Time to Come Off The Porch

This book explores the relational problems experienced by some African-American women reared in the system of “kinship care.” This book outlines the history of the Black family, attachment-related issues, familial struggles, future hopes for the kinship care system, offers support to others from similar situations, and a personal look into my life as I wrestled with my “beingness.” The origins of “kinship care” in the African-American community date back to enslavement. To preserve the Black family, relatives and family friends willingly stepped into the role of parenting abandoned children.  This book aims to shed light on the phenomenon known as “kinship care” and how attachment issues can develop if proper attention is not paid to the unresolved trauma of the child. This book provides a glimpse into the Black Family written from the lens of culture, faith, and healing as a resource to navigate the dimensions of surviving the “kinship care” system for those of any culture. 

Dr. Kimberley Hundley is a native of Los Angeles, California. She has lived in Atlanta, GA for 30 years. In 1985 she graduated from Cleveland Humanities Magnet High School in Reseda, California. Dr. Hundley earned her Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Mount St. Mary's College in Los Angeles, CA in 1990, her Master of Arts in Counseling in 1993 from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA, then her Master in Christian Education degree with honors from Morehouse School of Religion in 1998, then graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Master of Divinity from Charles H. Mason Seminary in 2014 both later degrees were earned at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA. In 2018 she graduated from the Interdenominational Theological Center with her Doctor of Ministry Degree in Pastoral Professionalism and Spiritual Care. Before receiving her DMIN she completed 7 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). She has worked in the field of social services for 30 years serving the disadvantaged, disenfranchised, and marginalized in the capacity of counseling and community ministry. Dr. Hundley has dedicated her career to advocating and "creating space" for others to heal from trauma. Currently, she is making her home in Atlanta, Georgia as she is embracing the opportunity to grow as a Behavioral Health Specialist at House of Cherith, working with women rescued from human trafficking. Currently, she is pursuing a Certificate in Spiritual Direction in addition to completing her clinical hours for her Professional Counseling (LPC) licensure to become a Board Certified Therapist. This book has been birthed from her years of personal and professional experience and commitment to those "becoming."