Summer in full swing

With summer in full swing, many families are heading outdoors to enjoy all the beautiful things New England has to offer. At Step Up Parents, we have been busy rolling out our expansion into Cumberland County, Maine, making connections in the community, and meeting the needs of amazing kinship families.

This sweet little boy is the 4-year-old nephew of Nicole, a kinship caregiver from Cumberland County, Maine. Nicole took custody of her nephew due to his parents' struggle with substance use disorder. He has been diagnosed with ADHD and experiences emotional dysregulation, so Nicole is often seeking out opportunities for him to release his energy.

Following our expansion in May 2024, Nicole’s family was the first in Cumberland County to apply for and receive assistance from Step Up Parents. We were so excited to provide them with the funds to purchase a backyard playset. Nicole knew this safe, fun outdoor play area would be the perfect outlet for her nephew to run, jump, and enjoy being a kid.

"My nephew loves his new swing set and gets so much energy out," said Nicole. "Thank you, Step Up Parents, for supporting kinship caregivers! You have blessed this family."

Nicole, we are grateful for all you do to provide your nephew with a loving, nurturing home where he can grow and thrive!

Our Families

Summertime can present unique challenges for kinship caregivers. With schools closed, kinship families must find safe, affordable programs and activities for their children. The cost can be daunting for those who are on a fixed budget and struggling to meet the financial needs that come along with caring for additional members of a household.

Of the 83 families we have provided assistance to so far this year, 20 received help with the cost of summer camp.

Step Up Parents is honored to play a role in ensuring children in kinship care are able to participate in such a traditional and fun summer experience!

Click below to visit our website and learn more about Step Up Parents.

Hero Spotlight

Meet Michelle, a single grandmother living in Franklin, New Hampshire. Michelle cares for her three granddaughters, two of whom have special medical needs. Step Up Parents recently provided rental assistance for Michelle’s family.

“Knowing we had Step Up Parents to turn to during our time of need, without judgment, was such a lifesaver,” said Michelle. “It relieved such a huge burden from me so that I was able to continue focusing on what was most important - giving my love and support to my grandchildren to help them continue to feel safe and grow. Without the generosity of others, I would not have been able to receive help for my family so again, thank you.”

Thank you, Michelle, for stepping up and being a hero for your granddaughters!

Step Up Parents Scholarship

Every year, Step Up Parents awards a $1,000 college scholarship to a student who has experienced kinship care. This year, we are thrilled to provide this scholarship to Samuel Frazier, an accomplished young man who has lived with his grandparents for 11 years.

Samuel is a graduate of Kingswood Regional High School. He is an Eagle Scout with bronze, silver and gold palms, and 38 merit badges. Samuel and his grandmother love hiking together, and both are members of the New Hampshire 48 4,000 Footers Club.

Samuel will be attending Gordon College in the fall and plans to major in history. We are so excited to support Samuel in his college journey, and cannot wait to see the amazing things he accomplishes!

Pictured above left to right are Denyse Richter, Step Up Parents Board President and Founder; Samuel Frazier; and Jessica Parker, Step Up Parents Executive Director.

In the News

As Claremont woman stepped up for nieces, NH quickly stepped away

Our Donors & Supporters

Monthly donations help hero kinship caregivers year-round

Each September, during National Kinship Awareness Month, Step Up Parents kicks off our annual appeal fundraiser. While much of the financial support required to carry out our mission is donated during the early fall and holiday season, kinship families need assistance throughout the year.

Monthly donations, also known as recurring donations, can provide nonprofits with many benefits, including:

• Reliable funding - Monthly donations provide a steady source of income that can help nonprofits continue their work even when one-time donations are low. On average, donors who give monthly contribute 42% more per year than those who give once.

• Budgeting - Monthly donations provide consistent information that nonprofits can use to project their annual budgets.

Monthly donations play a critical role in meeting the needs of kinship families, no matter the season.

Monthly donations maximize the impact of your support and make a significant difference in the lives of kinship families in New Hampshire and Southern Maine.

$10 a month can help purchase food, clothing, or other basic needs for children entering kinship care

$25 a month can help a family send a child to camp

$50 a month can help a family remain stably housed

Step Up Parents is solely funded by charitable contributions.

This year, Step Up Parents will provide more than $100,000 in financial assistance to nearly 200 kinship families. We are filled with gratitude for our generous friends in the community who make this possible.

You can join our community of monthly supporters by clicking below to make a donation and choosing “monthly” as your donation frequency. Your gift will make a lasting difference in the lives of amazing families who step up to care for children affected by parental substance use disorder.

Thank you, Bangor Savings Bank Foundation!

Pictured left to right are Jessica Parker, Executive Director, Step Up Parents; Laura Johnson, SVP, Director of Mortgage and Consumer Lending, Bangor Savings Bank and Secretary, Step Up Parents Board of Directors; and Trevis Knapp, VP, Regional Mortgage Sales Manager, Bangor Savings Bank.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bangor Savings Bank Foundation for awarding Step Up Parents a $5,500 grant. The Foundation’s continued generosity will positively impact the lives of so many kinship families throughout New Hampshire and Southern Maine.

Thank you, NH Gives donors!

We are so appreciative for the support of everyone who donated to Step Up Parents during NH GIVES!