A growing number of families are opening their homes and hearts to care for a child whose parents are unable to do so. Placement with a family member or friend, referred to as kinship care, can bring joy to both the child and to the caring family, whether for a short period or for a longer time in the child’s life.
However, families may face challenges when stepping into caregiver roles, whether that means a need for additional resources, education or emotional support.
The Growing Need for Kinship Care in the Community
That’s where HALOS shines.
HALOS is a local organization dedicated to promoting safe and nurturing homes for children in kinship care. They have had a profound influence on the many families they support.
Outreach and Support Services Manager Ashley Grimball has seen firsthand the amazing impact HALOS has on families. “We are there to connect families to needed resources, including financial support, critical goods or local support groups,” she said. “From day one, HALOS is ready to help families navigate their new roles.”
Some of the most needed resources are furniture, car seats, diapers, food and reliable transportation. HALOS staff can also help families build on their strengths and achieve goals with success coaching.
For 25 years, HALOS has served children and their kinship caregivers in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties. In 2023, HALOS reached more than 1,500 children with 751 caregivers, the majority of whom were women and were over the age of 50.
How HALOS Supports Families in Kinship Care
HALOS’s initiatives mirror the nationwide priorities of the Administration for Children and Families. The ACF supports maintaining family connections through alternatives such as kinship care, resulting in fewer permanent family separations and reduced foster care entries.
To support this incredible programming, many community organizations have come forward with financial support and volunteers for fundraising drives throughout the year. HALOS gets assistance from many types of organizations; donations come from civic groups, churches, small businesses, corporations and service clubs.
The Creekside neighborhood Women’s Club in Mount Pleasant has a long-standing partnership with HALOS; one of its charitable endeavors is supporting HALOS through its Holiday Charity Committee, which raises money to purchase gifts to make the holidays brighter for HALOS families.
Rachel Zweigoron, who leads the holiday drive in Creekside, believes strongly in the committee’s mission. “As a pediatrician, I know how powerful it is when a family steps in to keep a child safe and secure,” she explained. “It’s very valuable when families have a connection with others going through similar experiences.”
Essential Resources Provided by HALOS
HALOS hosts two other large campaigns during the year. “We have a summer camp drive from February to April, and our back-to-school drive takes place from June to August,” Grimball said. “Before the school year, kids are excited to receive a gift card and a backpack.”
“None of these activities would happen without community support,” Grimball added.
HALOS’s Impact on Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties
HALOS is there in whatever capacity a family needs. Individuals and families might not identify as kinship caregivers because they are not direct relatives, or they are not sure how long the child will be with them. However, all loved ones caring for a child are welcome to reach out for HALOS support.
“Caregivers don’t have to wait for an emergency because we are available from the moment that a child enters their home,” Grimball explained.
For information about volunteer opportunities, contact Ryleigh Malloy at 843-974-3859.
By Lisa Wack
