Portsmouth Nonprofit ‘Stepping Up’ With Holiday Help for Kinship Caregivers

Since 2019, Step Up Parents has provided financial assistance and other support to more than 500 families caring for children whose parents are struggling with substance use disorder.

Now, the Portsmouth-based nonprofit is once again stepping up to lend a hand, delivering a $50 Walmart gift card to every family it served in 2023—just in time for the holidays.

“Sometimes it’s the little gestures that mean the most to these families. Especially this time of year,” says Denyse Richter, Founder and Executive Director of Step Up Parents. “They’re so appreciative for being remembered. If they can buy a few more presents for the children in their care, that can make a huge difference.”

Launched in 2019, the organization’s gift-card program has generated over $27,000 for caregiver families—many of which are taking on a significant financial burden.

“For a lot of these kids, the holiday season can be a very difficult time without their biological parents,” says Richter, who was inspired to start the organization after seeing close personal friends struggle to raise their grandchild while caring for a daughter suffering from substance use disorder. “There can be additional stress for the caregivers as well. This is all about sparking a little cheer, creating fond memories, and providing a sense of peace.”

This year’s sponsors include Service Credit Union (Portsmouth branch), Bangor Savings Bank (Portsmouth branch), Meredith Village Savings Bank (Portsmouth and Rochester branches), NH Trust, Lexi Leddi Real Estate and St. Mary’s Bank.

For Jaime Yates, Community Relations Manager at Service Credit Union (SCU), the initiative isn’t just a great way to help local families in need; it also aligns with the credit union’s commitment to service.

“We are proud to support this year's holiday gift card initiative,” Yates said. “Step Up Parents is playing an important role in the community by supporting kinship caregivers and by surrounding them with a little extra love this holiday season.”

Looking ahead, Richter says Step Up Parents is poised to make an even bigger impact in 2024—and that partnerships with community staples like SCU are key to that endeavor.

“We’re so grateful to our sponsors for making this all possible, “Richter says. “Sadly, the epidemic of substance use disorder is only growing, which means services like ours are needed more than ever. Whether it’s sponsoring our holiday gift card program or making a small monthly donation, every little bit helps these families.”