Grandfamilies Program of Chicago is comprised of a network of support services that have been selected to meet the unique needs of grandparents raising grandchildren. Assistance and counseling regarding financial burdens, medical issues, utility costs, housing, childcare, and employment are a few of the areas covered.
Empowerment Network- Monthly grandparent support groups that provide information, education, training, a support system and balance.
- Information and assistance for referrals and support programs available in the community and city.
- Family Resource Library
- Referrals to service providers for counseling, legal and comprehensive services
- Social activities for grandparents and grandchildren.
- Helping grandparents make ends meet
coNsulting
Educate. Inform. Advocate.
In addition to the services that Grandfamilies offers to grandparents and grandchildren, Linette Kinchen (founder of Grandfamilies) helps develop new and existing support groups. Linette frequently holds workshops, provides training, and gives lectures to organizations that offer services to grandparents raising grandchildren.
Consulting Assistance Network
2003: Drafted the Chicago Department on Aging (CDoA) Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Initiative.
2003-2005: Revamped SE Atlas Grandparent Support Group.
2003: Developed and facilitated five regional Grandparent Forums for CDoA.
2004: Co-sponsored 1st annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Conference with CDoA at South Shore Cultural Center.
2004-2005: GRG-Active Member of CDoA’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Advisory Council’s Planning Committee.