In Pennsylvania, almost 260,000 children live in households headed by grandparents or other relatives
When Karen Barnes became the sole caregiver of her granddaughter Ellie 13 years ago, there were very little resources available in Delaware County to help her with necessities and other support. Her own personal experiences led her to want to be a lifeline to other grand and kinship families.
Grands Stepping Up is dedicated to assisting grandparents/kinship guardians in Delaware County who are raising their grandchildren when the parents can’t, due to issues such as drug addiction, incarceration, mental health issues, death or illness.
Grands Stepping Up programs support the new grand family in many ways including offering financial, mental health, legal and social support.
Barnes spoke to Access Network about the nonprofit’s mission and programs and how the community can get involved.
She said that in Pennsylvania, almost 260,000 children live in households headed by grandparents or other relatives.
Grandfamilies or kinship families are families where children live with and are raised by grandparents, other extended family members, and adults with close family-like relationships such as godparents and close family friends.
She said imagine being a grandparent one day and the next saying yes to raising your grandchild. Many grandparents are on fixed incomes and now have to provide for the daily needs of their grandchildren including food, clothing, formula, diapers, baby gear as well as school and extracurricular fees and medical bills.
Their goal as a nonprofit, she said, is to support these grand and kinship families so the children grow up in a stable and loving environment.
“This is the next generation. Studies show that it is much better for kids to be with extended family instead of in foster care. It is the best healing process,” she said.
The nonprofit’s programs include:
Denis’ Pantry & Clothing Closet — This is the only Grands Stepping Up program available to all Delaware County residents.
Youth Activities — Grands Stepping Up offers youth activities such as summer guitar lessons, and a new gardening club, as well as funds for the children’s sports, dance and other extracurricular activities.
Legal Clinic — The nonprofit offers a 25% discount on legal services such as custody or tenant/landlord issues for all grand and kinship families.
Emergent Needs — The nonprofit also helps provide funds for grand and kinship families who have a financial emergency like their car breaking down and needing expensive repairs or help paying rent or other bills.
Holiday Program — They also ensure that registered grandchildren receive birthday cakes, Easter baskets and Christmas gifts. At Thanksgiving, the nonprofit supplies these families with a turkey and all the fixings for their holiday meal.
Barnes said that they have provided about 300 families with a full Thanksgiving dinner and over 300 Easter baskets. At Christmas time, they donated gifts for up to 1,000 children.
At the beginning of the school year, registered grandchildren can also receive a school bag filled with supplies.
Therapeutic Services — Grands Stepping Up also offers a trauma-based family counseling program for the grandchildren as they adjust to a new family unit.
“You need to address the children’s loss. They can’t heal without it,” Barnes explained.
How Can the Community Help?
Barnes said there are many ways community members can support Grands Stepping Up’s mission.
You can become a partner and collaborate on projects and events, become a committee member or volunteer at the pantry and other events and programs.
All donations are also greatly appreciated.
For more information about Grands Stepping Up, visit the nonprofit’s website here.
