G.a.P. (Grandparents as Parents) Support Group is a unique array of kinship caregivers; mainly grandmothers who are raising their grandchildren. These brave and courageous individuals come together twice a month as a support group. The purpose of this support group is to strengthen the support systems for these caregivers and at the same time decrease social isolation. The caregiver is presented with ongoing tools to better parent these grandchildren as well as encouragement to maintain their own health.

Description:
Grandparents as Parents support group meets twice a month on every 2nd and 4th Tuesday from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at the Rainier Community Center Seattle, Washington, 98118. These meetings give the grandparent an opportunity to connect with others in the same or similar situation and that is raising grandchildren. The first (2nd Tuesday) meeting of the month is usually described as an open meeting (without a professional speaker). This allows the caregiver an opportunity to vent their frustrations, share different stories, plan for special events and do social outings. The second (4th Tuesday) meeting is when a professional speaker come to the group to bring us update as to whats going on with kinship care on a national level, educate the group regarding school, mental health and legal issues surrounding these children. Referrals and assistance is offered at that time for financial assistance, food,utilities, mental health and ongoing support. This group is registered with the state of Washington as a non-profit. G.a.P. operates at this date solely on donations and volunteers. We do know that it does take a village to raise a child and continue to look to the community for financial support and volunteers.

History:
G.a.P. (Grandparents as Parents) support group came about due to the need for kinship caregivers to have an opportunity to come together and connect with others in the same or similar situation - parenting their grandchildren. Due to a collaborated efforts of several individuals though the community could be better served by starting an evening support group for grandmothers and other kinship caregivers who are raising their grandchildren. There were other kinship support groups in the city that met each week and met during the day. This created a hardship for still a lot of grandparents and other kinship caregivers because a lot of caregivers works outside of the home during those groups hours. We started in June 2001 as a beneficiary of a mini grant through the city of Seattle Aging and Disabilities with a total of (9) grandmothers present. To date G.a.P. has grown to (25) grandmothers attending these meetings on a regular basis with approximately (60) grandchildren coming to the meetings with them. While the caregivers are attending group the children between the ages of 3-11 are being entertained through storytime, tutoring and entertainment. G.a.P continues to grow and make great strides in making social connections and advocating for their rights as kinship caregivers. This group have become more vocal in focus group issues and community meeting surrounding kinship care issues and making public appearances. Our grandmothers have been spotlighted in the Seattle Times, Seattle Post Intelligencier and on KOMO TV Channel 4 as well as community newspapers. This group has sponsored and hosed a Christmas Party (2) years in a row for over 75 grandparents and 200 grandchildren. Over (20) Thanksgiving baskets have been donated to other grandparents through this program that are raising grandchildren. The group outreach person make referrals on a daily basis for kinship caregivers in need of financial assistance for food, energy and shelter, mental health, school related and legal issues. We look forward to the future and touching the lives of all caregivers as well as making the community more aware of this epidemic.

Contact person: Indiana Allen, Group Facilitator and Outreach Specialist, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (425) 277-7748

Address:

4600 38th Avenue Seattle, WA 98118 This location is handicap accessible (See a map)

Web Site: None specified

Directions:

We meet at the Rainier Comunity Center 4600 38th Avenue South Seattle, Washington 98118. From I-5 take MLK Jr., Way to Alaska cross Rainier Avenue to 38th Ave. South. The center sits on the corner of 38th. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: #7, #9 #48, 5minutes minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers?
	Yes
Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18?
	Yes