TOLEDO, Ohio — The number of grandparents and older adults raising children continues to climb, according to the Area Office on Aging (AOoA). In light of this increase, the organization has developed a program to support caregivers and build strong foundations for the children.
This program, called the Kinship Navigator Program, has the last of its summer series workshops and information sessions on July 29. The entirely cost-free program will take place at Bowsher High School on Arlington Avenue from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is open to all kinship caregivers of all ages who live in Lucas County.
The series offers guidance to families that need help getting resources. This includes information on custody and guardianship, public benefits for caregivers, child support, mindful parenting and more.
These resources will be provided by multiple Lucas County agencies, including Lucas County Children Services, Lucas County Juvenile Court, Legal Aid of Western Ohio, as well as local schools and first responders.
Marsha Rose, an AOoA supervisor for the program, said Kinship Navigator aims to provide multiple kinds of support.
"We're here to provide support on an on-going basis," Rose said. "As the needs of the caregivers change, we're there throughout that journey. Not only to provide moral support, but also hard resources and referrals for food, clothing, housing, transportation and mental health services."
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The events will also include children's activities and refreshments.
"Some of the stuff that they (the Kinship Program) have was able to help me do better," said Rosalind Huggins, a grandparent and the guardian of four young children. "It is a lot of work, but I'd rather do it than have somebody else do it."
To register for the event, call 419-382-0624, ext. 1175.
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