September 6, 2023
Dear Foster Kinship Supporters,
We are thrilled to share Foster Kinship's recent achievements and impact. Your past support has driven us to new heights, and we look forward to highlighting our latest successes and ways for you to remain engaged.
Kinship Navigator Program Attains Evidence-Based Status:
It is with immense pride that we announce our flagship service, the Kinship Navigator Program, has been recognized as Evidence-Based by the Federal Family First Clearinghouse. This recognition is a testament to the effectiveness of family stability services. The Kinship Navigator Program is proven to keep children with their families and spared from the uncertainties of foster care with strangers. We are only the third active Kinship Navigator program to achieve this approval nationwide, underscoring the unique impact of our work in the lives of countless families.
Upcoming Move to a New, State-of-the-Art Facility:
In October 2023, Foster Kinship's Southern Nevada Headquarters takes a bold step forward, moving into a new standalone building. This 12,000 sq ft space will house all our key programs, including the Kinship Navigator Program, Kinship Training Institute, Marcie's Heart Donation Center and Caregiver Market, Child and Youth Intervention Programming, and the Kinship Advocacy Network (KAN). This new headquarters, also serving as our national training center, marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide holistic support to kinship families and enhance community collaboration.
Expansion of Programs:
Foster Kinship's commitment to expanding and enhancing our programs based on the feedback from our kinship families remains steadfast. Our program expansions exemplify our dedication to helping families stabilize and heal at various stages of the kinship care journey.
In the Kinship Navigator Program, we’d like to highlight the addition of Thriving After, services designed to support families after achieving permanency through guardianship and adoption. We believe ongoing support is paramount to family healing.
Within our Child and Youth Intervention Program, our groundbreaking Cub and Tots Pre-K Respite program provides trauma-informed respite care twice weekly for kinship children aged 3-5, overcoming challenges that hinder their participation in traditional pre-k settings. Our partnership with Boy Scouts, Boys Town, and the Collaboration Center has given rise to the Adventure Scouts program, granting scouting opportunities to children with unique abilities or trauma-related behaviors.
Marcie's Heart Donation Center is our latest pillar of family support, furnishing newly established kinship homes with items for the children, alleviating the initial burden of their arrival. The Caregiver Corner Market offers caregivers free clothing and household essentials, emphasizing the importance of self-care in family care.
In the Kinship Training Institute, our impact expands through partnerships with Nevada child welfare agencies, offering comprehensive kinship licensing classes state-wide. Our enthusiasm for the future is epitomized by a high-profile September conference, coinciding with Kinship Care Month, delivering valuable insights to 200 caregivers and teens through the Stronger Together Conference on September 30th at the Westgate.
The Kinship Advocacy Network ensured kinship families' interests were at the forefront during the recent legislative session, championing changes in law and policy.
Trauma-informed Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) principles underpin all our programs, solidifying our commitment to holistic, responsive care.
A Heartfelt Thank You
As we celebrate these milestones, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your vital role in Foster Kinship's journey. Your volunteer hours, clothing donations, holiday sponsorships, and financial grants and contributions have fueled our growth from grassroots to a team of 35 individuals serving thousands of Nevada families annually.
Join Us in the Next Phase
With your ongoing support, Foster Kinship will continue to champion the cause of kinship families statewide and grow as a leader in kinship care support services nationally. Join us as we enter this thrilling new phase, with several opportunities to impact kinship families further:
Sponsor the Stronger Together Conference. Supporters of the Stronger Together Conference will also have opportunities to have their names and/or logos displayed in our new building. For more information, contact Sasha@fosterkinship.org.
Support kinship families directly, such as through our Winter Wishes/Be a Santa holiday programming, donating items to Marcie’s Heart, or volunteering in the Caregiver Market. For more details on any of these opportunities, please contact Kaya@fosterkinship.org.
Leave a Legacy. If you are interested in naming opportunities in the new Southern Nevada Headquarters building, please email Ali@fosterkinshp.org for more details and/or to schedule a private tour.
Thank you for being an essential part of our remarkable journey. Together, we are transforming lives and building a brighter future for kinship families.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Ali
Ali Caliendo, PhD
Founder and Executive Director
