Are you a grandparent raising a grandchild?  Do you know a grandparent raising a grandchild? If so, you are not alone.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau there are over 5,000 grandparents in Alaska raising more than 8,500 grandchildren without either biological parent present.  Grandparents find themselves in the role of primary caregiver for their grandchildren, but many are without adequate financial resources, energy or support. Throughout Alaska there are opportunities to meet and connect with other grandparents raising grandchildren. 

Grandparents: share stories, joys, struggles, successes, ideas, and support one another through both the easy and the hard times. Enjoy these services.

• Anchorage Monthly Support Group - the last Tuesday of each month from 6:30 - 8:00pm at Volunteers of America: 1675 C. Street, Anchorage, AK.  Childcare provided. 
• Grands’ Brunch, a monthly event sponsored by local churches on a Saturday morning, provides families a complementary meal and fellowship. Childcare and craft activities available for children after brunch. Contact Linda Price at 522-9866 for date, location and time.
• MatSu Valley Support Group - the third Tuesday of the month from 11:00am to 12:30pm at Wasilla Early Learning Center: 2100 E. Foundry Way, Wasilla. Childcare is provided only if you call ahead: 373-7795.
• Communities wishing to establish a Grandfamilies Support Group may contact Linda Price at (1-888-522-9866) for resources to aid in the process.
• Support, information and resource referrals can be accessed by calling the toll-free warm-line at 1-888-522-9866. Calls will be answered or returned as soon as possible Monday through Friday.
• A free, eight-page monthly newsletter is available state-wide with information pertaining to the unique aspects of parenting a second family. Also available electronically to helping agencies. Contact Linda Price at 1-888-522-9866 to be added to the mailing list.
• Respite Funds for grandparents (age 55 years or older) raising grandchildren full-time in Alaska are available on a first come, first serve basis. These limited funds help grandparents secure a short break from the rigors of caring for grandchildren.
• Grandchildren ages 7-11 whose parents struggle (or have struggled) with substance abuse are invited to attend Volunteers of America's summer prevention camp: Camp Hope. This camp offers practical life skills, hope, and resources for young children in a traditional camp setting. Contact Trish Smith for more information at 279-9646.
• A lending library is available state-wide with information relevant to grandparents raising grandchildren, grandchildren, and professionals who work with these "grand" families.  Topics include substance abuse, attachment disorders, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, parenting, fun activities, fictional children's/youth stories and others.
• Through the RSVP's Project Warm-Up, there are also free child-sized knitted hats, mittens, and scarves for grandfamilies unable to afford warm winter gear. Available statewide.
• Training and technical assistance is available to any individual or organization interested in facilitating support for grandparents raising grandchildren.

For additional information on any of the programs or events listed, call the toll-free warmline at 1-888-522-9866. In Anchorage call 522-9866.

Linda Price
Grandfamilies Network Project

1675 C Street, Ste. 201
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Tel: (888) 522-9866
Fax: (907) 276-5489