The statistics are staggering. Across the United States, almost 7.8 million children are living in homes with grandparents or other relatives. More than 2.5 million grandparents are taking on the sole responsibility for these children.
Here in Georgia, there are over 102,000 grandparents solely responsible for their grandchildren. Fayette County has over 1,000 grandparents who have made the life changing decision to raise a child. Many other relatives have also accepted this challenge.
Grandparents and Kin became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 2011. Our focus is dedicated to the growth and development of our children and to reduce caregiver stress. Caregivers often need immediate support to deal with a variety of issues.
Because we value families, we appreciate and support grandparents and kin raising children, and understand that caring for a child may have its challenges.
Fundraising is an essential part of offering our community the support and assistance necessary in raising a child. Please consider donating to help families in our community continue to thrive and achieve their goals.
Our mission is to assist in the successful development of children being raised by grandparents or other relatives by providing developmental support, advocacy, and resources bridging in the pursuit of a healthy society and strong communities for all children and families.
Our objective is to ensure that every child affiliated with our organization develops a solid sense of self-worth and pride. We encourage the influence of a diversity of cultures so that the children will gain an awareness of the world around them, and that they will have the tools needed to succeed.
To reach every grandparent and relative caregiver raising children and help educate our children about positive life choices. Ongoing benefits of the GKRC Support Group include the reduction in caregiver stress and enhanced healthy caregiver/child relationships.
To increase awareness in our local community of the large number of grandparents and other relatives who have accepted the challenge of raising a child when parents become unable to do so.
To also increase awareness in our local community that these children are able to grow and prosper in kinship homes with family members rather than state-funded or privately-funded foster homes.
In addition to our twice monthly support groups, we hold many other events for our members, which include family fun nights, fundraising and awareness events, as well as giving back opportunities.
Our group helps enrich the caregiving experience.
Karen Gillespie-President
Vice-President - Beverly Thomas
beverly@grandparentsandkin.com
Patricia Jenkins-Treasurer
patricia@grandparentsandkin.com
Secretary - Sarah Arthur Ruiz
Board Member - Kevin Arthur
Board Member - Priscilla Schell
priscilla@grandparentsandkin.com
Board Member- Nadine Brooks
Copyright © 2017 Grandparents and Kin Raising Grandchildren - All Rights Reserved.