Supporting Families: Kinship Program
Nohemi and her husband Victor
When a car accident took the life of her daughter last year, Nohemi was overwhelmed with grief, funeral arrangements, and ensuring the security of her two grandchildren – then ages 9 and 15 – who’d just lost their mother. She and her husband, Victor, were unsure where to find resources, and hiring a private attorney for the guardianship process would cost thousands of dollars. A friend referred Nohemi to the Kinship program at Catholic Charities, where she connected with Case Manager Nancy Lopez. “When I called the first time, I heard the sweetness in Nancy’s voice and it calmed me down,” she says.
Over several months, the family was guided through the multi-step guardianship process, while ensuring that the wishes of Nohemi’s late daughter were respected. Nancy accompanied them on court visits to support them as they obtained legal guardianship.
Additionally, mental health resources were secured for the children, who also received backpacks with school supplies from Catholic Charities. Today, the family is doing well and say they are blessed to have each other – and to have had the guidance of Catholic Charities during a time of crisis.
“We thank God that Catholic Charities was there for us,” said Nohemi and Victor.
