About Kinship
While extended families have always helped with child rearing, a growing number of grandparents and extended family are becoming primary caregivers.
Our Kinship Navigators Program works to advance activities and trainings that support Kinship care providers, their families, and the professionals who work with them. These programs are supported in part by the Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging and the Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Disability Services Administration.
For more information, volunteer opportunities, donations or to schedule an appointment please call: (360) 754-7629
Kinship Navigation
Kinship Navigators provide advocacy, information and referral services to relative caregivers. Navigating social services, school and court systems is often overwhelming. The Navigator provides information about how to access and apply for serves as well as problem solve and advocate for kinship families when issues arrive.
Kinship Support Groups
We hold support group meetings in Lewis, Mason and Thurston Counties. Children activities provided while caregivers meet to discuss challenges and support one another.
Kinship Care Support Program (KCSP)
The Washington State Legislature made funds available to assist lower income kinship caregivers with some basic needs. Eligible families may qualify for a one time Financial Grant to help with:
- Food, Clothing and Basic Needs
- School and Youth Activities
- Emergency Utility Assistance
- Emergency Rental Assistance
- Transition Counseling
- Transportation Assistance
Funds subject to availability. Call for more information.
360.754.7629
Voices of Children – Raised by Relatives and Voices of Kinship Caregivers Contest
Family Education & Support Services hosts the annual Washington State Voices of Children contest for children and youth, ages 5-19 years of age being raised now or in the past by a relative, other than their parents and the Voices of Kinship Caregivers. They are invited to write a short essay, poem, or submit a drawing that depicts how living with their kinship caregivers or caring for a kinship child has made a positive difference in their life. Each child or caregiver who enters the contest may have their artwork or written submissions included in a booklet called “Voices of Children” and “Voices of Kinship Caregivers” (without their last name or location identified).
