Episode 9: How Do We Get Unstuck?

In this episode of Dwelling at the Well, we reflect on our experience at the Unstuck Conference in Orange County—a gathering of nonprofits, advocates, churches, and community leaders working toward better care for youth and families impacted by foster care. We talk about the importance of collaboration and relational connection for those providing services to the foster care community, and why meaningful support is about more than simply offering resources. Together, we explore what it looks like to move from working in isolation to building a support network to make a greater impact within our community.  Key topics covered include:The shift from siloed foster care efforts to community-wide collaborationThe role of relationships over resources in supporting foster youth and familiesHow different organizations and faith communities are creating innovative support modelsThe importance of humility, recognizing limitations, and working collectivelySpecific connections made at the conference that will benefit the Village OCThe vision for building an ecosystem of support through relational connectionsPractical steps for maintaining relationships and creating a broader support networkTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Dwelling at the Well and today's focus on community collaboration00:30 - Highlights from the Unstuck Conference and its importance for foster care work01:51 - The significance of relationships over resources in supporting foster youth03:14 - Why attending the conference was meaningful for Ashley and the Village OC04:36 - The nonprofit’s mission to support aging-out foster youth relationally06:41 - The humility of foster care organizations working together for a common goal07:52 - Building a support network through connection and collaboration09:02 - New partnerships with community organizations and agencies10:05 - The excitement of turning conference insights into actionable steps11:34 - Clarifying the role of Village OC in case management and resource ecosystems12:56 - The importance of relationships over outdated directories of resources14:42 - How faith and community are guiding foster care initiatives16:10 - Stories of innovative programs shared at the conference17:28 - The power of community-led support models to reduce homelessness and increase stability20:14 - Practical steps for sustaining collaboration and connection beyond the conference21:35 - The call for listeners to use their gifts in their own spheres of influence22:17 - The vision for Village OC’s future collaborations and impact23:46 - Reflection on how the conference reaffirms the nonprofit’s mission and direction. Resources & Links:More than Enough — Jason Weber's organization for fostering community collaboration Connect with Ashley & RebeccaThe Village OC⁠ — Support organization for foster youth aging out of care⁠Instagram: thevillage.oc⁠ — Follow for updates and stories