Louisiana's Senate Concurrent Resolution 17 is shining a spotlight on the vital role of grandparents raising grandchildren, as it celebrates the 29th Annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Conference. Introduced by Senator Barrow and Representative McFarland, the resolution honors the founders, Dot Thibodeaux and Danna Spayde, for their unwavering commitment to supporting "grandfamilies" across the state.

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) initiative began in 1993, sparked by a conversation between Thibodeaux, who was raising her grandson, and Spayde, a social worker. What started as a small support group in Baton Rouge has blossomed into a statewide conference that provides essential resources, workshops, and community connections for over 55,000 grandparents in Louisiana who are stepping up to care for their grandchildren.

This year’s conference not only highlights the challenges faced by these caregivers—often navigating financial and emotional hurdles—but also celebrates their resilience and dedication. The resolution underscores the importance of community support, emphasizing that these grandparents are not alone in their journey.

As the conference approaches, it serves as a reminder of the significant contributions of grandfamilies and the need for continued advocacy and resources to support them. With the resolution now in place, Louisiana lawmakers are poised to further recognize and address the unique challenges faced by these families, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs met.