Grandparent Connection is a program from the Senior Advocate's office that offers a monthly support group and resources for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Our support group is non-threatening and non-judgmental. We offer complete confidentiality and a safe place to come and talk, cry or just listen. Come and share your experiences and concerns. The program is free and open to any grandparent (or other relative raising a child) in the area. Grandparent Connection meets on the first Thursday of each month from 4:15 to 6:00 p.m. at the Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court Building, 7000 Lucy Corr Boulevard, Chesterfield. 

With the story on our grandparent group located at: http://wtvr.com/2012/02/21/the-rise-in-numbers-of-grandparents-raising-grandchildren/ 
Story title: The rise in numbers of grandparents raising grandchildren
Posted on: 9:53 pm, February 21, 2012, by Alix Bryan and Reba Hollingsworth, updated on: 01:14am, February 27, 2012

"We've gotten a lot of calls from grandparents who are raising their grandchildren," Senior Advocate Debbie Leidheiser said. "They want some support, and they want to meet other grandparents who are in the same situation. They want to know what resources and benefits might be available, and also about any activities they can participate in with other grandparents and their grandchildren."

The monthly meetings will be co-facilitated by Betty Ford, a retired Chesterfield County school teacher who, with her husband, is raising her 7-year-old grandson.

"Grandparents can feel kind of isolated in this situation," Ford said. "It can be a lonely place when people your age are doing other things. They're retiring or they're empty nesters. My thought was to reach out so people could share their concerns with others who are going through the same thing."

A benefit of the program will be free, on-site child care during the meetings. Refreshments also will be provided for children and grandparents.

To find out more about Grandparent Connection, call Debbie Leidheiser at 804-768-7878 or email her at Leidheiserd@chesterfield.gov 

Web based resources for grandparents

Programs and articles on grandparents raising grandchildren - www.usa.gov/Topics/Grandparents.shtml 

AARP’s guide to resources for grandparents - www.grandparents.com/gp/content/expert-advice/legal/article/the-grandparens-guide-to-legal-resources.html 

Grandparents raising grandchildren internet resources - www.raisingyourgrandchildren.com/Internet_Resources.htm 

Virginia Department for the Aging resources - www.vda.virginia.gov/kinshipcare.asp 

The Brookdale Foundation - www.brookdalefoundation.org/RAPP/rapp.html