By Matt Marn
West Valley, AZ – Grandparents’ Day is a time to recognize grandparents and their contribution to our lives. For some, that recognition comes with the acknowledgement that the grandparent is the primary caregiver for the grandchild.
Benevilla Family Resource Center’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program offers help to grandparents, teaching them to better care for their grandchildren, empowering and educating them.
Some grandparents may feel intimidated by the legal, school and medical issues that face this family dynamic. Teaching them to be their own advocates and to learn as much about the issues as they can truly makes a difference.
“When I meet with other grandparents like me and trade experiences, we all gain perspective; we gain knowledge,” said one grandparent in the group. “It’s nice to hear someone else tell us we are on the right track. There’s so much pushing against them – schools, families, doctors, the legislature. It comforts me, hearing others who have gone through the same thing already. And if that person can get through this, then I can, too.”
Taking in grandchildren sometimes causes tension with the parents. There are countless reasons why the transition may be needed, but grandparents fear the conflict it may cause in the family and the possible stigma from those who do not know the full reasons or jump to assumptions. This can lead to the grandparents growing isolated.
“There’s a lot of stress in our families, and we lose friends,” one member said. “This is a great opportunity to be with other grandparents, and the kids – many of them with special needs – can be around other kids and feel more comfortable.”
A major benefit of the group is the wide range of resources it offers the grandparents and grandchildren.
“It came in handy for me,” said Maureen, a group member caring for a young grandson. “It was still in the beginning of the transition, and I had never been through something like that before. The courts were very confusing, and I spent a lot of time researching and trying to find help. As soon as the facilitator got up there, we were among the first grandparents to join the group.”
Maureen said the information and support offered by the Benevilla group is nothing short of phenomenal. “It’s like a family. And there is no judging in this group – just the opposite. Without this group, some grandparents would be lost.”
Together, the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren group helps each other – and grandparents everywhere – provide a safe, loving home for their grandchildren.
Benevilla’s Family Resource Center is open 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Monday through Friday at Benevilla’s main campus, located at the Hellen & John M. Jacobs Independence Plaza, 16752 N. Greasewood Street in Surprise. The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program support groups meet in various locations throughout the West Valley. For times or more information, please call 623-207-6016.
Started by the community and for the community in 1981, Benevilla is a not-for-profit human services agency dedicated to enhancing the lives of West Valley residents by providing care services for older adults, intellectually disabled adults, children, and families. Services are provided through a dedicated group of staff and volunteers. For more information on services and volunteer opportunities, call 623-584-4999 or visit www.benevilla.org.
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