In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami sits down with Mary Perdue, former First Lady of Georgia, to talk about the power of awareness leading to action in the foster care community.
Mary shares how her personal experience fostering newborns sparked a deep passion for children in foster care—something that later became her primary initiative during her years as First Lady. Through that role, she worked to raise awareness about the realities of foster care and helped launch statewide efforts that brought government agencies, communities, and faith organizations together to better support vulnerable children.
Throughout the conversation, Mary reflects on what she learned during that season of leadership and why she believes the church has a unique and essential role in caring for children and families connected to foster care. She reminds listeners that while government systems play an important part, lasting change happens when communities and churches step in to provide support, stability, and love.
This episode is an encouraging reminder that when people become aware of the needs around them, even small steps of obedience can create meaningful impact for children and families.
About the Guest
Mary Perdue served as the First Lady of Georgia from 2003–2011 alongside her husband, former Governor Sonny Perdue. During her time in that role, she championed initiatives supporting children and families in foster care and worked to mobilize communities and faith organizations to care for vulnerable children.
Her passion for foster care began years earlier when she and her family fostered newborns awaiting adoption, an experience that deeply shaped her ongoing advocacy.
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Mary’s introduction to foster care through fostering newborns awaiting adoption
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How her role as First Lady allowed her to raise awareness for vulnerable children
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The creation of statewide initiatives to improve collaboration for children in Georgia
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Why foster care support requires both government systems and community involvement
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The unique role churches can play in caring for children and families
Resources + Links
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