Fostering Change

Presented by Comfort Cases: Providing Hope and Dignity to Youth in Foster Care

Author: Rob Scheer

Fostering Change with Rob ScheerHosted by Comfort Cases founder Rob Scheer, this inspiring podcast shares powerful stories of resilience, compassion, and community. Each week, Rob sits down with guests who are making a difference in the foster care system from former foster youth and foster parents to advocates, authors, and celebrities whose lives have been touched by foster care.With warmth, humor, and heart, Rob leads conversations that remind us all how dignity, hope, and love can change a childs life forever. Have a story to share or a question for Rob? Email: fosteringchange@comfortcases.orgFollow us on social media: @comfortcasesLearn more at comfortcases.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Language: en

Genres: Business, Kids & Family, Non-Profit

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Fostering Hope for the Holidays: Empowering Teens in Care Through Community with Dionna Carter
Episode 257
Tuesday, 2 December, 2025

This week on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer is joined by Dionna Carter, founder of the Foster Teen Christmas Outreach, an initiative that began in 2019 and has now raised more than $1.3 million in gift cards for teens in foster care. As Dionna explains, “Teens are often forgotten during the holidays — everyone wants to buy toys for the little kids, but teens also want to feel included and seen.”What started with one county has grown into a statewide movement, driven by simple generosity and community partnership. Each year, thousands of youth receive gift cards that offer dignity, autonomy, and a reminder that their community cares.Dionna also leads the Foster Hope Holiday Fest, happening Sunday, December 7 in Columbus, Ohio — a resource fair designed to support youth preparing to age out of foster care. “We wanted to be a bridge,” Dionna shares, “because so many teens lose support networks as they age out. This event shows them that help is available.”In this episode, Rob and Dionna discuss:How a small idea grew into a statewide giving movementWhy gift cards matter for teens in foster care during the holidaysThe impact of the Foster Hope Holiday Fest and how the community can participateHow listeners anywhere can start similar outreach efforts in their own countiesDionna’s message is simple and powerful: “Even if you impact one youth, it is so worth it.”Learn More & Support:Foster Hope Holiday Fest – December 7, Columbus, OH https://onedotchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3054175Website: www.dionnacarter.comInstagram: @FlyAndShyyyFacebook: Dionna CarterLinkedIn: Dionna Carter🎧 After you listen, please like, comment, and share the episode to help spread hope and support to teens who need it most this holiday season.🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.