Nationwide, 7.8 million children are being raised by grandparents or other relative caregivers. Here is what our resident Kinship Navigator, Rosemary Nugent, has to say about the program:
Although I wear many hats, “blogger” isn’t one of them, so bear with me! My name is Rosemary Nugent and the most important hat, which I wear with pride, is that of “Mimi” to our 13-year-old grandson. My husband and I have been raising him since birth and we are what is known as a “grandfamily” or kinship caregivers. A kinship caregiver can be a grandparent, an aunt, uncle, or really any family relative caring for a child.
I work at the Grapevine as the Kinship Navigator, assisting other kinship families. My role has become very important in this day and age. Unless you are a part of it you would have no idea how prevalent it has become. As Kinship Navigator, I help other kinship families work through all of the unknowns – medical insurance, financial assistance, paperwork for resources, court filings, respite care, and child care.
I think the most important resource I can give is moral support from one who has been on the path from the beginning. I make weekly check-in calls to see how the families are doing and have formed close relationships. Through the program, we were able to get full scholarships for five children to attend camp this summer and assist with food, gas, clothing, and other essentials.
If you know anyone who might benefit from this program, please call the Grapevine or email me at rosemaryn@grapevinenh.org.
