Growing Oaks: 2025 Planting Oaks Summit

On June 16–17, 2025, leaders from across the Planting Oaks network came together for two days of training, collaboration and encouragement. With a focus on equipping those working directly with children from hard places, the Planting Oaks Summit featured practical sessions, real-life experience and relevant tools for the work ahead. Whether you were able to attend or are learning about this for the first time, our goal is the same: to strengthen the effort to provide long-term, Christ-centered care for abused, neglected and abandoned children. 

Equipping the Network: 

The 2025 Planting Oaks Summit brought together 55 participants representing 23 individual ministries from across the Planting Oaks network. Over two days, attendees engaged in focused sessions led by experts, practitioners, and fellow caregivers, all aimed at equipping those who are building Christ-centered homes for children. 

Topics included medication awareness and advocacy, navigating technology in adolescence, trauma-informed care, and real-world foster parent perspectives. Each session was designed to speak directly to the realities faced by those working with vulnerable children, balancing care for others with the importance of self-care, and leading with purpose even in difficult environments. 

The goal was simple: to connect, encourage and equip. And while the event served those in the room, its greater purpose was to strengthen the broader mission of supporting thousands of children through a growing network committed to long-term, transformative care. 

Learning in Action 

This two-day gathering focused on equipping those directly involved in the care of children, with sessions led by individuals who understand the work because they’re living it. Topics included: 

• Opening Challenge – Brodie Croyle cast vision for national impact through Christ-centered homes, challenging attendees to pursue excellence and unity as they meet the growing needs of vulnerable children across the country. 

• Expectations in Care – Leslie Hales walked through common assumptions foster and adoptive parents bring into the process and how to prepare them for reality. 

• Technology and Adolescents – Dr. Jeremy Johnson addressed how digital exposure is shaping identity, behavior, and relationships in today’s youth. 

• Medication Advocacy – Jodi Robeson outlined the importance of informed collaboration around behavioral health and psychiatric care. 

• Foster Parent Perspective – Courtney Fillebaum shared her personal experience, offering insight into the day-to-day reality of fostering. 

• The Role of Joy – Erin Woods closed the event with a practical reminder: in the middle of hard work, fun is necessary—not optional. 

Each speaker added depth to the collective effort to provide consistent, loving, Christ-centered homes. 

Looking Ahead 

This year’s gathering confirmed what we already know: there is strength in coming together. As the Planting Oaks network continues to grow, so does the opportunity to learn from one another, share resources, and stay focused on the mission: providing long-term, Christ-centered care for children in need. 

We’re already planning for next year and hope to welcome even more participants into the conversation. No matter your role or experience, there’s a place for you in this work. Together, we can continue building homes, communities, and a future marked by Hope. 

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