Senior Citizens Center Holding a Kinship Grant for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

In today’s Senior Living, we focus on the upcoming Kinship Grant for Alpena families.

Coming Tuesday, February 7th the Alpena Senior Citizens Center will be holding a Kinship Grant meeting for all grandparents raising grandchildren.

This mini grants program is designed to help families who may need some assistance in taking care of their loved ones.

“It’s to buy things for grandchildren and it could be maybe a new pair of sneakers and a new winter coat or it could be a membership to the boys club, or boys scouts, or whatever…maybe a sports opportunity. We all know there’s equipment to buy and maybe it’s skates, whatever it is that the child would like to do to become involved in the community, in their school or just have the clothing to start school, and be apart of the things that are going on,” MMAP Kitty Glomski said.

According to the 2015 American Community Survey Census, there are 122 grandparent households in Alpena County living in with one or more of their grandchildren.

The meeting has a lot of advantages including meeting other grandparents in the area caring for their grandchildren.

“There’s something to be said for knowing that you’re not alone doing that. Offering your support and the knowledge and getting together so this is going to be a wonderful meeting for us all,” she said.

Certain circumstances can cause one to become part of a Kinship. The mini grant is offered twice a year. Glomski said grants like the Kinship helps children and their families who are in need.

Glomski wants every grandparent who is involved with taking care of a grandchild to know that this program isn’t income based.

“The mini grants are $150 every 6 months you can apply. But we’re hoping to reach a lot more families and help them know that this is available. So we’re hoping that it will help out on an annual basis,” Glomski added.

If you are interested in learning more about the Kinship program, the meeting starts at 10 am on Tuesday, February 7th at the Senior Citizens Center.