Philadelphia
The GrandFamily Resource Center is a program of the Supportive Older Women's Network that provides a one-stop service for grandparents or older relatives raising children with weekly ongoing support groups, counseling, access to needed resources such as navigating the school system or custody issues, specialized parenting workshops, and computer training.
The primary goal of Grandma' Kids is to enhance the capacity of children to resist substance abuse and violence, while strengthening the family system and improving the ability of school personnel to address the needs of this very special population. This school-based initiative is designed to address the risk/protective factors for these vulnerable children in three domains; The individual, the family and the school. Children are accepted into the after-school program of area public schools where the program operates. Caregivers interested in after-school services should contact Program Director Joy Woods-Jones.
Monthly meetings for support, information, and referral. [Not operational as of April, 2011, but still interested in hearing from interested persons.]
A support group for grandparents raising grandchildren discussions on issues: sharing common experiences, advocate grandparents' rights, learning new child rearing skills, reducing stress, making new friends.
ABE/GED Job Readiness, After School, Senior Citizens Networking, Teenage Support, Parenting Classes, Adult Support Programs and Referral Assistance.
A program of Turning Points for Children--- short term in-home services to relative caregivers of children, including connection to resources and legal consult. (No family therapy or support groups currently.)
An after-school program with a support component for the support of the caregiving grandparents. Our staff is dedicated to educating and empowering the children in the neighborhood. We provide a welcoming environment, focus the programs on academic enrichment, and nurture values of honest, open communication respect, and social responsibility.
Prevention program which is available free of charge to any Philadelphia resident: free support groups for parents, teens & children, information and referral, training and consultation on organizing and leading support groups, speakers bureau specializing in family issues.
Support for grandparents who are working very hard with children to understand the importance of education and manners.
The Kinship Institute at PSSC is a new initiative, with the mission to "network organizations and promote best practices in serving relative caregivers in non-profit, corporate, and government agencies." Drawing on expertise developed with the Kids n' Kin program, the Institute offers techinal assistance and training for agencies, hosted a major conference in 2006, and undertakes research on the field, and works to promote policies and legislation that would benefit caregivers in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.
