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Success Stories
Every moment shared here represents a story of hope, resilience, and family. At Kinnect, we’re privileged to witness the journeys of young people, caregivers, and families who find connection and belonging. Their stories inspire our work and demonstrate the power of kinship.
Featured story
Kinship Navigation Makes a Significant Impact
Please note: All names and faces have been changed for privacy of those we work with and serve.
A kinship caregiver who is raising her three teenage grandchildren called into OhioKAN to see how the program could support her in caring for her family. The caregiver had multiple health issues that had her going in and out of the hospital frequently. The caregiver’s only source of income was social security. Additionally, the grandfather, who had been assisting the family financially, lost his job and had also been facing his own health issues. The caregiver had a fall down the stairs which resulted in multiple fractures. After telling their story to the OhioKAN Regional Coach, the caregiver and the Coach worked together to help the caregiver apply for TANF assistance. During the conversation, the Regional Coach discovered that even though the caregiver will be receiving TANF, it would not be in time to spare the caregiver and her family from evictionproceedings. Because of the eviction, the caregiver needed immediate assistance in paying for multiple month's of rent to avoid eviction. The Coach advocated for the family and OhioKAN was able to approve the payment of the 3 months’ rent, late fees for the family, while also verifying that this would prevent eviction. The Coach and caregiver collaborated in creating a sustainable financial plan for her family moving forward, including supporting linkage with WOCAP, Food Stamps, and Section 8 housing. Additionally, the caregiver will be supported in applying for KPIP and the CARES ACT once she is recovered from her injuries. Furthermore, the grandfather has plans to apply for disability so he can continue his support of the family. The OhioKAN Program is honored to support kinship caregivers in creating action plans that work for them and the young people in their care.
Featured story
Grandparent Unites Siblings Strengthening Family Bond
Please note: All names and faces have been changed for privacy of those we work with and serve.
A teenage boy was placed in the care of children’s services after his adoptive mother, who was also a biological relative, shared that she felt she was no longer able to meet his needs. This difficult decision was made with the hope of finding a supportive and long-term fit for the youth. He was placed in a group home and referred to Kinnect to Family (KTF) services for support.
Through the specialist’s efforts, the youth’s maternal grandfather was identified as a potential placement option. The grandfather was already caring for another of the youth’s younger sisters, and after reestablishing contact, the youth and his grandfather began reconnecting through visits at the group home. These gradually progressed to day visits, then overnight stays, and eventually weeklong visits.
The youth has embraced his role as a big brother and enjoys spending time with his grandparents. The family bond is strengthening, and the team is confident that this will become his permanent home. The grandparents are currently in the process of completing the adoption.
Featured story
Meet Tifah
Please note: All names and faces have been changed for privacy of those we work with and serve.
Tifah entered care at age 12, overwhelmed by a new environment and conflicted loyalty to her birth family. Kinnect's program Youth Centered Permanency Round Table (YCPRT) began the following year to help her explore options at her own pace. Over several meetings, she gained comfort, asked questions, and reflected on her future. She ultimately chose to be adopted by the family who had supported her for two years, honoring her biological mother by adopting her name as her middle name. Tifah is now active in cheerleading, 4-H, school, and work. She is thriving in this new chapter with strong family connections.
Featured story
Family Steps In When Given the Chance
A paternal aunt expressed interest in caregiving during court, but no follow-up occurred. When Kinnect to Family got involved, a KTF Specialist quickly reconnected with her.
Although the aunt was expecting a child and had concerns about capacity, she helped identify the child’s grandmother as the best placement. Together, the family created a support plan—including childcare from the aunt—to make it work. The child was safely placed with kin, surrounded by family ready to step in and support.
Explore All Stories
Discover more stories that illustrate how Kinnect’s programs change lives.
From Hesitation to Hope
The situation In Clark County, a young person in permanent custody faced deep uncertainty about adoption. Though in a stable foster home and strongly bonded with his foster family, he expressed ongoing hesitation—he was torn between wanting a permanent family and fearing what adoption might mean for his connection to his biological roots. The facilitation…
Beloved toddler makes it home for the holidays
The situation In Henry County, a 2-year-old child faced an uncertain future after being separated from their maternal family. Despite being in a nurturing foster home, the ultimate goal was to reunite the child with their biological family while preserving the strong bond with the foster parents. The facilitation Michelle, our KTF Specialist, was determined…
A Grandparent Found Support Through OhioKAN
The situation A grandparent found themselves suddenly raising their 11-year-old granddaughter and needed immediate support. Unsure of where to turn, they contacted OhioKAN for help, hoping to connect with someone who could guide them through the overwhelming situation of becoming a full-time caregiver. The facilitation After calling OhioKAN, the grandparent was connected with a Navigator…
KTF Specialist reconnects child with biological father
The situation A mother and child had been traveling to multiple states and ended up in a homeless shelter in Lucas County. The mom was struggling and was not able to care for her child, leading to the child entering foster care. There were no relatives in Ohio, as the mother and child were not…
Teen finds permanent home with family
The situation A Kinnect to Family Specialist was diligently working to move a teenage youth from foster care back to their family. The young person had experienced multiple moves between different placements, making it challenging to find a permanent home. The facilitation The KTF Specialist organized a barrier meeting with ten family members who knew…
Grandmother finds funds to send her grandson to summer camp
The situation Our OhioKAN Navigator in Southeast Ohio assisted a grandmother who wanted her 7-year-old grandson to attend a summer camp he had previously enjoyed. However, since the grandmother was retired and had a fixed income, she couldn’t afford the camp fees on her own. The facilitation To address this challenge, our OhioKAN Navigator and…
14 year old reconnects with family after 7 years
The situation A 14-year-old boy spent over 7 years in foster care, moving between residential treatment centers, group homes, and foster placements. During this period, he lost contact with his biological family, who believed he had been adopted, leaving him without essential familial support and stability. The facilitation Our Kinnect to Family (KTF) Specialist intervened…
7 children placed with family within 3 weeks
The situation Our Kinnect to Family (KTF) Specialist recently received a referral involving seven children. The Public Child Welfare Agency aimed to place these siblings with relatives to maintain their familial bonds. The facilitation With urgency and care, our KTF Specialist worked to identify and contact multiple family members. Through home assessments and dedicated efforts,…
6-month-old baby placed with grandmother
Success story The situation Trudy, our Kinnect to Family Specialist, recently stepped in to assist a family with a 6-month old baby facing serious medical issues. Through her efforts, she discovered the baby’s father had passed away. Trudy devoted herself to finding a relative who could provide the love and support the baby desperately needed.…
Child Returns After Two-Year Separation
Success story The situation A school-age child came to Ohio from Georgia with his mom for what was to be a short trip. A crisis arose and due to system barriers, the child was brought into foster care. The young person was scared and worried about his mom and wanted to see his family back…
Baby Boy reunited with Half-Sister
Success story The situation A Kinnect to Family Specialist was working to ensure that a 3 month old baby boy remained within his family as his parents were being supported with care, resources, and services to mitigate the struggles they were experiencing as a result of poverty. The facilitation The Kinnect to Family specialist found…
YNN partners with youth to build housing stability
Success Story A young person reached out to YNN for help as they had only one week to find a new place to live, and had no short-term or long-term prospects. Between 31% and 46% of youth who have spent time in foster care experience homelessness by age 26 according to the American Journal of…
From Hesitation to Hope
The situation In Clark County, a young person in permanent custody faced deep uncertainty about adoption. Though in a stable foster home and strongly bonded with his foster family, he expressed ongoing hesitation—he was torn between wanting a permanent family and fearing what adoption might mean for his connection to his biological roots. The facilitation…
Beloved toddler makes it home for the holidays
The situation In Henry County, a 2-year-old child faced an uncertain future after being separated from their maternal family. Despite being in a nurturing foster home, the ultimate goal was to reunite the child with their biological family while preserving the strong bond with the foster parents. The facilitation Michelle, our KTF Specialist, was determined…
A Grandparent Found Support Through OhioKAN
The situation A grandparent found themselves suddenly raising their 11-year-old granddaughter and needed immediate support. Unsure of where to turn, they contacted OhioKAN for help, hoping to connect with someone who could guide them through the overwhelming situation of becoming a full-time caregiver. The facilitation After calling OhioKAN, the grandparent was connected with a Navigator…
KTF Specialist reconnects child with biological father
The situation A mother and child had been traveling to multiple states and ended up in a homeless shelter in Lucas County. The mom was struggling and was not able to care for her child, leading to the child entering foster care. There were no relatives in Ohio, as the mother and child were not…
Teen finds permanent home with family
The situation A Kinnect to Family Specialist was diligently working to move a teenage youth from foster care back to their family. The young person had experienced multiple moves between different placements, making it challenging to find a permanent home. The facilitation The KTF Specialist organized a barrier meeting with ten family members who knew…
Grandmother finds funds to send her grandson to summer camp
The situation Our OhioKAN Navigator in Southeast Ohio assisted a grandmother who wanted her 7-year-old grandson to attend a summer camp he had previously enjoyed. However, since the grandmother was retired and had a fixed income, she couldn’t afford the camp fees on her own. The facilitation To address this challenge, our OhioKAN Navigator and…
14 year old reconnects with family after 7 years
The situation A 14-year-old boy spent over 7 years in foster care, moving between residential treatment centers, group homes, and foster placements. During this period, he lost contact with his biological family, who believed he had been adopted, leaving him without essential familial support and stability. The facilitation Our Kinnect to Family (KTF) Specialist intervened…
7 children placed with family within 3 weeks
The situation Our Kinnect to Family (KTF) Specialist recently received a referral involving seven children. The Public Child Welfare Agency aimed to place these siblings with relatives to maintain their familial bonds. The facilitation With urgency and care, our KTF Specialist worked to identify and contact multiple family members. Through home assessments and dedicated efforts,…
6-month-old baby placed with grandmother
Success story The situation Trudy, our Kinnect to Family Specialist, recently stepped in to assist a family with a 6-month old baby facing serious medical issues. Through her efforts, she discovered the baby’s father had passed away. Trudy devoted herself to finding a relative who could provide the love and support the baby desperately needed.…
Child Returns After Two-Year Separation
Success story The situation A school-age child came to Ohio from Georgia with his mom for what was to be a short trip. A crisis arose and due to system barriers, the child was brought into foster care. The young person was scared and worried about his mom and wanted to see his family back…
Baby Boy reunited with Half-Sister
Success story The situation A Kinnect to Family Specialist was working to ensure that a 3 month old baby boy remained within his family as his parents were being supported with care, resources, and services to mitigate the struggles they were experiencing as a result of poverty. The facilitation The Kinnect to Family specialist found…
YNN partners with youth to build housing stability
Success Story A young person reached out to YNN for help as they had only one week to find a new place to live, and had no short-term or long-term prospects. Between 31% and 46% of youth who have spent time in foster care experience homelessness by age 26 according to the American Journal of…