What happens when a child grows up surrounded by instability, trauma, addiction, and uncertainty, but someone finally says, “I see you. You matter. I’m here”?

In this powerful episode of Grit & Grace, host Dana Lyons sits down with Angie Newton, Executive Director of Salem Angels, to discuss childhood trauma, foster care, trauma informed care, addiction, resilience, healing, mentorship, motherhood, and the transformative power of consistent relationships.

Angie shares her deeply personal story of growing up in chaos, navigating difficult childhood experiences, loving a mother who struggled with addiction, and ultimately rebuilding their relationship before losing her to cancer. Through heartbreak, healing, and perseverance, Angie discovered that one safe, supportive relationship can change the course of a person's life.

Together, Dana and Angie explore how childhood adversity impacts development, why foster care support matters, how trauma affects families, and what it takes to break generational cycles. They also discuss the importance of mentoring youth, showing up consistently, and creating environments where children feel seen, valued, and safe.

Whether you are a parent, foster parent, mentor, educator, caregiver, or someone on your own healing journey, this conversation offers hope, wisdom, and practical insight into overcoming adversity and building resilience.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How childhood trauma shapes emotional and relational development

• Why trauma informed care is essential for children and families

• The lasting impact of addiction on families and relationships

• How foster care support and mentorship can change lives

• The role resilience plays in healing from difficult experiences

• Why one caring, consistent adult can alter a child's future

• How compassion, connection, and community help people heal

If you are passionate about personal growth, mental health, healing from trauma, foster care advocacy, parenting, mentorship, or inspiring stories of resilience, this episode is for you.

Subscribe to Grit & Grace on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that healing is possible and that showing up for others truly matters.

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Connect with Angie Newton & Salem Angels

Salem Angels Website
https://www.salemangels.org/

Follow Salem Angels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salemangelsnonprofit

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salem_angels/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Salem-Angels

Connect with Angie Newton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angie.newton.9

Book Link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RH0E84