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A Toast for the Tykes
There’s a wonderful way that you can celebrate grandparents in September too. Attend Taste of the Vine benefitting Coastal Coalition for Children. Maybe invite your own grandparents! This annual event featuring wine and whimsy will take place at Georgia Sea Grill on Sunday, September 24 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. It includes small bites with big flavor paired with various varietals, a silent auction showcase and sale. Funds raised at this event support the programs of Coastal Coalition for Children, which includes Grandparent Connection. In Fiscal Year 2016, Coastal Coalition for Children worked with 47 “grandfamilies” through Grandparent Connection. It is estimated that there are approximately 1000 Glynn County families in which grandparents are the primary caregivers for the children. Because raising children for the second time can be very challenging
for grandparents as well as an adjustment for the children, Grandparent Connection provides assistance to make the situation easier for all involved. With parenting classes and active peer support groups, they guide grandparents by helping to bridge generational gaps, meet the child’s physical and emotional needs, and locate financial and healthcare assistance. They also act as advocates for these families in the school system and help grandparents find resources they might not be aware of that can be beneficial to their family.
Parenting classes provided by the Grandparent Connection, in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Georgia, take place at local Boys and Girls Club facilities. The cur-
riculum, “Parenting the Second Time Around” is designed specifically for “grandfamilies.” Designed to help grandparents understand the issues facing children today and help them identify the emotional and physical needs of their grandchildren, class curriculum is divided into 8 modules addressing family dynamics, current methods to effectively discipline children, the legal concerns of relatives rising children, advocacy and connection with community programs. There are supervised programs for the grandchildren while the grandparents are in class, as well. Upon completion of the classes, grandparents are encouraged to continue to support one another in the monthly peer support group meetings throughout the year. The Grandparent Connection works closely with the Health Department, police, legal and financial advisors, the school systems, the County Extension Office, the YWCA, and the Glynn Co. Recreation Department to provide grandparents with vital information they need to raise their grandchildren. These groups give presentations and answer questions regarding areas such as obtaining help for the children through their school, qualifying for health care benefits, immunizations, custody and adoption issues. Benefits of the support groups have been invaluable to participating grandparents and children. An accepting environment and opportunity to connect with people experiencing the same things helps them know they’re not alone. Members also are often able to help and support each other with childcare, transportation, and advice. The families get together periodically for picnics, holiday parties, trips to local water parks and Family Days at the YWCA. Through donations, Grandparent Connection is also able to host a Giving Tree and a Back to School party for the children.
Last year’s Taste of the Vine event raised more than $32,000 dollars for Coastal Coalition for Children’s Healthy Families, First Steps, and Grandparent Connection programs supporting families in our community. Their mission is “Working together with community and families to create safe, nurturing homes for our children” and your support is essential to the success of that mission. You can help provide that support by purchasing your tickets to Taste of the Vine today. Tickets are $65 per person or 2/$120 and can be purchased via Eventbrite. com, through the event’s Facebook page, or by calling Coastal Coalition for Children at 912.338.0736. Enjoy delicious wine and food, fine fellowship, and assist a program that helps these special caregivers in our community who continue to raise and nurture our next generations. They are a precious treasure indeed.
