Families

Making the Connection Between Generations

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Would you believe there are more than 24,000 grandparents in San Diego County who have primary responsibility for meeting their grandchildren’s daily needs?

As surrogate parents, they must re-learn and navigate a complex network of health, educational and social services, often making the journey alone. As part of the Live Well, San Diego! 10-year initiative to build better health in the region, the County of San Diego’s Health & Human Services Agency, First 5 San Diego and community partners are hosting a Grandparents Raising Grandchildren event on Saturday, April 21. The event will help these families connect with the services and assistance available to them.

“These grandparents have made numerous sacrifices to provide a better life for their grandchildren,” said Greg Cox, Vice-Chairman, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “We need to make sure they are aware of and connected to all the services available to them.”

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren event will highlight the range of support services, resources, programs, benefits, laws and policies available to help grandparents successfully fulfill their care giving role. Non-grandparent relatives who are raising a relative’s children are also invited. Childcare is available upon request when registering and lunch will be provided.

The main event will be held at the Jacobs Center, 404 Euclid Avenue, San Diego from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with registration beginning at 8:00 a.m.

If the grandparents cannot get to the Jacobs Center, they may also choose to participate at regional sites around the County. The regional sites will simulcast the same keynote speakers and then host activities, talks and workshops unique to that location.

Satellite locations include:

— North County Lifeline Vista Townsite, 642 Vista Village Dr., Vista 92083. Time: Same as above

— San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, 320 N. Broadway, Escondido 92025.  Time: Same

— Norman Park Center, 270 F. St., Chula Vista 91910. Time: 9:00 a.m. to Noon

— Meridian Baptist Church, 660 S. 3rd St., El Cajon 92019. Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

Participants are encouraged to register in advance. To register, call (toll-free): 855-238-5978 or visit www.211sandiego.org/grandparents.

Tom Christensen is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact