"When my daughter was incarcerated, my world turned upside down overnight. I suddenly had my three young grandchildren sleeping in my spare room, and I couldn't even enroll them in school because I didn't have the right paperwork. I was terrified to ask for help because I thought the state would take them away.

A friend of the family told me about The Kinship Anchor Project. From the moment I walked in, they treated me like family. They didn't judge me. Their lawyer sat with me, filled out the Educational Power of Attorney, and notarized it right there on the spot. They even helped me get a 'Child-Only' grant to cover groceries. For the first time in months, I feel like I can breathe again."

—Ms. Evelyn R., Grandparent Caregiver (Birmingham, AL)

"As an attorney, I see firsthand how navigating the probate court system can completely paralyze a family in crisis. Traditional legal aid can take months, but 1 Step Closer identifies these kinship families immediately at the grassroots level.

Partnering with them for their monthly pro-bono clinics allows us to streamline the temporary guardianship process for caregivers before a crisis occurs. Their 'Anchor Registry Packs' are perfectly organized, making it seamless for volunteer attorneys to step in and secure a household’s legal stability in a single afternoon."

— L. Williams, Esq., Volunteer Legal Partner

"It’s hard when your parent is away. People look at you differently, and you feel like you're starting life five steps behind everyone else. Joining the 1 Step Closer Youth Core changed everything for me.

The conflict resolution classes taught me how to handle my anger and stress in a healthy way. But the financial literacy class was my favorite, I learned how to open a bank account, build credit, and budget for college. Because of this program, I don't feel defined by my family's struggles anymore. I feel ready to lead."

— Marcus J., Age 17, Youth Initiative Graduate

"When looking for organizations to support, transparency and direct local impact are my highest priorities. 1 Step Closer does an incredible job of showing exactly where every dollar goes, whether it's funding a child's virtual prison visit or keeping an elderly grandmother from choosing between electricity and groceries.

Their dual focus on stabilizing the family unit today while teaching kids financial literacy for tomorrow is breaking the cycle of incarceration at both ends. Plus, receiving my 501(c)(3) tax receipts automatically makes annual giving incredibly simple."

— David L., Monthly Anchor Partner & Donor