Alberta has an immense capacity for love and an ability to smile even when things are not going well. She is also one of the special relatives or family friends who step up to become kinship caregivers for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Alberta is the caregiver for four of her grandchildren, all under age 5, in addition to having two of her children still at home.
The parents of Alberta’s grandchildren are struggling with addiction. Two of the grandchildren tested
positive for fentanyl at birth; a third is on the autism spectrum. Alberta was determined that her grandchildren would stay with family and not enter the child welfare system. “I took the babies home from the hospital,” Alberta says, “so they can stay with me in a safe environment where they’re not neglected.”
At first, Alberta tried to manage the guardianship process herself. “The paperwork alone is madness,” says Alberta, referring to the 35 pages of forms plus attached documents that bring the package to 50 pages. “It was a lot.”
Alberta was referred to Wayfinder’s kinship navigation program. She was overjoyed when she met LaKesia, a Wayfinder social worker. “LaKesia really looked out for me,” Alberta says. “She supported me by coming to court hearings, typing up the paperwork and explaining the forms to me.”
LaKesia adds, “Alberta had to give legal notice to the appropriate people, especially on the mother’s side. I had to explain the forms to them.” LaKesia also helped with forms to get the children’s health insurance and food benefits transferred to Alberta’s name.
Completing daunting legal paperwork was just one part of Wayfinder’s assistance. “I make sure the children get gifts at Christmas,” LaKesia says. “Or if Alberta needs gas for her car. Gift cards for a Thanksgiving meal. Diapers and wipes when the family wasn’t able to get them. Clothing.”
As they worked together to obtain guardianship for all four children, Alberta and LaKesia developed mutual admiration. “Alberta is a great person,” says LaKesia. “She loves those grandbabies for sure.”
Alberta laughs when she thinks of how much she has learned. “The difference from when I started out going through the guardianship process for one grandchild, to now when I have gone through four, I feel like I’m almost a social worker with Wayfinder.”
“I wouldn’t be this far if I did not have the support that I had through Wayfinder,” Alberta says. “I’m really thankful for Wayfinder and all the support that they’ve given me and my family. I love Wayfinder.”
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October 21, 2025