Featured Family: The Irvin Family
The Bonds of a Kinship
Ms. Florence Irvin is a relative caregiver who has been receiving services from the Kin Support Project of Families First. Ms. Irvin is a 73-year-old grandmother of 14 grandchildren and one more on the way. She reports that she began to raise foster children in 1969. She has raised a total of 35 foster children, has a biological son, and adopted six of the foster children who were in her care.
In 2001, she obtained legal custody of her grandson, Levonte, at 16 months old. Levonte now 9 years old, states, “I love her” with regard to his grandmother. Ms. Irvin reports that his mother was unstable and that when she “is stable” she can return to modify custody. The mother was court ordered to have visitations and “she does come every now and then.”
“It has been truly a blessing,” reports Ms. Irvin, when asked what it has meant to her to be a part of the Kin Support Project. Ms. Irvin reports that her grandson began to have difficulty in school and his behavior was out of control. She states, “I was about to lose it” but with the assistance from Kin Support she was able to obtain mental health counseling and educational assistance. Ms. Irvin reports that his behavior in school and at home has greatly improved. Levonte is also involved in sports activities and enjoys playing football. Ms. Irvin states if she had not requested assistance from the program with a voucher for Levonte to play sports, “he would not know what sportsmanship and being responsible is.” Ms. Irvin reports that due to her income level and her health, it is difficult at times with transportation. Ms. Irvin has received assistance with bus passes, food vouchers and holiday assistance. She is also involved in the Kin Support groups and states, “I’m not alone and know where to go for assistance if I need it.”
Her goal in life is to have her grandson become a “humble, educated and loving man.” She states, “I would love to see him accomplish his goals, be a police officer and I pray everyday to see that.” Ms. Irvin reports that she has seen a great change in Levonte and his strength to positively adapt to life changes that he has experienced.
In collaboration with the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, the Kin Support Project provides comprehensive home and community based social work and legal services for relative caregivers, and their families. The Kin Support Project served more than three hundred individuals since January of 2008. The cost for Families First to keep a child with a family member is $3,425 opposed to $25,000 per child annually if a child enters the system. The savings to our Community is $21,575 annually. “The ultimate goal of The Kin Support Project is to keep children with their relatives whenever possible. This is much better for children than entering the dependency system,” said Julie Swindler, CEO.
You help us keep families together by making a donation to the Kin Support Project.