The HOPEful Connection

The HOPEful Connection

di Restoring Hope, LLC
Salute mentale
Stagione 2
More Than a Shirt | Guest Katelyn Hellmer with Co-Host Danielle Coffey
Can a custom t-shirt serve as a stepping stone to a dream career? This week on The HOPEful Connection, host Danielle Coffey catches up with Katelyn Hellmer to discuss InclusiviTee, a brand-new custom apparel business operating out of Nixa, Missouri. Discover how individuals supported by Restoring Hope are taking full ownership of every step of the business—learning graphic design, mastering commercial heat presses, and managing digital shipping logistics. Danielle and Katelyn talk about the daily operations of the shop, the magic of simple workplace accommodations, and how they are actively breaking down community stigmas to pave the way for inclusive, competitive employment. Want to support the crew or place a custom order? Bulk business orders, event merchandise, and individual custom designs are available! Check out their premium options (including customer favorites like Bella Canvas and Comfort Colors). Find the shop by visiting the Restoring Hope website and navigating to the InclusiviTee Shopify store. Got questions or want a custom quote? Reach out directly via the inquiry page or email the team today! https://www.werestorehope.com/worksemploymentservices
S2 · E2
27 mag 2026
38:19
Finding a Voice at the Capitol: Disability Rights Legislative Day Recap
When decisions are made at the state level, it is vital that the people most affected have a seat at the table. In this episode of The HOPEful Connection, Danielle Coffey is joined by Emma Odell (Buffalo Excel Program Coordinator) and Kayla Shoop (Warsaw Excel Coordinator) to discuss their experiences taking clients to the Missouri State Capitol. The team shares behind-the-scenes insights into Disability Rights Legislative Day, exploring the logistical challenges of navigating a crowded Capitol and the emotional breakthroughs of clients who realized their opinions truly matter. Key topics include: The Power of the Rally: How the energy of the crowd helps individuals feel seen and included. Advocacy vs. Anxiety: Practical tips used by staff to help clients manage overstimulation while still participating in democracy. The Budget Battle: A look at how personal stories influenced the conversation around Missouri’s waiver services and budget restorations. Gratitude in Action: Why the team returned for a second day to hand-deliver thank-you notes to supportive legislators. Join us for a conversation about empowerment, the importance of "staying hopeful," and the beauty of seeing a client blossom into a self-advocate. About the Podcast: The HOPEful Connection connects you to the disability community through authentic stories and expert insights. Hosted by Staci Owen, Whitley Lemon, and Danielle Coffey. #TheHOPEfulConnection #DisabilityAdvocacy #MissouriPolitics #ExcelPrograms #RestoringHope
S2 · E1
13 mag 2026
28:04
Stagione 1
From Host Home to Forever Family | Guest Kathy Jo Glenn with Co-Host Staci Owen
What starts as everyday life… can turn into a forever kind of calling. 🤍 In this episode of The HOPEful Connection, host Staci Owen sits down with Kathy Jo Glenn to share her 10+ year journey as a Host Home. From navigating Missouri’s unpredictable weather 😅 to building a home filled with belonging, growth, and purpose—this conversation is a real look at what it means to open your life to others. ✨ Creating family beyond blood ✨ Walking alongside individuals as they experience life for the first time ✨ The challenges, the beauty, and the lifelong commitment ✨ Why community support is everything Because they don’t know what they haven’t experienced yet… And sometimes, all it takes is someone willing to show them. Welcome to The HOPEful Connection. A podcast that connects you to the disability community. We're your hosts, Staci Owen, Whitley Lemon, and Danielle Coffey. #TheHOPEfulConnection #RestoringHope #HostHomes #CaregivingCommunity #DisabilitySupport #LifeTogether
S1 · E21
22 apr 2026
59:29
A Lifeline to Natural Families | Guests Jeremy & Shon Morris with Co-Host Whitley Lemon
Jeremy has been part of Restoring Hope’s respite services since 2023, and he’s got stories to tell! From coloring at Grandma Brenda’s, petting goats, watching Westerns, dancing to country music, and splashing in the pool — respite gives him joy, freedom, and new connections. His brother Shon shares how these services have brought balance and breathing room back to their family after years of full-time caregiving. A touching reminder that respite isn’t just a break — it’s hope and connection for everyone involved. If you'd like to know more about Restoring Hope's Respite Services, visit our website. https://www.werestorehope.com/out-of-home-respite Welcome to The HOPEful Connection podcast. A resource that connects you to the disability community! Were you're hosts, Danielle Coffey, Staci Owen, and Whitley Lemon.
S1 · E20
8 apr 2026
34:51
Intentional Service in Community | Guest Julie Olsen with Co-Host Whitley Lemon
"Real change happens when we see people for who they are, invest intentionally, and let community become family." In this episode of The HOPEful Connection, Whitley Lemon talks with Julie Olson, Program Coordinator of Restoring Hope's Willow Springs Excel Day Program. Julie shares her journey from undergrad at SBU to leading a program built on purpose, inclusion, and intentional service. Highlights include prepping 250 surprise promo bags for Hannah Harper's hometown concert, securing a Rotary grant for a therapy pod with mock coffee shop role-play, deep ties with the Chamber of Commerce, downtown beautification, community garden expansion, and skill-building in cooking, budgeting, hygiene, and outings that spark joy and independence. Julie opens up about overcoming challenges through faith, person-centered support, and ongoing master's studies—proving everyone can excel with the right encouragement. This episode is for anyone passionate about: > Disability day programs and community inclusion > Faith-driven leadership and service > Building purpose through skill-building and advocacy > Advocating at Disability Rights Legislative Day Because real change starts when we show up, see people fully, and let community become family. Welcome to The HOPEful Connection! A podcast that connects you to the disability community. We're your hosts, Danielle Coffey, Staci Owen, and Whitley Lemon.
S1 · E19
5 mar 2026
49:38
Heart of Social Work | Guest Aaron Harms with Co-Host Staci Owen
In this episode of The HOPEful Connection, Staci Owen sits down with Aaron Harms to discuss behavioral supports, the honeymoon phase in placements, burnout prevention, and the growth of Restoring Hope’s Medical ISL programs. Aaron shares insights from years in mental health, his role on the behavioral team, and what it takes to build strong DSP teams that create real quality of life for the individuals they serve. This episode highlights teamwork, preparation, and meeting needs as they arise — all centered around belonging in community.
S1 · E18
25 feb 2026
50:12
Living Out the Call of Caregiving | Guest Brandy Fajen with Co-Host Staci Owen
What does it look like to truly see someone — and change a life in the process? In this episode, Staci Owen welcomes Host Home provider Brandy Fajen to share her powerful journey through foster care, adoption, and over seven years of serving individuals through Restoring Hope, LLC. Brandy talks honestly about faith, family buy-in, community support, and the reality of walking alongside individuals through trauma, growth, and transformation. From bucket list moments and first family vacations to navigating transitions and tough conversations, this episode is a real look at the heart behind Host Home care. This conversation is for anyone passionate about: • Foster care and Host Home services • Disability support and community living • Faith-driven service and caregiving • Building family beyond blood Because sometimes the most life-changing thing we can do… is simply show up and follow through. The HOPEful Connection is a podcast that connects you to the disability community. Co-Hosts Danielle Coffey, Staci Owen, and Whitley Lemon provide twice monthly episodes, ranging from host home and client testimonials, state-wide agency updates, and bringing on community members who are positively impacting the community Restoring Hope serves and partners with.
S1 · E17
11 feb 2026
58:12
Trauma, Regulation, & Real Connection | Guest Josh Varner with Co-Host Whitley Lemon
"Every time you interact with someone, you're changing their brain." Josh Varner joins us to break down trauma in a way that’s practical, human, and usable for anyone working with kids, families, or communities. Drawing from his background as a college football coach, school counselor, and trauma-informed trainer, he explains how trauma shapes behavior and why connection is the foundation for healing. This conversation walks through fight, flight, and freeze responses, the power of regulated adults, and simple tools that actually work in real life. From schools and families to caregivers and community leaders, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a reminder that change happens through relationships, not quick fixes. . . 🛒 Shop for Josh's book: https://a.co/d/hUTNJoB ⛓️‍💥Hire Josh to speak at your next event: https://www.joshvarnerconsulting.com 👉 Watch more, listen, and subscribe to The HOPEful Connection: https://www.werestorehope.com/the-hopeful-connection-podcast #traumainformedcare #TraumaRecovery #traumaeducation #traumahealing #frontofbrainbackofbrain #fightflightfreeze #fosterhomes #educators #schools #kidschurch #neuroplasticity #rewirethebrain #relaxreconnectreteach #screentime #mentalhealth #joshvarnercounsulting #restoringhopellc #restoringhopepodcast #thehopefulconnection #onerelationshipatatime Welcome to The HOPEful Connection! A podcast resource that connects you to the disabilities community. We're your hosts, Danielle Coffey, Staci Owen, and Whitley Lemon. Find out more about Restoring Hope, LLC and all that we do at: www.werestorehope.com
S1 · E16
21 gen 2026
50:37
Respite for Natural Families | Guest Ashleigh Barnett with Co-Host Staci Owen
Respite Coordinator, Ashleigh Barnett joins us to walk through what respite and relief services really look like for individuals and families navigating long-term care. She explains the difference between in-home and out-of-home respite, how families get approved, what the timeline actually looks like, and why finding the right fit matters more than rushing the process. This conversation highlights the emotional side of caregiving, the trust families place in providers, and how these services help people stay connected while getting the support they need. This episode is especially helpful for families who feel overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or are simply trying to plan for the future with care and intention. Learn more about Restoring Hope at www.werestorehope.com/out-of-home-respite Welcome to The HOPEful Connection! A podcast resource that connects you to the disabilities community. We're your hosts, Danielle Coffey, Staci Owen, and Whitley Lemon. Find out more about Restoring Hope, LLC and all that we do at: www.werestorehope.com
S1 · E15
14 gen 2026
46:44
Disabilities Outdoors | Guest JP Sell with Co-Host Whitley Lemon
What started as one promise to a friend has turned into thousands of life-changing moments on the water. JP from Fish-4-Tales shares how adaptive fishing, kayaking, and outdoor experiences help children, adults, and veterans with disabilities experience joy, dignity, and freedom. From hospital outreach to stories from Freedom Park, this conversation captures what belonging feels like—one moment at a time. . . Fish-4-Tales: https://www.facebook.com/Fish4Tales National Youth Fishing Association contact: 417-689-4066 Welcome to The HOPEful Connection! A podcast resource that connects you to the disabilities community. We're your hosts, Danielle Coffey, Staci Owen, and Whitley Lemon. Find out more about Restoring Hope, LLC and all that we do at: werestorehope.com.
S1 · E14
3 dic 2025
51:42
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