West Virginia State University (WVSU) will launch a new series of its Healthy Grandfamilies initiative, specifically targeting grandfathers who are raising one or more of their grandchildren, Monday, April 16, from noon to 2:30 p.m. at the Roxalana Annex in Dunbar.
With West Virginia currently tied for second in the nation in the percent of grandchildren being raised by grandparents, the program, which consists of a series of informational discussion sessions and follow-up support, traditionally targets all grandparents. However, organizers identified a high number of grandfathers raising their grandchildren alone and have altered the program to meet their unique needs.
“We have a large number of grandfathers here in Kanawha County who are caring for their grandchildren, and we wanted to adapt Healthy Grandfamilies to help ensure they have the information, education and support that they need,” said Bonnie Dunn, an extension specialist with WVSU Extension Service who leads the discussion sessions.
The program consists of a series of sessions focusing on topics such as communications, technology, social media, nutrition, legal issues, stress management, navigating the public school system, 21st Century parenting and more. Participants are provided three months of free follow-up services with a licensed social worker. Such services include assistance with locating community resources, confidential help in meeting unique family needs and advocacy services.
While the program is free to attend, registration is required. To register, contact Yvonne Lee, the program’s lead social worker, at (304) 766-3098 or yvonne.lee@wvstateu.edu.
The Roxalana Annex is located at the Roxalana Hills Apartments, 1004 Lower Midway Drive in Dunbar.
Healthy Grandfamilies is a collaboration between WVSU’s Department of Social Work and WVSU Extension Service and is funded by the USDA’s Capacity Building Grants Program, Award No. 2015-38821-24374.
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