Hi Friend, 

Imagine turning into a caregiver overnight?

One sweltering summer day, Miriam* opened her door to find her son, Henry*, and three grandchildren, 8-year-old Adam*, 11-year-old Frank*, and 14-year-old Marcy* standing outside.

Miriam* was surprised to see them for an unexpected visit. Henry* told his mother Miriam* that he had warrants for his arrest and was on the run from the police.  

The biological mother was not an option and in an instant Miriam* found herself in the care of her three grandchildren with no idea when her son may return.

Miriam* loved her grandchildren but didn’t know how she would address the many logistics and factors she suddenly had to consider in order to properly care for them.  

However, Miriam* knew about Brightpoint!  

Miriam* turned to Brightpoint and connected with our statewide Extended Family Support Program (EFSP). 

EFSP helps caregivers who are supporting their relative’s children without formal Department of Children and Family Service involvement.  

EFSP helps keep children with their families and out of foster care. Brightpoint served Miriam* as an ally and official advocate with her own caseworker.

Miriam* and her caseworker figured out what she needed legally and logistically, like bedding for three kids!

On the legal front Miriam* and her Brightpoint caseworker navigated the lengthy process of obtaining guardianship over Marcy*, Frank*, and Adam* and within several months Miriam* officially became their legal guardian! 

Miriam’s* love and dedication and ESFP’s advocacy would lead to Marcy*, Frank*, and Adam* settling into their grandmother’s home with the correct legal protection, properly equipped to sleep and attend school in a safe stable environment!  

Miriam’s* story is a real-life example of how Brightpoint can provide resources to help families navigate solutions to prevent life’s challenges from becoming a life-altering crisis.  

Miriam’s* resiliency and love kept her family together. Brightpoint served as a powerful ally in Miriam’s* journey. 

Brightpoint can offer these critical, life-changing services directly because of generous support from donors like you!  

Thank you for being such an important part of Brightpoint. Together we will continue supporting stability for children and families across Illinois.  

All the best,

Kimberly Schulte

Manager of Corporate & Foundation Grants 

*Name is changed for privacy