Grandparents raising 3 boys and struggling.

I am the step grandfather and a full time student. Since I am a C.O.D.A. (Child Of Deaf Adults), I decided to go back to school and major in Deaf Studies and Interpretering.

I am not sure what I am suppose to wirite; I feel wierd posting this about my family.

When the economy went bad and the job market along with it, I went back to college to better my chances in the work force. Everything was going great until my wife lost her job to the decline in the economy. Now we live off of her unemployment and no one wants to work around my school hours. Chirstmas is right around the corner and the boys are not getting much. My Christmas wish is that my family will make it for another year because I know after I graduate, we should have it much easier.

Any way, Its Christmas and you all really don't want to hear about someone's problems. I do not want to make anyone's Christmas any more depressing than what it needs to be.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

AZcoda

So many families are in need this year. I thought I would never see myself in this position,but I trust and believe that help is on the way. And remember to be thankful and to give thanks.Pray without ceasing.I use to think how can a grandparent let her granchildren go into the foster system and then become foster parent of their own blood with no legal rights .After reading some articles on the kinship sight I now see why.This way they can get an income  so they can feed and clothe their grandchildren. A lot of these grandparents are quite elderly and are surely on fixed incomes.I was selfish,and apologize and hope and pray that each one of you will recieve some type of assistance that will be very beneficial to you,wether you are a grandparent or single parent or just someone in need of assistance. Mable

Many people are caring for a relative's child: Aunts and uncles caring for neices and nephews, grandparents caring for grandchildren, etc...

Our legal system is complex enough in for a traditional family in need, trying to get kinship assistance can be next to impossible!

I have found a site (courtesy of the American Bar Association) that can shed some light on the issues you are facing. 

KINSHIP CARE LEGAL RESEARCH CENTER

I am a 31 year old single mom.Who's party days and always able to keep a vehicle are just memories.I've had to become more grounded now with finances.Because of the consumption of needs & necessecities.I have five children ages;3,5,7,10,14.That were products of a 9.5 yr. fatasy and a 6.5 yr dream that was cheep to purchase for a fool in love.I am sole care provider for my 70 year old grandmother.I am not burdened.In fact we all pray for a vehicle so tht we can go back to family day out.Grandma misses going to the grocery store.Now I always end up catching a ride from friends and family that really dont see why the kids need to go.I am shocked and appauled that trying to break the pattern of parents failing their children that started with my generation around 76',77',and trying to keep grandma's wonderful kids from putting her back in a home,that there are little to no programs or grants for single moms,or the reverse "grandchildren raising grandparents.So what do you do?Pray and keep the faith.

                                                                                                Signed,

These grandparents have taken on the responsibility of caring for their grandchildren, and usually have stretched their financial resources beyond their meager means to assume expenses for these unplanned additions to their household.

With the recent budget cuts that have been imposed from the State, Kids Central struggles for innovative ways to continue to serve and support these grandparents whose selflessness cause thousands of children to remain out of the child welfare system. 

I am wondering if there are any agencies offering grants to help us provide Christams gifts for the families that we serve, and help Kids Central to make a difference in these children’s lives. 

My dream is that on Christmas day, 2008, the grandparents of 500 children will see little faces of joy when they learn that Santa Claus came to their house for Christmas.

Will you please help us help our seniors? 

I can be contracted at barbara.myshrall@kidscentralinc.org