This week on Fostering Conversations, Amy and Heidi sit down with Rachel Garrett, Utah foster parent and founder of Common Thread, a nonprofit serving teens ages 12–18 who’ve experienced foster care or similar life circumstances. Rachel shares how a small community event grew into a thriving organization that now supports hundreds of teens through joy-filled activities, life skills workshops, mental health resources, and trauma-informed mentorship.
We talk about the real-life experiences of teens impacted by foster care, the importance of giving them choice and dignity, and how Common Thread is creating safe spaces where teens can thrive. You’ll hear about the stigmas foster families still face, why trauma-informed language matters, and how you can help create lasting change—especially for LGBTQ+ youth in care.
Whether you’re a foster parent, youth advocate, or just curious about how to better support teens, this episode is full of heart, hope, and honest conversation.
What you’ll hear in this episode:

Why Rachel founded Common Thread and how it grew
What trauma-informed support actually looks like for teens
The power of giving teens agency and respecting their identity
Common myths and stigmas about teens in foster care
How Common Thread fosters inclusive spaces, especially for LGBTQ+ youth
Real stories of resilience, growth, and love

Resources & Links:

Learn more: commonthreadut.com
Follow Common Thread on Instagram
Get involved with Utah Foster Care: Get Involved

 
Transcript:
transcript_ep59_may25

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