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Testimonials

Stories from Step Up Parents

Below, meet some of our kinship caregivers who have heroically stepped up to care for family members of parents with substance use disorder. See how Step Up Parents has helped them in their journeys.

 
 

“To have people like Step Up Parents, who say, ‘we know this is hard, BUT we’ll take some of the burden off’…is exceptional.”

– Elle & Barry, Kinship caregivers of their 3 grandchildren (ages 6, 8 & 13) *

“There is a need for families who are taking in family members…”

– Ashley, kinship caregiver of her 2 nephews (ages 10 & 11)

“Step Up Parents paid 3 months of our electric bill…because of that, we were able to send Bianca to daycare.”

- Lauren, kinship caregiver of her 2 granddaughters (ages 8 & 12)

Share your step up story

Has Step Up Parents supported you or someone you love? We’d love to hear your story. Your experience will help inspire others to apply for aid or lend a hand to all of our selfless heroes.

All videos generously edited by JDM Video.

Sophia and matt

Sophia and Matt (names changed for privacy) were asked to be the family care provider for my five-week-old nephew the day before he was to be released from the NICU due to his mother's struggle with substance misuse. They did not hesitate to raise the baby as their own, though they were already raising three young children, and money was tight.

"My husband and I became newborn parents again with a baby having many medical needs. It has been a challenging road, but we wouldn't change any of it," said Sophia. "The generosity given to us from Step Up Parents could not have come at a more challenging time financially. With lots of doctor appointments, gas expenses, and extensive time commuting, it has put a strain on our family. The gift of Step Up Parents helped so much to get us back on the road and help our nephew thrive."

Thanks to the gifts of our generous donors, we were able to help take some financial strain off this family.

Maureen and LorI

Maureen, 59, and Lori, 53, are raising 7-year-old grandson. Tragically, his biological mom, Melissa, overdosed at 29 after a long journey with substance misuse. His biological dad is not present.

What's especially difficult, noted Maureen, is their inability to simply be “grandparents" to their grandson due to the immense responsibilities of raising him as their own. They say that when the other grandkids are around, they try and spoil him like a grandchild. He loves science, and they often do science projects together.

The family is struggling financially, as so many kinship families are. Their grandson came to them with only the clothes on his back as an infant.

Step Up Parents was more than happy to help Maureen and Lori with a cellphone bill and auto loan payment.

Donna

"Dearest Step Up Parents, here are two of my boys that I am raising. We are all so very grateful and thank God for everything. You have truly renewed my faith in humanity. Thanks so much from the bottom of my and my grandson's hearts."

These are the kind words of Donna, a 60-year-old grandmother raising three young grandsons. The boys' biological parents struggle with substance use disorder.

Two of the boys have ADHD, and one has Autism Spectrum Disorder. Donna is disabled and suffers from many health problems, and doctor bills are an enormous struggle. The family does not own a vehicle, and weekly transportation costs are high.

Step Up Parents was more than happy to help Donna and her grandsons with a Walmart gift card for items for the children and Visa gift cards for medical payments.

Teri

"It is such a tough thing, but I had to choose my grandson over my son because I was the only voice for my grandson. I will never regret what I did. I live each day one day at a time, and thank god I was there for my little Aiden!"

These are the words of Teri, a grandmother who is raising her young grandson (pictured) due to her son's addiction. He is since in recovery. Step Up Parents was happy to help Teri with a medical bill for her grandson and a grocery gift card.

"It is tough, especially financially, but he is my little buddy and he is happy and healthy, so nothing else matters."

Thank you, Teri, for all you do as a kinship caregiver and a hero to Aiden!

CARINA

Kinship caregiver Carina got custody over her two grandsons, ages 12 and 15, after their mother took her own life in June. The boys have special needs, and Carina is doing everything she can to care for them after the trauma they've experienced, but it is understandably extremely difficult.

"We do not have a home because I can't afford rent. I'm trying to do the best for the kids, but lately, I’ve been very sad because they went through a lot with my daughter, and I don't want them to suffer anymore. I wish there were more help for families like mine."

Step Up Parents was more than happy to help Carina pay her car loan. She is truly a hero.

Cindy

Cindy believed she would be caring for her three granddaughters for just a few days. Three months later, the girls are still in her care, but she has yet to recieve benefits like food stamps. On top of this, Cindy is in remission for cancer and continues to deal with medical problems and bills.

Cindy is a truly extraordinary woman. She continues to do whatever it takes to protect and provide her granddaughters, but it is far from easy.

"I have medical issues that are expensive and bills that I could afford before I was supporting four people," Cindy said. “It is so tough I am falling on my face. Life is not easy raising my grandchildren. These should be my years.”

We were more than happy to help Cindy pay her water and electric bills to lighten the load just a little. Cindy, we commend you for all that you do—you are a hero for your granddaughters.