“I have always called my grandpa Dad because he has always raised and treated me the way a father should.” – Greyson, age 8.

“I’ve lived with my grandparents since 7 years old and I can’t describe how much they’ve changed my life. Without their support, love and kindness, I wouldn’t be doing half of what I do.” – Madysen, age 15.

“Ever since my mom passed away my family started falling apart and it didn’t feel like the same no more. I’m glad I got to live with my sister because she is always there for me no matter what.” – Lidia, age 13.

“My new family has five brothers and sisters and two parents, who are my aunt and uncle, but I call them Mom and Dad.” – Emily, age 6.

Read the rest of their stories and see artwork from other Idaho children who were recognized in the Idaho KinCare Project 2018 My Family. My Story. contest here. 

Families across Idaho came together July 20, 2018 to celebrate Idaho KinCare Family Day in Boise, Pocatello, and Coeur d’Alene. Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s official proclamation of the state holiday was read aloud at each event, and winners of the annual My Family. My Story. Art Contest were announced and awarded prizes. Cake, balloons, take-home goodies, and copies of the My Family. My Story. book made the occasion a memorable event for the community.

There are currently about 30,000 children in Idaho living with a relative, and more than  10,000 Idaho grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives in the state have stepped up to be the parent that every Idaho kid deserves. The Idaho KinCare Project aims to support these families, as they make the community stronger by reducing foster care entries and negative outcomes for children as they age into adults.

Special congratulations to the winners of the My Family. My Story. 2018 Art Contest:

• Hope, Age 10
• Lidia, Age 13
• Paizleigh, Age 4
• Riley, Age 11
• Sammie, Age 7
• Ashton, Age 13

Resources:

For more information on KinCare resources in Idaho, call the Idaho CareLine at 2-1-1 or visit the website here: https://211.idaho.gov/KinCare/tabid/4267/Default.aspx

My Family. My Story. Art content information and archives: https://211.idaho.gov/KinCare/KinCareResources/MyFamilyMyStory/tabid/4321/Default.aspx

My Family. My Story. 2018 book: https://211.idaho.gov/Portals/114/AssetLibrary/PDFs/MFMS2018.pdf?ver=2018-07-09-123642-973