Welcome to the August edition of the KKRC Newsletter!

Featured in this newsletter...

The KKRC is expanding so we have taken our programs on the road! In July 2024, the KKRC programs expanded to serve all of Kentucky’s kinship caregivers, including kinship caregivers who have custody, those who do not have guardianship or custody, and those who are fostering. If you are caring for a family member’s child, or a child that you are close to, regardless of custodial status, please reach out to learn more about our programs and how we can support you in your journey!

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.

August is back-to-school month and we hope you and your family are gearing up for a wonderful school year full of excitement, fun, friends, and new experiences! As the new school year gets underway in your area, be on the lookout for our KKRC staff and kinship table. We had a great time at the GAP Conference, The Legends Foster Parent Appreciation Night, Back to School Bash in Lexington, Carter County, and Lawrence County! Be on the lookout - you never know where you will see us next! (heads up Louisville 👀)

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.

The Project School Readiness Group will have its final meeting for the summer on  Monday, August 12 at 7 p.m. ET.

Have questions about this next school year and how to prepare your child? Join us for this informational meeting with Merlin Jones Smalley to get ready for the 2024-2025 School Year! 

Registration will be available soon, keep an eye on your email!

The (VIRTUAL) Gathering Spot! Coming September 4.

Not sure how to get started in KIN-VIP or how to find your place or your group? Join us on the first Wednesday of each month as we kick off the KIN-VIP Fall Schedule, go over all the Zoom information that you need to know for group, and give away some cool KIN-VIP Swag. The Zoom link for the Gathering Spot will come out in next month’s newsletter and in emails from the KKRC. You won’t want to miss it!

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:

Get To Know Your Community Resources: Who Is Community Action? - August 27, 12 - 1:30 p.m. ET

Community Action is a vital community resource, providing a wide array of support and assistance to families in all 120 counties throughout the Commonwealth. In this webinar, we will introduce you to Community Action and all they can do to help YOU! Sign up below.

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

It’s time for the August Poll Question! We’ve had such fun reading your answers and hope you are having fun playing along. Be sure to 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!  Remember, this is completely anonymous and just for fun.

There’s a saying, ”age is a state of mind." Which of the following dest describes your state of mind right now?

Greetings and welcome to August!

As the summer sun continues to shine brightly, I hope this month brings you and your family countless opportunities for fun, celebration, and new beginnings.

For me, August holds special significance. I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve recently transitioned into the role of Program Coordinator at the KKRC! I’m incredibly excited to embrace this new challenge and leverage my skills and enthusiasm to support our flourishing programs.

A little about me: I am a Kentucky native and mother of six. My parenting journey includes 11 years of foster parenting, four adoptions, and multiple kinship placements. With over 17 years of advocacy experience in education, family services, and community support, I believe the University of Kentucky has been central to my dedication to educational advocacy and support services, and I am excited to continue working with them to support Kentucky’s Kinship Families.

This experience has allowed me to work closely with foster, adoptive, relative, and fictive-kin caregivers throughout the Commonwealth, helping them navigate their unique journeys and meet their individual needs by providing strong personal and social support. My pledge to you is that our families are provided with a positive experience, and feel supported and understood as they share their journey with us. I believe we gain strength and feel empowered to overcome obstacles and elicit change when we have someone to journey with.

Keep an eye out for upcoming program announcements and if you have any questions about programs, upcoming events, registration details, or simply need a friendly voice, my door (or inbox rather!) is always open. I’m here to support you and ensure you get the most out of our program offerings.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer. Whether you’re gearing up for back-to-school preparations or soaking up the last rays of summer sunshine, I encourage you to make the most of August.

 

 

 

Rachael Wall

rachael.wall@uky.edu

 

Kinship Program Coordinator

University of Kentucky College of Social Work

Centers & Labs Training Resource Center