A Great Start!

By Gloria Sanchez, GRANDcares Site Coordinator, Adams County

Recently established in the Denver North Metro Area, Adams County is the home of the  GRANDcares Project’s second Colorado site.  We are really excited about bringing the  Powerful Tools for Caregivers - Grandfamilies class and other resources to our grandparent community.   Our goal is to provide the class and training to as many grandfamilies as possible, and we were able to start our first Powerful Tools for Caregivers - Grandfamilies class on April 5th, 2017!

In order to plan this first class, we worked closely with various community agencies and organizations involved in kinship care throughout the community.  The support that we found from other kinship organizations was amazing!  They helped with everything from providing space, to referrals, to allowing us to visit their kinship groups, and in the end, we were able to recruit grandparents from different parts of the county and the surrounding cities!  

Our first cohort met every Wednesday morning for 6 weeks, and it was a remarkably engaging and delightful group.  Together we talked about the many challenges that grandparents  face when they become the primary caretakers of their grandchildren..  For example, often times, grandparents find themselves on an emotional rollercoaster, unable to identify how they really feel, or they find that making important decisions and having difficult conversations can be very stressful.  Taking on new and different roles and responsibilities can also quickly become burdensome, and overwhelming.  This can all easily lead to losing sight of oneself and not communicating one’s feelings and needs, hence burning out.

During our 6 weeks together, we also learned various stress-management tools, emphasizing and practicing the importance of taking care of us.  We were optimistic when we expressed and learned from our emotions, set goals and put our Action Plans into effect, and utilized our effective communication strategies.   My co-facilitator, Ana Bustillos and myself were very blessed with the commitment, dedication, willingness, interaction, and responsiveness of the participants of the first Adams County Cohort.  We are very satisfied with the outcome of this first cohort and eager to start registration for the Fall groups and those that will follow.  

All in all, we are off to a great start!

Larimer County Summer Resources for Grandfamilies

By Jana Carson, GRANDcares Site Coordinator, Larimer County

The GRANDcares Project is working to update and increase the amount of resources that we have to offer grandparents raising grandchildren.  During this process, we at the Larimer County office have discovered a few great resources for grandparents to utilize, especially over the summer when grandchildren are out of school.  Some of the following programs are ongoing while others are specific events.  Some of the programs geared towards grandfamilies while others are open to children from all family situations.  We hope that this list will be helpful for grandfamilies, providing fun for grandchildren and respite for grandparents.  Feel free to contact us if you have any questions!

Fundango through Kids at Heart
This program provides low-cost respite care for foster, kinship, and adoptive families.  They host regular three-hour events where children can go play games, make crafts, and have fun.  They also provide a camp once a year.  For more information, go to their website at www.kidsatheartfundango.org

Nature Rides with the Growing Project and Kids at Heart
Three free events for children 7-13 years old.  Children bike along the Poudre River and learn about the natural areas in Fort Collins.  (Particiants can bring their own bike or use one of the bikes provided.)You can register here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080949aba82fa2ff2-nature

Colorado Respite Coalition
This organization provides vouchers for families (including grandfamilies) to use for respite services.  Currently in Larimer County, the voucher is accepted at Respite Inc. which provides respite for grandchildren with disabilities.  Go here to fill out an application: http://coloradorespitecoalition.org/resources/family/respite-vouchers.php

Laramie River Valley Rendezvous
This organization offers a free, week-long camp for at-risk youth ages 13 – 16 years old. During the week, youth participate in hiking, biking, horseback riding, and white water rafting.  Afterwards, the youth participate in a 10-week mentoring program which emphasized community involvement through service, academic achievement, and life skills training. The camp takes place from July 10 – 15, so head to the website ASAP to sign up: www.LRVR.org

Salvation Army Wilderness Camp
This is a free camp for anyone ages 13 to 15.  The camp runs from July 24 – 29 and still has openings.  If you are interested, email Lilia at lilia.fernandes@usw.salvationarmy.org with the name and age of your grandchild and a number to reach you.

Little People's Landing (locations in Loveland and Fort Collins)
They provide fun, themed Parent's Night Out events on different Saturdays during the month from 5:00pm to Midnight. Grandparents must register their grandchildren ahead of time. Contact Jana at jana.carson@colostate.edu for a coupon to try this resource for free.  Go to the website for more information: https://kidslovelpl.com/pno.html

BASE Camp
This organization provides full or part day childcare over the summer and during the school year.  They offer reduced fees and scholarships, and you only pay for the days you use.  Go to http://www.mybasecampkids.org/ for more information.

KidsTown
This center provides drop-in child care for $7 - $10/hour.  Contact Jana (jana.carson@colostate.edu) for a coupon good for one free hour.

GRANDcares teams participate in the CYFAR Professional Development Workshop

Last month, GRANDcares team members from Colorado State University and the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, participated in CYFAR’s Professional Development Workshop. The GRANDcares project would not be possible without the generous support from a grant from CYFAR-SCP (Children Youth and Families At Risk- Sustainable Community Projects.) GRANDcares project is a proud recipient of a CYFAR grant that will allow our programming to reach families through 2019 in both Colorado and Hawai’i states.

The CYFAR-SCP grant is on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)- National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).  This year, CYFAR commenced twenty-five years of work and community service, with programming that now reaches over 600 communities. CYFAR grants span over 47 states in the United States, with the singular goal of having a lasting impact on the children, youth, families and communities they serve.

CYFAR’s Professional Development Workshop 2017, offered a multi-disciplinary blend of workshops, speakers and presentations; focused on maximizing the success of CYFAR programs at large. GRANDcares team members were involved in a collection of classes with topics that ranged from; building community partnerships to implement evidence-based prevention programs, communication strategies for increasing program participation and best practices for collection, assessment and evaluation of program data.    

We would like to take this moment to extend our heartfelt thank you, to the people who make CYFAR-SCP funding possible for GRANDcares program and the families we serve.

                       Above: GRANDcares Team Members at CYFAR Professional Development Workshop 2017

The Importance of Self-Care

Jana Carson, GRANDcares Site Coordinator

Grandparents often report that once they start raising their grandchildren, they do not have time for themselves anymore.  Caring for themselves and doing the things they once enjoyed tend to be moved to the backburner as their lives begin to revolve around the grandchildren.  While putting grandchildren first is important, grandparents’ lack of self-care can end up being detrimental for both the grandparent and the grandchild.  Stress and negative emotions can begin to build, resulting in physically and emotionally distressed grandparents.  Unfortunately, grandchildren often feel this distress and the negativity can spill over into grandparent – grandchild interactions.  Grandchildren can become distressed as a result.

This distress helps indicate how important it is for grandparents to practice self-care.  When grandparents practice self-care, this not only benefits themselves, but the benefits often translate into better care for their grandchildren. Rather than interacting with grandchildren from a burnt-out place of frustration and exhaustion, well cared-for grandparents are able to better access and share the joy, positivity, and energy they receive from self-care when interacting with their grandchildren. 

Another way to conceptualize the importance of grandparent self-care is through the analogy of airplane oxygen masks.  On airplanes, flight attendants always state that parents should put their masks on first before assisting children with theirs.  Airlines are not suggesting that they value the lives of parents more than children, but rather, in order for us to help other people, we must make sure that we have helped ourselves first.  A parent who faints from lack of oxygen halfway through putting on their child’s mask has become unable to help both herself and the child; however, if the parent puts her mask on first, she can easily help the child.

How do we avoid getting to this negative and unhealthy place?  Or, if we’re already there, how do we move beyond it?  There are many different tools and strategies that grandparents can utilize to avoid this stress and negativity. One of the first steps is to recognize that grandparent caregivers need care too.  This recognition can help grandparents give themselves permission to seek the things they personally need to feel good without feeling guilty.  This recognition helps grandparents remember that their own needs are important too! Meeting even some of these needs can help grandparents regain some of their joy, positivity, and energy, making them feel happier and healthier.

Kinship Caregivers as Leaders

Jana Carson, GRANDcares Site Coordinator

            In January 2017, seven people attended the GRANDcares Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) Co-Leader Training in Loveland.  For two full days, participants learned how to teach the PTC – Grandfamilies curriculum. Among the seven people at the training were two very special participants: Gail Engel and Rhonda Sharp.  Gail and Rhonda are both kinship caregivers. Gail cares for her grandson and Rhonda cares for her nephews.  Both had already taken the PTC – Grandfamilies class as participants, and inspired by the class, they decided to train as facilitators to be able to teach others in similar situations. Gail and Rhonda have completed the leadership training, and now Rhonda is signed up to co-lead our next PTC – Grandfamilies class starting March 30^th.  Gail is in line to teach a future class in the fall as well.  We were so inspired by these two women that we decided to interview them about their experiences with PTC and their desire to move forward as leaders. 

Jana: Why did you decide to get trained as a PTC  – Grandfamilies co-leader?

Gail: I am so passionate about what PTC taught me.  From the very beginning, when I first learned about PTC, I thought it was something that grandparents needed.  In my job, I work with these families, and I have the experience.  I know their stories, and I could see how families could benefit from the class.

Rhonda:  I wanted to share what I learned in the class and to help other people see that they’re not alone. The class helped me a lot, and I wanted to pass it forward.

Jana: What did you learn by getting trained as a facilitator for PTC that you might not have learned as a participant?

Gail: Anytime you put your foot in the other shoe, you see a different side of something.  When I was in the class, I only took things out of the class that pertained to me, but as a leader, you realize that while it might not pertain exactly to me, it could pertain to other people. 

Rhonda: People are coming from so many different backgrounds that you have to be understanding and open.  When you’re taking the class it’s about you, but when you teach it, it’s about the people in your class.

Jana: What are your thoughts about PTC alumna getting trained in PTC and then helping to lead these classes for other grandparents?

Gail: It’s a really great thing because they understand the situation of the grandparents in the class.  One of the biggest issues grandparents face is outside people not understanding their situation.  Until you’ve walked in those shoes, you really don’t get it.  Having a grandparent leading the class helps you know that somebody else gets it.

Rhonda: I can see it being really hard in many cases for grandparents to put one more thing on their plate, but this is also really important.  Grandparents in the class can trust that the things I’m teaching work because I am there applying them to my life too.  We are the ones in the trenches, so we understand what it’s like better than anybody else.  We have practical experience with the tools and skills the class teaches, and we know what it’s really like.  When I talk about stuff, I’m actually living it too!

Jana: What do you hope that other grandparents raising grandchildren will take away from the class?

Gail: Stop blaming yourself and thinking that you’re the only one who has made these mistakes and who experiences these things.  When something goes wrong, we stick our heads in the sand and think that we have to live with it, but really I didn’t screw up, someone else did. I also hope grandparents learn that they aren’t alone and that they make friendships that they take outside the class.

Rhonda: You need support, and you’re not in this alone.  So often you feel isolated and that we don’t have anyone to support us.  We feel like we can’t really talk about it with other people because they won’t get it or they’re judging us.  But there are groups available where you can find other people who understand and who you can laugh with about your overwhelming situation.  Also, a lot of grandparents feel guilty because they feel overwhelmed and burdened---and you think you’re not supposed to feel that way about someone you love.  You can get sucked in this role of being the martyr, but rather think, “Maybe I can do this.”

Jana: What has changed for you since taking the PTC class?

Gail: Taking a nap! I gave myself permission to say to my grandson that he can play on his tablet and that I’m going to take a nap.  I gave myself permission to say it’s okay and that I don’t have to beat myself up about it.  I’m a better person because I’ve allowed myself to have my own quality time and because I’m doing something for myself.  This is Me Time, and I’m going to enjoy it.  This then gives more meaning to the other things I do. 

Rhonda: The goal I made in the class was to get my passion and joy of life back. I’m not fully there yet, but I’ve put things in motion. I used the tools from the class to get resources and get support, and I’ve got more hope that I’ll get there.  Finding a supportive community has also helped a lot.

We really appreciate Rhonda and Gail talking with us about their experiences with the PTC – Grandfamilies class, both as participants and leaders.  They are invaluable members of our team, and we appreciate their courage to lead this class and their commitment to their fellow kinship caregivers. You are in inspiration to us all!

If after reading this, you are thinking that you might be interested in leading or participating in an upcoming PTC – Grandfamilies class, please feel free to contact me (Jana Carson) by phone at 970-491-8204 or by email at Jana.Carson@colostate.edu.

Seven Easy Ways To Pump Up Your Savings

Laurel Kubin, Larimer County Extension

America Saves Week is February 27 - March 4, 2017, and in reference to this, we decided to provide you with some helpful tips for managing and saving money!

Growing a fatter savings account doesn’t need to be a pipe dream. Use these ideas to find money to save and build that savings account faster.

Send your tax refund directly to your savings account. The IRS reports the average American’s tax refund is more than $3,000. Deposit all or part of it into your savings account and watch it grow. The IRS allows direct deposits into one or more accounts, such as a checking and savings account, or into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). You can also use it to purchase up to $5,000 in Series I Savings Bonds. Be sure to avoid rapid refund loans so that all of your refund is available to you to spend or save.

Pay off high-interest debt. Once you reduce your debts, especially credit card debt, you can start to accumulate wealth. To show you how to pay down your debts faster and save money on interest payments, go to www.powerpay.org This free resource developed by Utah State University Extension gives you comparisons among paying off the highest interest rate debt, shortest term debt, or least balance debt first. You can then make your choice and power pay your way to debt freedom.

Shop for a better interest rate on your savings account. Banks and credit unions occasionally offer a higher interest rate for a period of time. Look for these special offers. Ask about minimum balances and fees. You don’t want fees to offset what you’re earning in interest. You might be able to negotiate a higher rate with your current financial institution if you just ask.

Look for spending leaks in your everyday purchases. You’ve probably heard about the “Latte Factor”, e.g. the cost of purchasing a coffee beverage every day. Also consider the cost of buying soft drinks, bottled water, energy drinks, cigarettes, fast food, snacks, movies, or other items several times a week. Purchasing any of these half as often will give you money to add to your savings account instead.

Consider debit or credit cards that incorporate incentives for savings. This might include an account that rounds up the purchase cost to the nearest dollar amount and deposits that extra amount in your savings account. Others may offer cash-back rewards that you can pump into your savings account. 

On-line bank accounts often pay higher interest rates since they don’t have physical branches to maintain. Just make sure any accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

Paying Yourself First is the sure way to pump up your savings. That means depositing a portion of your income into savings at the beginning of the month, then living off the rest. And, automating those deposits makes it even easier; then you don’t have to think about it. It’s done and your savings is pumping upward.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

By Sue Schneider, Larimer County Extension

More grandparents are raising their grandchildren than ever before. In Larimer County, approximately 3 to 5% of children under the age of 18 live in grandparent headed homes[i]. In most cases, biological parents are unable to provide care because of death, physical or mental illness, incarceration, drug use, child abuse or neglect, deployment and other economic reasons[ii]. Often grandparents assume caregiving responsibilities on a moment’s notice. These situations place significant stress on grandparents and may exacerbate chronic illness, depression, and financial hardship.

Larimer County has long been active in building supports for grandparents raising their grandchildren. In 2007, the Larimer County Alliance for Grandfamilies was formed. This group still meets monthly to support grandfamily programs and services in our county. Additionally, the Grand Family Coalition is a network of grandparents and other kin raising kin that offers community activities, educational support, support groups, youth mentor programs, and a peer to peer support program. Most recently, the GRANDcares program was initiated with funding from the USDA/NIFA Children Youth and Families At-Risk (CYFAR) grant mechanism to CSU and Extension. GRANDcares supports grandfamilies through a 6-week educational class called Powerful Tools for Caregivers – Grandfamilies. The class focuses on self-care and helping grandparents manage the stress of raising their grandchildren.

GRANDcares is currently inviting grandfamilies to register for the upcoming Powerful Tools for Caregivers – Grandfamilies class. The kick-off and welcome session will be held on Friday January 20 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at SummitStone Health Partners (114 Bristlecone Dr., Fort Collins). Subsequent classes will take place from January 27 to March 3 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. This program is free to attend and childcare may be provided. For more information or to register, please contact Jana Carson at 970-491-8204 or by email at Jana.Carson@colostate.edu. If you are interested but cannot attend the January session, please reach out to Jana to inquire about the upcoming March –May, 2017 program (specific dates TBA).

Grandfamilies often do not know where to start seeking resources or whom to reach out to when they are struggling. We need your help to change this fact. No grandfamily should struggle in isolation. Please share this information on the GRANDcares program as well as the resources below with your co-workers, neighbors, and friends:

·         The Grand Family Coalition (www.grandfamilycoalition.com) is a non-profit organization that supports Kinship Families by providing social groups, day time support groups, mentor programs, and family oriented activities. Call Gail Engel at 970-699-2837 or email gail@grandfamilycoalition.org for more information.

·         Colorado State University’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren website (grg.colostate.edu/index.php) provides useful resources and reliable, current information on health, education, legal, and parenting resources for grandparents that have taken on the role as primary caregiver for their grandchildren. Contact Christine Fruhauf, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, at (970) 491-1118 or Christine.Fruhauf@ColoState.edu for additional resources.

·         To get involved, join the Larimer County Alliance for Grandfamilies. The LCAG meets on the second Wednesdays of each month from 9:00 – 11:00 am at SummitStone Health Partners, 125 Crestridge St., Fort Collins. Call Gail Engel at 970-699-2837 for more information.

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[i]  Compass of Larimer County (2016). Grandparents as caregivers. Fort Collins, CO: Larimer County. Retrieved 6/20/16 from https://web.archive.org/web/20150921223153/http://www.larimer.org/compass/grandparents_demographics.htm

[ii] Hayslip, B. Jr., & Kaminski, P. L. (2005). Grandparents raising their grandchildren: A review of literature and suggestions for practice. The Gerontologist, 45, 262-269.