Episode 23

Episode 23 - Community in the Chaos: Why Foster Families Can’t Do This Alone

Published on: 21st October, 2025

In this heartfelt (and often hilarious) conversation, Jason and Whitney pull back the curtain on what life looks like as a family of nine—newborn and all—and why community is the difference between surviving and thriving as foster parents.

From mysterious “toilet paper genies” to Amazon angels who send kickballs, the Smalls share real stories of how their village has shown up in unexpected ways—and why isolation can be one of the hardest battles foster families face.

Whitney also gives a sneak peek into her upcoming article in Foster Families Today, titled “Community in the Chaos: Why Foster Families Should Not Do This Alone.” Together, the two unpack the deeper truth that God designed us for connection, not self-sufficiency.

Whether you’re a foster parent, a friend of one, or simply someone looking to love your neighbor better, this episode will make you laugh, nod, and maybe even rethink what community really means.

In this episode:

• Why isolation is one of the biggest challenges foster families face

• The myth of “you signed up for this” and why it’s a lie

• How to ask for (and receive) help without guilt

• Real-life stories of people showing up in simple, powerful ways

• A reminder that saying “yes” again and again requires others walking with you

💛 Support the Dream Small Podcast

If this episode encouraged or inspired you, would you consider supporting the show?

Your gift—big or small—helps us share stories of faithfulness, foster care, and everyday hope with even more people.

🎧 Click here to support the podcast

Thank you for being part of this community that believes small acts of obedience can make a big impact.

Connect with us:

Email: dreamsmallpodcast@gmail.com

Instagram: @dreamsmallpodcast

Facebook: Dream Small Podcast

Twitter/X: @DreamSmallShow

Music credit: “Paradise Found” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/


Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Support Dream Small Podcast

A huge thank you to our supporters, it means a lot that you support our podcast.

If you like the podcast and want to support it, too, you can leave us a tip using the button below. We really appreciate it and it only takes a moment!
Support Dream Small Podcast
A
We haven’t had any Tips yet :( Maybe you could be the first!

Listen for free

Show artwork for Dream Small Podcast

About the Podcast

Dream Small Podcast
The Dream Small Podcast is a foster care and adoption podcast hosted by Jason and Whitney Small, foster and adoptive parents who have welcomed more than 14 children into their home and adopted three. Through honest conversations and real life stories, the podcast encourages foster parents, adoptive families, and those considering foster care.

Each episode explores the realities of foster care, adoption, and parenting children from hard places, offering practical encouragement and hope for families navigating the foster care journey. Jason and Whitney share lessons from their own experience, faith, and conversations around trauma informed parenting, family life, and supporting vulnerable children.

Whether you are a current foster parent, an adoptive parent, considering becoming a foster parent, or someone who supports foster families, the Dream Small Podcast exists to encourage and equip you along the way.

Jason and Whitney believe that changing a child’s life rarely happens through big moments. More often, it happens through small, faithful acts of love lived out every day.

If you're thinking about becoming a foster parent or walking the foster care journey, this podcast will help you navigate the challenges, celebrate the wins, and stay encouraged along the way.
Support This Show