EP91: From Cribs to College — Serving the Kids Nobody Sees

What does a wet diaper, an empty sippy cup, and a blanket in a backseat have to do with a warehouse full of hope? Everything.

Susan Finch sits down with Stacy DeWitt, Executive Director of James Storehouse in Newbury Park, California — and it turns out they’ve been serving the same kids all along. The connection? Carolyn Berndt, one of Binky Patrol’s All Volunteer – All Heart directors, who also works with Stacy at James Storehouse.

“The number one comfort item — from toddlers to teenagers — no matter the season, is a handmade blanket.” — Stacy DeWitt

Stacy shares the raw, real story of how a year of prayer and fasting led her to foster care — and how one phone call from a police officer, one three-year-old in a wet diaper, and one blanket from the backseat of her car became the spark that launched James Storehouse in 2014.

“Some of the kids have never celebrated their birthday in their entire life, and they’re 22 years old.” — Stacy DeWitt

Stacy reveals the number one item every foster child asks for — no matter the age, no matter the season — and it’s exactly what Binky Patrol has been making by hand for 30 years. She also walks us through Beautiful You, an annual event designed to give teen girls rescued from trafficking something they’ve rarely experienced: safe touch, dignity, and the feeling of being seen.

This episode will make you want to pick up a needle, some yarn, or your checkbook — and do something.

Resources mentioned:

• James Storehouse: jamesstorehouse.org 
• Beautiful You: jamesstorehouse.org/beautiful-you-2026
• Binky Patrol: binkypatrol.org 
• Volunteer or take a tour: jamesstorehouse.org/volunteer