Kinship care begins when a relative steps forward to provide a child with safety, stability and the comfort of family, often with little time to prepare. In honor of National Kinship Care Month, we are sharing the stories of two remarkable CKFS kinship parents, Sasha and Andrea. Although their journeys are different, both women rearranged their lives, embraced unexpected roles and made room for a child who needed them.
Sasha’s Kinship Journey
When Sasha Jones welcomed her 7-year-old niece into her home in August, just one week before school began, life changed quickly for them both.
Following a difficult family situation, Sasha’s niece and her siblings spent about a year and a half in foster care. Sasha worked with child welfare agencies to bring her niece from Oregon to Texas, while other family members continue pursuing placement of her siblings.
Before this, Sasha was the “fun aunt” to 10 nieces and nephews, the one who rarely said no. Becoming a first-time parent has meant learning to provide both affection and structure. Sasha describes the experience as “a blessing and a challenge.”
She has transformed her life to make room for her niece, even selling her home and moving into a strong school district. They now live within walking distance of the elementary school. Together, they are establishing routines, navigating sensory needs and discovering activities her niece enjoys, including gymnastics. They also volunteer together monthly and share a daily rhythm of prayer and affirmations.
Sasha has been especially encouraged to see her niece begin praying on her own. She is doing well in school, making friends and settling into her new surroundings.
Although the journey has required patience and plenty of learning, Sasha says, “Seeing the world through her eyes is a blessing.”
Andrea’s Kinship Journey
In July 2022, Andrea Lindsey received a call that would change her life. Her nephew's mother was struggling and needed someone to care for Micah, while his father, Andrea’s brother, was incarcerated. Andrea met with child welfare officials in California, boarded a plane and returned home with her 1½-year-old nephew.
Andrea had no children of her own and had been balancing three jobs while attending school full time. Becoming a parent required her to completely reorder her life. She left two of her jobs, and when several childcare arrangements did not work out, she spent some time at home with Micah. She realized that what he needed at the time was some one-on-one attention.
More than four years later, Micah calls Andrea “Mom,” and their family expects to pursue adoption. Now 5, he recently began kindergarten and is learning to navigate new routines and expectations. Andrea works closely with him, talking through his choices, providing consistent consequences and helping him grow.
Life together also includes plenty of fun. Micah loves being outdoors, visiting parks and riding his scooter. Andrea recently took him on his first train ride, a new experience they were able to share together.
Andrea has continued pursuing her own goals while caring for Micah. She shifted from nursing studies to a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management, allowing her to better balance parenting, full-time work and online classes. She plans to graduate in January and begin working toward her master’s degree soon afterward.
Through every adjustment, Andrea has learned how to balance responsibilities while giving Micah the attention and stability he needs.
“This was a blessing,” Andrea said. “God sent him my way.”
National Kinship Care Month
During National Kinship Care Month and every month, we honor caregivers like Sasha and Andrea who answer an unexpected call and rearrange their lives to give children the safety, stability and security of growing up within their family. Their journeys may begin during difficult and uncertain circumstances, but their willingness to step forward helps preserve important family connections and gives children a place where they can feel known, loved and supported. We are grateful for every kinship caregiver who makes room in their home, their plans and their heart for a child who needs them.
