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Join Ken and Michelle as they chat with Valerie McCauley, Founder and President of Hand in Hand Family Mentorship Program.

Their mission....

"We work hand in hand …
with individuals and families who are reaching out for an added support system. We believe that support and connection should be a part of everyday life—not just in times of crisis. Our program is rooted in community and relationships, ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggles. We are not just here for those in immediate crisis; our mission is to prevent crises before it happens by fostering a culture where seeking help is seen as strength, not weakness.

Many in our community do not have a strong support system within their families, extended families, or churches. They often feel isolated, left to navigate life’s challenges with few people to lean on and little guidance on how to build stability and a greater sense of direction in their lives. At Hand in Hand, we recognize this gap and are committed to filling it with meaningful connections, mentorship, and resources that empower individuals to thrive.

Everyone faces challenges at some point, and we are committed to providing guidance, support, and meaningful connections before difficulties escalate into emergencies. Our model bridges the gap between those in need and those who want to share the value of support that has impacted their own lives.

By working together, we create a network of care, understanding, and resilience—because when we lift each other up, we build a stronger, healthier community."

You can learn more about Hand in Hand Mentoring on their website at:

www.handinhandmentoring.org

You can also find them on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/handinhandmentoring

Click link below for a brief video of what they are trying to accomplish

https://youtu.be/7646qG7KNbU

Click the link below to continue to the application process.

https://handinhandmentoring.org/mentoring/become-a-mentor/

Community Resources:

https://handinhandmentoring.org/community-resources/

Sponsored by the Idaho Children's Trust Fund
https://idahochildrenstrustfund.org/

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We dreamt (and at times dreaded) the day when our children would leave the nest and start their own adventure (whatever that would be), and then in a blink of an eye, the day was here.

Join Ken and Michelle as they share a very personal inside view of their family as they prepare to send their youngest off to college. Though this is not the first time they have done this having three older children, this is however the first time they will find themselves as "empty nesters".

Before going to college, Chris shared their (sometimes hilarious) perspective about leaving home to head to college and what they hope every parent (including their own) can do to support this tremendous step. Ken and Michelle also share their perspective on finding the balance between supporting and letting go.

This episode is for every parent going through this transition, and for all the parents anticipating the "big leap".

SHARE your experience with us!

Sponsored by the Idaho Children's Trust Fund
https://idahochildrenstrustfund.org/

The Resilient Parenting Podcast Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/theresilientparentingpodcast

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Join Ken and Michelle as they sit down with Sonja Howerton. She serves as the Executive Director at the Idaho Network of Children's Advocacy Centers, contributing to the organization's mission to enhance responses to child maltreatment and promote healthy futures for children.

As children head back to school, families are busy buying supplies, adjusting routines, and preparing for a successful year. It is also the perfect time to refresh the conversations and safety practices that help protect children both in and out of the classroom. From reviewing family safety rules to checking in about new teachers, coaches, and after-school activities, small conversations can have a lasting impact.-(The Advocate)

Back-to-School Safety Checklist for Parents & Caregivers

Review family safety rules.
Talk about body safety, boundaries, consent, and remind your child that they can always tell a trusted adult if something makes them uncomfortable.

Identify trusted adults.
Help your child identify safe adults that you have personally gotten to know and trust at school, in sports, after-school programs, and within your family.

Know who is caring for your child.
Learn about your child's teachers, coaches, volunteers, and after-school providers. Ask about supervision policies, screening practices, and child protection procedures.

Review pick-up and emergency plans.
Make sure your child knows who is allowed to pick them up, what to do if plans change, and how to reach trusted adults.

Talk about technology.
Review expectations for phones, gaming, messaging, and social media, and encourage your child to tell you if anything online makes them uncomfortable.

Check in often.
Rather than asking, "How was school?" try open-ended questions like:

* What was the best part of your day?

* What stands out to you about today?

* Who did you spend time with today?

* Was there anything different about today?

* Tell me about that.

RESOURCES:

Idaho Network of Children's Advocacy Centers Website:

https://cacidaho.org/

Stewards of Children Training: Every child deserves a safe, healthy childhood, and every adult has a role to play in protecting children from abuse. Stewards of Children® is an evidence-informed, award-winning training designed to educate adults on how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.

https://cacidaho.org/events/scheduled-trainings.html/event/2026/09/24/stewards-of-children

LOCATIONS (Idaho):

https://cacidaho.org/child-advocacy-center/what-is-a-child-advocacy-center.html

Donate to CACIdaho:

https://cacidaho.org/donate.html

NetSmartz:

NetSmartz is NCMEC's online safety education program. It provides age-appropriate videos and activities to help teach children be safer online with the goal of helping children to become more aware of potential online risks and empowering them to help prevent victimization by making safer choices on- and offline.

https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz/home

National Children's Alliance-The Force behind Children's Advocacy Centers

https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/

Find a Location near you: https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/nca-members/

Sponsored by the Idaho Children's Trust Fund
https://idahochildrenstrustfund.org/

The Resilient Parenting Podcast Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/theresilientparentingpodcast