What do you think of when you hear the word fasting?

In today’s episode, we continue our spiritual formation series with a look at the powerful practice of fasting. Often misunderstood or overlooked, fasting is more than just giving something up—it's an invitation to deny ourselves in order to become more aware of God’s presence.

We explore how fasting helps us grow in self-awareness, cultivate spiritual hunger, and quiet the noise of daily life so we can truly hear from God.

Whether you're new to the idea or looking to deepen your practice, this episode offers gentle encouragement and insight for your journey.

Episode Highlights:

• What fasting really is (and what it’s not)
• How fasting can deepen your spiritual life
• Practical ways to begin or revisit this practice
• The role of stillness and quiet in hearing from God

Find More on Hope Bridge/Links from this Ep:

• Buy the 40 Days of Decrease Book
• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Get your tickets for the 2025 Benefit Dinner here!

In this episode, we’re excited to introduce Jen Zwick, the Family Support Specialist in the Single Moms Program at Hope Bridge. Jen shares her heart for walking alongside single mothers and highlights some of the challenges these families often face.

Did you know that 1 in 4 children under the age of 18 are raised by a single mother? That’s about 13 million children growing up without a father. In Ohio, nearly two-thirds of all children living in poverty are in single-mother or grandmother-led households. Poverty is often misunderstood as neglect due to issues like poor housing conditions or food insecurity, which can lead to increased involvement from child welfare systems. At Hope Bridge, we believe in stepping in before that happens—offering stable housing, supportive services, and practical help to moms facing crisis in our communities.

Through our residential program, single moms (ages 18 and older) live in a safe, supportive home with their children for 9–12 months while working toward personal goals. We provide mentorship, help with education, budgeting, life skills, and healthy meal planning. Moms are also encouraged to connect with local churches and build community support. It’s all about creating stability and equipping moms to thrive.

We’ve also launched Empower U, a new skill-focused support group for single moms that meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Compassion Center. This is a space where moms can continue learning and growing with the support of others. We are currently looking for volunteers to get involved by teaching skills, providing meals, or helping with childcare. If you’re interested, check out the links below to learn more and sign up.

Together, we can be the village that makes a difference in the lives of single moms and their children.

Episode Highlights:

• Meet Jen Zwick, our Family Support Specialist in our Single Moms Program
• Single Mom’s Program at Hope Bridge
• What is Empower U?
• Volunteer to help out at Empower U

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• RSVP to attend Empower U!
• Volunteer for Childcare at Empower U
• Schedule a time to chat with Mel
• Learn more about our Single Moms Program!
• Provide a Meal for Single Moms in Akron
• Provide a Meal for Single Moms in Louisville
• Fill out our Volunteer Form!
• Single Mom Connection Form
• Partner with us Financially
• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Get your tickets for the 2025 Benefit Dinner here!

In this episode of ReStoried, we are in conversation with Dr. Nicole Wilke—a researcher, missionary, author, and therapist—about her new book Overcoming: What Scripture and Science Say About Resilience. Nicole has such a hopeful and practical perspective, especially for foster and adoptive parents or anyone caring for kids who’ve been through hard things.

We discuss why it’s so important to look at trauma and resilience through both a biblical and scientific lens, how early adversity impacts kids differently, and what we can actually do to help build resilience in the children we love. Nicole also shares how faith plays a key role in healing and growth—not just for kids, but for us as caregivers too.

Nicole leads global research efforts to improve care for vulnerable children and families. She’s been involved in everything from therapy to cross-cultural ministry to large-scale care reform. But what really stands out is her heart—and how much of this work is rooted in her own story of growing up in a family that fostered and adopted.

This conversation is full of encouragement, wisdom, and real-life tools you can start using right away.

Episode Highlights:

• Meet Dr. Nicole Wilke
• Dr. Nicole Wilke’s books:
  • Overcoming: What Scripture & Science Say About Resilience
  • Caleb Koala's Comeback Ride: A Journey to Overcoming
• Trauma
• Spiritual Warfare
• Resilience
• Building Relationships

Find more on Guest:

• Purchase the book Overcoming: What Scripture & Science Say About Resilience
• Purchase the book Caleb Koala's Comeback Ride: A Journey to Overcoming
• Follow Dr. Nicole Wilke on Instagram
• Find Dr. Nicole Wilke on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Dr. Nicole Wilke on the CAFO Website
• Check out the CAFO Summit 2025!

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• More Details on our Care & Connect Support Group HERE!
• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook
• Foster Our Community Instagram

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Get your tickets for the 2025 Benefit Dinner here!