GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN

Meets 2^nd Monday of the Month

5:30 to 7:00

At the First Christian Church

5^th and Cleveland

Free Snack Supper

Program and Discussion

Activities provided for Grandchildren

 Description of the Program

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group is a support group for grandparents who have responsibility for their grandchildren—either full time with the grandchildren living with them or part time—such as providing regular after school supervision. The group also welcomes other relatives who are raising children in a similar role.

The Grandparent Group meets on the second Monday of each month from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at First Christian Church to hear speakers on issues of interest and for group sharing with one another.   A free snack supper and activities for grandchildren are provided.

 Purpose/Need for the Program

Statistics indicate that there are a significant number of grandparents with responsibility for their grandchildren both nationally and locally.  In Oklahoma 6.5% of all children in the state are living in grandparent-headed households.  According to the 2000 census there were 901 grandparents living in a household with one or more grandchildren under 18 years of age and 592 grandparents responsible for grandchildren.

Grandparents who are raising grandchildren typically assume this role because the child’s parents are experiencing significant problems—such as divorce, substance abuse, child abuse or neglect, mental health problems or even incarceration. Grandparents who suddenly find themselves in this situation often feel overwhelmed and need assistance with financial, legal, educational, medical, or emotional issues.

How to Become a Volunteer with this Program

Volunteers are needed to help in various capacities with this program.  If you are interested in helping with this program, which began in February 2009, please contact Director Rocky Hudson at 762-9412 to learn more about the volunteer opportunities.