On Sunday, September 11th, families across America celebrated Grandparents Day. Here in Brevard, over 8,500 children are currently being raised by relative caregivers, including local grandparents.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) of Brevard is a local organization that strives to provide a stable home in order to ensure permanent placement with relatives in lieu of foster care.
The organization was established in 1994 by Mary Ann Sterling, a grandmother with a vision to improve conditions for relative care families and the community who care for them. Their mission is to support relative caregivers throughout Brevard County in achieving Safety, Permanency, & Well-Being for their families through education, advocacy and community collaboration.
It is their vision that one day all children will live in a safe, loving home with relatives that will help them to develop into their full potential. Living in a place you can call home and knowing that someone will always be there for you is something everyone needs, especially children.
GRG of Brevard provides cost-free, community-based programs and services that include:
Weekly therapeutic support groups
Crisis counseling for relative caregivers
Workshops and educational programs
Advocacy on behalf of caregiver families
Community outreach and education
Recreational activities and respite
Holiday assistance
Advocacy for the rights and concerns of caregiver-headed families
Emergency resource referrals for food, clothing, and infant supplies
For additional information on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, please contact 321.631.7776, grg.brevard@gmail.com or visit their web site.