Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group is an opportunity for grandparents to meet others in the same situation. The group, facilitated by a staff member, provides a peer environment and the opportunity to share experiences and learn new parenting skills. The grandparents have shared questions, concerns and information.

United Services started the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program to provide support and to help grandparents who were raising their grandchildren due to unfortunate circumstances. We saw the need to assist the grandparents in dealing with the isolation, challenges and frustrations of parenting at a later stage in their lives.

The groups currently meet for an hour and a half once a month. In addition to providing much-needed social support, informational topics are discussed in the groups. These have included: parenting issues, self esteem, grief and loss, child development and legal issues.

While the grandparents are attending the group, the grandchildren are engaged in activities with childcare providers. Childcare is provided without charge and there is also a children’s activity group. The children’s activities are geared to help the children feel better about themselves and develop peer relationships that help to normalize their situation. The childcare can also serve as a respite for grandparents. Refreshments are provided for all.

Eligibility: Any grandparent raising a grandchild.

Funding is provided in part by the SBM Charitable Foundation and community contributions.

Martha Harrison, MA, Manager

303 Putnam Road
Wauregan, CT 06387
T: 860.564.6100
F: 860.564.6110

Fourth Wednesday of the Month
5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
First Congregational Church
199 Valley Street
Willimantic

Support Groups

Second Tuesday of the Month
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Danielson Community Center
185 Broad Street
Danielson