Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group Kicks Off in Franklin

A new support group for grandparents raising grandchildren is launching in Franklin this April. A collaboration with the SAFE Coalition and the Hockomock Area YMCA, the group provides information, resources, and support for grandparents and kinship caregivers. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren begins on Wednesday, April 10 from 6:30 – 7:30 PM and the group will meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month moving forward.

The program is being offered at the Bernon Family Branch of the Hockomock Area YMCA at 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin. It will be an ideal forum for a group of people with common experiences or concerns to provide support, compassion, comfort and understanding, encouragement, and advice to each other on issues affecting grandparents and all relatives raising grandchildren. All area residents from surrounding communities are welcome to participate in this free program.

“In meeting and talking with constituents throughout the district, I have encountered many grandparents who have taken on the role as the primary caregiver for their grandchildren and who are looking for additional support and encouragement,” noted Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). “This group will show them that they are not alone and that there are many families in our area that share their experience. It’s great to once again have the SAFE Coalition and the Hockomock Area YMCA as partners in dealing with the fallout from the disease of addiction, and we are grateful for the fact that they are providing a forum for help, compassion, and guidance.”

The group will be facilitated by Meredith Poulten, a school counselor, social worker and member of the SAFE Coalition Board of Directors. “I am proud that the SAFE Coalition is able to partner with the Hockomock Area YMCA in providing a new approach to aiding those effected by substance use disorder,” said Jennifer Knight, President of the SAFE Coalition. “Grandparents raising grandchildren has been an underserved population and this style of community collaboration only enhances options for healing and for families as a whole to gain support.”

Light refreshments will be provided and child care at the Y is available for the meeting. Please contact the Y in advance if child care is needed 508-528-8708. For more information on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, email Meredith Poulten at mpoulten@verizon.net.

About the Hockomock Area YMCA:
Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.


A collaboration with the SAFE Coalition and the Hockomock Area YMCA
A collaboration with the SAFE Coalition and the Hockomock Area YMCA

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