Beyond the Box Tue, 01 Sep 2026 12:00:04 -0400 https://beyondtheboxpodcast.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 Beyond the Box yes Support this Podcast cb5c3c2a-ef0d-5af5-859c-3edece76310b Monica Kelsey episodic false Beyond the Box with Monica Kelsey is a powerful podcast dedicated to raising awareness, educating the public, and advocating for change in the fight against infant abandonment. Hosted by Monica Kelsey, Founder and CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, this podcast dives deep into real stories, expert insights, and the life-saving impact of Safe Haven laws and baby box programs across the country.


Each episode features compelling conversations with firefighters, legal experts, healthcare professionals, policymakers, adoptive families, and even mothers who have used Safe Haven Baby Boxes. Together, they shed light on the challenges, victories, and ongoing efforts to provide safe, legal, and anonymous surrender options for parents in crisis.


From heartwarming rescue stories to policy discussions shaping the future, Beyond the Box is a must-listen for anyone passionate about saving lives and supporting vulnerable infants.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Monica Kelsey https://storage.buzzsprout.com/16aqndi9nxzlqydcs6sw4ssyfsk5?.jpg Beyond the Box https://beyondtheboxpodcast.buzzsprout.com How A Missouri Fire Chief Handles Anonymous Newborn Surrenders How A Missouri Fire Chief Handles Anonymous Newborn Surrenders A fire chief is on a conference call with three attorneys when his phone lights up and the camera feed shows something he has trained for but never actually seen: a newborn inside a Safe Haven Baby Box. He blurts out “There’s a baby,” walks away from the call, and immediately shifts into a mission where failure is not an option. 

We talk with Chief Hendricks of the Melville Fire Protection District about becoming Missouri’s first Safe Haven Baby Box location, the public pressure that came with it, and the behind the scenes systems that make anonymous newborn surrender safe. We get specific about the redundant layers that protect infant safety, including alarms, 911 monitoring, dispatch, and a camera view designed to show only the baby while protecting a mother’s anonymity. Then we relive the first surrender moment by moment, including the emotions firefighters do not always say out loud and the lingering question that never goes away: is the mom okay? 

The second surrender changes the station’s mindset, but it also exposes a bigger problem after the ambulance leaves. When the baby is placed with a foster parent on the department, the adoption process turns into a yearlong maze of counties that do not coordinate, delayed birth certificates, and paperwork rejections over tiny formatting issues. We explore what a better system could look like, from a dedicated statewide safe haven adoption attorney to limits on adoption agency fees so families are not priced out of doing the right thing. 

If you care about safe haven laws, crisis pregnancy resources, adoption reform, or how fire departments serve families at their most vulnerable, listen through and share this one. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us what you think should change first.

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]]> A fire chief is on a conference call with three attorneys when his phone lights up and the camera feed shows something he has trained for but never actually seen: a newborn inside a Safe Haven Baby Box. He blurts out “There’s a baby,” walks away from the call, and immediately shifts into a mission where failure is not an option. 

We talk with Chief Hendricks of the Melville Fire Protection District about becoming Missouri’s first Safe Haven Baby Box location, the public pressure that came with it, and the behind the scenes systems that make anonymous newborn surrender safe. We get specific about the redundant layers that protect infant safety, including alarms, 911 monitoring, dispatch, and a camera view designed to show only the baby while protecting a mother’s anonymity. Then we relive the first surrender moment by moment, including the emotions firefighters do not always say out loud and the lingering question that never goes away: is the mom okay? 

The second surrender changes the station’s mindset, but it also exposes a bigger problem after the ambulance leaves. When the baby is placed with a foster parent on the department, the adoption process turns into a yearlong maze of counties that do not coordinate, delayed birth certificates, and paperwork rejections over tiny formatting issues. We explore what a better system could look like, from a dedicated statewide safe haven adoption attorney to limits on adoption agency fees so families are not priced out of doing the right thing. 

If you care about safe haven laws, crisis pregnancy resources, adoption reform, or how fire departments serve families at their most vulnerable, listen through and share this one. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us what you think should change first.

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-19728519 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 -0400 3155 full false A Soft Place To Land A Soft Place To Land A teenager reports abuse and ends up in a DSS office, exhausted, scared, and forced to overhear strangers retell her trauma while they hunt for placement. That moment is hard to shake and it is also the spark behind Lily Pad, a nonprofit building calm, home-like rooms inside Department of Social Services offices so kids in foster care have a safe place to wait, sleep, eat, and breathe.

We’re joined by Jennifer Tice, a former labor and delivery nurse, longtime foster parent, and the executive director of Lily Pad. Jennifer shares the personal road that led here: fostering more than 40 children, loving kids through uncertain outcomes, and walking through the emotional swing of a case that moved from adoption toward reunification. From there, we talk about what kids actually experience in child welfare offices and why a sterile environment can add to trauma, not relieve it.

Then we get practical. Jennifer breaks down what goes into a Lily Pad room, from couches and trundles to lighting, privacy, and monitoring systems that let staff take sensitive phone calls out of earshot. We also dig into growth across South Carolina, the first projects in Michigan, a surprising expansion into victim care spaces inside law enforcement, and what it costs to build a full room (often $15,000 to $20,000). If you care about foster care, reunification, trauma-informed design, and real-world nonprofit solutions, this conversation shows how changing a room can change a day, and sometimes a life.

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]]> A teenager reports abuse and ends up in a DSS office, exhausted, scared, and forced to overhear strangers retell her trauma while they hunt for placement. That moment is hard to shake and it is also the spark behind Lily Pad, a nonprofit building calm, home-like rooms inside Department of Social Services offices so kids in foster care have a safe place to wait, sleep, eat, and breathe.

We’re joined by Jennifer Tice, a former labor and delivery nurse, longtime foster parent, and the executive director of Lily Pad. Jennifer shares the personal road that led here: fostering more than 40 children, loving kids through uncertain outcomes, and walking through the emotional swing of a case that moved from adoption toward reunification. From there, we talk about what kids actually experience in child welfare offices and why a sterile environment can add to trauma, not relieve it.

Then we get practical. Jennifer breaks down what goes into a Lily Pad room, from couches and trundles to lighting, privacy, and monitoring systems that let staff take sensitive phone calls out of earshot. We also dig into growth across South Carolina, the first projects in Michigan, a surprising expansion into victim care spaces inside law enforcement, and what it costs to build a full room (often $15,000 to $20,000). If you care about foster care, reunification, trauma-informed design, and real-world nonprofit solutions, this conversation shows how changing a room can change a day, and sometimes a life.

Subscribe, share this with someone who cares about kids, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-19627561 Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0400 3179 full false A Night Of Donuts, Death, And Duty A Night Of Donuts, Death, And Duty A midnight pager goes off, and what sounds like a standard “rollover, party pinned” call turns into every parent’s nightmare. On the way to the scene, I answer my phone and hear my son JJ screaming for help, and suddenly I am not just a medic responding to an emergency. I am a mom racing into the dark, trying to hold it together while my family’s world collapses in real time. 

We tell the full story of May 26, 2016: the graduation bonfire, the decision to go back for a forgotten phone, the donut in a field, and the Jeep flipping with JJ’s best friend Casey pinned underneath. We talk through what it looks like when first responders work a scene involving people they love, from setting up access in a confusing field to CPR, a helicopter landing zone, and the moment time of death is called. We also face the immediate aftermath, including protocol, handcuffs, and the hospital, plus the brutal weight of “He’s dead, and it’s my fault.” 

Then we zoom out to the part that rarely gets said out loud: first responder PTSD, cumulative trauma, flashbacks that hide in small triggers, and a fire service culture that too often replaces real mental health support with silence. We share what helped, what didn’t, how our family tried to survive the prison years, and why healing is not a finish line but a daily practice. If this story hits you, please subscribe, share the episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more families and first responders can find this conversation.

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]]> A midnight pager goes off, and what sounds like a standard “rollover, party pinned” call turns into every parent’s nightmare. On the way to the scene, I answer my phone and hear my son JJ screaming for help, and suddenly I am not just a medic responding to an emergency. I am a mom racing into the dark, trying to hold it together while my family’s world collapses in real time. 

We tell the full story of May 26, 2016: the graduation bonfire, the decision to go back for a forgotten phone, the donut in a field, and the Jeep flipping with JJ’s best friend Casey pinned underneath. We talk through what it looks like when first responders work a scene involving people they love, from setting up access in a confusing field to CPR, a helicopter landing zone, and the moment time of death is called. We also face the immediate aftermath, including protocol, handcuffs, and the hospital, plus the brutal weight of “He’s dead, and it’s my fault.” 

Then we zoom out to the part that rarely gets said out loud: first responder PTSD, cumulative trauma, flashbacks that hide in small triggers, and a fire service culture that too often replaces real mental health support with silence. We share what helped, what didn’t, how our family tried to survive the prison years, and why healing is not a finish line but a daily practice. If this story hits you, please subscribe, share the episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more families and first responders can find this conversation.

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-19564232 Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 2616 full false From Storage Unit To Saving Lives From Storage Unit To Saving Lives Support the show

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]]> Support the show

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-18713605 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500 2275 full false Silent Choices, Loud Lessons Silent Choices, Loud Lessons Support the show

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-18528959 Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500 2759 full false Grace Found: A Baby Box Adoption Story Grace Found: A Baby Box Adoption Story A newborn placed in a Safe Haven Baby Box. Two parents on the verge of giving up. One life-changing phone call that turned a headline into a home. We sit down with Jennifer and Mario—adoptive parents of Gracie, the third baby ever surrendered in a baby box—to trace a path from infertility and heartbreak to a living room full of laughter, crayons, and Ozzy Osbourne sing-alongs.

They walk us through the near-misses in foster care, the moment they read about a nearby surrender just five miles from home, and the whirlwind that followed: interviews, a car seat on the sidewalk, and Mario standing in stunned silence, staring at his daughter for hours. We also get real about what happened next—an unexpected media spotlight, online backlash, and the firm boundaries they set to keep the focus on awareness, not voyeurism. Through it all, Jennifer shares a tender, unwavering message for Gracie’s birth mom: love then, love now, love always.

Along the way, we talk about the hard and holy parts of adoption—telling the truth from the start, helping a child navigate identity and race, answering big questions about life and death, and letting love multiply instead of divide. We also preview Haven Acres, a first-of-its-kind retreat to connect safe haven adoptees and their families, creating community where kids can share a story few classmates will ever understand.

If you’re curious about Safe Haven Baby Boxes, modern adoption, or what it takes to build trust in the most fragile moments, this conversation is for you. Listen, share with someone who needs hope today, and if our mission resonates, please subscribe, leave a review, and consider supporting at shbb.org. Your voice helps more families find their yes.

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]]> A newborn placed in a Safe Haven Baby Box. Two parents on the verge of giving up. One life-changing phone call that turned a headline into a home. We sit down with Jennifer and Mario—adoptive parents of Gracie, the third baby ever surrendered in a baby box—to trace a path from infertility and heartbreak to a living room full of laughter, crayons, and Ozzy Osbourne sing-alongs.

They walk us through the near-misses in foster care, the moment they read about a nearby surrender just five miles from home, and the whirlwind that followed: interviews, a car seat on the sidewalk, and Mario standing in stunned silence, staring at his daughter for hours. We also get real about what happened next—an unexpected media spotlight, online backlash, and the firm boundaries they set to keep the focus on awareness, not voyeurism. Through it all, Jennifer shares a tender, unwavering message for Gracie’s birth mom: love then, love now, love always.

Along the way, we talk about the hard and holy parts of adoption—telling the truth from the start, helping a child navigate identity and race, answering big questions about life and death, and letting love multiply instead of divide. We also preview Haven Acres, a first-of-its-kind retreat to connect safe haven adoptees and their families, creating community where kids can share a story few classmates will ever understand.

If you’re curious about Safe Haven Baby Boxes, modern adoption, or what it takes to build trust in the most fragile moments, this conversation is for you. Listen, share with someone who needs hope today, and if our mission resonates, please subscribe, leave a review, and consider supporting at shbb.org. Your voice helps more families find their yes.

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-18469689 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500 3559 full false From Radio Waves To Rescues: Pat Miller On Championing Safe Haven Baby Boxes From Radio Waves To Rescues: Pat Miller On Championing Safe Haven Baby Boxes Sitting with our longtime friend Pat Miller, we unpack how Safe Haven Baby Boxes transform a desperate moment into a safe handoff—alarms triggering on door open, climate control keeping infants secure, firefighters trained to respond in minutes without confronting the mother.

We go deeper than headlines to tackle the “now what” so often missing from pro-life debates. Our work meets women where they are—planning an adoption, handing a child to trained staff, or choosing anonymous surrender—without scripts or shame. Pat shares stories from the field and from his radio career, including the weight first responders carry when they recover deceased infants and the hope they feel when a box alert ends in a living child. We also talk growth: 396 baby boxes across the United States, each one a local system built on training, clarity, and compassion.

Faith runs through the conversation as a compass, not a slogan. Pat recounts the quiet conviction that led him to Christ; we reflect on choosing faithfulness over fame and letting open doors set our route. Looking ahead, we announce a first-of-its-kind retreat for birth mothers who surrender—distinct from traditional adoption services—and gatherings for families raising surrendered children, to normalize their stories and anchor identity in love. It’s about building structures that turn care into outcomes: faster responses, safer babies, and supported parents.

If this story resonates, share it with a friend, subscribe for future episodes, and leave a review to help others find these life-saving conversations. Your words amplify the mission—and might open the next door.

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]]> Sitting with our longtime friend Pat Miller, we unpack how Safe Haven Baby Boxes transform a desperate moment into a safe handoff—alarms triggering on door open, climate control keeping infants secure, firefighters trained to respond in minutes without confronting the mother.

We go deeper than headlines to tackle the “now what” so often missing from pro-life debates. Our work meets women where they are—planning an adoption, handing a child to trained staff, or choosing anonymous surrender—without scripts or shame. Pat shares stories from the field and from his radio career, including the weight first responders carry when they recover deceased infants and the hope they feel when a box alert ends in a living child. We also talk growth: 396 baby boxes across the United States, each one a local system built on training, clarity, and compassion.

Faith runs through the conversation as a compass, not a slogan. Pat recounts the quiet conviction that led him to Christ; we reflect on choosing faithfulness over fame and letting open doors set our route. Looking ahead, we announce a first-of-its-kind retreat for birth mothers who surrender—distinct from traditional adoption services—and gatherings for families raising surrendered children, to normalize their stories and anchor identity in love. It’s about building structures that turn care into outcomes: faster responses, safer babies, and supported parents.

If this story resonates, share it with a friend, subscribe for future episodes, and leave a review to help others find these life-saving conversations. Your words amplify the mission—and might open the next door.

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-18469704 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500 2195 full false A Police Officer, A Nurse, And The Baby Box That Built A Family A Police Officer, A Nurse, And The Baby Box That Built A Family A single email on spring break flipped our world: a newborn had been safely surrendered in a Baby Box, and we were asked to interview that night. Between a police station with spotty reception and a nurse’s instinct, we said a shaking, courageous yes. What began as a late-night Zoom became a story of rescue, resilience, and a family remade—twice.

We walk through the moments that matter: the training gaps first responders face around Safe Haven laws, the medical unknowns that shadowed the first days, and the kindness of a foster family who taught us newborn basics while we waited on a court order. You’ll hear how community rallied—diapers, formula, a nursery built in a weekend—and how National Adoption Day turned our living room into a media hub. We also take on the hard questions: how to tell a child her origin story without shame, how to honor a birth mother’s love and anonymity, and how to balance privacy with public education so more mothers know there’s a safe option.

Maya’s health journey moved from fear to awe as EEGs normalized and milestones stacked up, revealing a bright, strong-willed, hilarious kid who wakes up ready to take on the day. And the story kept growing. We revisit our earlier IVF chapter, transfer mosaic embryos once considered too risky, grieve the loss of twins, and welcome a healthy daughter at 37 weeks. That arc—from surrender to adoption to birth—threads together faith, community, and a simple family motto: open heart, open hands, open home.

If you care about Safe Haven Baby Boxes, adoption ethics, first responder readiness, or the everyday grit of building a family, this conversation offers practical insight and a steady stream of hope. Press play, share it with someone who needs encouragement, and help us spread awareness of Safe Haven options. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what part of this story stayed with you?

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]]> A single email on spring break flipped our world: a newborn had been safely surrendered in a Baby Box, and we were asked to interview that night. Between a police station with spotty reception and a nurse’s instinct, we said a shaking, courageous yes. What began as a late-night Zoom became a story of rescue, resilience, and a family remade—twice.

We walk through the moments that matter: the training gaps first responders face around Safe Haven laws, the medical unknowns that shadowed the first days, and the kindness of a foster family who taught us newborn basics while we waited on a court order. You’ll hear how community rallied—diapers, formula, a nursery built in a weekend—and how National Adoption Day turned our living room into a media hub. We also take on the hard questions: how to tell a child her origin story without shame, how to honor a birth mother’s love and anonymity, and how to balance privacy with public education so more mothers know there’s a safe option.

Maya’s health journey moved from fear to awe as EEGs normalized and milestones stacked up, revealing a bright, strong-willed, hilarious kid who wakes up ready to take on the day. And the story kept growing. We revisit our earlier IVF chapter, transfer mosaic embryos once considered too risky, grieve the loss of twins, and welcome a healthy daughter at 37 weeks. That arc—from surrender to adoption to birth—threads together faith, community, and a simple family motto: open heart, open hands, open home.

If you care about Safe Haven Baby Boxes, adoption ethics, first responder readiness, or the everyday grit of building a family, this conversation offers practical insight and a steady stream of hope. Press play, share it with someone who needs encouragement, and help us spread awareness of Safe Haven options. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what part of this story stayed with you?

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-18207275 Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0500 2445 full false Saved In A Box, Raised In Love Saved In A Box, Raised In Love Two alarms changed everything—one to a fully involved fire, and one to a life waiting in a baby box. We sat down with the Martinez family in Albuquerque to share the raw, unedited journey from infertility and foster‑care training to the moment a five‑pound newborn arrived at their station and rewrote their future. What followed was a whirlwind of NICU nights, confusing protocols, and a simple vow to keep showing up. Along the way, we talk openly about grief from the fatal blaze, the moral courage of a birth mother who chose safety and anonymity, and the quiet heroism of first responders who train for a moment they hope they never miss.

We pull back the curtain on safe haven laws, baby boxes, and why anonymous surrender can be the difference between tragedy and a second chance. The Martinezes describe the emotional whiplash of placement—“you have him,” “you don’t,” “you can visit”—and the steady faith that carried them to adoption day. You’ll hear about bottle feeds and monitors, a name chosen to honor a lost brother, and the day cardiology said, “This is the last time you’ll see us.” We don’t skip the hard parts: addiction’s grip, identity questions for adopted kids, and the delicate balance between privacy and telling a story that can save lives.

What emerges is a love letter to community: firefighters ready to respond, ICU nurses who teach first baths, caseworkers finding their way, and listeners who care enough to advocate for safe, practical options. If you’ve ever wondered whether baby boxes work, or how faith, policy, and perseverance meet in the real world, this conversation offers an honest map—and a reason to hope. Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs a lift, and leave a review to help more families discover safe haven resources and real‑world stories like Mikey’s.

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]]> Two alarms changed everything—one to a fully involved fire, and one to a life waiting in a baby box. We sat down with the Martinez family in Albuquerque to share the raw, unedited journey from infertility and foster‑care training to the moment a five‑pound newborn arrived at their station and rewrote their future. What followed was a whirlwind of NICU nights, confusing protocols, and a simple vow to keep showing up. Along the way, we talk openly about grief from the fatal blaze, the moral courage of a birth mother who chose safety and anonymity, and the quiet heroism of first responders who train for a moment they hope they never miss.

We pull back the curtain on safe haven laws, baby boxes, and why anonymous surrender can be the difference between tragedy and a second chance. The Martinezes describe the emotional whiplash of placement—“you have him,” “you don’t,” “you can visit”—and the steady faith that carried them to adoption day. You’ll hear about bottle feeds and monitors, a name chosen to honor a lost brother, and the day cardiology said, “This is the last time you’ll see us.” We don’t skip the hard parts: addiction’s grip, identity questions for adopted kids, and the delicate balance between privacy and telling a story that can save lives.

What emerges is a love letter to community: firefighters ready to respond, ICU nurses who teach first baths, caseworkers finding their way, and listeners who care enough to advocate for safe, practical options. If you’ve ever wondered whether baby boxes work, or how faith, policy, and perseverance meet in the real world, this conversation offers an honest map—and a reason to hope. Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs a lift, and leave a review to help more families discover safe haven resources and real‑world stories like Mikey’s.

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-17967340 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400 2718 full false Dignity in Death: A Coroner's Mission to Honor Abandoned Babies Dignity in Death: A Coroner's Mission to Honor Abandoned Babies Support the show

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-17814720 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400 3286 full false From Safe Haven to Eternal Rest: Christian's Journey From Safe Haven to Eternal Rest: Christian's Journey Support the show

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-17816035 Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2539 full false When Love Finds Its Way Through a Baby Box When Love Finds Its Way Through a Baby Box The Barkmans never expected a phone call on the way to a funeral would change their lives forever. When they answered, they learned about a baby boy surrendered in a Safe Haven Baby Box who needed a home. That baby became Samuel, their beloved son who's now a rambunctious four-year-old with a love for tools, adventures, and showing affection to everyone around him.

In this deeply moving conversation, Samuel's parents share their remarkable adoption journey from becoming licensed foster parents to the emotional moment they brought home their two-week-old son. But their story also reveals the challenging reality behind the adoption process - the 16-month wait before Samuel was legally theirs, during which he was officially known only as "Baby Boy Doe" in all documentation.

The Barkmans offer a window into how they navigate the complexities of open adoption conversations with a young child. With remarkable honesty, they describe how they answer Samuel's toughest questions: "Why don't I look like you?" and "Where's my second mom?" They've preserved the letter Samuel's birth mother left with him in the baby box, along with his original blanket, treasures they'll share with him when he's old enough.

Their experience helped inspire legislative changes to improve the adoption process for Safe Haven babies in Indiana. The conversation explores the delicate balance between adoption agencies and the foster care system, with the Barkmans advocating for maintaining pathways for loving foster parents to adopt children in need.

What shines through most clearly is the Barkmans' gratitude toward Samuel's birth mother and their openness to connection should she ever reach out. "We pray for her every night," they share. "Samuel knows his story and will always know how thankful and grateful we are to be part of it."

Ready to support more families like the Barkmans? Visit our website to learn how you can help connect surrendered babies with their forever families.

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]]> The Barkmans never expected a phone call on the way to a funeral would change their lives forever. When they answered, they learned about a baby boy surrendered in a Safe Haven Baby Box who needed a home. That baby became Samuel, their beloved son who's now a rambunctious four-year-old with a love for tools, adventures, and showing affection to everyone around him.

In this deeply moving conversation, Samuel's parents share their remarkable adoption journey from becoming licensed foster parents to the emotional moment they brought home their two-week-old son. But their story also reveals the challenging reality behind the adoption process - the 16-month wait before Samuel was legally theirs, during which he was officially known only as "Baby Boy Doe" in all documentation.

The Barkmans offer a window into how they navigate the complexities of open adoption conversations with a young child. With remarkable honesty, they describe how they answer Samuel's toughest questions: "Why don't I look like you?" and "Where's my second mom?" They've preserved the letter Samuel's birth mother left with him in the baby box, along with his original blanket, treasures they'll share with him when he's old enough.

Their experience helped inspire legislative changes to improve the adoption process for Safe Haven babies in Indiana. The conversation explores the delicate balance between adoption agencies and the foster care system, with the Barkmans advocating for maintaining pathways for loving foster parents to adopt children in need.

What shines through most clearly is the Barkmans' gratitude toward Samuel's birth mother and their openness to connection should she ever reach out. "We pray for her every night," they share. "Samuel knows his story and will always know how thankful and grateful we are to be part of it."

Ready to support more families like the Barkmans? Visit our website to learn how you can help connect surrendered babies with their forever families.

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-17724995 Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400 2365 1 14 full false #13 My Husband and I Built a Life-Saving Organization While Our Family Was Falling Apart #13 My Husband and I Built a Life-Saving Organization While Our Family Was Falling Apart Behind every life-saving organization is a deeply human story of vision, sacrifice, and perseverance. In this revealing conversation, Monica Kelsey turns the microphone toward her husband Joe, unveiling the remarkable journey they've traveled as co-founders of Safe Haven Baby Boxes.

What started as a sketch on a napkin following Monica's trip to South Africa has blossomed into a nationwide movement with 365 baby boxes across 24 states. Joe shares how they navigated the early challenges—from building the first prototype with a local firefighter for $700 to the meticulous process of changing safe haven laws and gaining public trust. As Woodburn's mayor and a National Guard member, Joe brings a unique perspective to his role as Senior Project Coordinator, handling the critical behind-the-scenes operations that keep the organization functioning.

The conversation takes a powerful turn as the couple opens up about their darkest period—when their son's involvement in a fatal drunk driving accident nearly derailed their mission. For almost two years, they put the organization on hold, visiting their son in prison every weekend while their marriage weathered tremendous strain. "Our family was devastated," Monica reveals, while Joe affirms that divorce "never crossed our minds." The turning point came when they received news of their first surrendered baby in November 2017, just months before their son's release—a moment Monica describes as divine intervention saying, "It was almost like Christ was saying it's time to get up."

Despite facing critics who oppose anonymous surrenders or adoption itself, the Kelseys remain steadfast in their commitment to saving lives first. Their unwavering stance on anonymity—even declining partnerships with locations unwilling to guarantee no surveillance cameras—demonstrates their pledge to mothers in crisis: "We're not going to sacrifice integrity for growth."

The most heartwarming revelation? How surrendered babies often form lasting relationships with the firefighters who receive them, creating extended "families" through this life-saving program. Their story is a powerful testament to how personal dedication and unwavering partnership can transform tragedy into purpose and a simple idea into a movement that protects our most vulnerable citizens.

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]]> Behind every life-saving organization is a deeply human story of vision, sacrifice, and perseverance. In this revealing conversation, Monica Kelsey turns the microphone toward her husband Joe, unveiling the remarkable journey they've traveled as co-founders of Safe Haven Baby Boxes.

What started as a sketch on a napkin following Monica's trip to South Africa has blossomed into a nationwide movement with 365 baby boxes across 24 states. Joe shares how they navigated the early challenges—from building the first prototype with a local firefighter for $700 to the meticulous process of changing safe haven laws and gaining public trust. As Woodburn's mayor and a National Guard member, Joe brings a unique perspective to his role as Senior Project Coordinator, handling the critical behind-the-scenes operations that keep the organization functioning.

The conversation takes a powerful turn as the couple opens up about their darkest period—when their son's involvement in a fatal drunk driving accident nearly derailed their mission. For almost two years, they put the organization on hold, visiting their son in prison every weekend while their marriage weathered tremendous strain. "Our family was devastated," Monica reveals, while Joe affirms that divorce "never crossed our minds." The turning point came when they received news of their first surrendered baby in November 2017, just months before their son's release—a moment Monica describes as divine intervention saying, "It was almost like Christ was saying it's time to get up."

Despite facing critics who oppose anonymous surrenders or adoption itself, the Kelseys remain steadfast in their commitment to saving lives first. Their unwavering stance on anonymity—even declining partnerships with locations unwilling to guarantee no surveillance cameras—demonstrates their pledge to mothers in crisis: "We're not going to sacrifice integrity for growth."

The most heartwarming revelation? How surrendered babies often form lasting relationships with the firefighters who receive them, creating extended "families" through this life-saving program. Their story is a powerful testament to how personal dedication and unwavering partnership can transform tragedy into purpose and a simple idea into a movement that protects our most vulnerable citizens.

Support the mission that started from scratch in 2015 by visiting shbb.org today.

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-17649352 Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400 1671 full false #12 The Instigator's Journey: From Troublemaker to Advocate #12 The Instigator's Journey: From Troublemaker to Advocate What happens when your little sister knows all your secrets and gets to interview you on your own podcast? Pure authenticity, unexpected revelations, and a deeper understanding of the personal journey that shaped a national movement.

In this deeply personal episode of Beyond the Box, host Monica Kelsey invites her younger sister Mindy into the studio for a conversation that weaves together family history, teenage rebellions, and the foundations of Monica's advocacy work. The sisters immediately fall into a natural rapport as they reminisce about childhood roles – Monica as "the instigator," their older sister as "the good girl," and Mindy as "the informer."

Through laughter and candid storytelling, they explore how adoption shaped their family dynamics. Monica shares how her curiosity about her biological origins led her to meet her birth mother, a pivotal experience that gave her both closure and perspective. This meeting confirmed her gratitude for her adoptive parents while developing empathy for her birth mother's struggles – two perspectives that now fuel her passion for Safe Haven Baby Boxes.

The conversation takes a serious turn as Monica addresses criticism from anti-adoption voices, drawing powerful connections between her personal experience and her professional mission. She articulately defends the importance of adoption and safe surrender options based on both her life story and the harsh realities she's witnessed. As the sisters share stories from their careers in advocacy and social work, listeners gain insight into why Monica fights so passionately for vulnerable children.

Ready to hear family secrets, teenage rebellions, and the personal journey behind a powerful mission? Listen now and discover how Monica's past shaped her purpose – creating safe options for mothers and babies across America.

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]]> What happens when your little sister knows all your secrets and gets to interview you on your own podcast? Pure authenticity, unexpected revelations, and a deeper understanding of the personal journey that shaped a national movement.

In this deeply personal episode of Beyond the Box, host Monica Kelsey invites her younger sister Mindy into the studio for a conversation that weaves together family history, teenage rebellions, and the foundations of Monica's advocacy work. The sisters immediately fall into a natural rapport as they reminisce about childhood roles – Monica as "the instigator," their older sister as "the good girl," and Mindy as "the informer."

Through laughter and candid storytelling, they explore how adoption shaped their family dynamics. Monica shares how her curiosity about her biological origins led her to meet her birth mother, a pivotal experience that gave her both closure and perspective. This meeting confirmed her gratitude for her adoptive parents while developing empathy for her birth mother's struggles – two perspectives that now fuel her passion for Safe Haven Baby Boxes.

The conversation takes a serious turn as Monica addresses criticism from anti-adoption voices, drawing powerful connections between her personal experience and her professional mission. She articulately defends the importance of adoption and safe surrender options based on both her life story and the harsh realities she's witnessed. As the sisters share stories from their careers in advocacy and social work, listeners gain insight into why Monica fights so passionately for vulnerable children.

Ready to hear family secrets, teenage rebellions, and the personal journey behind a powerful mission? Listen now and discover how Monica's past shaped her purpose – creating safe options for mothers and babies across America.

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-17525956 Tue, 29 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400 2523 full false #11 The Man Behind 21 Baby Boxes #11 The Man Behind 21 Baby Boxes The brotherhood of firefighters represents a special bond forged through shared danger, commitment to service, and unwavering support for one another. This episode of Beyond the Box pulls back the curtain on this powerful connection through the story of Josh Garrison—a firefighter, plumber, and unsung hero of the Safe Haven Baby Boxes movement.

Host Monica Kelsey welcomes Abby Garrison, Josh's widow, and Larry, a fellow firefighter, to share memories of the man who personally installed 21 baby boxes across America before his untimely passing at age 39. Their conversation weaves through humorous firehouse anecdotes, the groundbreaking installation of the very first baby box in U.S. history, and the profound impact Josh made without seeking recognition or reward.

We witness the intersection of personal tragedy and hope when Monica recounts how Josh was present at the Woodburn Fire Department when the first baby was surrendered—providing a ray of light during a dark time as the department was preparing for the funeral of their chief's two children. The emotional weight of this full-circle moment underscores why the work of Safe Haven Baby Boxes matters so profoundly.

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Abby shares the story of Josh's sudden hemorrhagic stroke and how their family has navigated grief while honoring his legacy. Three years after his passing, Josh's problem-solving spirit lives on through the phrase "What would Josh do?"—a testament to his lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

From firefighter camaraderie to the nationwide expansion of Safe Haven Baby Boxes to 23 states, this episode celebrates how ordinary heroes create extraordinary change. Listen now to discover how one man's willingness to serve continues to save lives long after his own was cut short.

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]]> The brotherhood of firefighters represents a special bond forged through shared danger, commitment to service, and unwavering support for one another. This episode of Beyond the Box pulls back the curtain on this powerful connection through the story of Josh Garrison—a firefighter, plumber, and unsung hero of the Safe Haven Baby Boxes movement.

Host Monica Kelsey welcomes Abby Garrison, Josh's widow, and Larry, a fellow firefighter, to share memories of the man who personally installed 21 baby boxes across America before his untimely passing at age 39. Their conversation weaves through humorous firehouse anecdotes, the groundbreaking installation of the very first baby box in U.S. history, and the profound impact Josh made without seeking recognition or reward.

We witness the intersection of personal tragedy and hope when Monica recounts how Josh was present at the Woodburn Fire Department when the first baby was surrendered—providing a ray of light during a dark time as the department was preparing for the funeral of their chief's two children. The emotional weight of this full-circle moment underscores why the work of Safe Haven Baby Boxes matters so profoundly.

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Abby shares the story of Josh's sudden hemorrhagic stroke and how their family has navigated grief while honoring his legacy. Three years after his passing, Josh's problem-solving spirit lives on through the phrase "What would Josh do?"—a testament to his lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

From firefighter camaraderie to the nationwide expansion of Safe Haven Baby Boxes to 23 states, this episode celebrates how ordinary heroes create extraordinary change. Listen now to discover how one man's willingness to serve continues to save lives long after his own was cut short.

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-17500957 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400 2279 full false #10 Redemption Through Abandonment: The Safe Haven Baby Boxes Story #10 Redemption Through Abandonment: The Safe Haven Baby Boxes Story Every revolution begins with a moment of clarity. For Monica Kelsey and her friend Pam Stenzel, that moment happened in Cape Town, South Africa, where they encountered their first "Baby Safe" – a simple device allowing desperate mothers to safely surrender infants they couldn't care for. That discovery, sketched on a Delta napkin during their flight home, evolved into Safe Haven Baby Boxes, now operating in 22 states across America.

This deeply personal conversation reveals how two adoptees transformed their own stories of redemption into a movement saving countless newborn lives. Monica and Pam candidly discuss the philosophical battles they've fought since day one: prioritizing a child's right to life over debates about heritage and medical history. As Pam shares, "My biological mother was 15 years old and was raped. She was in foster care at the time... I was the poster child for abortion." These personal perspectives powerfully frame their compassionate approach to women in crisis.

The friends explore critical distinctions between confidentiality and true anonymity, challenging the traditional Safe Haven model that requires face-to-face surrenders. Through poignant stories of mothers they've counseled – from the woman who YouTubed how to cut an umbilical cord to another who walked miles to avoid surrendering in her own neighborhood – they illuminate why anonymous options matter. Despite persistent opposition from adoptee rights groups and regulatory hurdles in various states, their mission remains unwavering: baby first, mother second, with support for whatever choice each woman makes.

Whether you're interested in adoption advocacy, crisis pregnancy support, or simply the power of friendship to spark social change, this conversation will leave you contemplating what other "crazy ideas" might transform lives. As Pam wisely reminds us about their decade of work: "God did not call us to be successful, He called us to be faithful." That faithfulness has created a legacy of lives saved and mothers supported through their darkest moments.

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]]> Every revolution begins with a moment of clarity. For Monica Kelsey and her friend Pam Stenzel, that moment happened in Cape Town, South Africa, where they encountered their first "Baby Safe" – a simple device allowing desperate mothers to safely surrender infants they couldn't care for. That discovery, sketched on a Delta napkin during their flight home, evolved into Safe Haven Baby Boxes, now operating in 22 states across America.

This deeply personal conversation reveals how two adoptees transformed their own stories of redemption into a movement saving countless newborn lives. Monica and Pam candidly discuss the philosophical battles they've fought since day one: prioritizing a child's right to life over debates about heritage and medical history. As Pam shares, "My biological mother was 15 years old and was raped. She was in foster care at the time... I was the poster child for abortion." These personal perspectives powerfully frame their compassionate approach to women in crisis.

The friends explore critical distinctions between confidentiality and true anonymity, challenging the traditional Safe Haven model that requires face-to-face surrenders. Through poignant stories of mothers they've counseled – from the woman who YouTubed how to cut an umbilical cord to another who walked miles to avoid surrendering in her own neighborhood – they illuminate why anonymous options matter. Despite persistent opposition from adoptee rights groups and regulatory hurdles in various states, their mission remains unwavering: baby first, mother second, with support for whatever choice each woman makes.

Whether you're interested in adoption advocacy, crisis pregnancy support, or simply the power of friendship to spark social change, this conversation will leave you contemplating what other "crazy ideas" might transform lives. As Pam wisely reminds us about their decade of work: "God did not call us to be successful, He called us to be faithful." That faithfulness has created a legacy of lives saved and mothers supported through their darkest moments.

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-17382007 Tue, 01 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400 3504 1 10 full false #9 From Darkness to Purpose: A Birth Mother's Safe Haven Journey #9 From Darkness to Purpose: A Birth Mother's Safe Haven Journey A rare and powerful conversation unfolds as Monica Kelsey welcomes a birth mother who surrendered her baby in a Safe Haven Baby Box. With remarkable courage, this young woman shares her complete journey—from discovering she was pregnant at 16 weeks to the night she gave birth alone in her bathroom, guided only by Google searches and YouTube videos.

The raw emotion is palpable as she describes holding her newborn daughter for six hours, praying for clarity while feeling overwhelmed by circumstances that left her "treading water." Her powerful testimony reveals how she discovered Safe Haven Baby Boxes through TikTok videos just days before giving birth, and the spiritual guidance she felt leading her to make this life-altering decision.

What makes this conversation truly extraordinary is the transformation we witness. From the fear and isolation of her surrender experience to finding unexpected community among strangers who embraced her without judgment, this birth mother articulates profound truths about healing, purpose, and grace. "I surrendered," she explains, "knowing that I saved her and it saved me."

The episode takes an inspiring turn as Monica and the birth mother discuss turning pain into purpose. With newfound confidence, this young woman now hopes to lead support groups specifically for Safe Haven birth mothers—a resource that doesn't currently exist but is desperately needed. Her message to others in similar situations resonates with compassion: "You're loved and valued, and all you have to do is call someone, and the community of people that you don't even know exist will go millions of miles across the world to do whatever they can to help you."

This conversation illuminates the beauty that can emerge from darkness when judgment is replaced with understanding. For anyone who has faced impossible choices or wondered about the women behind Safe Haven surrenders, this episode offers profound insights about human resilience, divine guidance, and the healing power of purpose.

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]]> A rare and powerful conversation unfolds as Monica Kelsey welcomes a birth mother who surrendered her baby in a Safe Haven Baby Box. With remarkable courage, this young woman shares her complete journey—from discovering she was pregnant at 16 weeks to the night she gave birth alone in her bathroom, guided only by Google searches and YouTube videos.

The raw emotion is palpable as she describes holding her newborn daughter for six hours, praying for clarity while feeling overwhelmed by circumstances that left her "treading water." Her powerful testimony reveals how she discovered Safe Haven Baby Boxes through TikTok videos just days before giving birth, and the spiritual guidance she felt leading her to make this life-altering decision.

What makes this conversation truly extraordinary is the transformation we witness. From the fear and isolation of her surrender experience to finding unexpected community among strangers who embraced her without judgment, this birth mother articulates profound truths about healing, purpose, and grace. "I surrendered," she explains, "knowing that I saved her and it saved me."

The episode takes an inspiring turn as Monica and the birth mother discuss turning pain into purpose. With newfound confidence, this young woman now hopes to lead support groups specifically for Safe Haven birth mothers—a resource that doesn't currently exist but is desperately needed. Her message to others in similar situations resonates with compassion: "You're loved and valued, and all you have to do is call someone, and the community of people that you don't even know exist will go millions of miles across the world to do whatever they can to help you."

This conversation illuminates the beauty that can emerge from darkness when judgment is replaced with understanding. For anyone who has faced impossible choices or wondered about the women behind Safe Haven surrenders, this episode offers profound insights about human resilience, divine guidance, and the healing power of purpose.

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-17331649 Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400 2419 1 9 full false #8 From Bill to Baby Box: A Legislative Journey #8 From Bill to Baby Box: A Legislative Journey From a simple conversation to a nationwide movement saving hundreds of lives—the untold story of Safe Haven Baby Boxes unfolds through an intimate chat between founder Monica Kelsey and former Indiana State Representative Casey Cox, the man who authored America's very first baby box legislation.

Their reunion at Woodburn headquarters reveals the extraordinary behind-the-scenes struggle that brought this life-saving concept to reality. When government agencies insisted no safety protocols could make baby boxes viable, Monica made the bold decision to install them anyway—a risk that would ultimately save 288 children's lives and counting.

"I just wanted to save one baby a year," Monica confesses, recalling her frustration when state officials rejected the concept despite finding approximately two abandoned infants dead annually in Indiana. Casey shares his perspective as a freshman legislator who saw potential in Monica's revolutionary idea: "I thought it was wild...but honestly, I thought it was a great idea."

What follows is a master class in persistence, as they recount legislative battles, regulatory roadblocks, and the watershed moment when the first infant was safely surrendered—a midnight text message that changed everything. Now operating in 22 states with 59 babies saved directly through boxes and another 229 through safe haven handoffs, their partnership demonstrates how ordinary citizens can create extraordinary change.

This deeply moving conversation isn't just about policy—it's about purpose, courage, and the ripple effects of standing firm when facing opposition. As Monica puts it, "The right thing to do is always the right thing to do." For anyone who's ever wondered if one person can make a difference, this episode provides an emphatic and inspiring answer.

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]]> From a simple conversation to a nationwide movement saving hundreds of lives—the untold story of Safe Haven Baby Boxes unfolds through an intimate chat between founder Monica Kelsey and former Indiana State Representative Casey Cox, the man who authored America's very first baby box legislation.

Their reunion at Woodburn headquarters reveals the extraordinary behind-the-scenes struggle that brought this life-saving concept to reality. When government agencies insisted no safety protocols could make baby boxes viable, Monica made the bold decision to install them anyway—a risk that would ultimately save 288 children's lives and counting.

"I just wanted to save one baby a year," Monica confesses, recalling her frustration when state officials rejected the concept despite finding approximately two abandoned infants dead annually in Indiana. Casey shares his perspective as a freshman legislator who saw potential in Monica's revolutionary idea: "I thought it was wild...but honestly, I thought it was a great idea."

What follows is a master class in persistence, as they recount legislative battles, regulatory roadblocks, and the watershed moment when the first infant was safely surrendered—a midnight text message that changed everything. Now operating in 22 states with 59 babies saved directly through boxes and another 229 through safe haven handoffs, their partnership demonstrates how ordinary citizens can create extraordinary change.

This deeply moving conversation isn't just about policy—it's about purpose, courage, and the ripple effects of standing firm when facing opposition. As Monica puts it, "The right thing to do is always the right thing to do." For anyone who's ever wondered if one person can make a difference, this episode provides an emphatic and inspiring answer.

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-17198793 Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400 2067 full false #7 The Day that Saved My Life. #7 The Day that Saved My Life. What happens when a night of celebration turns into the worst moment of your life? In this raw and unflinching conversation, Monica sits down with her son JJ to discuss the night that forever changed both their lives—when JJ's choices behind the wheel resulted in the death of his best friend Casey.

The conversation weaves through memories of Casey, described lovingly as someone who was "exactly like me... very outgoing and outspoken" and "the glue that held a lot of our group together." We hear about their friendship, their shared passion for mechanics, and the fateful graduation party that would end in tragedy. JJ recounts the moments after the Jeep flipped, his desperate attempts at CPR, and the surreal experience of seeing his mother arrive on scene as a first responder.

What stands out most powerfully is JJ's absolute refusal to shirk responsibility. When asked why he pled guilty, he states simply: "When you screw up, own it. You don't own it, you're just enabling yourself to screw up more." This philosophy of accountability becomes the foundation for his remarkable transformation during and after his four-year prison sentence.

Perhaps most striking is JJ's reflection that "the day that Casey died is the day that my life was saved," acknowledging that before the accident, he was heading down a dangerous path. Today, with a growing family and purpose-driven life, JJ speaks at schools about his experience, hoping to prevent others from making similar mistakes. The silent rooms full of attentive students speak to the power of his authenticity.

This episode isn't just about tragedy—it's about how taking full responsibility for our actions, even the most devastating ones, can become the catalyst for profound personal growth. What would happen if we all faced our mistakes with such unflinching honesty?

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]]> What happens when a night of celebration turns into the worst moment of your life? In this raw and unflinching conversation, Monica sits down with her son JJ to discuss the night that forever changed both their lives—when JJ's choices behind the wheel resulted in the death of his best friend Casey.

The conversation weaves through memories of Casey, described lovingly as someone who was "exactly like me... very outgoing and outspoken" and "the glue that held a lot of our group together." We hear about their friendship, their shared passion for mechanics, and the fateful graduation party that would end in tragedy. JJ recounts the moments after the Jeep flipped, his desperate attempts at CPR, and the surreal experience of seeing his mother arrive on scene as a first responder.

What stands out most powerfully is JJ's absolute refusal to shirk responsibility. When asked why he pled guilty, he states simply: "When you screw up, own it. You don't own it, you're just enabling yourself to screw up more." This philosophy of accountability becomes the foundation for his remarkable transformation during and after his four-year prison sentence.

Perhaps most striking is JJ's reflection that "the day that Casey died is the day that my life was saved," acknowledging that before the accident, he was heading down a dangerous path. Today, with a growing family and purpose-driven life, JJ speaks at schools about his experience, hoping to prevent others from making similar mistakes. The silent rooms full of attentive students speak to the power of his authenticity.

This episode isn't just about tragedy—it's about how taking full responsibility for our actions, even the most devastating ones, can become the catalyst for profound personal growth. What would happen if we all faced our mistakes with such unflinching honesty?

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-17204112 Wed, 28 May 2025 14:00:00 -0400 2287 1 7 full false #6: Beyond the Badge - When Abandonment Turns Into Inspiration #6: Beyond the Badge - When Abandonment Turns Into Inspiration A cardboard box in a frigid apartment hallway during a winter storm became the unlikely beginning of an extraordinary full-circle story. Matthew, abandoned as a newborn just days before Christmas in 2000, has defied incredible odds to become a South Bend police officer—the very department that investigated his abandonment. Detective Gene Eyster vividly remembers that night: two feet of snow, temperatures around 15 degrees, and bitter winds. He rushed to the scene and nicknamed the infant “Baby Jesus” because of the timing and circumstances, eventually tracking down Matthew’s parents after three intense days of investigation.

For twenty years afterward, Gene often found himself reflecting on the fate of “Baby Jesus,” driving past the apartment complex regularly and wondering what had become of him. Questions lingered in his mind, unresolved and poignant: Had their paths unknowingly crossed? Was the child still living nearby? Then, a chance conversation between Matthew and a fellow officer revealed the astonishing connection—“Baby Jesus” had grown up to wear the same uniform and patrol the same streets where he’d been found.

Their reunion was deeply healing, especially for Gene, who had recently lost his own adult son. The striking similarities between Matthew and Gene’s late son—same height, build, even facial hair—felt almost providential. For Matthew, meeting Gene brought closure and insight into his earliest days, offering answers he’d sought his entire life.

This remarkable reunion highlights the vital importance of Monica Kelsey’s mission with Safe Haven Baby Boxes, providing desperate parents with anonymous and safe ways to surrender their infants. With 59 babies safely surrendered in baby boxes nationwide and over 200 through legal handoffs, each child now has the opportunity to craft their own extraordinary life story—just as Matthew has done.

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]]> A cardboard box in a frigid apartment hallway during a winter storm became the unlikely beginning of an extraordinary full-circle story. Matthew, abandoned as a newborn just days before Christmas in 2000, has defied incredible odds to become a South Bend police officer—the very department that investigated his abandonment. Detective Gene Eyster vividly remembers that night: two feet of snow, temperatures around 15 degrees, and bitter winds. He rushed to the scene and nicknamed the infant “Baby Jesus” because of the timing and circumstances, eventually tracking down Matthew’s parents after three intense days of investigation.

For twenty years afterward, Gene often found himself reflecting on the fate of “Baby Jesus,” driving past the apartment complex regularly and wondering what had become of him. Questions lingered in his mind, unresolved and poignant: Had their paths unknowingly crossed? Was the child still living nearby? Then, a chance conversation between Matthew and a fellow officer revealed the astonishing connection—“Baby Jesus” had grown up to wear the same uniform and patrol the same streets where he’d been found.

Their reunion was deeply healing, especially for Gene, who had recently lost his own adult son. The striking similarities between Matthew and Gene’s late son—same height, build, even facial hair—felt almost providential. For Matthew, meeting Gene brought closure and insight into his earliest days, offering answers he’d sought his entire life.

This remarkable reunion highlights the vital importance of Monica Kelsey’s mission with Safe Haven Baby Boxes, providing desperate parents with anonymous and safe ways to surrender their infants. With 59 babies safely surrendered in baby boxes nationwide and over 200 through legal handoffs, each child now has the opportunity to craft their own extraordinary life story—just as Matthew has done.

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-17191935 Tue, 20 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400 2029 1 6 full false #5: Isabella’s Story of Survival, Strength, and Service #5: Isabella’s Story of Survival, Strength, and Service What happens when a child once abandoned becomes a passionate advocate for others facing the same fate? Isabella’s remarkable journey, from being left at a Chinese orphanage at less than two days old to becoming a dedicated champion for Safe Haven Baby Boxes in America, showcases the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit.

Adopted at age six by an American family, Isabella faced tremendous challenges—adapting to a new language and culture while navigating physical limitations from malnutrition and severe scoliosis. Instead of allowing these difficulties to define her, Isabella embraced them as stepping stones toward growth, competing in pageants, advocating for legislative changes to protect abandoned babies, and pursuing a future in elementary education at the University of Kentucky.

Perhaps most powerful is Isabella’s compassionate reflection on her birth parents, who likely undertook a difficult two-day journey to ensure her safety at an orphanage—a profound act of love in a culture where female babies often faced rejection. Isabella’s story is a powerful testament to the idea that our beginnings never need to dictate our future impact, inviting listeners to reconsider how personal challenges can be transformed into purposeful action.

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]]> What happens when a child once abandoned becomes a passionate advocate for others facing the same fate? Isabella’s remarkable journey, from being left at a Chinese orphanage at less than two days old to becoming a dedicated champion for Safe Haven Baby Boxes in America, showcases the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit.

Adopted at age six by an American family, Isabella faced tremendous challenges—adapting to a new language and culture while navigating physical limitations from malnutrition and severe scoliosis. Instead of allowing these difficulties to define her, Isabella embraced them as stepping stones toward growth, competing in pageants, advocating for legislative changes to protect abandoned babies, and pursuing a future in elementary education at the University of Kentucky.

Perhaps most powerful is Isabella’s compassionate reflection on her birth parents, who likely undertook a difficult two-day journey to ensure her safety at an orphanage—a profound act of love in a culture where female babies often faced rejection. Isabella’s story is a powerful testament to the idea that our beginnings never need to dictate our future impact, inviting listeners to reconsider how personal challenges can be transformed into purposeful action.

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-17102831 Tue, 06 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400 2385 1 6 full false #4: How Kentucky Became a National Leader in Infant Safety with Rep. Nancy Tate #4: How Kentucky Became a National Leader in Infant Safety with Rep. Nancy Tate Kentucky State Representative Nancy Tate joins Monica Kelsey to share the powerful legislative journey behind bringing Safe Haven Baby Boxes to the Commonwealth. As a freshman legislator, Tate led the charge on three bills that passed unanimously—an extraordinary feat in today’s political climate. Her passion was sparked by the real-life abandonment of a baby in Bowling Green, and she went above and beyond by visiting Indiana to see the technology in action before advocating for it back home.

Together, Tate and Kelsey dive into how baby boxes meet mothers in crisis with compassion and discretion. In a culture increasingly shaped by privacy and digital interactions, anonymous surrender options provide a modern, life-saving solution. As Kelsey puts it, “These kids are doing everything behind a screen,” and baby boxes meet that reality with dignity and care.

Today, Kentucky has over 50 baby boxes thanks to grassroots support—not government funding. Tate’s vision of 155 boxes, one in every county, continues to rally communities statewide. Through heartfelt stories of birth mothers and adoptive families, this episode highlights how real change begins with understanding human needs—and ends with lives saved.

Kentucky Legislature

HB 155 Bill Text - Kentucky

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]]> Kentucky State Representative Nancy Tate joins Monica Kelsey to share the powerful legislative journey behind bringing Safe Haven Baby Boxes to the Commonwealth. As a freshman legislator, Tate led the charge on three bills that passed unanimously—an extraordinary feat in today’s political climate. Her passion was sparked by the real-life abandonment of a baby in Bowling Green, and she went above and beyond by visiting Indiana to see the technology in action before advocating for it back home.

Together, Tate and Kelsey dive into how baby boxes meet mothers in crisis with compassion and discretion. In a culture increasingly shaped by privacy and digital interactions, anonymous surrender options provide a modern, life-saving solution. As Kelsey puts it, “These kids are doing everything behind a screen,” and baby boxes meet that reality with dignity and care.

Today, Kentucky has over 50 baby boxes thanks to grassroots support—not government funding. Tate’s vision of 155 boxes, one in every county, continues to rally communities statewide. Through heartfelt stories of birth mothers and adoptive families, this episode highlights how real change begins with understanding human needs—and ends with lives saved.

Kentucky Legislature

HB 155 Bill Text - Kentucky

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-16977429 Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400 2719 1 4 full false #3: From Surrendered Baby to Police Officer with Matthew Stewart #3: From Surrendered Baby to Police Officer with Matthew Stewart What happens when an abandoned baby grows up to protect the very streets where they were once left behind? In this deeply moving conversation, South Bend Police Officer Matthew Stewart shares his extraordinary journey from being the "newspaper baby" – abandoned in a cardboard box in an apartment complex breezeway on Christmas Eve 2000 – to becoming a guardian of his community.

Matthew's story unfolds with remarkable candor as he recounts how tenants heard his cries, leading to his rescue and subsequent adoption. The timing of his abandonment – just before Indiana implemented the Safe Haven Law in 2001 – highlights how different his story might have been had his teenage birth parents had access to safe surrender options like baby boxes. Born at home without medical care and kept for a week before being abandoned, Matthew's very survival seems miraculous.

The conversation takes an extraordinary turn as Matthew reveals how, during his police training, he discovered that the detective who investigated his abandonment case still worked with the department. This full-circle moment provided answers to questions he'd carried his entire life. With remarkable grace, Matthew shares his perspective on connecting with his birth parents and half-siblings, demonstrating forgiveness rather than resentment for the desperate circumstances that led to his abandonment.

Host Monica Kelsey, founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes and an abandoned infant herself, creates a powerful space for authentic connection as they discuss shared experiences of adoption, identity, and finding purpose beyond difficult beginnings. Their conversation illuminates how two people once left behind have transformed potential tragedy into lives of service, family, and remarkable resilience.

South Bend PD

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]]> What happens when an abandoned baby grows up to protect the very streets where they were once left behind? In this deeply moving conversation, South Bend Police Officer Matthew Stewart shares his extraordinary journey from being the "newspaper baby" – abandoned in a cardboard box in an apartment complex breezeway on Christmas Eve 2000 – to becoming a guardian of his community.

Matthew's story unfolds with remarkable candor as he recounts how tenants heard his cries, leading to his rescue and subsequent adoption. The timing of his abandonment – just before Indiana implemented the Safe Haven Law in 2001 – highlights how different his story might have been had his teenage birth parents had access to safe surrender options like baby boxes. Born at home without medical care and kept for a week before being abandoned, Matthew's very survival seems miraculous.

The conversation takes an extraordinary turn as Matthew reveals how, during his police training, he discovered that the detective who investigated his abandonment case still worked with the department. This full-circle moment provided answers to questions he'd carried his entire life. With remarkable grace, Matthew shares his perspective on connecting with his birth parents and half-siblings, demonstrating forgiveness rather than resentment for the desperate circumstances that led to his abandonment.

Host Monica Kelsey, founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes and an abandoned infant herself, creates a powerful space for authentic connection as they discuss shared experiences of adoption, identity, and finding purpose beyond difficult beginnings. Their conversation illuminates how two people once left behind have transformed potential tragedy into lives of service, family, and remarkable resilience.

South Bend PD

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-16891117 Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400 1821 1 3 full false #2 - Giving Every Baby a Name - Linda Znachko #2 - Giving Every Baby a Name - Linda Znachko Linda Znachko, founder of He Knows Your Name Ministry, recounts her journey of providing dignity and proper burials for abandoned infants after seeing a news report about "Baby Doe" found in a dumpster. Her powerful mission statement that "Doe is not a name, a dumpster is not a grave, and a diaper is not burial clothing" has guided her work for over fifteen years. 

Linda shares the heartbreaking yet inspiring journey of how she became an advocate for these infants, beginning with the tragic story of Baby Nicholas and later, Baby Amelia—whose tiny footprint became the symbol of the Safe Haven Baby Boxes movement. Featured in this episode:

Monica and Linda discuss the challenges of raising awareness about safe haven laws, the importance of naming and honoring these lost children, and the crucial role of community involvement. Their deep-rooted passion for protecting vulnerable babies and supporting struggling mothers shines through, as they emphasize the need for continued education, advocacy, and collaboration.

Monica is working hard to put Linda out of business by ensuring babies are safely surrendered rather than abandoned, while continuing to honor those who have been lost.

https://heknowsyourname.org/

https://www.nationalsafehavenalliance.org/

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]]> Linda Znachko, founder of He Knows Your Name Ministry, recounts her journey of providing dignity and proper burials for abandoned infants after seeing a news report about "Baby Doe" found in a dumpster. Her powerful mission statement that "Doe is not a name, a dumpster is not a grave, and a diaper is not burial clothing" has guided her work for over fifteen years. 

Linda shares the heartbreaking yet inspiring journey of how she became an advocate for these infants, beginning with the tragic story of Baby Nicholas and later, Baby Amelia—whose tiny footprint became the symbol of the Safe Haven Baby Boxes movement. Featured in this episode:

Monica and Linda discuss the challenges of raising awareness about safe haven laws, the importance of naming and honoring these lost children, and the crucial role of community involvement. Their deep-rooted passion for protecting vulnerable babies and supporting struggling mothers shines through, as they emphasize the need for continued education, advocacy, and collaboration.

Monica is working hard to put Linda out of business by ensuring babies are safely surrendered rather than abandoned, while continuing to honor those who have been lost.

https://heknowsyourname.org/

https://www.nationalsafehavenalliance.org/

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-16788504 Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400 3007 1 2 full false #1 - Welcome to Beyond the Box with Monica Kelsey #1 - Welcome to Beyond the Box with Monica Kelsey Welcome to the debut episode of Beyond the Box with Monica Kelsey, a brand-new podcast from Monica Kelsey, Founder and CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes. This series will explore the stories behind the mission to protect newborns and provide safe, anonymous options for mothers in crisis.

In this first episode, America’s favorite fire chief, John Moriarty, joins the conversation to reflect on the journey of bringing a Safe Haven Baby Box to Carmel Fire Department. With 43 years of service, John shares how his passion for community outreach led him to champion this life-saving initiative. From initial skepticism to full-hearted support, he recounts the challenges faced during the installation process and the unforgettable moment when their first baby was surrendered—1,194 days after the box was put in place.

The discussion highlights the impact of Baby Amelia’s legacy, the changing attitudes within the fire service, and how new legislation, such as Bill 345, is streamlining adoptions to ensure babies find loving homes faster. This episode sets the stage for future conversations about the power of collaboration, the importance of education, and the lives forever changed by Safe Haven Baby Boxes.

Indiana Safe Haven Law

He Knows Your Name

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]]> Welcome to the debut episode of Beyond the Box with Monica Kelsey, a brand-new podcast from Monica Kelsey, Founder and CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes. This series will explore the stories behind the mission to protect newborns and provide safe, anonymous options for mothers in crisis.

In this first episode, America’s favorite fire chief, John Moriarty, joins the conversation to reflect on the journey of bringing a Safe Haven Baby Box to Carmel Fire Department. With 43 years of service, John shares how his passion for community outreach led him to champion this life-saving initiative. From initial skepticism to full-hearted support, he recounts the challenges faced during the installation process and the unforgettable moment when their first baby was surrendered—1,194 days after the box was put in place.

The discussion highlights the impact of Baby Amelia’s legacy, the changing attitudes within the fire service, and how new legislation, such as Bill 345, is streamlining adoptions to ensure babies find loving homes faster. This episode sets the stage for future conversations about the power of collaboration, the importance of education, and the lives forever changed by Safe Haven Baby Boxes.

Indiana Safe Haven Law

He Knows Your Name

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]]> Monica Kelsey Buzzsprout-16670596 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0500 3374 1 full false