Information Series for Kinship Care Families

Michigan State University Extension Kalamazoo County’s Kinship Care Families is sponsoring an eight-week workshop for kinship care families. Kinship Care was defined in 1994 by the Child Welfare League of America 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.”

What does the Kinship Care program do for families? It provides support, education, access to community resources, respite, and an opportunity to meet other kinship care families who are struggling with similar issues. In addition to the eight-week workshop,

Kinship Care offers single-topic workshops, inter-generational events, monthly newsletter, support groups and a children’s program.

The eight-week workshop will be held:

Tuesdays, September 23-November 11, 2008
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
120 Roberson Street, Kalamazoo
Cost: FREE. Childcare and an evening meal included.
Contact: Joyce Stout, 384-8054 or e-mail: stoutjo@msu.edu

A children’s program for ages 3-7 will be offered simultaneously with the adult sessions. Focusing on children who are being raised by relatives, the program through creative play, games, arts and crafts, will enhance the child’s esteem, increase social skills, and assist them to recognize and appropriately express their emotions.

For more information about the Kinship Care Families Support Program call Joyce Stout at 384-8054. If you would like to make arrangements to accommodate persons with disabilities at this event please call Joyce Stout 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 The Kellogg Foundation in collaboration with Western Michigan University, MSU Extension, 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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