Beth’s journey as a grandfamily caregiver began in 2014 when the state removed her three grandchildren from her daughter's custody and placed them with her for a year. In 2015, they were allowed to return to their mother, but as her daughter's struggles intensified, Beth took action in 2019 by filing a private Child in Need of Care case, gaining temporary custody once again. Despite her efforts, accessing the necessary resources for her grandchildren proved challenging. Ultimately, after parental termination, the judge ordered the state to provide adoption assistance, leading to the successful finalization of the adoption 18 months later.
With the knowledge and experience she has gained throughout this journey; Beth is determined to help others avoid the same pain and turmoil she faced. She often reflects on her struggles to find support at a larger level, which inspired her to join Generations United’s GRAND Voices. Beth believes in the strength of unity and sees this group as a vital resource for helping others in similar situations.
In addition to her personal experiences, Beth has a strong professional background. She taught special education for 14 years and worked as a mental health clinician. Currently, she works part-time as a hospice social worker while striving to build a support program for other grandfamily and kinship caregivers, ensuring they have the resources and community they need to thrive. Beth’s commitment to helping others reflects her passion and resilience in the face of adversity.
