Haven Happenings

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The Haven Happenings Podcast features conversations and stories designed to equip, mobilize, and encourage our community to support children and young adults in foster care. Episodes are released every few months and highlight specific concepts related to child care, Boys & Girls Haven, and the foster care system as a whole.

Have an idea for an episode? Send it our way!

Featured Episode – “Hair: When Your Parents Don’t Look Like You, Being Black in Foster Care”

In this episode, you’ll dive into the world of hair. This conversation between two mental health professionals explores the cultural significance of hair, its effect on identities, and why it matters for transracial foster families. The discussion dissects the consequences of cultural insensitivity, and it encourages foster parents to proactively educate themselves about their children’s hair needs.

Featured Guests: Josh Swetnam (BGH’s Director of Haven Family Counseling), Ebony Dixon (Veteran BGH Therapist)
Edited By: Nick Brewer (BGH Marketing & Design Manager)

Upcoming Episodes

Episode 7 – “Game Changers: Empowering Foster Youth Through Sports”

Episodes

Episode 6 – “Fostering With Pride: LGBTQ+ Youth in Foster Care”

In our 6th episode of Haven Happenings, we shine a spotlight on the unique experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth in foster care.
Join us as we discuss this important topic with Dr. Gary Mallon, the Julia Lathrop Professor of Child Welfare
Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College.

Featured Guests: Hunter College’s Dr.Gary Mallon (garymallon.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_P._Mallon), ShaRonda Allen (BGH Training Supervisor)

Edited By: Nick Brewer (BGH Marketing & Design Manager)

Episode 5 – “Creature Comforts: Animal-Assisted Therapy at Boys & Girls Haven”

Tune in to our latest podcast episode featuring Nick Brewer, Marketing & Design Manager, and Sarah Jacoby, Vocational & Therapeutic Services Supervisor, as they delve into the transformative impact of animal-assisted therapy at Boys & Girls Haven. Discover why this unique form of therapy is essential for children in foster care, providing them with invaluable support and comfort on their journey towards healing and resilience. Join us as we explore the powerful bond between humans and animals, and the profound benefits it brings to those in need.

Featured Guests: Sarah Jacoby (Vocational & Therapeutic Services Supervisor)
Edited By: Nick Brewer (BGH Marketing & Design Manager)

Episode 4 – “Like, Comment, Share: Social Media and Foster Care”

This episode of Haven Happenings is dedicated to exploring the intersection of social media and foster care. It features insights from current and former foster youth and takes a deep dive into interactive technologies such as Reddit, Facebook, and Instagram. Join us for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about social media and how it can enhance the foster care experience.

Featured Guests: Josh Swetnam, Ebony Dixon, “Kevin”, “Kate”, Kayli Jones
Edited By: Nick Brewer (BGH Marketing & Design Manager)

Episode 3 – “Hair: When Your Parents Don’t Look Like You, Being Black in Foster Care”

Featured Guests: Josh Swetnam (BGH’s Director of Haven Family Counseling), Ebony Dixon (Veteran BGH Therapist)
Edited By: Nick Brewer (BGH Marketing & Design Manager)

Episode 2 – “The Surprising Healing Qualities of Dirt: A Closer Look at Horticulture Therapy”

The Suprising Healing Qualities of Dirt: A Closer Look at Horticulture Therapy

In this episode, you’ll get a closer look at horticulture therapy. From boosting mood to helping dexterity, gardening is good for you. We’ll be exploring its uses, different examples of it in practice, and how you can support our program here at BGH.

Featured Guest: ShaRonda Allen (Youth Counselor and Mother of the Haven Peace Garden)
Episode Hosted By: Nick Brewer (BGH Marketing & Design Manager…and tomato enthusiast)

Episode 1 – “The S.E.L.F. Model”

In 2022, Boys & Girls Haven (BGH) entered into a partnership with the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods (OSHN) to provide free mental health services as part of Metro Louisville’s Trauma Resilient Communities (TRC) Initiative. In this episode, we dive into the “S.E.L.F. Model,” and take a closer look at its usefulness as a tool for workplace conflict resolution.

Featured Guest: Susan St. Vrain (Wellness Coach)
Episode Hosted By: Leslie Bratcher (Clinical Director of Services)

Our Electronic Newsletter

Here’s a peek at what’s been happening at Boys & Girls Haven and how you can continue your support of children and young adults in foster care. Subscribe to our monthly Haven Happenings Newsletter for more stories and highlights. Our newsletter is delivered directly to your inbox at the end of every month.