Register Now for Grandparent Raising Grandchildren/Kinship Care Classes

Kalamazoo, Mich. - “Information Series”
March 13 - May 15, 2006 (consecutive Mondays - will not meet April 5 due to spring break)
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
FREE Workshops with childcare and an evening meal provided
At Portage Community Education Building
1010 West Milham Road, Portage
Sponsored by Second Time Around, Michigan State University Extension

Pre-registration is required and currently being accepted - call Joyce Stout at 384-8054 for information and registration.

What is Kinship Care? It is grandparents raising grandchildren, aunts and uncles raising nieces and nephews, and siblings raising siblings. These families raising relative children face many challenges that are addressed during the duration of the Series. Second Time Around Information Series focuses on the different situations facing kinship care families raising relative children including: understanding their “not so new” role; legal issues; the cultural changes in our school and community; financial questions; refining their parenting skills; legal issues; stress reduction techniques; how to work in a positive way with the child’s biological parents; and looking to the future. Plus, available community resources are explored along with experts who provide valuable tips and knowledge.

Grandparents raising grandchildren 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 and in addition, participants can take advantage of experienced facilitators who support them as they confront issues in this new and challenging role. Comments from past participants include “The group has been a wonderful source of strength for me.” “Before, I had no one to talk to. Now I have friends I can count on.” “Haven’t laughed in such a long time­my grandkids really recognized the difference and commented on it.”

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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