Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network’s Post

As the holiday season draws near, it’s natural to pause and reflect on what truly matters. For us, this is a time to celebrate the inspiring work of our grantees and peer organizations. This year, we’ve seen incredible examples of how aligning research, policy, and practice can uplift children and families. Whether advocating for child care access, amplifying immigrant families’ voices, or advancing economic and racial justice, these efforts remind us that centering children doesn’t just serve them—it serves the common good. During this season of gratitude, we are reminded of the shared values that guide us: responsibility, inclusion, and respect. These values, often gifted by those who came before us, compel us to act with care for our relationships and with boldness in our vision for the future. Let’s recommit to listening deeply, working collaboratively, and taking risks for justice. Together, we can create a future where every child and family has the opportunity to thrive. This holiday season we will begin highlighting the organizations and resources that inspire us every day. How are you reflecting on your work this season? Let us know! #SocialJustice #ChildAdvocacy #Equity #thankful

There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. Today, join Kristin's conversation with Sophia Booker, contributor to the book Reshuffled: Stories of Hope and Resilience from Foster Care. Sophia is empowering the next generation to be effective advocates for change. Her three keys? Give them information, context, and space to think critically! Listen to be encouraged and inspired by Sophia: https://buff.ly/3WTHwpb

Juneteenth provides an important opportunity to raise awareness about the continued challenges facing the Black community, including housing insecurity and homelessness. Some key points on this: 🔴Systemic racism and inequities have resulted in disproportionately high rates of homelessness among Black Americans. Factors like employment discrimination, lack of access to affordable housing, and higher poverty levels all contribute to this. 🟠Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people, but the legacy of slavery and racism has persisted in the form of barriers to economic and housing stability for many Black individuals and families. 🟢Homelessness organizations, advocacy groups, and community leaders often use the Juneteenth holiday as a platform to shine a light on these ongoing disparities. They may host events, panel discussions, or campaigns to educate the public and spur action. Addressing the root causes of homelessness in the Black community, such as structural racism, requires sustained, multi-faceted efforts. This can include increasing affordable housing, providing job training and employment support, and investing in under-resourced neighborhoods. Juneteenth presents an annual opportunity to recommit to these efforts and maintain focus on the work that still needs to be done to achieve true racial equity, including in the realm of housing and homelessness. #Juneteenth #BlackHistory #CelebrateFreedom

Every child holds a dream for their future, but for the children of justice-impacted parents, those dreams are often clouded by the barriers their families face. Nearly half of our nation's children witness the struggles that come with having a parent with a record, which can reverberate through their lives, manifesting in challenges at school and beyond. At YWCA McLean County, we refuse to let the past dictate the future. Our Strive program is a testament to our commitment to breaking down these barriers. We offer justice-impacted women, many of whom are mothers, a chance to rebuild and reshape their careers through professional development. Children deserve to grow up in a world where their parent's past does not seal their fate. YWCA Strive is here to ensure that mothers can provide, prosper, and pave a hopeful path for the next generation Join us in this vital work. Discover more about YWCA Strive and how you can support or participate at ywcamclean.org/strive. Together, we can advocate for change and transform the narrative for families affected by the justice system. #ywca #ywcamcleancounty #YWCAisonamission #eliminateracismandempowerwomen #mcleancounty #blono #AdvocateForChange #JusticeForFamilies #SupportStrive #EmpowermentThroughEducation #FamilyReunification #BeyondIncarceration #BuildFutures #CommunityAdvocacy #TakeAction #RegisterNow

Celebrating 50 years of services, Children's Services of Roxbury, Inc. (CSR) is one of Massachusetts' largest Black-run nonprofit organizations. Its leadership, staff, and board members are predominantly Black, which is an important representation of black excellence and empowerment in the Greater Boston community. By providing essential services and support to children and families, particularly those from underserved communities, CSR is actively addressing the systemic disparities and challenges. This month, CSR will host the ROXTalks series of community conversations on "Forging One Boston" to transform the social and economic health of communities of color across the Commonwealth and break the cycle of systemic racism for future generations. During this episode, CSR's President & CEO, Sandra McCroom, will lead the conversation with Michael Curry, Esq. and Kevin M. Simon, MD, MPH in a discussion on equitable access to behavioral health care and workforce opportunities for communities of color; breaking through racial stigmas of mental health diagnosis and its generational impact; and current state legislation to advance health equity (Health Equity Compact).  Learn more at www.csrox.org. #CSR50Years #ChildrenServicesofRoxbury #RoxburyPride #CommunityEngagement #ChildAdvocacy #equitablehealthcare #healthequity #healthequitynow #mentalwellnessforall #accessiblehealthcare #mentalhealthmatters #familyhealthcare #childrenandfamilyservices #familymatters #blacklivesmatter #racialequity #racialstigmas

A pitch to pitch in this #NationalFosterCareMonth! Children that happen to have contact with the foster care system are a) #children and b) children equally deserving of care and support in a #family unit. Some need temporary support, others need more, but each of them in their own way contribute to the champions that partner with them. And there is something everyone can do to pitch in to the solution. In the abundance of our existence, it is a travesty that the brilliance of some children is dimmed through no fault of their own. Worst, the internalization of this neglect sometimes leads to cerebral and mental health degeneration that compounds over time. Ways to help one or more foster care children - 1. There are about 3.5 million households in LA County. About 30,000 children, plus or minus, in foster care, a fraction of them in search of adoption. Of the 3.5 million households, if you are a household that can provide a loving environment, consider learning more about adoption with an organization like Hillsides. 2. Adopting isn't the only way to help. Consider learning more about being a resource family for a foster care child that needs a temporary accommodation. 3. You can help in other ways, too. You can be part of all those success stories you see and hear about in the news! Can your work team or school sponsor a drive to gather new toiletries or coats or duffel bags that will go to an organization supporting foster care youth? Can your family or friend group commit to gathering $100 worth of pre-teen or teen related fun items (like board games, journals, gift cards) to offer a sense of normalcy during the holidays? Can you donate your hard-earned money to an organization like Hillsides toward the eventual success story of one of these children? Giving is one of the most fulfilling acts. However it is you have thought about pitching in, if you haven't or haven't in a while - I encourage you to get involved today! Learn more at hillsides.org/get-involved

As NAACP Ruby Hurley Image Award-winning Global Nonprofit Founder, Tennessee Tribune’s Top African American Woman, Foreword Writer, Award-winning Contributing Author and International Speaker of Young, Black & Widowed Inc. nonprofit, I am excited to speak at The Widow Squad’s Purpose Re-Imagined Event. My topic covers how I find joy in #SoloParenting my two Kindergarteners —one with profound autism, while intentionally #LivingApartTogether with my partner in our separately-owned houses, plus tips to overcome #loneliness by expanding your new community of connections and freely devoting yourself to your #passions post-loss. This 3-day online event designed just for #widows and #widowers, packed with experts who truly understand grief and rebuilding a life after loss. There’s an amazing lineup of leading expert speakers ready to share practical, down-to-earth advice to help you feel less alone, regain your confidence, and start looking forward to the future again. You won't want to miss what my friends, speakers Kim Murray, Melissa Grahek Pierce, Jim Spelman, Kat Forbes, Kelley Lyn, Susan Hannifin-MacNab, MSW, PPSC, Lois Tucker and Petra Gordon, BSW, RSW + more at the Widow Squad have planned for you at Purpose Re-Imagined! Click the link in the comments to for more info and to register. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eiKSHMGt #YoungBlackWidowed #LifeStyle #Passion #Purpose #Empowerment #SoloParenting #TheWidowSquad #Widows #Widowers

Community support can make a world of difference. Black dads, how has your community supported you and your child? Let’s share resources and build stronger connections. #AutisminBlack #CommunitySupport

Touching story from Adoinia! Check out her short video story at the link below.

Through strategic collaborations, data-driven decision making and community engagement, Seeding Success is catalyzing the empowerment of young people and families in Shelby County, Tennessee. Learn more about the impact of their #SystemsTransformation work: https://hubs.li/Q02qp6bW0