In this moving continuation of her story, Bre opens up about what it was like to navigate foster care as a teenager—shifting homes, faiths, and expectations while searching for belonging. She shares the emotional tension of moving between families with vastly different religious beliefs, the impact of being “the new kid” again and again, and the powerful difference one man named Don made through simple, steadfast love.

Jason and Whitney listen as Bre reflects on the foster parents who shaped her, the struggles that challenged her faith, and what she wishes every foster parent understood about the teens in their care. This honest and hope-filled conversation will move anyone who has ever wondered how to love kids from hard places well.

Whether you’re a foster or adoptive parent, teacher, social worker, or simply someone who cares about vulnerable youth, Bre’s story will leave you inspired to show up—because sometimes one caring adult can change everything.

Key Topics & Takeaways:

• The faith confusion that comes from moving between drastically different foster homes

• Overcoming stereotypes and isolation as a teen in foster care

• The life-changing influence of one consistent, caring adult

• What Bre wishes every foster parent knew

• Why genuine faith is shown in action, not just words

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🎵 Music: “Paradise Found” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this powerful 20th episode of the Dream Small Podcast, Jason and Whitney sit down with their friend Bre, who courageously shares her story of growing up in foster care, navigating trauma, and breaking free from generational cycles.

Bre is the second oldest of eleven siblings and entered foster care as a teenager after years of instability and hardship. In this conversation, she opens up about:

• What it was like to be separated from her siblings and move through multiple foster homes.
• The painful realities of neglect, false assumptions, and lack of support that many foster teens face.
• How she learned resilience through broken systems, financial struggles, and the weight of raising her younger siblings.
• The turning points that helped her reject destructive cycles and choose a different future.
• The role of faith, perseverance, and intentional choices in becoming the mom and wife she always longed to have herself.

Bre’s honesty gives foster parents, adoptive parents, and anyone walking alongside vulnerable kids a rare glimpse into the lived reality of the foster care system. Her perspective is raw, emotional, and filled with hope.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• What does foster care feel like through the eyes of a child?
• How can foster parents better support teens in care?
• Is it possible to break free from generational trauma?

…this conversation will inspire, challenge, and encourage you.

✨ Share this episode with foster parents, adoptive families, social workers, or anyone who cares about kids from hard places. Bre’s story is a testimony of redemption and the impact of choosing faithfulness in the small things.

Connect with us:

• Email: dreamsmallpodcast@gmail.com
• Instagram: @dreamsmallpodcast
• Facebook: Dream Small Podcast
• Twitter/X: @DreamSmallShow

🎵 Music Credit: "Paradise Found" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In Episode 19 of the Dream Small Podcast, Jason and Whitney open up about one of the most defining moments of their foster care journey — the return of their “always yes” child.

Years earlier, this little girl had entered their home as a scared toddler, quickly bonding with their family. But in a painful and unexpected turn, the foster care system sent her back home before it was safe, leaving their family grieving a sudden loss with no closure. For three years, Jason and Whitney prayed for her, never knowing if they would see her again.

Then, in the middle of the hardest season of their lives — Whitney’s cancer diagnosis and treatment, Jason’s dad quickly deteriorating from dementia, and the everyday chaos of raising five (at the time) kids — the phone rang late on a Friday night. It was DCS, and the little girl they had never stopped loving needed a home again.

In this powerful episode, Jason and Whitney share:

• The heartbreak of sudden reunification and how the foster care system sometimes fails children
• The reality of foster parenting in seasons of personal crisis
• How they wrestled with God’s timing when the call came during cancer treatment and grief
• The emotional homecoming — what it was like to see their “forever yes” walk back through the door three years later
• Why saying yes to foster care and adoption rarely makes sense logically, but always reflects God’s love
• How community support — friends, church, and even strangers — carried them through this season

This conversation is raw, honest, and full of hope. It’s a story of foster care, faith, obedience, and the power of saying yes even when life feels impossible. Whether you’re a foster parent, adoptive parent, or simply someone seeking encouragement in following God’s call, this episode will remind you that love is an action — and sometimes the smallest yes can change a child’s life forever.

We’d love to hear from you! Has God ever asked you to step into something hard when the timing made no sense? Message us and share your story — your obedience might encourage someone else to keep going.

Connect with us:

• Email: dreamsmallpodcast@gmail.com

• Instagram: @dreamsmallpodcast

• Facebook: Dream Small Podcast

• Twitter/X: @DreamSmallShow

Music credit: "Paradise Found" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) | Licensed under CC BY 4.0

In this episode of the Dream Small Podcast, Jason and Whitney share the incredible story of how God worked through friends, neighbors, and their church community to prepare their family for a brand-new foster placement — a five-week-old baby.

After wrestling with the decision for months and wondering if they were “too old for babies,” Jason and Whitney prayed for clarity. God answered in unmistakable ways: from baby clothes showing up at just the right time, to neighbors offering cribs and car seats, to surprise meals, strollers, and even toilet paper left in their garage “from a friend of Jesus.”

You’ll hear:

• How Galatians 6:2 and Proverbs 3:5–6 came alive in real time as their community carried their burdens.
• The funny and heartwarming stories of unexpected blessings — big and small — that confirmed God’s calling.
• Why saying “yes” to foster care isn’t just about one family, but about the body of Christ stepping in together.
• Practical encouragement for anyone wondering how to support foster families (hint: it doesn’t always take much to make a huge impact).

This episode is a reminder that in the middle of heavy weeks and hard seasons, God still shows up — often through the everyday faithfulness of His people.

If you’ve ever questioned whether small acts of kindness matter, this story will encourage you to keep your eyes open for how God is moving in your own life.

Let’s Connect

• Email: dreamsmallpodcast@gmail.com

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• Twitter/X: @DreamSmallShow

🎵 Music Credit: "Paradise Found" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of Dream Small, Jason and Whitney sit down with Clara — their former nanny and long-time family friend — to share a unique perspective that often goes unheard: what it’s like to grow up as a foster sibling.

Clara was only in second grade when her parents became foster parents, and over the years their home welcomed more than 50 children. As the oldest sibling, Clara experienced the ups and downs of foster care in ways that shaped her faith, her resilience, and even her career path. From the surprise of meeting her very first foster sisters to the chaos of courtroom visits, she opens up about the challenges of being a foster sibling, the seasons of bitterness she faced as a teenager, and how her parents found ways to make sure their biological children still felt seen and loved.

Jason and Whitney also reflect on how Clara became part of their own story, stepping into the role of nanny at a pivotal time for their family. Her experience with trauma, medical needs, and everyday parenting made her more than a caregiver — she became family.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• Clara’s first memories of foster care and what it was like to welcome new siblings overnight
• The struggles biological children may feel when their parents foster, including resentment and loneliness
• How her parents wisely used respite care and intentional one-on-one time to support their bio kids
• Why building community for foster siblings is just as important as support for foster or adopted kids
• The unexpected ways foster care prepared Clara for future jobs, responsibilities, and leadership
• How God used her childhood experiences to give her grit, compassion, and wisdom beyond her years

Clara’s story is both heartfelt and practical, offering encouragement and guidance for foster parents, biological kids in foster families, and anyone curious about the impact of foster care on the whole household.

Connect with us:

• Email: dreamsmallpodcast@gmail.com
• Instagram: @dreamsmallpodcast
• Facebook: Dream Small Podcast
• Twitter/X: @DreamSmallShow

🎵 Music Credit: "Paradise Found" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Ever wondered what daily life really looks like for a foster family? In this episode of Dream Small, Jason and Whitney pull back the curtain and share the organized chaos of their home—where visitors include case managers, therapists, guardians ad litem, and more.

A Foster Home is a busy place - where multiple visitors come into your home. This episode will give you a glimpse of some of the visitors. You’ll hear:

• What a DCS Family Case Manager (FCM) does and why they’re central to every case

• The difference between GALs (Guardians ad Litem) and CASAs and how they advocate for kids

• The juggling act of multiple providers in one home—and how faith sustains families through the overwhelm

• Encouragement for foster parents (and those considering fostering) to show grace to caseworkers

👉 Whether you’re a foster parent, considering the journey, or simply curious about how the system works, this episode offers both practical insight and heartfelt encouragement.

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by our friend Ray Podesta with Stone & Gable Realty. If you’re buying or selling a home in Central Indiana, contact Ray at 317-538-3226 or ray@stoneangable.com.

Connect with us:

• Email: dreamsmallpodcast@gmail.com

• Instagram: @dreamsmallpodcast

• Facebook: Dream Small Podcast

• Twitter/X: @DreamSmallShow

🎵 Music credit: "Paradise Found" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License | creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of Dream Small, Jason and Whitney welcome their first non-family guest, Michelle, to share her powerful story of fostering and adoption.

Michelle and her husband fostered for 13 years, ultimately adopting five children. Her foster journey began with a surprise call late one night about twins—and what followed was a whirlwind of faith, heartbreak, disruption, and God’s provision.

Michelle opens up about:

• How infertility led them to private adoption and then foster care

• The unexpected late-night phone call that launched their fostering journey

• The challenges and heartache of disruption—and how God used it for a greater plan

• The importance of community and church support when saying “yes” to kids in need

• How God shifted their hearts from “growing a family” to “serving children and families”

Her story is a reminder that the path of fostering isn’t easy—but God is faithful, even in the hardest yes.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:

A huge thank you to Ray Podesta, realtor with Stone Gable Realty. If you’re in Central Indiana and looking to buy or sell a home, reach out to Ray at 317-538-3226 or email him at Ray@stoneangable.com.

Connect with Us:

• Email: dreamsmallpodcast@gmail.com

• Instagram: @dreamsmallpodcast

• Facebook: Dream Small Podcast

• Twitter/X: @DreamSmallShow

Music Credit: "Paradise Found" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Back-to-school season can be stressful for any family—but for foster and adoptive parents, navigating school can feel especially overwhelming. In this episode of Dream Small, Jason and Whitney share their lived experiences of sending foster kiddos to school and offer practical advice for making the transition smoother.

From choosing the right school and advocating for trauma-informed teachers to preparing children with routines, comfort items, and role-playing, this conversation is packed with encouragement and real-life strategies. Whether you’re new to fostering or a seasoned resource parent, you’ll find wisdom and hope to help your child feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive in the classroom.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to evaluate school options for foster children
• Why trauma-informed teachers and staff make all the difference·
• The importance of routines and preparation for school success
• Advocating for IEPs, 504s, and support services
• Helping kids feel safe, secure, and understood in new environments
• The vital role of community and your “village” in back-to-school transitions

Whether your child is starting kindergarten, entering middle school, or switching districts, this episode will remind you that you are not alone—and that your faithfulness in the small things truly matters.

🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:

A huge thank you to Ray Podesta, realtor with Stone Gable Realty. If you’re in Central Indiana and looking to buy or sell a home, reach out to Ray at 317-538-3226 or email him at Ray@stoneangable.com.

📬 Connect with Us:

Email: dreamsmallpodcast@gmail.com

Instagram: @dreamsmallpodcast

Facebook: Dream Small Podcast

Twitter/X: @DreamSmallShow

🎵 Music credit:

"Paradise Found" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) | Licensed under

Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/