Kinship Care Story: Helping a Student Say Yes to Washington, D.C.

In early 2024, a New Hampshire aunt stepped into kinship care for her nephew after he was removed from his parents’ home by DCYF due to abuse and neglect. Both parents face significant substance use challenges.

Becoming a guardian wasn’t something the aunt planned for, but she committed to providing safety and stability. Over time, her nephew has begun to settle into his new life. He’s happier, doing better in school, and starting to feel more secure.

This fall, his entire grade will be taking a school enrichment trip to Washington, D.C. The cost of the trip was more than what the family could afford. But for this student, the trip represented more than travel. It was an opportunity to learn alongside his peers and take part in an experience he never thought he’d have.

Through a referral from Heidi Crowell of Families First Seacoast, Step Up Parents was able to connect with this family. Heidi serves as one of Step Up Parents’ trusted community validators: local professionals who help identify kinship families in need and connect them with support. These partnerships are essential to ensuring help reaches families at the right time.

Step Up Parents provided $350 toward the cost of the trip, helping make it possible for this student to attend.

“This child is really looking forward to this experience, one he didn’t think he was going to have,” said Heidi of Families First Seacoast. “The family and I appreciate it a lot!”

Because of this support and strong community collaboration, this student won’t be left behind. He’ll be on the bus with his classmates, learning, exploring, and building memories during a time when stability and opportunity matter most.