Bridging the Gap with Love

BONUS Episode: Sweat 4 Impact

Former MLB pitcher and World Series Champion Kyle McClellan started Brace for IMPACT 46 in 2014 after he and his wife, Bridget, took a life-changing mission trip to Haiti, along with Adam and Jenny Wainwright.
Why the name? They went on the trip planning to help those in need, but were not braced for the IMPACT it would have on their lives. And 46 was Kyle’s number when he played for the St. Louis Cardinals.
At Brace for IMPACT 46, we demonstrate how giving back can enrich your life every bit as much as those you serve. Our goal is to IMPACT the lives of others.
Through partnerships and trips to Haiti, we support the IDADEE Children’s Home and sustain community development in the area. In our hometown of St. Louis, we partner with local corporations to develop community through youth in the inner city.
In this episode, you will hear about how Sweat 4 Impact is raising money at the end of January! There is time to join and donate to help this incredible cause! It was an honor to interview these guys and to help spread the word! 
Website: https://www.braceforimpact46.com/
Sweat 4 Impact IG: @sweat4impact
Join our Meraki team here: www.bfi46.com/teammeraki 

Exploring the Role of a Birthmother

You nurtured and carried your baby for 9 months, then placed him or her in the arms of another woman to raise....now what? 
It can be confusing to figure out what your role as a Birthmother is, but come with us as we navigate this role, how it changes, and how you can remember to honor yourself.  

What’s Next in 2023

We are SO excited for this new year and all the fun and important things we have planned! 
Check out this episode to find out more! 
Also, if you are a member of the adoption triad (Adoptive parent, birthparent or adoptee) you can join our NEW facebook group!! 
Join us here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/3053169281651189/
 
 

Trauma in Adoption

Whether we like it or not, trauma is present in adoption.
In today's episode, you will hear us navigate and discuss trauma with care and compassion.  Although we aren't experts in this area, we share a few ways we can honor and accept those with deep trauma wounds and scars. 
A couple articles that we found helpful:
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/parenting/understanding-adoption-trauma/
https://www.verywellmind.com/i-am-grateful-to-be-adopted-and-adoption-is-still-traumatic-5224328

Phil’s Story Part 2 - Transracial Adoption

Phil shares a very important part of his story.  The fact that they are white parents raising a black son and a mixed race son.  He shares how this experience has helped him learn and grow himself, and how he wants to help others learn and grow so that we can ensure a better future for all of our children. This is such an important topic that you won't want to miss!

The Naegle Family

Thirteen years ago, Scott and Grace Naegle became the foster parents to 3 children, ages 2, 5 and 7. They thought it would be just a short term placement but it ended up being the beginning of  their forever family.  Listen as Scott, Grace, and their son, Tony, share their heartwarming story.  

Phil’s Story - Part 1

So often in adoption stories, we hear the female perspectives, but hearing from the males in these stories is also important! Today, we will hear from Phil, a father of 3 boys.  He shares his story on how his sons joined their family.  

The Forgotten Adoption Option with Marcy Bursac

Did you know that there are 115,000 children who are in the foster care system that are just waiting to go to their forever families? 
Marcy Bursac shares her passion to help others navigate the process of adopting through foster care. Her books and ways you can find her are posted below.
 
Founder - The Forgotten Adoption Option
USOA Mrs. Ohio 2022 * People's Choice * Top 16
2x Author. Adoptive Mom of 2. Podcast Host.
 
Read: "Are You a Forever Family?" & "The Forgotten Adoption Option"
Listen: The Forgotten Adoption Option Podcast
 
Facebook Community / Instagram / LinkedIn
 
Meet waiting children and get tools to pursue foster care adoption.

National Adoption Month

November is National Adoption Month!  This month we are excited to spread the good news of adoption! 

Alex’s Story - Part 2

In this episode, we reunite with Alex, but this time in person! We dive deeper into her story as a teenager and how it has lead her to this point in her relationship with Heidi.