Founded in 2023, Charlene’s Circle of Support was created by a pair of sisters to fulfill a mission close to their hearts- helping caregivers who are raising a relative’s children. Chanay Banks’ and Juanita Banks-Whittington’s childhoods were shaped by “Kinship Care,” a term for caregivers raising a relative or close family friend’s child(ren), often due to their birth parents’ struggles with substance use, mental health issues, or incarceration. Banks explains that another term for Kinship Care is “Foster Care Prevention.” Studies show that children who cannot be safely raised by their own parents face far less trauma and greater connectedness to their family, community, and culture when placed with a relative rather than in a foster care placement. The state of Maryland has recognized this and passed updated legislation in 2024 to encourage more kinship care placements in lieu of licensed foster care.
Whether a child’s placement with a relative happens through social services agency involvement or a family’s own choice, Charlene’s Circle of Support is available to support both the caregivers and youth (an important program element that Banks calls “Dual Impact” Programming). What initially began as an idea to provide scholarships to children placed with extended family, quickly shifted to more hands-on programs and care, focused on alleviating some financial burden and feelings of isolation for kinship care families. Charlene’s Circle regularly provides care packages to both caregivers and youth that include household basics, hygiene items, and more. In 2025, they held their first in-person workshop in Charles County where caregivers and youth came for fun activities, learning, and building a support system. Childcare was provided so the children could play while the caregivers could share and bond with each other over stitchery, crafts, yoga, and more.
In 2026, Charlene’s Circle is building upon their programming to add monthly virtual workshops that caregivers can attend from anywhere in the state. Banks tells us this program, called “Kinship and Thriving,” aims to “meet caregivers where they are at” and provide continued support for those that fill this role. The first session will be held on January 27th and any kinship caregivers in Maryland are welcome to join.
Charlene’s Circle of support has received funding in 2024 and 2025 from the Charitable Trust’s annual Microgrants that support small nonprofits. They have also formed a partnership with local Walmart locations for their care packages and collect donations from community members. They are an organization led by 10-15 volunteers. In 2026, their goals are to acquire additional volunteers, as well as partnerships with local businesses that want to make an impact on their local community
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
Kinship Caregivers are encouraged to reach out to Charlene’s Circle and join their free events and services by emailing info@charlenescircle.org
Become a Volunteer or Community Partner here: https://www.charlenescircle.org/volunteer-kinship-care-support-maryland
Learn More about their programs or donate here: https://www.charlenescircle.org/kinship-caregiver-support-programs-maryland