WASHINGTON, DC (September 9, 2026) During National Kinship Care Month, Generations United announced the inaugural cohort of Grandfamilies & Kinship University (GKU), a national leadership and community impact program for grandparents, relatives, and close family friends raising children.
The eight inaugural Scholars represent communities across the country. They bring firsthand caregiving experience, professional expertise, and a commitment to strengthening support for kinship families. Through GKU, they will learn together as a national cohort and carry that learning back to their communities.
Across the United States, more than 2.5 million children are being raised by grandparents, relatives, and close family friends. GKU builds on Generations United’s decades of work in kinship care by creating opportunities for caregivers to help shape the programs, policies, and community solutions intended to support families.
“Kinship caregivers know where systems support families – and where families are still being asked to figure it out alone. GKU recognizes their lived experience as essential expertise and supports these leaders in turning insight into action. As Generations United marks 40 years, their leadership is helping shape what comes next.” Kristen Kiefer, Executive Director, Generations United
Meet the Inaugural GKU Scholars
The inaugural cohort includes:
- Niadu O. Allen, Riverview, Florida
- Diana Fernandez, Wayne, Nebraska
- Tawanna Jackson, College Park, Georgia
- Jamielah Jenkins-Donato, Royal Oak, Michigan
- Margaret Langan, Wellsville, New York
- Anita Neaves, Lansing, North Carolina
- Linda J. Porter, Seattle, Washington
- Bradley Vinson, Lantana, Texas
The Scholars bring experience in advocacy, child welfare, behavioral health, education, grief and loss, peer support, community leadership, and systems navigation.
From Lived Experience to Local Action
The Scholars will gather in Washington, DC, this fall before continuing their work through virtual learning, peer connection, coaching, and leadership development. They will deepen their understanding of the systems affecting kinship families while listening closely to the needs, strengths, and resources in their own communities.
During GKU’s second year, the Scholars will move into the community project phase and partner with a local organization to design and carry out a project rooted in a need identified by kinship families. Generations United will provide coaching, peer support, and project resources as the Scholars move from listening to action.
The inaugural GKU cohort begins its journey as Generations United celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of bringing generations together and fighting for the policies, resources, and connections families need. The program carries that work forward through Prevention Through Connection™, Generations United’s approach to keeping families and communities strong before a crisis hits.
“I’ve seen what caregivers can do when we raise our voices together. GKU means we’re not doing this alone anymore. We’re building something for our families and our communities.” Niadu O. Allen, GKU Scholar
Learn more: gu.org/projects/gku/
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About Generations United
Generations United fights for intergenerational connection – from Capitol Hill to the kitchen table. We work with community-based organizations, policymakers, and partners nationwide so that grandparents can raise grandchildren, older adults can age with community instead of without it, and families of every kind do not have to figure it out alone. We envision a future where no one has to grow up, grow older, or care alone – a future where connection is not left to chance, and communities are designed for the way people actually live: together. Learn more at www.gu.org.