Blog
Rooted in Love: A Journey of Kinship, Support, and Strength
Each month, A Second Chance, Inc. (ASCI) amplifies the voices of our kinship families. As an agency committed to establishing safe, secure, and nurturing environments for children entrusted to relatives or close family friends – also known as kinship care – we recognize the importance of learning from the lived experiences of caregivers, birth parents, and children. This month, we had the privilege of speaking with Aunt Byrd and Ziz, whose journey is a living testament to the power of family, support, and community.
Aunt Byrd is an essential worker in homeless outreach, helping people off the streets and connecting them with vital resources. However, at home, her work took on a deeply personal meaning when she became a kinship caregiver with ASCI. For her, caregiving was a natural extension of the family bonds she had long valued.
We always supported each other. There was never a doubt that I was going to do it.
Aunt Byrd
For Aunt Byrd, family means togetherness and making sure everyone gets the best out of life. It’s about showing up, being consistent, and creating a home where children feel safe and valued, a foundation strengthened by the guidance, training, and resources provided by ASCI. Ziz, who grew up in this supportive environment and benefited from ASCI’s programs, echoes that sentiment.
Family is there for you. They show up, have your back, and make sure you’re never alone. ASCI helped us feel that support even stronger.
Ziz
This belief in the power of presence and support, reinforced by ASCI’s guidance and programs, has guided their journey together. A defining moment came with adoption, a time when Aunt Byrd experienced a deep sense of security and affirmation.
Adopting Ziz gave me a sense of knowing that nobody could come and take him from me. He was never going anywhere else.
Aunt Byrd
ASCI has been an integral partner in their journey, providing guidance, education, and resources that empower caregivers to navigate the complexities of the child welfare system. From training programs to financial guidance, ASCI ensures families, like Aunt Byrd and Ziz, have the tools and confidence needed to thrive.
It [ASCI] gave me a lot of knowledge as far as the foster system goes. Now I know what to do if I decide to support other children.
Aunt Byrd
Beyond knowledge, ASCI emphasizes that support is always available for caregivers who may feel overwhelmed or uncertain. From guidance on navigating the child welfare system, to access, to trainings and community resources, caregivers are never alone in their journey. Aunt Byrd encourages others to embrace this support.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, even if you mess up or if the child needs extra assistance. Ask for the help you need and they will help you.
Aunt Byrd
For Ziz, growing up in this nurturing environment has instilled a sense of stability, hope, and confidence. While he was initially quiet about his experiences, he came to recognize the importance of communication, trust, and faith in navigating life’s challenges reinforced by the supportive programs and community at ASCI.
Don’t be afraid to open up. With ASCI supporting us, I learned that hope isn’t just a word, it’s knowing someone’s there for you.
Ziz
Their story shows that stability doesn’t come from financial support alone, it comes from the consistent presence of family, the dedication of caregivers, and the collective care of a community that believes in them. ASCI programs, trainings, and resources are vital pieces of that support network.
We were already there for each other, but ASCI helped us turn that care into something even stronger. It was working together that helped us.
Aunt Byrd
At ASCI, we are honored to support families like Aunt Byrd and youth like Ziz. Through kinship training programs, advocacy support, workshops, and community events, ASCI helps families build skills, access resources, and create nurturing environments where children can flourish. Their journey is a reminder that hope, family, and community support are the building blocks of thriving families and resilient communities.
Every story we share strengthens our mission: to empower caregivers, uplift children, and reinforce the transformative power of kinship. Aunt Byrd and Ziz’s journey inspires us all to recognize that the foundation of a strong community is built on love, guidance, and unwavering support.