Special Thanks to my Patrons for supporting A Fostered Life!
Episode 21
It’s June, which means that Father’s Day is upon us. For many children in foster care, Father’s Day is a loaded holiday. Some have never met their fathers, if their fathers have even been identified. Others have fathers who are completely “out of the picture,” meaning they are no longer involved or engaged with their children’s lives. But why is that so common? Do the dads just not care?
My guest today is going to challenge every preconceived notion you have of the men whose children are in foster care. Marvin Charles has emerged as a community and national leader in creating stronger fathers and healthier families. Because of his own powerful story of separation from and then reunification with his own family, parents and children, and his 15+ years of helping others reclaim the positive role of fathers to their families, he is an experienced and trusted mentor and advisor. He has traveled all over the U.S. to speak about empowering fathers, to learn from other national leaders and to share our successes with other organizations hoping to implement fatherhood programs.
Marvin Charles is an ordained minister and his extraordinary effectiveness comes from his ability to see through the pain and threats of those he counsels to the powerful change made possible by embracing a living God and larger purpose.
Today’s podcast features a man who stands as living proof of what’s possible for the men whose children are in foster care. As a foster parent, I am humbled and challenged by his story, and I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did!
To read more about Marvin Charles's remarkable story, check out these stories from The Seattle Times:
'Baby, I'm So Sorry' -- Woman Finds Child She Lost 43 Years Ago; He Grew Up Blocks Away (Seattle Times, August 12, 1999)
South Seattle's DADS Unites Men in Fatherhood and Brotherhood (Seattle Times, March 20, 2017)
Be sure to subscribe to A Fostered Life podcast so you don’t miss a single episode. For more information and resources for foster parents, please visit afosteredlife.com, where you’ll find blog posts, recommended reading, youtube videos, and social media links all designed to help foster parents feel more equipped for their foster care journey.
It’s my prayer that no foster parent ever feels like they’re going at it alone. If you’re a foster parent who is feeling like you’re out there on your own, consider joining The Flourishig Foster Parent, a community designed to encourage, equip and connect foster parents.
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please take a moment to rate A Fostered Life on iTunes. It would help me out so much.
Thanks for listening and thanks for caring about foster care.
*Let's Socialize*
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Ep 25: Natalie Vecchione on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
Ep 24: Dr. Samantha Coleman and Sandria Washington Take Us "Black to the Beginning"
Ep 23: Whitney King - Supporting Families in Crisis Before They Become Families in Crisis
Ep 22: Jason Johnson on the Unique Role of the Foster Father
Ep 20: Rena Konomis of Project Search and Reunion
Ep 19 Virtual Visits in Quarantine
Ep 18 Foster Care for Refugees
Ep 17: From Cuddler to CASA
A Listener’s Feedback on Episode 10
Ep 16: Author & Entrepreneur MaLisa Riley
Ep 15: Blogger, Child Abuse Survivor, and FFY Cherie Renee
Happy New Year! Announcing This Month's Giveaway Winners!
Ep 13: Advocate and Author Jillana Goble
Ep 12: Three Strands—A Church-Based Approach to Supporting Reunification and Family Preservation: My Conversation with Tonya Foulkrod, Part 2
Ep 11: From Foster Parent to Family Preservation Advocate: My Conversation With Tonya Foulkrod, Part 1
Ep 10: Foster Parenting Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Conversation with Kevin
Ep. 9: When Foster Parents Fight for Reunification: A Conversation with Lauren
Ep. 8: It's Never Too Late to Choose Love: A Conversation with Bryan Post
Ep 7: Foster Parenting & Flexibility: A Conversation with Melissa Smallwood
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