In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Kristen Allender reflect on the impactful leadership of Brian Mavis (co founder of America's Kids Belong) who is taking on a new ministry role and stepping out of the organization and the podcast. They share his memorable quotes and leadership principles that have shaped AKB's work in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the importance of community support, family over programs, and the need for asset-based approaches to community change.

The conversation shifts to the Foster Friendly initiative, highlighting its recent achievements in Tennessee, including an innovation award and the activation of over a thousand businesses to support foster families! They also delve into the Foster Friendly app, explaining its purpose and how it connects foster families with community resources. Finally, they look ahead to upcoming conversations and initiatives, emphasizing the importance of sharing stories and experiences from those who have experienced foster care.

Download the Foster Friendly App:
https://americaskidsbelong.org/foster-friendly-communities/foster-friendly-app/

Pickup a copy of Brian's book- Go Upstream: Diving Into Foster Care To Heal 10 Social Wounds
https://a.co/d/04kn7GW0

Learn more how your business can become Foster Friendly:
https://americaskidsbelong.org/foster-friendly-business/

Takeaways

• Brian Mavis transitioned to a local pastoring role, leaving a significant impact on America's Kids Belong.
• Personal hobbies, like horseback riding, can provide essential self-care and stress relief.
• The right people in an organization matter more than impressive credentials.
• A great family is more beneficial than any program for children in need.
• Real community change should focus on existing assets rather than deficits.
• Leadership should prioritize retention of current supporters before recruiting new ones.
• Humility in leadership includes acknowledging past mistakes and learning from them.
• Community support systems are crucial for fostering families.
• Equine therapy can be a valuable resource for emotional well-being.
• Collaboration among sectors is essential for effective community change. Trust is essential in the nonprofit sector.
• Collaboration can lead to greater impact.
• Brian Mavis was a visionary leader.
• Foster Friendly has activated over a thousand businesses.
• The Foster Friendly app connects families with resources.
• Community support is crucial for foster families.
• Innovative solutions can emerge from unexpected partnerships.
• Recognizing the contributions of individuals is important.
• Future conversations will focus on aging out of foster care.
• National Adoption Awareness Month will bring new resources.

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.

Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.

Meet kids awaiting adoption.

Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.

Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.