working towards healing and redemption.

Episode 5: Whitney's Story—The Beauty of Chosen Family

Whitney’s story is one of resilience amidst the instability of foster care and her experience of adoption. In this episode, she shares how she’s learning to heal, what “choosing” family looks like, and how she’s holding onto hope for creating the safe home she once longed for.