Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Social Services Grandfamilies topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board acknowledges Healthy Grandfamilies program, dozens of volunteers and partners
Summary
Board members and community partners recognized the Healthy Grandfamilies program, which provides social work support and educational sessions to grandparents raising grandchildren; organizers said the program has served about 50 participants and will begin its 13th session on March 4.
The Harrison County Board of Education recognized the Healthy Grandfamilies program on Feb. 18, highlighting partners, volunteers and plans for an upcoming session that organizers say supports grandparents raising grandchildren.
Program organizers said the initiative began in fall 2017 and held its first session in spring 2018; they plan Session 13 to start March 4. The program combines a full-time social-work component with educational sessions on topics such as financial literacy, nutrition, navigating the school system and technology.
A presenter said the program has served “close to 50 participants” over the years and described a network of community partners, including Family Services of Marion and Harrison Counties, United Way, WVU Extension Services and local businesses that have provided meals and volunteer help. The presenter described the social worker’s role: meeting with grandparents, assessing urgent needs and connecting families to resources such as United Way 2-1-1.
United Way Executive Director Martin Howe was introduced at the meeting and cited the organization’s support. The board also thanked a long list of volunteers and student helpers who assisted with events such as a recent holiday luncheon.
Organizers said the program includes two components: a social-work case-management function and an educational/resource component. Topics added over time include financial literacy to help grandparents manage additional household expenses; presenters named in the discussion included school employees and county service providers.
The recognition was ceremonial; no formal board action or vote was recorded. Organizers invited partners and volunteers forward for photographs and thanked All Saints Church for donating event space when the program’s usual venue became unavailable.
Details provided by presenters included the planned March 4 session start date and an estimate of roughly 50 participants served since the program began.
