Change starts here.
Change starts here.
Many seniors who have budgeted for life on a pension are rethinking their retirement plans. As many as 65,000 children in Canada are being raised by their grandparents.
“Things have changed since I was a parent,” says Patti, a full-time caregiver to her two and a half year old granddaughter.
Patti attends the United Way of the Lower Mainland supported Grandparent Connections program at North Shore Neighbourhood House in North Vancouver. The program offers grandparents who are caring for their grandchildren a place to share their thoughts and concerns and gain advice.
“I don’t have anyone in my life that I can connect with now I am a full-time parent again. When I come to Grandparent Connections, it’s great to be able to talk,” she says.
A 20-year job ended recently. Patti was also faced with the challenge of taking care of her granddaughter, Makenna. She spent all of her time with Makenna. It was during this time that she met Carol Lundrigan, program coordinator at Grandparent Connections.
Carol was able to establish the program with an Innovations Grant from United Way of the Lower Mainland. “Without United Way this program would not exist”, she says.
The group meets for two hours every Thursday at John Braithwaite Community Centre. Sitting around a cosy fire sharing and listening, it is clear to see the bond that has developed between these grandparents. Carol answers any questions and offers her expert advice, connecting them to vital resources.
“We talk about the issues, like, how to support grandchildren without undermining their parents – that’s a big one – and finances, and answer questions like, ‘Should I adopt my grandchild?’ ” Carol explains.
It is not only the adults that benefit. The children get to spend time with their peers; playing and learning under the supervision of trained early childhood educators. Patti’s friends do not have young children and so Makenna spends a lot of time around adults. At Grandparent Connections, Makenna is making new friends her own age and Patti sees a change in her for the better.
In her previous job at the bank, Patti was an active participant in an annual United Way fundraising campaign.
“I heard story after story over the years from people helped by United Way that were sure they would never need the services, but were so thankful,” she recalls. “I also thought I would never need your help, but here I am. Thank you to United Way for the support that has made this program possible.”
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