Step Up Parents Announces Latest Grant Awards

Step Up Parents (SUP) is proud to announce its most recent grants awarded this fall which will help support its mission to provided financial assistance to kinship caregivers who have stepped up to care for children whose parents are struggling with substance use disorder.

Since September, SUP has received important grants from the Agnes M. Lindsay Trust ($5,000), Merrimack County Savings Bank Foundation (3,000), the Rotary Club of Dover ($2,500), Kittery Block Party ($1,500), and Rotary Club of York, Maine ($1,000). These grants will support programming and organizational capacity to meet the demands of its constituents.

 The Portsmouth-based nonprofit has helped over 570 families, impacted over 1000 kinship kids, and given over $300,000 in direct assistance since starting in 2019. “The number of kinship families sadly continues to grow, and along with it, the need for assistance,” says Denyse Richter, Founder and Executive Director of Step Up Parents. “Times are tough, and these families are facing challenges from all sides. In our first year, we assisted 32 families. This year we have helped 185.”

“Merrimack County Savings Bank (The Merrimack) appreciates the invaluable services Step Up Parents provides to caregivers who literally step up to raise their grandchildren, nieces and nephews,” said Linda Lorden, President of The Merrimack. “The Foundation’s $3,000 grant will go toward offering financial assistance to at least 175 New Hampshire families in 2024. This helps make a difference in our communities.”

In 2024, Step Up Parents is looking to help even more families and to further grow outreach in New Hampshire and Southern Maine. SUP’s work is made possible through grants and donations, and it has proudly fulfilled every request that meets its mission.