Kinship caregiving support

Dear Doris,

My husband and I are raising our two grandchildren due to unforeseen family circumstances. We both work full time, and summer will be challenging when the kids are out of school. We’d like to send them to summer camp, even if it’s at least for one week. Can you point me in the direction of some financial and supportive resources?

Thank you,

Cindy and Lou

Cindy and Lou!

Thanks so much for reaching out. My heart goes out to you and your family, whatever the circumstances that bring grandchildren into a grandparent home, are never easy or uncomplicated. I commend you for asking for guidance and assistance, so many do not.

Here in New York State the first step is always to contact the Kinship Navigator Program in your community. navigator@nysnavigator.org or call directly at 877-454-6463. They can guide you on what is available locally.

If you are connected to the court system and to Child Protective services, absolutely reach out to the children’s case manager and tell that you need extra assistance for the summer months. I too walked in your shoes and my granddaughter was able to spend summers in wonderful camps, that gave her happy and productive experiences and allowed me to continue to work and even get a little time for myself.

NYSCRC offers a Voucher program that can help pay for respite, classes for the kids or summer camps. The Voucher amount $600, but in your case, you would be eligible for $900. All the information is available on our website at https://www.nyscrc.org/respite-voucher-program. The program manager is Rebecca, and she can be reached at 585-287-6391.

Breathe through the tough moments and hold onto the joyous ones that can only come from loving your grandkids.

Peace and best wishes for a positive outcome.

Doris