Growth Report 1: Kinship Support Acknowledged by Direction Home

Direction Home of Eastern Ohio’s Kinship Support Program Sees Remarkable Growth in 2024

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Direction Home of Eastern Ohio has reported substantial growth in its Kinship Support Program throughout 2024, marking a pivotal year for the initiative aimed at assisting kinship caregivers. Cassandra Valentini, the program’s spokesperson, highlighted the increasing recognition the program has garnered on a national scale, emphasizing its critical role in supporting families in need.

Kinship care, a practice where relatives or close friends take on the responsibility of raising children when biological parents are unable to do so, has become a significant focus for social services across the United States. Often, these caregivers—who are frequently grandparents or other extended family members—face considerable challenges as they strive to provide a stable environment for children. The Kinship Support Program, initiated in 2022, aims to alleviate some of these burdens by offering comprehensive support to this unique demographic.

In acknowledgment of its impactful work, the Kinship Support Program received prestigious national honors from USAging, a reflection of its commitment to enhancing the well-being of kinship families. The program’s growth in 2024 was fueled by a combination of federal funding and generous grants from the Community Foundation, which enabled it to extend direct support services to an additional 71 families.

Beyond financial assistance, the program has expanded its offerings to include essential items that are often critical for caregivers. These provisions encompass beds, bedding, clothing, and health maintenance supplies, alongside respite care services designed to provide temporary relief for caregivers. In a notable development, a clothing and supply closet was established at the Girard Multigenerational Center, stocked with donated goods to further assist kinship caregivers in their essential roles.

Joseph Rossi, the chief executive officer of Direction Home of Eastern Ohio, articulated the organization’s mission: “Our goal has always been to alleviate the burdens on older adults who have generously stepped in to care for children in need. We will continue to work hard to ensure these caregivers have everything they need to provide a safe, loving home for the children they care for.”

Direction Home of Eastern Ohio is dedicated to creating a robust network of resources for individuals aged 60 and older and those living with disabilities across Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties. As the Kinship Support Program continues to grow and gain recognition, it underscores the essential role that community initiatives play in enhancing the lives of families, particularly in challenging circumstances.