Summer is flying by, but there’s no shortage of inspiration at Step Up Parents. This month, we’re honored to share the story of a kinship family who stepped in without hesitation to keep five children together and safe. You’ll also find exciting news about our biggest event of the year, Step Out and Step Up, coming this September, and a generous new partnership with Exeter Subaru that’s helping kinship caregivers get their kids ready for back-to-school. In addition, we’re recapping a joyful afternoon on the water during our kinship family sail.

Thank you, as always, for being part of this community! Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of kinship caregivers and the children they raise.

Read on for news, updates, and ways to stay connected this month.

Kinship Care Story: “We Didn’t Think About the Numbers—We Just Knew They Needed Us”

Patricia and Nathan didn’t plan to raise five children. But when their three nieces and nephew were on the verge of being split up and placed in foster care due to ongoing abuse and neglect, they stepped in—without hesitation.

They are now the legal guardians of the four kinship children, alongside their own child. Nathan—15 years in recovery himself—works at a rehabilitation center, determined to break the cycle of addiction that has plagued his family for generations.

Earlier this year, when he became seriously ill and missed work, they fell behind on rent. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Step Up Parents was able to help with their housing costs. That one act helped this family stay together in a safe, stable home.

Step Up Parents is thrilled to invite you to Step Out and Step Up, an extraordinary evening of celebration and impact! On Saturday, September 20, 2025, we will host an evening fundraiser at

The Envio Hotel in Portsmouth to benefit kinship caregivers.

This special night will feature a dinner, speaking program, award presentation, silent auction, music, and dancing. It will be an evening filled with hope, community, and generosity, all in support of kinship caregivers who have stepped up to raise kids affected by parental substance use disorder in New Hampshire and Southern Maine.

Exeter Subaru has chosen Step Up Parents as its new Share the Love recipient! For every car sold between November 20th and January 2nd, the dealership, in conjunction with Subaru of America, will donate $325 to SUP!

In addition, from now until August 18th, they are hosting a Walmart and Amazon gift card back-to-school drive. If you're able, please consider donating Amazon & Walmart Gift Cards in denominations of $25 or below at Exeter Subaru. These gift cards will go to kinship caregivers preparing their kids for the upcoming school year. It may seem small, but it truly makes an enormous difference.

We are so grateful to Exeter Subaru for this incredible support!

We had a blast aboard the gundalow on our kinship family sail last week! Several kinship families with twenty children joined us for the trip, and each child got the chance to take the wheel. With the help of The Gundalow Company, we learned all about the ship, the only operating gundalow in the world. It was a beautiful afternoon for connection and summer fun!

At Step Up Parents, volunteers are integral to supporting kinship caregivers in New Hampshire and Southern Maine. Consider contributing your time and skills in the following roles:​

• Board Member: Provide strategic guidance and oversight by attending six meetings annually and actively participating in fundraising initiatives.​

• Advisory Committee Member: Offer your expertise to advise on organizational goals without the commitment of a full board position.​

• Mission Ambassador: Promote our mission within your networks, assist in fundraising events, and help expand our community outreach.​

Your involvement directly impacts the lives of kinship families. To learn more and apply, please visit our Volunteer Page.