Categories: CharityCommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Healthy Grandparents Program Supports Family Stability

Grandparents and grandchildren benefiting from the Healthy Grandparents Program at a community event.

News Summary

The Healthy Grandparents Program, initiated by Augusta University’s College of Nursing, provides vital support to grandparents raising their grandchildren. Amid an increase in custodial grandparents, the program offers social, emotional, and financial assistance, and has seen a rise in participants, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, they hosted a back-to-school event, distributing hundreds of school supplies and essential items. This initiative highlights the community’s role in supporting family stability and addresses the pressing needs of families during challenging times.

Richmond, GA – The Healthy Grandparents Program, initiated by Augusta University’s College of Nursing in January 1999, continues to provide crucial support for grandparents unexpectedly raising their grandchildren. Over recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of grandparents seeking custody or adoption of their grandchildren, a trend that has escalated significantly since 2020.

Designed to offer physical, emotional, and social support specifically targeted at grandparents and great-grandparents, the program aims to assist families coping with financial stress due to their new caregiving responsibilities. In recent years, organizers report a dramatic rise in participants, particularly among those facing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

To serve families in need, the Healthy Grandparents Program recently hosted a back-to-school event where essential services and supplies were distributed. At this event, the program provided physicals and 150 backpacks filled with school supplies, up from just 25 backpacks during their initial giveaway. In addition to school supplies, participants received small bags of essential items, such as toothpaste and deodorant, highlighting the program’s commitment to addressing the varied needs of families.

Since its inception, the Healthy Grandparents Program has assisted a total of 1,050 families, emphasizing its ongoing dedication to the well-being of both caregivers and children. However, residents must meet specific criteria to qualify for the program, including obtaining full custody of their grandchild and having the child’s parents not residing in the home. Currently, the program is only available to residents of Richmond County and Columbia County.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the program’s operations, limiting its ability to hold monthly support group meetings and provide camp assistance. Despite these challenges, participants have reported finding the support groups immensely helpful during their caregiving journeys, underscoring the program’s vital role in the community.

The Healthy Grandparents Program emphasizes its mission of ensuring children have safe and stable homes amid the challenges faced by their grandparents. To further this mission, community partners such as the Columbia County Merchants Association and the Richmond County Exchange Club have stepped up to provide additional support, supplies, and resources during program events.

As the number of grandparents stepping into caregiver roles continues to rise, the Healthy Grandparents Program remains committed to providing essential services that promote family stability and support. The program’s efforts reflect a broader recognition of the challenges faced by grandparents and the importance of community support in helping them navigate these difficult circumstances.