Healthy Grandfamilies is a free initiative led by West Virginia State University to provide information and resources to grandparents who are raising one or more grandchildren. The program is funded by the West Virginia State Legislature, the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, grants, and additional sources such as the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.\u00a0 Designed as a series of education and support sessions and follow-up services, Healthy Grandfamilies is taught by volunteer professionals and paraprofessionals that are knowledgeable of each topic.\u00a0 The program is offered through a network of county coordinators and coalitions who conduce the sessions statewide.<\/p>\n
Each education and support session provides valuable resources, refreshments and childcare as needed for attendees. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a certificate of completion, and follow-up services with a social worker or other professional.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Parenting in the 21st Century
\u2022 Family Relationships: A new dynamic
\u2022 Communication: When no one talks and everyone texts
\u2022 Technology & Social Media: The dangers, pitfalls & plusses
\u2022 Nutrition: Balancing diets when everyone is \u201con the go\u201d
\u2022 Legal Issues & Documents: Getting past all the legal issues to learn \u201cwho is really in charge\u201d
\u2022 Health Literacy & Self-Care: How to take care of your own health issues in this new family dynamic
\u2022 Healthy Lifestyles & Stress Management: Learn how to manage your stress \u2014 and the stress of your grandchildren
\u2022 Navigating the Public School System: Learn about Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO) and how to help your grandchildren with homework<\/p>\n
Upon completing the education and support series, participants are provided free follow-up services with a social worker or other professional that is dedicated to working with grandparents and is sensitive to the special needs of grandfamilies.<\/p>\n
Services include:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Help locating community resources
\u2022 Confidential assistance in meeting the unique needs of your family situation
\u2022 Advocacy services as needed<\/p>\n
Healthy Grandfamilies is having a noticeable impact West Virginia. Check out the In the News<\/a><\/span> page to read more about the project, as well as this Impact Statement<\/a><\/span> that discusses some of our results to date.<\/strong><\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Healthy Grandfamilies is a free initiative led by West Virginia State University to provide information and resources to grandparents who are raising one or more grandchildren. The program is funded by the West Virginia State Legislature, the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, grants, and additional sources such as the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.\u00a0<\/p>\n