Packed With Purpose

About Packed With Purpose

Foster care changes lives. So does knowing the truth about it. Packed With Purpose is a foster care podcast hosted by the team behind Care Package Inbound — bringing real conversations with social workers, foster parents, former foster youth, doctors, and everyday people creating change in the system. Each episode balances hard truths with hope, humor, and practical ways you can make a difference — even if you've never fostered a child. Whether you're curious, connected to the system, or just ready to help — this podcast will inform you, move you, and show you exactly how to act. Subscribe and join the movement. ❤️ Support the cause: carepackageinbound.com/donate (https://www.carepackageinbound.com/donate)

Publisher

Care Package Inbound

Category

business · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 Jan 2026

Latest episode

24 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Sept 2026

   What Foster Care Does to the Biological Kids in the Home

   S1E9 Help us build 500 backpacks by October 31st! → https://www.carepackageinbound.com/500-backpack-challenge ---------- Heather Gilmore grew up in a house that took in ninety foster children in ten years — and not one of them arrived with anything but the clothes they were wearing. She's now the COO of Care Package Inbound, and in this episode she talks about what that childhood cost her, what it taught her, and why no kid should be handed a trash bag. Build a backpack at carepackageinbound.com. ---------- Whether you’re curious about foster care, looking for ways to help, or already part of the system, this podcast will inform you, encourage you, and empower you to make a difference — one child, one story, and one moment at a time. Subscribe so you too can be part of this movement! ---------- Get Involved: 📦 Donate items or funds: https://www.carepackageinbound.com/support-us 📧 Share your story or refer a guest: admin@carepackageinbound.com About Care Package Inbound: Care Package Inbound is a nonprofit organization that exists to deliver hope to children entering foster care — through intentionally packed backpacks designed to provide dignity, comfort, and belonging in the first 48 hours of care. Packed With Purpose is their podcast — where they pull back the curtain on the why behind everything they do, and empower you to be part of the solution.

2. 

   27 Aug 2026

   How a Kansas City Nonprofit Is Replacing the Foster Care Trash Bag

   S1E8 You don’t have to foster to make a difference. Discover how: https://www.carepackageinbound.com/support-us ---------- At a Care Package Inbound packing event, volunteers are encouraged to name the child they're packing for — even though they'll never meet them. Jess and Chris break down what actually goes into a 48-hour emergency backpack for a kid entering foster care, why every single item is chosen the way it is, and how a Kansas City nonprofit is working to retire the trash bag for good. 500 backpacks by October 31st. Give, build, or connect at carepackageinbound.com ---------- Whether you’re curious about foster care, looking for ways to help, or already part of the system, this podcast will inform you, encourage you, and empower you to make a difference — one child, one story, and one moment at a time. Subscribe so you too can be part of this movement! ---------- Get Involved: 📦 Donate items or funds: https://www.carepackageinbound.com/support-us 📧 Share your story or refer a guest: admin@carepackageinbound.com About Care Package Inbound: Care Package Inbound is a nonprofit organization that exists to deliver hope to children entering foster care — through intentionally packed backpacks designed to provide dignity, comfort, and belonging in the first 48 hours of care. Packed With Purpose is their podcast — where they pull back the curtain on the why behind everything they do, and empower you to be part of the solution.

3. 

   29 Jul 2026

   She Planned to Kill Her Father, But The Dog Stopped Her

   S1E7 You don’t have to foster to make a difference. Discover how: https://www.carepackageinbound.com/support-us ---------- Three sisters grew up in the same house, and each one carried a completely different kind of trauma out of it. Kathleen and Karen, authors of Remarkably Resilient, share the moment that nearly ended everything, and the small-town community that quietly kept them alive. This is a conversation about invisible trauma, foster care, and what it actually takes to heal. Check out their website here - https://remarkably-resilient.com/ ---------- Whether you’re curious about foster care, looking for ways to help, or already part of the system, this podcast will inform you, encourage you, and empower you to make a difference — one child, one story, and one moment at a time. Subscribe so you too can be part of this movement! ---------- Get Involved: 📦 Donate items or funds: https://www.carepackageinbound.com/support-us 📧 Share your story or refer a guest: admin@carepackageinbound.com About Care Package Inbound: Care Package Inbound is a nonprofit organization that exists to deliver hope to children entering foster care — through intentionally packed backpacks designed to provide dignity, comfort, and belonging in the first 48 hours of care. Packed With Purpose is their podcast — where they pull back the curtain on the why behind everything they do, and empower you to be part of the solution.

4. 

   25 Jun 2026

   The Truth About Becoming a Foster Parent (It’s Not What You Think)

   S1E6 You don’t have to foster to make a difference. Discover how: https://www.carepackageinbound.com/support-us ---------- Are you ready to take the first step? In this episode of Packed With Purpose, we are joined once again by Ben and Nicole Long to uncover the reality of becoming a foster parent. If you've ever felt intimidated by the paperwork, the home visits, or the trauma training, this episode is for you! ---------- Whether you’re curious about foster care, looking for ways to help, or already part of the system, this podcast will inform you, encourage you, and empower you to make a difference — one child, one story, and one moment at a time. Subscribe so you too can be part of this movement! ---------- Get Involved: 📦 Donate items or funds: https://www.carepackageinbound.com/support-us 📧 Share your story or refer a guest: admin@carepackageinbound.com About Care Package Inbound: Care Package Inbound is a nonprofit organization that exists to deliver hope to children entering foster care — through intentionally packed backpacks designed to provide dignity, comfort, and belonging in the first 48 hours of care. Packed With Purpose is their podcast — where they pull back the curtain on the why behind everything they do, and empower you to be part of the solution.

5. 

   28 May 2026

   What Actually Happens in Kansas City During the World Cup?

   S1E5 You don’t have to foster to make a difference. Discover how: https://www.carepackageinbound.com/support-us ---------- "Awareness changes little; action transforms." In this impactful episode, we are joined by Stephanie Wiley, Executive Director of RPOR (Relentless Pursuit Outreach and Recovery). We step into the uncomfortable to discuss the heartbreaking connection between the foster care system and the realities of human trafficking. Bringing the issue home to Kansas City, especially with the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Stephanie sheds light on how traffickers operate, why vulnerable youth are targeted, and the psychological chains of trauma bonding. But more importantly, this episode is about hope. We share incredible stories of women refusing to give up, the power of a simple care package, and how you can step out of your comfort zone to help. Please, don't look away. ---------- Whether you’re curious about foster care, looking for ways to help, or already part of the system, this podcast will inform you, encourage you, and empower you to make a difference — one child, one story, and one moment at a time. Subscribe so you too can be part of this movement! ---------- Get Involved: 📦 Donate items or funds: https://www.carepackageinbound.com/support-us 📧 Share your story or refer a guest: admin@carepackageinbound.com About Care Package Inbound: Care Package Inbound is a nonprofit organization that exists to deliver hope to children entering foster care — through intentionally packed backpacks designed to provide dignity, comfort, and belonging in the first 48 hours of care. Packed With Purpose is their podcast — where they pull back the curtain on the why behind everything they do, and empower you to be part of the solution.

6. 

   23 Apr 2026

   How We Went From 0 to 4 Kids in 68 Days

   S1E4 You don’t have to foster to make a difference. Discover how: https://www.carepackageinbound.com/support-us ---------- Every year, thousands of children enter foster care carrying everything they own in a trash bag. Not because no one cares, but because no one planned for them. Chris and Jessica Silvey of Care Package Inbound break down exactly why that happens, what it communicates to a child, and how a single backpack, packed with intentionality, can change the first 48 hours of a child's life in care. ---------- Imagine leaving your house in the morning with no plans and coming home that night with a newborn baby in your arms. It sounds like a movie, but for Ben and Nicole Long, it’s real life. In this episode of Packed With Purpose, we're sitting down with the Longs to discuss their incredible journey through international adoption hurdles, the heartbreak of failed matches, and the "breadbox" moments that led them to foster care. ---------- Whether you’re curious about foster care, looking for ways to help, or already part of the system, this podcast will inform you, encourage you, and empower you to make a difference — one child, one story, and one moment at a time. Subscribe so you too can be part of this movement! ---------- Get Involved: 📦 Donate items or funds: https://www.carepackageinbound.com/support-us 📧 Share your story or refer a guest: admin@carepackageinbound.com About Care Package Inbound: Care Package Inbound is a nonprofit organization that exists to deliver hope to children entering foster care — through intentionally packed backpacks designed to provide dignity, comfort, and belonging in the first 48 hours of care. Packed With Purpose is their podcast — where they pull back the curtain on the why behind everything they do, and empower you to be part of the solution.

7. 

   2 Apr 2026

   You Don't Have to Be a Foster Parent to Change a Child's Life

   S1E3 You don’t have to foster to make a difference. Discover how: https://www.carepackageinbound.com/support-us ---------- Every year, thousands of children enter foster care carrying everything they own in a trash bag. Not because no one cares — but because no one planned for them. Chris and Jessica Silvey of Care Package Inbound break down exactly why that happens, what it communicates to a child, and how a single backpack — packed with intentionality — can change the first 48 hours of a child's life in care. ---------- In this episode: Can you help the foster care system if you aren't in a season to foster? The answer is a resounding YES. Emily Linhardt shares her journey from a volunteer at a packing event to becoming the CFO of Care Package Inbound. We dive deep into why 48-hour emergency bags are more than just supplies; they are a message of intrinsic value to foster kids. ---------- Whether you’re curious about foster care, looking for ways to help, or already part of the system, this podcast will inform you, encourage you, and empower you to make a difference — one child, one story, and one moment at a time. Subscribe so you too can be part of this movement! ---------- Get Involved: 📦 Donate items or funds: https://www.carepackageinbound.com/support-us 📧 Share your story or refer a guest: admin@carepackageinbound.com About Care Package Inbound: Care Package Inbound is a nonprofit organization that exists to deliver hope to children entering foster care — through intentionally packed backpacks designed to provide dignity, comfort, and belonging in the first 48 hours of care. Packed With Purpose is their podcast — where they pull back the curtain on the why behind everything they do, and empower you to be part of the solution.

8. 

   19 Mar 2026

   They Showed Up With Everything in a Trash Bag…

   S1E2 You don’t have to foster to make a difference. Discover how: https://www.carepackageinbound.com/support-us ---------- Every year, thousands of children enter foster care carrying everything they own in a trash bag. Not because no one cares — but because no one planned for them. Chris Youngdale and Jessica Silvey of Care Package Inbound break down exactly why that happens, what it communicates to a child, and how a single backpack — packed with intentionality — can change the first 48 hours of a child's life in care. In this episode: Why trash bags became the default (and why it's not as simple as "just use a backpack") The trauma response foster youth carry into adulthood — tied to the smell of a trash bag The years of research behind every single item in the bag (including why spiral-bound notebooks are a no) Why the bag has no logo — and why that matters more than you think The psychology of who gives the bag and how it affects whether a child feels like they owe someone How you can get involved — no matter who you are "We can't fix everything. But we can change the beginning." ---------- Whether you’re curious about foster care, looking for ways to help, or already part of the system, this podcast will inform you, encourage you, and empower you to make a difference — one child, one story, and one moment at a time. Subscribe so you too can be part of this movement! ---------- Get Involved: 📦 Donate items or funds: https://www.carepackageinbound.com/support-us 📧 Share your story or refer a guest: admin@carepackageinbound.com About Care Package Inbound: Care Package Inbound is a nonprofit organization that exists to deliver hope to children entering foster care — through intentionally packed backpacks designed to provide dignity, comfort, and belonging in the first 48 hours of care. Packed With Purpose is their podcast — where they pull back the curtain on the why behind everything they do, and empower you to be part of the solution.

9. 

   12 Mar 2026

   We Tried to Quit Our Own Nonprofit

   S1E1 You don’t have to foster to make a difference. Discover how: https://www.carepackageinbound.com/support-us ---------- On today's episode, we're sharing the vulnerable and winding journey of how we launched Care Package Inbound to deliver hope to children entering the foster care system. The conversation gives a candid look at our early struggles, including moments of burnout, financial uncertainty, and the persistent feeling of being underqualified for such a significant task. ---------- Whether you’re curious about foster care, looking for ways to help, or already part of the system, this podcast will inform you, encourage you, and empower you to make a difference — one child, one story, and one moment at a time. Subscribe so you too can be part of this movement! ---------- Packed With Purpose is a foster care podcast dedicated to delivering hope, awareness, and real-world impact. Hosted by the team behind Care Package Inbound, this show shines a light on the often unseen realities of the foster care system — while proving that you don’t have to be a foster parent to make a difference.

10. 

    19 Jan 2026

    Packed With Purpose Podcast Trailer | How One Backpack Can Make a Difference

    You don’t have to foster to make a difference. Packed With Purpose is a foster care podcast dedicated to delivering hope, awareness, and real-world impact. Hosted by the team behind Care Package Inbound, this show shines a light on the often unseen realities of the foster care system — while proving that you don’t have to be a foster parent to make a difference. Each episode features powerful conversations with social workers, doctors, psychiatrists, foster parents, former foster youth, biological families, and everyday people who are helping change lives in meaningful ways. Together, we explore the challenges children face when entering foster care, the emotional weight carried by families and professionals, and the small, intentional actions that can create lasting change. Packed With Purpose balances honest, sometimes heavy stories with joy, humor, and hope. You’ll hear firsthand experiences that challenge assumptions, inspire compassion, and remind us that healing is possible — even years later. From emergency backpacks that meet immediate needs to stories that spark long-term transformation, every conversation is intentional and truly packed with purpose. Whether you’re curious about foster care, looking for ways to help, or already part of the system, this podcast will inform you, encourage you, and empower you to make a difference — one child, one story, and one moment at a time.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.