Agency provides support for families, seniors

BY JESSICA STEPHEN jstephen@kenoshanews.com


    There’s a word in the Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services Inc. sign that seems to trip up people.

    “A lot of people looking at our agency think it’s only the elderly. But we’re family and aging. The family just gets lost,” said Karin Kirchmeier, family services director at the agency, known to many by its acronym: KAFASI.

    The agency is for any family who needs “a little extra help,” Kirchmeier said. “We build supports. We help the family network and find resources.”

    KAFASI does not offer help with housing, clothing or utility bills. But the agency does help with nearly everything else, from parenting to budgeting to household organization. It even has a bilingual service provider.

    “It’s basically anything you need,” Kirchmeier said.

    KAFASI is communitybased, so families don’t need a referral from another social service agency.

    Most clients are women, but there’s also help for single dads and grandparents.

    Kirchmeier and her six caseworkers typically stick with a family for a year, through one of five programs:

    The Family Support program helps those who feel they need extra help parenting. Assessments are available for parents who aren’t sure what kind of services they might need. And home visits are offered.

    There is no income requirement.

    “We go across all lines,” Kirchmeier said.

    The Comprehensive Child Care program is a free 12-week parenting class. There is no income requirement, and no referral is needed.

    You don’t even have to have children to enroll; everyone from newlyweds considering kids to divorced couples learning how to parent in two households have taken the course.

    The only requirement is a $10 book deposit, which participants get back when they return their textbook.

    The Prenatal Care Coordination program focuses on health, nutrition, smoking cessation and medical issues related to pregnancy.

    “From the moment you find out you’re pregnant, you can enroll,” Kirchmeier said.

    The only requirement is that you have a medical card, such as Forward-Health. Mothers of all ages are welcome.

    The program continues until 60 days after the child is born; then participants are typically transferred to another program.

    The Teen Parent program is available for young mothers and fathers, ages 13 to 19.

    Most of the participants are referred through other programs, but that is not required. Registration is required, however. And the teen’s parent must register the teen who will participate.

    Families also can participate in the Targeted Case Management medical assistance program, which connects families to all necessary services, including doctors, therapists and dentists. The goal is to help families find providers who accept state medical cards.

    The only enrollment requirement is having a medical card.

    Kirchmeierhopesfamilies who are struggling, whether because of the tough economic times or just doubts about their parenting skills, would see KAFASI as a support.

    “We offer someone they can talk to, somebody who can help them along and get them through,” Kirchmeier said. “We’re not going to judge. We’ll help you find your groove, find your niche as a parent.”

KENOSHA NEWS PHOTO BY SEAN KRAJACIC Family Services Director Karin Kirchmeier works with a team of caseworkers at Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services. From left are Kirchmeier, Jomarie Coloriano, Courtney Johnson, Gretchen Romanowski and Kathy Sullivan.