This week on Fostering Change, Rob welcomes a cherished friend and longtime champion of Comfort Cases — actress, producer, author, and foster care advocate Jen Lilley.

While millions know Jen from her work in television and film, her most meaningful role has been off-camera: as a foster and adoptive mother deeply committed to supporting children and families in crisis. Jen recently served as emcee for the 2025 Fostering Futures Gala — her second time hosting Comfort Cases’ signature event — and continues to use her platform to elevate foster care awareness nationwide.

In this heartfelt conversation, Rob and Jen dive into themes of faith, courage, storytelling, and the transformational impact fostering has had on Jen’s life. They also explore her book, Wake Up Your Faith, and her upcoming 2026 release, Called to Foster?

In this episode, Rob and Jen discuss:

• Why Jen remains deeply committed to Comfort Cases and the foster care community

• Her book Wake Up Your Faith and the message she hopes readers embrace

• Called to Foster?, a forthcoming guide for prospective foster parents

• What fostering and adopting two children taught her about love, patience, and identity

• How Jen balances motherhood, advocacy, and a thriving entertainment career

• The responsibility and privilege of using her platform to inspire compassion

• Practical encouragement for anyone considering fostering or adoption

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Guest Bio

Jen Lilley is an award-winning actress, producer, author, and passionate child welfare advocate. She has appeared in an Academy Award–winning film, starred in multiple Emmy-winning series, and featured in a wide range of beloved movies. Off-screen, Jen is a devoted mother to two children adopted from foster care and a powerful voice for families navigating the child welfare system. She is the author of Wake Up Your Faith and the upcoming Called to Foster?, arriving May 2026. Jen is also a treasured supporter of Comfort Cases and recently served as emcee for the 2025 Fostering Futures Gala.

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Connect with Jen

Website: www.jenlilley.com

Facebook: facebook.com/JenLilleyOfficial

Instagram: @Jen_Lilley

X (Twitter): @Jen_Lilley

🎧 After you listen, please like, comment, and share the episode to help us continue raising awareness for children in foster care.

📅 New episodes of Fostering Change drop every Tuesday.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email dthalberg@comfortcases.org

🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!

Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:

👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we move deeper into the holiday season, Fostering Change continues to shine a light on the small acts of kindness that create powerful, lasting impact. This week, Rob Scheer sits down with his longtime friend Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) — a nonprofit built on one simple mission: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.”

What started in 2012, when Luke built a single bed for a family in need, has grown into a global movement. Today, SHP has 400+ chapters across 46 states and 4 countries, and has delivered nearly 300,000 beds to children who would otherwise be sleeping on the floor.

As Luke shares:

“When I found out a child was sleeping on a pile of clothes, it changed me. I realized I could sit there and do nothing, or I could get my feet on the ground and build another bed.”

SHP empowers communities to take action by building beds locally, training new chapters, and helping neighbors come together through service — proving that every community can solve this issue in its own backyard.

In this episode, Rob and Luke discuss:

How one small idea grew into a global movement

The often unseen crisis of child bedlessness

SHP’s “Humans Helping Humans” approach to volunteerism

What it takes to start a chapter in your own community

Why staying focused on a simple mission fuels sustainable growth

Luke’s story is a powerful reminder that transformative change often begins with a single decision to help someone else.

👉 Learn more & get involved:

Website: www.shpbeds.org

Facebook: facebook.com/SHPLuke

Instagram: instagram.com/lukemickelson

X: x.com/ShpLuke

🎧 After listening, please like, comment, and share the episode so more people can join the mission to ensure no child in your town sleeps on the floor.

For guest suggestions or questions, email dthalberg@comfortcases.org.

🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!

Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:

👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Dionna Carter, founder of the Foster Teen Christmas Outreach, an initiative that began in 2019 and has now raised more than $1.3 million in gift cards for teens in foster care. As Dionna explains, “Teens are often forgotten during the holidays — everyone wants to buy toys for the little kids, but teens also want to feel included and seen.”

What started with one county has grown into a statewide movement, driven by simple generosity and community partnership. Each year, thousands of youth receive gift cards that offer dignity, autonomy, and a reminder that their community cares.

Dionna also leads the Foster Hope Holiday Fest, happening Sunday, December 7 in Columbus, Ohio — a resource fair designed to support youth preparing to age out of foster care. “We wanted to be a bridge,” Dionna shares, “because so many teens lose support networks as they age out. This event shows them that help is available.”

In this episode, Rob and Dionna discuss:

How a small idea grew into a statewide giving movement

Why gift cards matter for teens in foster care during the holidays

The impact of the Foster Hope Holiday Fest and how the community can participate

How listeners anywhere can start similar outreach efforts in their own counties

Dionna’s message is simple and powerful: “Even if you impact one youth, it is so worth it.”

Learn More & Support:

Foster Hope Holiday Fest – December 7, Columbus, OH

https://onedotchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3054175

Website: www.dionnacarter.com

Instagram: @FlyAndShyyy

Facebook: Dionna Carter

LinkedIn: Dionna Carter

🎧 After you listen, please like, comment, and share the episode to help spread hope and support to teens who need it most this holiday season.

🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!

Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:

👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.