Kinship Care Story: Tumseen

Step Up Parents recently helped a grandmother who is raising her three grandchildren, all under the age of four, with utility payments. Tragically, the grandchildren's biological parents are deceased, incarcerated, or battling with mental health and substance use disorder. Though paying the bills has become increasingly hard, she does her best to keep the kids enrolled in extracurricular activities to keep them busy, happy, and thriving.

“When my granddaughter's father committed suicide, it sent my daughter—her mother—into serious opioid addiction,” she explains. “I now have custody and have had custody for almost two years. I also have custody of the twins because my other daughter has mental inconsistencies due to overuse of marijuana. My grandchildren are thriving with me and I do my utmost best to put them into extracurricular activities to keep them happy. However, things get very tight with groceries, clothing, and utilities.

"My three grandchildren love to go to soccer, practice jujitsu, and run around at the lake,” she continues. “They ski in the winter and love to keep us very busy. I am very grateful for my grandchildren and for the ability to see them grow. All we can do is hope that these children stay happy and thriving throughout life. Every day I remind them how much they are loved, and I remind them how confident, strong, and amazing they are.

“I am so grateful for the help, but sometimes it does get very difficult to pay every bill every month. I work extra shifts just to try and accommodate them with extra activities so thatthey are distracted from any negative thoughts and behavior that may arise from the lack of having parents around."

We are in awe of this grandmother's strength, dedication, and love for her grandchildren. She is a true hero.