Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Resource Fair Feb. 16 at Library Station
February 1, 2019 — Are you a grandparent raising grandchildren? If so, you’re in good company. Nearly 3 million grandparents across the country are caring for their children’s children, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The role isn’t always as simple as “being a parent” to young children or teenagers again. AARP’s expert on caregiving issues says that when grandparents step into the role, it’s not usually for a good reason. Often, the parents are having life issues, even while the parents are still involved in the children’s lives, or where one parent is living in the grandparents’ home, the expert says.
Either way, the “Grandparenting Generation” takes on significant caretaking responsibilities, and it’s often hard to know where to turn for the diverse needs.
A free event called the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Resource Fair returns on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 1-4 p.m. at the Library Station to help you if you need a little or a lot of guidance. Refreshments will be provided and activities will be available for children and families.
Visitors will be able to visit at their own pace with representatives of “helper” agencies including Abilities First, Community Partnership of the Ozarks/Parent-Teen Café, Fairbanks Community Center, Foster Adopt Connect, Jordan Valley Pediatrics, Early Childhood One Stop, Women, Infants & Children, and many others. MO Chip.org will also conduct fingerprint DNA pictures of children.
It’s a convenient opportunity to learn what resources and organizations are available to help you.
More than 250 people attended the resource fair in 2018. Here’s what some people wrote on their exit surveys:
- “When I spoke to different people I felt I had found the help and resource I needed, Thank you.”
- “Need more! Thank you for hosting.”
- “AWESOME! I wish it had been in existence in 2004 when I needed help!”
The event is sponsored by the Springfield-Greene County Libraries, Be A Jewell and Grands Raising Grands, with additional community partners.
Registration begins February 5; call 616-0683.