Kinship Caregivers“The giving of love is an education in itself. ”
Eleanor Roosevelt
Kinship care refers to a temporary or permanent arrangement in which a relative, or non-relative adult who has a relationship or bond with a child, provides care for a child in place of the birth parents. 
This may can happen for many reasons; the parents may deployed overseas with the military, or they may be unable sue to health/medical conditions, they may be abusing drugs or alcohol, perhaps they are in prison, or the children maye be orphaned.
In the United States, more than 4.5 million children reside with grandparents or relatives. Michigan ranks among the ten states with the highest number of these households.
Kinship Services
Services for kinship care include kinship family coordination, where a family service plan is developed and includes one-on-one case management, support groups and other outreach services, which are instituted to help the family create stronger relationships and function on an overall increased level of happiness and emotional well-being. Our program’s support groups and workshops provide information and peer support for kinship caregivers 
as well as the children they are raising. Group and individual therapy is also offered as needed, as are respite services that are coordinated with area collaborative partners to give these 
caregivers a break when they feel overwhelmed. We also assist kinship caregiver families facing financial hardships with help acquiring services and items such as food, clothing, bedding, school supplies, recreational activities, and transportation. Many caregivers struggle with legal issues and are frustrated with the legal system. We help to provide valuable resources to help answer questions about guardianship.
The Face Next Door 
In July of 2006, Irene took in her three grandchildren due to the substance use and abuse that was taking place in their home. Letting them go into the foster care system was not an option Irene considered. After three months the bills started to pile up. In September her water was shut off and for three months she borrowed water from neighbors went to her daughter’s house to shower. In December, she discovered the Kinship Caregivers program at Catholic Charities. Immediately the staff of the program negotiated to get her water turned back on and put her in touch with many lifesaving resources she was not even aware existed. The program was able to offer her some respite dollars for child care and summer camps for the children. 
Irene now enjoys attending the workshops and support groups where she meets other caregivers in similar situations. She has even been helped by the in-kind support of a local lawyer to gain permanent custody of her grandchildren. Knowledge is power and now Irene has the knowledge to succeed in raising her grandchildren.
How You Can Help
Many of Catholic Charities' caregivers are grandparents trying to make it on their retirement or fixed income. Most, if not all, have had to return to the working world in order to cover the expenses incurred in raising these children. Due to the current economic uncertainty in Michigan, many of these families are in danger of loosing valuable support. Catholic Charities’ Kinship staff provides supportive case management services, respite dollars and 13 support groups around the entire county.
Please consider making a donation in support of Catholic Charities’ Kinship Caregivers Program. 100% of your donation will stay in our community to support local families in need.
If you or a loved one are currently providing kinship care and are in need of supportive resources, please contact Catholic Charities’ Kinship Caregivers Program at 810-232-9950.
Kinship Caregivers Area Support Groups
Davison Group - Call for meeting times and location.
Mt. Morris Group – Mt. Morris Jr. High School
Meets 2nd Thursday of the month, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Flushing Group - St. Robert Church/Kathy's Restaurant
Meets 2nd Monday of the month, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Grand Blanc Group - McGrath Elementary
Meets 3rd Monday of the month, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Linden/Fenton - St. John Church, Fenton
Meets 4th Wednesday of the month, 12 to 2 p.m.
King Early Childhood Center - Flint
Meets 4th Monday of the month, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Bunche Group - Bunche Elementary, Flint
Meets 3rd Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Groups are subject to change. Please call to confirm time and location. If you have any questions regarding the Support Groups and/or would like to coordinate a group in your area, please call Gregory Wilson, Kinship Care Coordinator at 232-9950 ext. 140.
The Kinship Caregivers Program is funded through the United Way of Genesee County and the Valley Area Agency on Aging.
