Podcast
Beyond the Box
Hosted by Monica Kelsey · EN
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.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
When Love Finds Its Way Through a Baby Box
Aug 2600:39:25Tap to summarizeThe 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.Support the showshbb.orgFind Safe Haven Baby Boxes on:TikTokInstagramYoutubeXFacebookFind Monica Kelsey on:TikTokInstagram
Transcribe →#13 My Husband and I Built a Life-Saving Organization While Our Family Was Falling Apart
Aug 1200:27:51Tap to summarizeBehind 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.Support the showshbb.orgFind Safe Haven Baby Boxes on:TikTokInstagramYoutubeXFacebookFind Monica Kelsey on:TikTokInstagram
Transcribe →Welcome to Beyond the Box with Monica Kelsey
Feb 24, 202500:56:14Tap to summarizeWelcome 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 LawHe Knows Your Nameshbb.org Find Safe Haven Baby Boxes on: TikTok Instagram Youtube X Facebook Find Monica Kelsey on:TikTok Instagram
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