Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Brevard County, Florida

EDITOR’S NOTE: Each week, we’ll feature intergenerational program ideas that were tried and successful. This series is a tool to highlight various age-optimized programs and practices. The program descriptions are provided by representatives of the programs. Inclusion in this series does not imply Generations United’s endorsement or recommendation, but rather encourages ideas to inspire other programs.

In part 19 of our series, we feature Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Brevard County, Florida, which was established in 1994.

(Check our archives for parts 1-18.)

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Brevard County, FL was founded by a grandmother with a vision to improve conditions for relative care families and the community who care for them.

The mission of GRG of Brevard is to provide advocacy, support, and referral to relative care families throughout Brevard County. Our vision is that one day all children will live in a safe loving home with relatives that will help them to develop into their full potential. Living in a place you can call home and knowing that someone will always be there for you is something everyone needs, especially children.

There are over 8,500 children living in relative care families in Brevard County. Everyday GRG of Brevard receives a call for help from a family in crisis.

The Child First Program creates a menu of services based on the needs of each family that include advocacy, counseling, training, legal and financial assistance, recreational activities, and holiday assistance.

The goal is to ensure permanent placement with relatives in lieu of foster care; address special needs of children being raised by relative caregivers; advocate for relative caregivers and raise awareness of their needs as well as their contribution.

Got something cool you tried that was successful? Why not tweet your cool intergenerational ideas to #cooligideas? You can also post them to our Intergenerational Connections Facebook Group or just text us through the Facebook Messenger app (friend me to join our Cool Intergenerational Ideas group discussion). We want to highlight innovative age-optimized programs and practices through our blog, social media and weekly e-newsletter! Share the inspiration.