The Power of a Local Network: What’s possible when all the parts work together

Caleb Koala's Comeback Ride

A Bilingual Picture Book: Overcoming Adversity with Resilience

Meet Caleb Koala, a sweet and spirited young koala who lives with his grandfather and loves nothing more than riding his bike with his wild hair blowing in the wind. Caleb is no stranger to adversity but has overcome challenges and physical limitations to find joy in keeping up with others on his bike. However, when a sudden fall leaves him injured, doubt creeps in and Caleb decides he is now a koala who will no longer ride a bike. But with the love and support of his beloved Grandpa, Caleb embarks on a heartwarming journey and discovers his God-given ability to do hard things. 

This bilingual picture book is an essential read for adults caring for children who have experienced early adversity, from parents and grandparents to social workers, therapists, global orphan care providers, and church ministry leaders.

Find Caleb Koala and Overcoming here. 

Overcoming: What Scripture & Science Say About Resilience

With its unique Christian worldview and holistic approach, Overcoming is an empowering resource that shows how adversity may define the present, but it doesn't have to dictate the future. 

Through compelling stories, examples, and explanations of important studies, scientific research is integrated with biblical truth to reveal how adversity can become an essential ingredient for cultivating resilience. Nine practical, relationship-centered strategies provide guidance for those looking to nurture resilience in children who have experienced early adversity. 

Whether you work with vulnerable children or you’re raising a child who has experienced adversity, this book will equip you to care for children with compassion and confidence.

Find Overcoming and Caleb Koala here. 

Keith Fortier is a foster and adoptive dad of over ten years and currently serves with Agape of North Carolina as their Director of Advancement, where he builds networks of generous, sacrificial advocates committed to protecting North Carolina’s most vulnerable children. He and his wife live in Raleigh with their six children.

With a background in education and trauma-informed care, Keith spent 12 years as a kindergarten teacher before transitioning into direct support roles within the foster care system. He is a TBRI® Practitioner, Behavioral Health Partner, and community connector.

Keith is passionate about equipping the Church to be a light in the foster care system—mobilizing communities to not only welcome children into their homes, but also create sustainable support structures that allow families to thrive.

Whether training parents, speaking at churches, or coaching ministry leaders, Keith brings deep empathy, practical insight, and a clear vision for long-term transformation in the lives of vulnerable children and those who care for them.

Colin Wells is a nonprofit leader based in Garner, North Carolina, where he lives with his wife, McKenzie. He serves as the Executive Director of both Mission Support, which helps pastors stay focused on their calling by handling operational needs, and Carolina Care Center, a ministry devoted to helping more churches help more people through care, counseling, and restoration.

Colin also plays a key support role with Carolina Movement and Triangle Church Network, two church planting organizations working across North Carolina. With a degree in Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Colin brings a unique blend of creative and organizational leadership rooted in a heart for the local church. He’s worked both for and alongside a range of ministries—from brand-new church plants to multisite churches—and is passionate about helping leaders thrive in their mission to further the Gospel of Jesus.

missionsupport.com
carolinacarecenter.com