A Special Visit: Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman Joins Kindred Roots in Lexington

Celebrating Community Collaboration and Transformative Family Support

Lexington, KY – May 7, 2025 — Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman visited The Bair Foundation’s Kindred Roots program in Lexington to celebrate the growth and impact of this innovative initiative dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and families. During her visit, Lt. Gov. Coleman toured the facility, connected with staff and families, and witnessed firsthand the transformative work being done to strengthen families and restore hope. Joined by community leaders and advocates, her presence underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in creating lasting change for Kentucky’s most at-risk youth.

What Is Kindred Roots?
Kindred Roots is a trauma-informed, strength-based family reunification and kinship support program operated by The Bair Foundation—a Christian child and family services agency with over 50 years of experience.

Serving families in Clark, Fayette, Madison, and Scott counties, the program provides:

  • Supervised visitation
  • Parenting education
  • Court advocacy
  • Case management and consultancy
  • Aftercare support

Through strategic partnerships with local agencies, Kindred Roots also addresses home safety, financial literacy, and behavioral health, equipping families with the tools they need to succeed long-term.

A Word from Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman
As an adoptive mother and long-time advocate for families, Lt. Gov. Coleman expressed deep admiration for the Kindred Roots approach:

“Success does not happen in a vacuum, and one group does not deserve all the credit. The biggest challenges our communities face require involvement from government agencies, private businesses, community members, and nonprofits.
That is what is happening at Kindred Roots, where they are providing holistic services for our most vulnerable families so they can thrive. I am so excited to see the lives transformed because of this work.”

Voices Behind the Mission

Samantha Sheets, Director of Kindred Roots

“At Kindred Roots, we believe strong families build strong futures. Whether we’re supporting reunification or helping Kinship Caregivers provide permanency, our goal is always to create safe, stable connections through compassion, education, and advocacy.”

Renay Crouse, CEO of The Bair Foundation

“The team at Kindred Roots is nothing short of amazing. They’re true advocates for individuals who often have no voice. What stood out to me most wasn’t just the joy on the faces of the families—it was the joy on the faces of the staff. Everyone who walks through those doors is treated with dignity and care.”

Eric Ritz, Vice President, The Bair Foundation – Kentucky

“Kindred Roots has built incredible partnerships that go beyond basic services. We’ve connected with providers who offer behavioral health services, music therapy, financial education, and home safety training. These collaborations are key to helping children and families thrive.”

The Impact So Far
Since launching in 2022, Kindred Roots has:

  • Served over 475 children and families
  • Shortened reunification timelines
  • Improved placement stability
  • Strengthened caregiver relationships

The program’s trauma-responsive, evidence-based methods are creating real, lasting change in the Lexington area.

Looking Ahead
As Kindred Roots continues to grow, The Bair Foundation remains dedicated to expanding its reach and deepening community partnerships. With the support of leaders like Lt. Governor Coleman, the program is well-positioned to become a statewide model for kinship care and family restoration.

About The Bair Foundation
Founded in 1967, The Bair Foundation is a national nonprofit that builds strong children, strong families, and strong communities through foster care, kinship support, and family services. With offices in nine states, Bair continues to serve as a beacon of hope for children in crisis across the U.S.

 

Of the 23,000 children who age out of foster care each year, 20 percent become homeless.

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