Jeanette Yoffe's journey from foster care to becoming a psychotherapist illustrates the profound impact of resilience and advocacy on healing. In our conversation, we delve into her extensive experience working with trauma, loss, and disrupted attachment, all while highlighting her upcoming book, *The Traumatized and At Risk Youth Toolbox*. This resource is packed with over 160 interventions designed specifically to support foster youth, addressing misconceptions about their behaviors and emphasizing the necessity of empathy and understanding. Jeanette's insights challenge common narratives, revealing the complexities behind foster youth's actions and reminding us that their defiance often signals deeper concerns about protection rather than rebellion. Join us as we explore the importance of creating safe spaces, the role of storytelling in recovery, and the urgent need for systemic change in the foster care landscape, all while sharing a few laughs along the way.

Becoming Bridge Builders is back with a captivating discussion that dives deep into the complexities of foster care and trauma recovery, featuring the incredible Jeanette Yoffe. As an adoptee who spent six years in foster care, Jeanette brings a wealth of personal experience and professional expertise to the table. This episode spans a range of topics, from the nuances of attachment theory to practical interventions for trauma-informed care, including her upcoming book, the Traumatized and At Risk Youth Toolbox. Listeners will gain insights into the critical role that understanding and empathy play in the lives of foster youth, as Jeanette passionately articulates the importance of recognizing their behaviors not as defiance, but as protective mechanisms borne from deep-seated trauma. Her anecdotes provide poignant examples of how a supportive environment can foster healing, and she emphasizes the need for professionals to approach these children with patience and an open heart. Moreover, Jeanette’s unique perspective as a therapist and performer highlights the transformative power of storytelling in trauma recovery, making this episode not only informative but also deeply moving.

In this episode, we’re not just skimming the surface; we’re diving headfirst into the emotional waters of foster care and trauma recovery. Jeanette Yoffe’s insights challenge common misconceptions surrounding foster youth, highlighting the dire need for empathy and understanding. She shares her journey of turning personal pain into purpose, emphasizing that healing isn’t a linear process but rather a lifelong journey that requires ongoing support and understanding. The conversation unfolds with an exploration of her practical tools, such as the self-forgiveness pool and the distress hill, designed to help young people articulate their feelings and reclaim their sense of agency. Jeanette's advocacy for open adoptions and the importance of birth family connections resonates throughout the dialogue, providing a fresh lens through which to view the foster care system. Her warmth and wisdom shine through as she invites listeners to consider the broader implications of trauma-informed care, making this episode a must-listen for anyone involved with youth in vulnerable situations.

Join us as we navigate the intricate landscape of foster care and trauma recovery with Jeanette Yoff, whose commitment to bridging the gap between pain and healing is palpable. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, offering listeners a framework for understanding the experiences of foster youth and the importance of creating safe, nurturing spaces for their development. Jeanette’s work through the Cecilia Center and her innovative toolbox for youth underscores the necessity of equipping caregivers and professionals with the right tools to foster resilience and healing. The conversation also touches on the role of storytelling in trauma recovery, as Jeanette shares her experiences in...

In this episode of Becoming Bridge Builders, Rev. Dr. Keith Haney engages in a profound conversation with Zola Habibi, a dedicated activist and advocate for human rights in Iran. Zola shares her personal journey, which began with the tragic loss of her father during the 1988 massacre, igniting her lifelong commitment to justice and women's empowerment. With over 25 years of activism, she offers invaluable insights into Iran's current socio-political climate, highlighting the ongoing struggles for freedom and the resilience of the Iranian people amid oppressive regimes. Zola emphasizes the critical role of women in the resistance movement, showcasing how their leadership is pivotal in the fight against tyranny and misogyny.

Takeaways

• Respect the decisions you make; have self-respect.
• Turn tragedy into a source of energy for change.
• Women are central to the fight against tyranny.
• The Iranian resistance is led by women.
• The youth of Iran are showing unprecedented bravery.

Mentioned in this episode:

My friend Dr. Noah St. John calls this 'the invisible brake.' He's giving our listeners a free Revenue Ceiling Audit to help you see what’s REALLY holding you back. You’ll also get a FREE 30-day membership to Noah Bot, giving you access to Dr. Noah’s 30 years of experience to help you reach your next level. But hurry, because there are only 50 available this month. So if you're tired of being stuck at the same revenue level and want to finally break through, get your FREE Revenue Ceiling Audit at https://www.noahvault.com?aff=d28bf6c78150c7f09896297dfe1701c1cd191ac6fc9976779212cec5d38e94d6

Today, we're diving into an incredibly poignant topic centered on compassionate care, featuring our extraordinary guest, Erika Ferguson, the founder of the Tubman Travel Project. This initiative is all about providing heartfelt support for women journeying from Texas to New Mexico for abortion services, and since its inception in 2021, it has helped over 400 travelers. We chat with Erica about her inspiring story, including her own experiences that shaped her commitment to this sacred work. The conversation digs deep into the complexities of choice, community, and the importance of providing a safe space for women to explore their options without judgment. Tune in as we navigate this challenging yet essential dialogue, reminding us all that in the midst of tough decisions, compassion can be our greatest ally.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Erika Ferguson, who founded the Tubman Travel Project to provide compassionate care for women seeking abortion services.
• The Tubman Travel Project has successfully assisted over 400 women since its inception, highlighting the importance of support during challenging times.
• Erika emphasizes the significance of personal autonomy and the importance of creating a safe space for women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
• The podcast discusses navigating the complexities of differing beliefs around abortion, stressing the value of compassion and understanding in conversations with opposing views.
• A core message shared is that all life is sacred, which can serve as a common ground for dialogue between pro-life and pro-choice advocates.
• Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their personal beliefs while remaining open to understanding the experiences and choices of others in the realm of reproductive rights.

Mentioned in this episode:

My friend Dr. Noah St. John calls this 'the invisible brake.' He's giving our listeners a free Revenue Ceiling Audit to help you see what’s REALLY holding you back. You’ll also get a FREE 30-day membership to Noah Bot, giving you access to Dr. Noah’s 30 years of experience to help you reach your next level. But hurry, because there are only 50 available this month. So if you're tired of being stuck at the same revenue level and want to finally break through, get your FREE Revenue Ceiling Audit at https://www.noahvault.com?aff=d28bf6c78150c7f09896297dfe1701c1cd191ac6fc9976779212cec5d38e94d6