Supporters Continue to ‘Step Up’ for Kinship Caregivers

The HOPE Foundation recently awarded $5,500 to Step Up Parents (SUP) to support programming and outreach to kinship families impacted by parental substance use disorder in the Upper Valley. Established in 2010 by Hypertherm Associates, the HOPE (Hypertherm Owners' Philanthropic Endeavors) Foundation is a public grant-making nonprofit dedicated to enriching communities through collaboration and compassion and inspire sustainable, positive change. 

“We are incredibly grateful for this support,” said SUP Founder and Board President Denyse Richter. “As we continue to expand our service footprint, this award strengthens our position in an underserved portion of New Hampshire.” 

Founded in 2019, SUP offers financial assistance and support to grandparents and other relative caregivers in New Hampshire and Southern Maine who have ‘stepped up’ to raise the children of parents struggling with substance use disorder. In New Hampshire, an estimated 23,700 children are being raised by relatives or close family friends, many due to the impact of parental substance use.  

“Kinship caregivers also often lack the same level of support and resources available to traditional foster parents,” said Richter. “These caregivers are the hidden heroes of our communities.” 

According to a report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 17,600 in Maine live with a parent who has an illicit substance use disorder. “Ensuring kinship caregivers have access to assistance programs isn't just important—it's essential," added Richter.