Grandparenting Information Series Scheduled

Kalamazoo, Mich.- Michigan State University Extension’s Second Time Around Program invites kinship care families, grandparents raising grandchildren, aunts and uncles raising nieces and nephews, and siblings raising siblings, to register for the fall 2006 “Information Series”. Participants can choose from two sessions:

Consecutive Mondays: September 18-November 13
6:00-8:30 p.m
Portage Community Education Building, 1010 W. Milham
Free childcare & an evening meal

Consecutive Tuesdays: September 19-November 14, 2006
9:30-11:30 a.m.
First Presbyterian Church of Richland
8047 Church
Free childcare

The Series is free of charge courtesy of funding from Strong Families/Safe Children and Area Agency on Aging IIIA. For information or to register, contact Barbara Vortman at 383-6438 or e-mail: vortman@msu.edu.

The Series focuses on the different situations facing grandparents raising their grandchildren. These include: understanding your “not so new” role; legal issues; the cultural changes in schools and community; financial questions; refining parenting skills and looking to the future. In addition, participants will gain knowledge about community resources and meet experts who provide valuable tips and knowledge.

The Child Welfare League of America, 1994, defines Kinship Care as: the provision of full-time nurturing and protection of children by adults other than parents who have a family relationship bond with the children.

Grandparents raising grandchildren, aunts and uncles raising nieces and nephews, siblings raising siblings often experience loneliness and isolation from friends and family. Second Time Around provides these individuals with a safe, nonjudgmental environment to meet others who are in similar situations. In addition, participants can take advantage of experienced facilitators who support them as they confront issues in this new and challenging role.

For more information about the Second Time Around-Grandparent Support Program, call Joyce Stout, 384-8054 or Barbara Vortman, 383-6438 at the MSU Extension office in Kalamazoo. Arrangements to accommodate persons with disabilities at an event may be made two weeks prior to the event. Requests received after this date will be met when possible.

The program is free of charge with funding provided by Strong Families/Safe Children and Area Agency on Aging IIIA.

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MSU Extension is an Affirmative-Action Equal-Opportunity Institution. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status.

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