CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Grandparents raising grandchildren around the state will have the opportunity to receive resources and support on Saturday.
The City of Charleston’s Coordinated Addiction Response Effort (CARE) and the West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute (WV DII) at the University of Charleston are hosting a “Grandfamilies” event at the North Charleston Community Center, giving families affected by the opioid crisis a helping hand.
“We are really excited about the opportunity to meet with grandparents in the community and provide them with resources, but there will also be some surprises available to celebrate the great work they are doing,” Dr. Susan Bissett, President of WV DII said.
The event that is open to the public runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. will feature resources and demonstrations for grandparents while grandchildren participate in activities. Demonstrations include a car seat installation demonstration by the Charleston Police Department and a fire safety course for kids by the Charleston Fire Department.
Presentations will include medication safety and information about local after school programs.
“I think it’s important to celebrate them,” Bissett said. “Also provide them with community connections and resources that can help them be more successful as they are navigating through the school system, pediatricians, travel, sports, and all kinds of things that come with raising small children.”
West Virginia State University will provide information about their Grandfamilies Program which includes educational sessions about communications, health literacy/self-care, legal issues, school programming and more, according to a release by the City of Charleston.
There will also be time for grandparents facing similar situations to connect and bond, which Bissett said is just as important.
“Individuals who are experiencing similar things like kinship care or raising grandchildren have the opportunity to interact with others who are doing the same thing,” Bissett said. “They can share their stories of challenges as well as stories of success and joy.”