Kinship Care Story: Keeping Sisters Together Through Love and Courage

The children’s names in this story have been changed to protect their privacy.

When Tiffany stepped forward to care for her younger sister, she never imagined how much her life and her heart would grow in the years that followed.

Lily is Tiffany’s half-sister; they share the same father. Grace is Lily’s half-sister. Both girls came into Tiffany’s care after experiencing instability caused by parental substance use. In May 2023, Tiffany was granted custody of both girls. Determined to keep them together and provide the safety they deserved, she became a licensed foster parent while navigating an incredibly emotional and complex family situation.

On January 29, 2025, Tiffany officially adopted Lily and Grace.

“I had the girls for two years before I adopted them,” Tiffany shared. “But after the adoption was finalized, I think part of me was overwhelmed. It took me about nine months to figure out my next steps and where I needed to go.”

While the foster care stipend helped Tiffany make ends meet initially, those cash benefits ended once the adoption was finalized. Although the state continues to cover the girls’ health insurance until they turn 18, Tiffany no longer receives financial assistance for daily living expenses. At the same time, she has been working hard to rebuild stability, trying to save for a vehicle so she can reliably get to work and support the girls’ busy schedules.

Both Lily and Grace are active in cheer and softball, and Tiffany is deeply committed to giving them a sense of normalcy after everything they’ve been through. “Trying to give them a normal life, but lately I feel like I’m failing,” she said honestly. “I just can’t get ahead enough to purchase a car.”

Beyond the financial strain, Tiffany has also carried a heavy emotional load. The girls’ father—who is also Tiffany’s father—is currently incarcerated. Tiffany made the incredibly difficult decision to testify against him.

“That was the hardest day of my life,” she shared. “Even after everything he has done, I have an unconditional love for him. I don’t think until after everything took place that I realized just how much it affected me too.”

Through Step Up Parents, Tiffany received help at a critical moment. Assistance was provided to cover her storage unit and cell phone bill, two essential expenses as she began a new job and worked toward greater stability for her family.

“I really can’t express how much this helped me,” Tiffany wrote in her thank-you note. “Especially just starting out with my job and everything else. This last year was a whirlwind for me… I am grateful for a program like this to acknowledge me.”

Tiffany’s story is one of courage, sacrifice, and love. She stepped into the role of parent to protect her sisters, keep them together, and give them a future filled with opportunity—even when it meant facing heartbreak, financial hardship, and profound personal growth.

“I have grown exponentially in just a year,” Tiffany said. “They are my sisters, and I would do anything to protect them.”

Stories like Tiffany’s are why kinship care support matters. When caregivers are supported, families can hea, and children can thrive.