Here at Atlantic Street Center (ASC), we make sure our participants get their flowers. Especially for our older caregivers who raise young children, we recognize those we serve push against complex challenges just to provide basic needs.

For three decades, our Kinship Care Support Group has been providing assistance and resources to local families to help them thrive. During this time, ASC and participants have also been pivotal in advocating for local kinship care. This includes going to Olympia in 2023 to support Senate Bill 5151 which grants DCYF the ability to issue a child-specific license to a relative or other suitable person to provide foster care in order to keep children close to family in the absence of a parent. A recent victory was also seen in 2024 with King County, and now this year state-wide, where May 21st is officially recognized as Kinship Caregiver Day. This validation is important not just to current families, but to those who may find themselves as older caregivers in the future.

ASC decided to celebrate this massive achievement by giving our kinship caregivers an evening honoring them, with a side of jazz. In an homage to the Central District’s famed Jazz Alley, the Youth Development & Education Support team turned a classroom into a darkened jazz club complete with a local band and singer, red carpet entrance, mocktail bar, and table service. We also heard from Youth Development Director Michelle Mitchell-Brannon about her passion for the Kinship Care Support Group and its importance.

“This program has a special place in my heart,” she said to a room of caregivers and supporters. “I was raised by my grandmother. She didn’t have to – and I wasn’t easy – but she stepped up to care for me just like you with your babies.”

Also in attendance were Barbara Taylor of Catholic Community Services, a longtime champion of ASC, and Michael Bailey, the Director of Adults Services Division of Community & Human Services.

“Thank you for all you do,” said Bailey, “and we are always looking for new ways to collaborate and support!”

In addition to the elegant dinner and some dancing, the event gave caregivers access to new clothes, purses, and shoes. One grandmother was even looking for a specific black purse for an upcoming event and we are happy to report she walked out with a brand-new BeBe purse!

And, of course, everyone really did get their flowers!

Learn more about our Kinship Care Support Group here.