About Us

The original support group for kinship families in our area began as GAP – Grandparents As Parents. This group thrived for many years, offering connection and encouragement to grandparents raising their grandchildren. Over time, as the children grew up, the founding members moved on, and the group became inactive.

Years later, a few of those original members felt called to revive the support network and formed IRAP – Idaho Relatives As Parents. With about eight committed members, IRAP began rebuilding momentum. In December 2020, I was asked to step in and facilitate the group while the current leader took a vacation. That vacation became permanent, and I have been honored to serve as the full-time facilitator ever since.

As our membership grew, we explored becoming a nonprofit. During this time, we found a strong ally in the Southwest Area Agency on Aging, whose Executive Director was herself a kinship caregiver and deeply understood the importance of our work. In November 2021, the agency hired me as a Kinship Resource Coordinator, provided respite funding for families, and helped our support groups flourish. Eventually, our nonprofit status was set aside as the Area Agency on Aging took on a larger role in supporting kinship families.

However, as of June 30, 2025, the Area Agency on Aging made the decision to discontinue supporting kinship families as they had in the past. In response, several IRAP members came together with renewed passion and purpose to create this new nonprofit: 4 The Love Of Kinship.

We are excited to continue offering many of the same resources and support that kinship families have come to count on. As we grow, we invite you to be part of our story, whether by sharing your ideas, offering your talents, or helping us meet the needs of this incredible community.

Let’s walk this journey together—4 the love of kinship. -Charlye Hahn