Kinship Care Story: A School Trip Brings Joy to a Young Kinship Family

When a child enters kinship care, caregivers often step into a new role unexpectedly, balancing the needs of their own family while providing stability, love, and support for a child (or children) who need it most.

For Adam and Cassandra, that meant opening their home to two young cousins while continuing to raise their own three children. At just 31 years old, they became kinship caregivers, helping the girls navigate a major life transition while working to create a safe and supportive environment where they could thrive.

A photograph from the school trip to Washington, DC

After more than a year in kinship care, Cassandra shared that one of the girls had experienced a remarkable change. Once struggling with school attendance, she was now finishing her 8th grade year with no unexcused absences or tardies.

“For the first time since 2nd grade, she has consistently been excited about school,” she said. “She is finally comfortable and excited about school!”

Step Up Parents was happy to support the family by helping cover the cost of one cousin’s 8th-grade trip to Washington, DC. The trip to DC was especially meaningful for her, as history is her favorite subject in school. Visiting Gettysburg, monuments, and museums gave her the chance to explore subjects she loved and create positive memories during what had been a challenging year.

“This DC Trip was an absolute dream come true for her,” Cassandra wrote. “This has certainly become one of the biggest positive highlights for her during such a difficult year!”

Thanks to generous Step Up Parents supporters, a $500 payment was made toward the cost of the trip, helping make this experience possible.

Kinship caregivers like this young couple step up every day to provide children with stability, encouragement, and opportunities to grow. Their willingness to open their hearts and their home is helping two young cousins build a brighter future. Thank you to all of our supporters who make moments like these possible!