You Are Not Alone
If you live in the Midlands or Pee Dee and are a grandparent, relative or family friend who is caring for another person’s child either temporarily or permanently, you may need extra support and resources to provide the child with a safe, stable and nurturing home.
Epworth’s Kinship Navigator Program is here to help. We provide information, advocacy, case management, resource closets, and training to help caregivers like you access legal, financial, and other kinds of support. All our services are provided at no cost to you.
You stepped up for a child – we are here to step up for you.
Click here if you live in the Upstate or Lowcountry and need kinship help.
Step 1: Call Our Kinship Helpline
An Epworth Kinship Navigator Intake Coordinator can answer your basic questions, refer you to resources and set up an appointment for a family evaluation and additional services.
Helpline hours are:
- 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
- 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays
888-561-2932
Step 2: Visit An Epworth Kinship Resource Center
When you call our toll-free number, you can make an appointment with one of our Foster Kinship Family Advocates at an Epworth Kinship Resource Center.
There, our staff will help you apply for customized case management services. We can also help you:
- Apply for financial assistance through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
- Understand how to apply for legal guardianship.
- Get food, diapers, formula, clothing, hygiene products and more from Katrina’s Kloset, our resource closet.
- Have documents notarized at no charge.
- Copy, scan and email documents.
- And much more.
Epworth provides these services for child kinship caregivers in Richland, Lexington and Darlington counties.
Join a Caregiver Support Group
When you meet with a Kinship Family Advocate, let them know that you may be interested in joining a support group made up of other kinship carers. They will connect you with the group that meets in your area.
Learn About the Goals of the Kinship Navigator Program
The Kinship Navigator Model has three main goals:
- To build a foundation of safety for children by meeting the immediate needs of the kinship family.
- To provide the most stable home for children by stabilizing the kinship family legally and financially.
- To meet the well-being needs of children by increasing caregivers’ capacity to provide nurturing parenting.
Read more about the program’s objectives and target population.
Questions?
Call or text: 888-561-2932
Email: kincare@epworthsc.org
Mailing Address:
Epworth Children’s Home
Kinship Navigator Program
2900 Millwood Avenue
Columbia, SC 29205
Katrina’s Kloset
- At our Kinship Resource Centers, called Katrina’s Klosets, you can shop for household items, infant, child and teen clothing and shoes, hygiene products, car seats and other equipment, and more.
- There is no cost for anything.
- Shopping is by appointment only. Call 800-KINSHIP to make an appointment to shop.
Kinship Services in the Lowcountry & Upstate
Lowcountry Kinship Services:
Are you a kinship caregiver in Charleston, Berkeley or Dorchester County? Call HALOS at (843) 990-9570 for more information or assistance.
Upstate Kinship Services
Are you a kinship caregiver in the Upstate region of South Carolina? Call the Middle Tyger Community Center at (864) 439-7760 for more information or assistance.
Donate Items for Epworth’s Resource Closets
We welcome donations of new school supplies, new children and teen clothing and shoes, new toys, hygiene products, new trikes and bikes, cleaning and household supplies, and other items and equipment needed for children and teens. To arrange to donate, please contact Epworth at (803) 256-7394.
