Kinship Care Supports & Resources
Are you raising a grandchild, niece, nephew, family friend, or sibling? You are not alone! We know that taking on the role of raising a relative’s child is incredibly rewarding, but it can also come with unique challenges.
At the Grapevine, we offer a judgement-free space to connect, learn, and get the support your family deserves. Children in kinship care refers to situations in which children are cared for full time by blood relatives or other adults with whom they have a family-like relationship, such as godparents or close family friends when a parent is not present in the household.
Nationwide, 7.8 million children are being raised by their grandparents or other relatives. At The Grapevine, we don’t have “clients”—we have families. Whether you need immediate resources, financial guidance, or just a safe space to be heard, our Kinship Navigation Program currently has space available to support you.
Ways to connect.
Kinship Open Hours
Join us for Kinship Open Hours! On select Wednesdays throughout the month, one of our Kinship Navigators will be in the office and ready to help. Whether you have a quick question, need support navigating resources, or just want to chat, we are here for you.
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Upcoming Event Dates (2026):
July 15 & July 29
August 12 & August 26
September 9 & September 23
October 7 & October 21
November 4
December 2 & December 16
Kinship Caregivers Connection group
Come share experiences, grab a coffee, and build your village. Raising a relative’s child can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with unique challenges. You don’t have to navigate it alone.
Join our monthly support group to connect with others who truly understand.
Meeting Schedule:
We meet from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM on the following dates during the (2026/2027) school year:
September 16th
October 14th
November 18th
December 9th
Registration is encouraged.
Meet Our Kinship Navigators
Kinship Navigators guide grandparent and relative caregivers to services that help the children in their lives thrive.
Rosemary Nugent – Kinship Navigator
Rosemary and her husband are raising their grandson together, so she truly understands the unique needs and concerns of kinship caregivers. As a passionate advocate, Rosemary has played an active role in enacting legislation in New Hampshire, ensuring that grandparents and other relative caregivers have a voice in family court and improved access to critical resources. Rosemary is also the NH rep for Generations United – Grand Voices, a national organization dedicated to supporting kinship families and grandfamilies. Having completed the University of Maine Certificate in Grandfamilies Leadership, she brings a wealth of knowledge to guide you through your journey.
Mikayla Essex – Kinship Navigator and Home Visitor
Mikayla joined the staff in 2023 to provide one-to-one support to local individuals and families. Having always loved hearing people’s stories, she feels she is truly living a dream by getting to support and uplift others professionally within the community she calls home. Mikayla specializes in meeting you exactly where you are. She has completed the University of Maine Certificate in Grandfamilies Leadership and is well-versed in a wide range of supports, from parenting education to legal documentation and community resources.
Our Commitment to You
Rosemary and Mikayla care deeply about every family that walks through our doors. They understand the road you are walking and are ready to move mountains to ensure you have exactly what you need, exactly when you need it.
Not sure where to start? We will happily listen to your needs and point you in the right direction. Everything we discuss is confidential and unconditional support: Call or contact us for more information. No judgement, no pressure – just community. We are here to support you!
