by Rena Canady-
Laster, Actor, Speaker, and Transformation Life Coach
This month marks the first anniversary of Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, as more than a movie, but a movement and a remarkable initiative dedicated to advocating for and improving the lives of foster and at-risk families. Through the story of Possum Trot, we get to reflect on the journey of transformation, resilience, and community in the lives of the 22 families who adopted 77 of the most difficult to place children in the Texas welfare system. Pastor and First Lady Martin and Possum Trot, Texas showed the world how real determined love could impact the lives of vulnerable children and issue a challenge to communities everywhere to do the same. Bennet Chapel Church in Possum Trot served as a haven for families navigating difficult challenges and created a space where love, compassion, and support could flourish to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for those in need. Over the past year, as a result of this movie, countless families across the world have been helped and have benefited from various programs designed to meet the unique needs of vulnerable children and families. This anniversary issues a challenge for the movement to continue its momentum to build communities where families can freely access resources such as counseling, educational services, spiritual support, and inclusion in the community’s social activities. Additionally, the movement is focused on empowering parents with the tools they need to build, strengthen and support their children and families. Through collaborative efforts between ecclesiastical organizations, agencies, legislators, advocates, and the community, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot’s movement has been able to advocate for services that foster healing and growth.
The impact of Sound of Hope and Possum Trot, Texas is reflected in the countless success stories that have emerged. One family, for instance, entered the foster care during a particularly challenging time, facing homelessness and emotional distress. With the support of compassionate staff and a supportive community, they were able to regain stability, find permanent housing, and even secure new job opportunities. Stories like these highlight the transformative power of connection and community. All that some families need is our support and the availability of wrap-around services before their circumstances reach a level where permanency within their own family becomes impossible.
While we celebrate achievements, the need for support of our vulnerable children and families continues to grow. Many children and families in our community still face adversity, and they need our help now more than ever. So, as we reflect on the movement over the past year, a heartfelt call to action continues to everyone in communities everywhere :
1. Become an Adoptive or Foster Parent: If you have the time and resources, consider opening your home to a child in need. Your love and support can make a tremendous difference in their life.
2. Volunteer: Join the Possum Trot family in the movement by volunteering your time and skills. Whether you can provide mentoring, tutoring,organize activities for children, provide administrative support, or lead workshops in areas like parenting, cooking, art, and financial literacy, or simply lend a listening ear-your involvement can positively impact families.
3. Donate financial contributions that allow for the expansion of services to reach more families. Every donation, no matter the size, helps provide essential resources such as food, clothing, and educational materials.
4. Spread awareness by helping to raise awareness about the challenges faced by foster and at-risk families. If you are a family in need, share your story and needs with caring friends, family, religious organizations, and social networks to encourage more people to become aware of the needs and to get involved. Sharing information through social media, local events, or community meetings can also inspire support. Engage with local policymakers to advocate for better support and resources for foster and at-risk families that will lead to systemic changes that benefit the community overall.
5. Join the CarePortal at CarePortal.org where agencies post needs of families. Sign up to meet posted needs.
6. Donating essential items such as clothing, school supplies, food, and hygiene products can directly benefit families in need.
7. Local businesses, organizations, or individuals can volunteer to host workshops or events that offer valuable skills or resources to foster and at-risk families. This could include job training, resume writing, mental health resources, or recreational activities for children.
8. Community members can sponsor specific programs or initiatives to help fund activities, provide educational resources, or support services tailored to the needs of foster families.
9. Build partnerships between local businesses, ecumenical groups, and organizations who can collaborate on efforts to enhance the support networks available to these families.
10. Offer emotional support, simply by being a kind neighbor who listens, cares, and offers encouragement can make a significant difference in the lives of foster and at-risk families
As we embark on another year of Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot’s call to action will remain committed to the mission of supporting foster and at-risk families and continuing to build strong communities where every child has the opportunity to thrive. The Story of Possum Trot is just the beginning, and with your help, hope can continue to build in caring communities who grow and resonate love in the hearts of families in need.
I am inviting you to view the movie on July 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM at Macedonia Church of Macon located on Eisenhower Parkway in Macon, Georgia. Join caseworkers, foster parents, CASA advocates, the movie’s local supporting actors ( Rena Canady-Laster, Rose Persons, Sandra Mathis Jarrett, and Della Golden) who will be in attendance at the viewing and on a journey of compassion and support for vulnerable children. Let’s advocate and work together to create a brighter future for our children and families. Contact me at liferenovator @gmail.com or follow my social media platforms today to learn more about how you may RSVP to attend the free movie, or how you can get involved to make a difference in our community and create lasting change-one family at a time.
Many thanks to Joshua and Rebekah Weigel for their vision and obedience to God for writing such a powerful script; to Pastor and First Lady Martin for their vision and leadership of the Bennett Chapel Church family; to Demetrius Grosse, Nika King and all actors and crew for bringing this story to life; and to Joe Knittig, Letitia Wright, Joshua Weigel-Executive Producers, and to Angel Studios. A special shout out goes to the Macon Supporting actors for keeping the local movement alive and to Pastor Belvin Ware and the Macedonia Church family for your support.
