Welcome to the September edition of the KKRC Newsletter!

Featured in this newsletter...

We are interested in your feedback about the KKRC Newsletter and what you want to see in future issues! Please fill out the form below (just four questions) and let us know how we can best support you as a kinship caregiver.

KY-KINS (Kentucky Kinship, Information, Navigation, and Support) is an innovative program that allows kinship caregivers the opportunity to (virtually) talk with a certified, trained Peer Supporter, who is actively providing kinship care themselves.  This mentoring relationship allows caregivers to connect with someone who can guide them to vital family resources, educate them on many issues related to kinship care, and offer support and encouragement to caregivers who have questions or are struggling. 

Do you or do you know a kinship caregiver that could use someone to connect with privately? Please click the button below to let us know how to get in touch so that we can connect you with support and a friendly ear.

We are gearing up for a fantastic fall in KIN-VIP! We are designing new groups and new opportunities to connect with other kinship caregivers to find support and community to be successful in caring for kinship kids.

Not sure how to get started in KIN-VIP or how to find your place or your group? Come join us at The Gathering Spot! We will host The Gathering Spot on the first Wednesday of each month at 12 p.m. ET/11 a.m. CT to connect with KKRC staff, get connected to a great community of kinship caregivers, and get some cool KIN-VIP Swag.

It all kicks off on Wednesday, September 4 at 12 p.m. ET/11 a.m. CST and the Zoom info is below. Feel free to join us for the hour to have some fun, get to know the KKRC, and most importantly, get connected to your community!

The Gathering Spot Zoom Link: https://ukcosw.com/470Bk1A

Zoom passcode: 363383

Meeting ID: 854 4811 4395

Registration is now open!

These groups will meet weekly for 12 weeks and offer a $100 incentive for those who attend at least 10 sessions and complete a survey.

Want to join now but not sure which group is for you? Just call Sheila Rentfrow at 859-257-4785 or email sheila.rentfrow@uky.edu for assistance in getting connected.

Need help signing up for a Support Group? Use the Step-By-Step Guide to help you through the process!

The KINSHIP Catalogue is an online resource page where you can find an array of resources to help you in your kinship journey. From LIVE webinars, to On-Demand Webinars, and Training Modules, the Catalogue continues to expand with new resources, and offers participants a library of information that can be accessed at anytime. Check out what’s coming this month:

Financial Series: Finding Resources to Support Kinship Families - September 24 from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. ET.  

As kinship caregivers, the primary concern we have is being able to care for our families. Money becomes central to that concern. In this webinar, we will explore the resources available to kinship families including recent changes to kinship financial supports Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP), Relative and Fictive Kin Placement Support Benefit (RFKPSB), and the new Subsidized Permanent Custody (SPC) option for those providing kinship foster care.

Check out the new On-Demand Webinars that have been added to the Kinship Catalogue!

For the Month of September, we would like to spotlight the FRYSCKy, or, the Family Resource Youth Services Coalition of Kentucky! Here are some important facts about FRYSCKy.

Who are they? FRYSCKy is comprised of 854 centers across Kentucky, located within Public Schools to offer assistance to children and families to ensure they are successful in school. 

The goal of this organization is to “remove barriers to success in school through learning from each other, sharing resources and collaborating more effectively on behalf of children." FRSYCKy is comprised of Family Resource Centers (FRC) in Youth Service Centers (YSC), and combined centers serving elementary through high school.

How do they do this?  Each center within the FRYSCKy network offers a unique blend of programs and services that are determined by the community they serve. FRC’s assist with coordinating child care, after school care, literacy, and health trainings. YSC’s assist youth in middle and high school with substance use education and counseling, family and mental health counseling, and health services and social services. In high schools, they assist with summer/part-time job placement. FRYSCKy networks also help families get connected with community resources that can help with food and clothing, as well as many other programs available locally!

How to connect with your local FRYSCKy to learn what is available to help you and your family? Contact your child’s school and ask to speak to your FRYSC worker. They can talk with you about needs your child has to be successful in school.

It’s time for the September Poll Question! Remember, click the link below, read the question and click your answer, and then check back to see the percentage of responses from everyone who has answered so far. 

What was your (or your child’s) favorite school lunch?

It is time for fall and time to get ready for another fantastic year of learning and growth, but that isn’t just true for our kids! As caregivers, it is important that we make time to learn and grow as well. As our kids head back to school and settle into their daily routine, we as caregivers can take this time to make new friends, learn new ideas, and develop relationships that can be both supportive and encouraging. 

At the Kentucky Kinship Resource Center, we take this idea of learning and growth very seriously and want to extend a special invitation to you to come check out all the activities we have for you to connect with each other and learn new resources, new techniques, and new ideas! We have developed these programs with you in mind so take a look. Finding programs that can support you while also connecting you with new friends and new relationships spells a winning year for you and your kinship child.

 

Sheila Rentfrow

 

Kinship Program Coordinator

University of Kentucky College of Social Work

Centers & Labs Training Resource Center

 

1648 McGrathiana Pkwy, Suite 400

Lexington, KY 40511

859-257-4785

sheila.rentfrow@uky.edu