"We are Step Up Parents": Supporters Share Their Kinship Care Story

When supporters of Step Up Parents reached out to us to share their own stories as kinship caregivers, their words moved us. We share the following story with you so you can get an inside glimpse into how your support truly does make a difference.

This couple's journey as grandparents who took in their grandson due to their daughter's struggle with substance use disorder mirrors that of so many of the families we help. We share it with you as a show of the impact kinship caregivers have, but also as a reminder of the devastating toll substance use disorder has on families and the enormous financial undertaking that is stepping up for a child in need later in life.

Together, they share this message:

"We are Step Up Parents. Our daughter has a substance use disorder and has struggled with it for the past 12 years. Thankfully, she is now on track and living in a sober living house. She’s so intelligent—she was always ahead in her class, talented in sports, passionate about music, and dedicated to everything she did. She had so many gifts. But then everything changed—for her, and for us.

“We thought we were beyond the child-rearing phase of life. We never expected the challenges, joys, and blessings that would come with fully raising a young child at this stage of our lives."

The grandfather shares:

“Growing up, I remember taking a test in school where I had to write about what it means to be a man. I wrote, ‘To be a man is to be responsible.’ What I want in life is simple—family. I’ll take care of my wife and children. Now, as a grandfather, my grandson is my child. He’s my responsibility—as a father and as a man. Grandparents are still parents. This is what I’m called to do.”

The grandmother adds:

“When I look at my grandson, I see my daughter so clearly. He has so many of her mannerisms. I see the best of her in him. If she were in her right mind, I know she would want to be there for him as a mom. But we are all a team. She’s out of jail now and thanks us all the time. She recognizes she’s not in a place to be a full-time parent right now. When our grandson gets older and looks back, I think he’ll be grateful. He’s a little spoiled—but it’s the Christian thing to do.”

Thank you for being a supporter of Step Up Parents. Your help allows us to ease the financial burden for heroic kinship families in need.