Winter Stability Campaign Aims to Help Kinship Caregivers

As colder weather settles across New Hampshire, Step Up Parents is seeing an uptick in requests from kinship caregivers, relatives who step in to raise children whose parents are struggling with substance use disorder.

“Winter is the time of year when bills and emergencies can quickly overwhelm a household,” noted Denyse Richter, founder of Step Up Parents. 

This increased need spurred the nonprofit organization to launch its first annual Winter Stability Campaign, whose primary purpose is to help keep heat and lights on for kinship caregivers during the coldest months. It also pays for household essentials like beds, cribs, warm clothing, car seats, and other basics needed for sudden placements when children enter kinship care. 

The goal of the Winter Stability Campaign is to stabilize at least 60 families this winter. Currently, the Campaign is supported by six corporate sponsors, led by Service Credit Union as Mission Champion, with additional support provided by Meredith Village Savings Bank as Warmth & Essentials Hero.

“We are so thankful for their support and all our corporate and individual donors,” said Richter. “We hope to continue the success of this Campaign in the coming weeks.”

The Campaign launched in late fall 2025 with Step Up Parents’ participation in LizFit’s Spinning Generosity, a week-long indoor cycling charity event that raises money and awareness for seven local charities. The event helped Step Up Parents raise more than $32,000.

“We are deeply grateful to Liz Forkel and her incredible team for inviting us to be a part of Spinning Generosity, which has had a tremendous impact on deserving nonprofits throughout our community,” said Richter. 

According to Liz Forkel, Founder of LizFit, the event’s success—it has raised more than $1 million for local nonprofits in 14 years—is a testament to the generosity of the Seacoast community.

“Reaching the million-dollar milestone after 14 years is more than a number,” said Forkel. “It’s a reflection of the hearts behind every ride and the shared commitment to making a difference for these incredible local charities.”

Richter agreed and said the key for Step Up Parents is to “ride” the wave of generosity that began with Spinning Generosity throughout New Hampshire and Southern Maine well into the new year. “Our work is just beginning,” she said.