Raising a child is challenging. Doing so as a grandparent with limited resources is even more so.
The obstacles facing grandparents raising grandchildren are real, and can be overwhelming.
The lack of financial resources has far-reaching effects. Grandparents face legal issues in securing authorization for their grandchildren’s medical treatment and enrollment in school. The daily struggles associated with raising children often cause stress-related illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. The cost of treating these maladies is often too high to manage on a low income. Grandparents can receive a small Child Only Grant that barely covers the cost of basic necessities. In addition, grandchildren face emotional problems brought about by parental abandonment, abuse, death or incarceration.
With the proper support and encouragement, grandparents can overcome these hardships.
Ed’S STORY
Ed says he feels good, that he’s one of the lucky ones. “I go to meetings and see grandparents with four or five kids, and I think, I only have one!” Ed’s grandson, James, came to live with him and his wife Lillian when James was only 1 month old. Now James is an active teenager: juggling school, chores, martial arts and school plays.
Lillian works a part time job and Ed is retired. Sometimes finances have to be trimmed. Does James take a martial arts class or does he get a tutor for math?
Ed and Lillian rely on the moral and emotional support they find at Grandfamilies Program of Chicago. Talking with people who are going through the same things and facing the same challenges helps lighten the load...Ed and Lillian know they are not alone.