how 22 families from one church adopted 77 children through the foster care system

how 22 families from one church adopted 77 children through the foster care system

Author: Marcy Bursac, Adoptive Mom & Founder of The Forgotten Adoption Option June 16, 2024 Duration: 20:23
Rebekah Weigel is a foster/adoptive parent, child advocate and national ambassador for CarePortal (a technology the supports children and families interacting with the foster system). She has a passion to see the faith community care for vulnerable children and families. She is an award-winning filmmaker and works in the entertainment industry as a writer and producer. Rebekah and her husband Joshua are at the helm of The Sound of Hope: Possum Trot as the producers, writers, and Josh’s feature debut as a director. Possum Trot was produced through their company, PEACETREE PRODUCTIONS, in association with Letitia Wright’s Threesixteen Entertainment. Peacetree Productions aims to create life-changing, spiritually significant entertainment by highlighting critical social issues and narratives, capturing the most compelling stories of our time. After Possum Trot, the highly anticipated feature length adaptation of THE BUTTERFLY CIRCUS is on deck for Peacetree Productions. THE SOUND OF HOPE: POSSUM TROT SYNOPSIS: The fight for kids begins July 4. Inspired by the powerful true story, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, follows Donna and Reverend Martin as they ignite a fire in the hearts of their rural church to embrace kids in the foster system that nobody else would take. By doing the impossible–adopting 77 children–this East Texas community proved that, with real, determined love, the battle for America’s most vulnerable can be won.

Now in its sixth season, The Forgotten Adoption Option Podcast moves beyond statistics to explore the human heart of foster care adoption. Hosted by Marcy Bursac, an adoptive mother and founder of the initiative, this podcast creates a space for voices often overlooked. Conversations flow naturally with adoptive parents, adoptees themselves, adults who experienced the foster system, and seasoned child welfare professionals. Together, they unpack the complexities, joys, and raw realities of building families through this path. The central, sobering truth guiding these discussions is that nearly 30% of children in U.S. foster care are legally free for adoption, yet many potential families encounter hurdles that prevent finalization. This series exists to bridge that gap with authenticity and practical insight. By listening, you’ll hear firsthand narratives that challenge misconceptions, offering a clearer picture of the process and the profound connections it can forge. Marcy’s role as a mentor shines through in each episode, fostering dialogues that are as informative as they are deeply personal. It’s a documentary-style journey into the layers of society and culture surrounding child welfare, designed for anyone curious about adoption, involved in the system, or simply seeking stories of resilience and belonging. Tune in monthly for these essential conversations that illuminate a path toward permanent homes.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 86

The Forgotten Adoption Option Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Meet CJ - Foster Child & Author [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:14
CJ is the author of "Obliterating the Odds". She was in foster care and was never adopted although she lived in 35 homes before age 17. Listen to hear her journey of going from tragedy to triumph.
Meet Amber - Adoptive Mom (of a sibling pair!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:19
Amber is in Texas and is the adoptive mom of a sibling pair. She also gifts my book The Forgotten Adoption Option to potential adoptive families in her area. Get ideas and insights about foster care adoption in this epis…
Meet Grandpa Bob - Adoptive Grandparent (and my dad!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:13
Adoption impacts immediate and extended family. I'm excited to introduce you to my dad who shares his experience with my family's foster care adoption journey.
Meet Rita Soronen - Foster Care Adoption Advocate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:43
Learn about the opportunity to adopt and advocate for children through the foster care system from Rita Soronen, President & CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.