Ep: 1 - Embracing Vulnerability: Jen Decker's Insights on Adoption, Ministry, and Family

Written By Meredith Shuman | Trauma-informed care trainer, Mom

Join us in this insightful episode as Jen Decker unfolds her inspiring journey from church work to pioneering a foster adoption ministry and organizing the transformative ReConference. Discover the profound importance of cultivating a safe and informed community for foster and adoptive families. Jen delves into the essence of awareness, understanding, and application in providing effective support to these families.

https://www.realencouragement.org/

https://www.facebook.com/RealEncouragement

https://www.instagram.com/reconferencekc/

Uncover the power of vulnerability and the role of a secure community in the healing and mental health journey. The ReConference emerges as a vital space where foster and adoptive parents connect, share their narratives, and find unwavering support. In a compelling conversation, Jen Decker and Meredith explore the nuances of building empathy, embracing vulnerability, and the invaluable role of community.

Jen and Meredith discuss the following topics:

-Creating a safe and informed community is crucial for supporting foster and adoptive families.

-Awareness, understanding, and application are fundamental keys in providing effective support.

-Vulnerability and safe community play a significant role in the healing and mental health journey.

-The Re-Conference offers a space for foster and adoptive parents to connect, share stories, and find support.

-Building empathy and vulnerability is a skill that requires practice and self-reflection.

-Acknowledging and sharing emotions create a space for healing and connection.

-A supportive community makes difficult seasons of life more bearable and provides valuable support.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Background

06:10 - Starting a Foster Adoption Ministry

09:23 - Creating a Safe and Informed Church Community

14:54 - The Importance of Awareness, Understanding, and Application

21:29 - The Impact of the ReConference

28:12 - The Power of Vulnerability and Safe Community

30:00 - Highlights of the ReConference

35:08 - The Role of Vulnerability in Healing and Mental Health

44:30 - Building Empathy and Vulnerability

47:14 - Acknowledging and Sharing Emotions

48:46 - The Value of Community

Join us on this enriching journey of empathy, understanding, and community support. Subscribe now and be part of a conversation that can make a difference in the lives of foster and adoptive families.

Meredith Shuman | Trauma-informed care trainer, Mom

Meredith Shuman is the founder of James Trail, an organization supporting the unique needs of adoptive and foster families. Meredith has over 28 years of experience serving as a therapist, trauma-informed care trainer, and mom. She holds a MSW from the University of Texas. She and her husband Dan, a global health physician have been married 28 years, and they have 5 children, 4 of whom are adopted.  Meredith loves a passport with lots of stamps, a water bottle with lots of stickers, a table with lots of people, and a mountain with lots of trail.

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Ep: 2 - Learning from Imperfection: Jordan's perspective on diversity, adoption, and relating to your parents in adulthood