September 2021: Kinship Care Month

WHEREAS, we recognize that nothing is more precious in our great state than the growth and development of our children and that every young person deserves a safe, loving, and stable home; and,

 

WHEREAS, the family, serving as a child's primary source of love, identity, self-esteem, and support, is the foundation of our communities and our state; and,

 

WHEREAS, in the state of Michigan, more than 66,000 grandparents are kinship caregivers; and,

 

WHEREAS, every child needs a meaningful connection to a caring adult who becomes a supportive and lasting presence in their lives; and,

 

WHEREAS, parenting grandparents and relatives who provide stability for children and support for their parents are truly unsung heroes; and,

 

WHEREAS, kinship families who open their hearts and homes to support children whose families are in crisis play a vital role in helping children and families heal and reconnect, thereby launching young people into successful adulthood; and,

 

WHEREAS, there are numerous individuals in community action, public and private organizations, the courts, and in the community who work to increase public awareness of the needs of children and relative adults in kinship care families; and,

 

WHEREAS, I join with the Michigan Kinship Care Coalition to thank individuals, families, community action agencies, and public and private organizations who provide support, affection, love, and security to the children in their care, and we share the message that we are always grateful to the caring kin parenting again; and,

 

WHEREAS, I encourage all Michigan residents to commit to supporting our children, whether it's by opening our hearts and homes through formal or informal kinship care, foster care, guardianship or adoption, mentoring young people in need of guidance, or donating time to help grand-families and children in need; working together, we can help shape a bright future for our state and continue to provide hope to many more of Michigan's children and older adults who live together intergenerationally;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2021 as Kinship Care Month in Michigan.