New resource group 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren' will start up in December
New resource group Grandparents Raising Grandchildren will meet Dec. 8.
Organizer Elizabeth McKinnon-Smith said the faith-based group will provide opportunities for networking, advocacy and development for older adults who find themselves the primary caregivers for their grandchildren. McKinnon-Smith, 60, is the primary caregiver for three of her grandchildren. She and her husband have also adopted a child from India.
"It's not a bad life; it's just different," she said.
McKinnon-Smith and her husband thought they would someday retire to Edisto Beach, but then their circumstances changed and they found themselves raising children all over again. They're not alone.
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, approximately 3 million children are being raised by their grandparents. Over the past 10 years, the number of grandparents who are primary caregivers for their grandchildren has risen 8 percent.
She can't let herself go, McKinnon-Smith jokes, not with an 8-year-old in the house.
"I'm 60. I've got to be in shape," she said.
Children are welcome at the first group meeting Dec. 8. Refreshments will be provided.
"We're going to network to find things we need, raise awareness, do activities and we'll have professional speakers in the future," said McKinnon-Smith.
The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in room 201 of Millbrook Baptist Church's education building.
For more information, call (404) 518-4150.
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