Diane’s Story

Meet Diane*, a 62-year-old grandmother who unexpectedly became the primary caregiver for her three grandsons after her daughter’s sudden passing. The boys—ages 5, 7, and 10—were devastated, struggling with the loss of their mother and living in a home without proper beds or access to healthcare. Diane, grieving her own loss, was overwhelmed by the financial and emotional demands of raising three boys on her own. That’s when FamilyForward stepped in.

FamilyForward’s kinship navigators help kin caretakers navigate complex legal, educational, and medical systems, helping them understand who to connect with and how to access available social supports within the community. They aim to ensure a safe and stable environment for the children in their care.

Our kinship navigator team helped Diane secure beds and warm comforter sets, giving each child a safe and comfortable space of their own. We also connected her with legal services, enabling her to obtain guardianship and access healthcare benefits for the children. With this new support, Diane was able to start creating a safe and nurturing environment for the boys, knowing they had the essentials to feel safe and cared for.

Learn more about FamilyForward’s kinship navigator program here to see how we support families like Diane’s to find strength and stability as they work to rebuild their lives.

*Names and photos have been changed to protect client privacy