Kindred Hearts Inc

Behind every adoption is a story of love—and often, hidden struggles. Kindred Hearts exists so families don’t have to face those struggles alone.

In Shasta County, the effects of trauma run deep. More than half of children (53%) have experienced at least one Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE), and nearly 40% of adults report four or more—twice the state average. These early experiences of abuse, neglect, loss, or instability leave lasting imprints on the brain and body.

Adoption and guardianship give children love and stability, but love alone cannot erase trauma. Many children carry these traumas with them into their new families. Without the right support, unhealed wounds often surface as anxiety, aggression, learning challenges, or broken attachment. Parents, relatives, and caregivers—whether adoptive, kinship, or guardianship—can feel overwhelmed, wondering why love doesn’t feel like enough. Without help, too many families end up in crisis: children re-entering foster care, caregivers feeling defeated, and cycles of instability continuing.

Kindred Hearts was created to change that story. We provide adoption-competent therapy, kinship and guardianship support, respite care, peer groups, and wraparound services that equip families to heal. Parents and caregivers learn tools to respond to trauma with compassion. Children find safety, connection, and belonging. Families stay together.

When families stay together, our whole community benefits. Kids are more likely to succeed in school, break free from cycles of trauma, and grow into healthy adults. Your gift makes this possible—bringing hope where there has been heartbreak and creating a stronger future for Shasta County children and families.