Do you or someone you know take care of a grandchild or younger relative? It’s more common than you might think. Today on the blog we’ll be speaking with Jeannette Matthews, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program Coordinator at Catholic Social Services. We’ll go over a brief overview of the program, tips for grandparents, and how to reach out for support.
Senior Resource Connect: If you had to give an “elevator speech” about what your organization does, how would you describe it?
Jeannette Matthews: The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) program of Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw (CSSW) offers support to those age 55 and over who are raising related children ages birth through 18 years. Support groups are offered for the grandparents (and other related caregivers), and community resources and referrals are given to help the grandparents provide for the child(ren). The GRG Program is free to participants.
SRC: Walk me through the step-by-step process. What happens when you get a phone call/referral?
JM: Referrals to the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program of Catholic Social Services come from state offices, attorney’s offices, other Washtenaw County resource agencies, and word-of-mouth. Inquiries arrive to the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren coordinator by telephone and email. These conversations are conducted with confidentiality and compassion. Resources both internal and external to CSSW can be suggested by the coordinator as needs become apparent during the conversation.
Three forms are completed: an application, a needs assessment (basic needs, financial assistance, insurance, legal, mental and physical health, parenting support), and a permission-for-service form.
The grandparent is signed up for the GRG newsletter which is sent periodically and lists upcoming opportunities for the caregiver and/or the child. Emails and printed materials are sent now and then with updated relevant information.
SRC: What organizations do you work closely with?
JM: The Area Agency on Aging 1B is our primary funding source and we work closely with their programs. The Michigan Kinship Care Coalition and Resource Center (housed at Michigan State University) holds informational meetings and seminars for caregivers and agency representatives, and they inform legislators of the issues kin folk raising related children encounter. The GRG Program of Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw often cross-shares resource information with similar organizations in other counties. Big Family of Michigan is a wonderful source for agencies to obtain tangible things like school supplies, Christmas wish lists, and assistance when children age out of foster care. More locally, the Ypsilanti Senior Center has been instrumental in providing support for our program’s grandparents.
SRC: What are some things you wish the public knew about your role?
JM: The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program coordinator’s role is to provide informational newsletters, emails, and other correspondence, offer appropriate internal and external resources, and to facilitate support groups. Throughout all these interactions and occasional “checking-in” telephone calls, the goal is to build a trusting relationship and offer a supportive presence to the grandparents. The coordinator is a compassionate professional trained in empathic listening and resource advocacy.
Always happy to give informational talks about the Program to churches and other relevant groups, the public is encouraged to request the coordinator to speak.
SRC: What tips do you have for someone who finds themselves taking care of a grandchild or younger relative?
JM: To remember that the love and stability they provide for these children is one of the most important things they can do in life. Although it can be very hard, they are not alone. Seeking support for such selfless giving as raising children is in the best interest of the child, themselves, and even the community.
Reach out to Catholic Social Services Program, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, and get connected with others doing the same important work as they are doing, and to stay informed about resources to help them and the child(ren). Call the GRG program at 734-971-9781, extension 511, for information and encouragement.
SRC: Is there anything you would like to add?
JM: In Michigan, 55,000 grandparents are raising their grandchildren (www.grandfamilies.org). As one grandmother stated, “I never expected to be dealing with kids at this point in my life.” She has custody of four children, works, and takes college classes. The GRG provided this grandmother with information about summer programs for the children and financial assistance for the costs. Activities like these benefit the children and give respite time to the grandparent.
The need is strong for supportive services to these grandparents/kin, and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw hopes to reach as many as possible so they may get some help.
Thank you so much to Jeannette Matthews for sharing information about this crucial program. To learn more about Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, visit the website or call (734) 971-9781 ext. 511.
