Support group there for grandparents raising their children's children

Jackie Bridges

Sep. 2, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- SHELBY --The Broad River Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group began as a response to a need in Cleveland County, where approximately 1,200 grandparents are caring for their grandchildren, according to the Cleveland County Department of Social Services.

Former DSS Director John Wasson asked Fonda Cromer, who retired from DSS in 2005, to come back in March 2006 and work part time to develop a network of resources for grandparents and other relatives raising someone else's children.

After talking with the families, Ms. Cromer conducted a survey and found that many were interested in support group meetings.

"Rutherford County has a support group and we met with them," Ms. Cromer said. "I talked to Nancy Abasiekong at the Cooperative Extension Office. We couldn't have done this without all of the other agencies' involvement. They have been great."

Cleveland County DSS and the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service are the coordinating agencies for the Broad River Support Group Program. The Advisory Board includes an attorney, a grandparent and an aunt and representatives from Developmental Evaluation Center (DEC), Alliance for Health, Cleveland County Schools, Cleveland Regional Medical Center (CRMC), N.C. Partnership for Children, Cleveland County Faith and Health Ministry, Child Care Connections, Area Agency on Aging Isothermal Planning and Development, Greater Cleveland County Baptist Association and Dover Foundation YMCA.

Board members help plan informative, educational and fun programs and volunteer to help with child care.

Guest speakers at the support group meetings have talked about crisis intervention, community helping agencies, children with ADHD, working with the child's school, summer safety and family law. Rep. Tim Moore attended a meeting to hear the grandparents concerns and to discuss grandparents' rights.

While the adults are meeting, the children meet in a separate area to work on homework, make crafts or participate in other activities.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0253-27820364