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The Grand Family Support (GFS) Program helps children who are living in their grandparents’ homes in low-income neighborhoods by creating community and support for grandparents who have taken on the responsibility of raising
their grandchildren. Through the program, grandparents become better able to effectively care for their grandchildren and achieve a permanent, stable family home environment.

• Last year, The Grand Family Support Program served more than 200 grandparents and their grandchildren from
  offices in west and south Chicago.
• Our professional staff empowers grandparents through knowledge, skills and encouragement to manage challenges like navigating the public school system and utilizing park district resources.
• We work with grandparents in setting expectations and using appropriate discipline with their grandchildren.
• We directly assist grandparents in navigating judicial, health care and state administrative systems, as well as in
  accessing respite care.
• We advise grandparents on how to secure financial assistance.
• We build a network of grandparents to facilitate sharing and learning among their peers, reducing stress and helping them to find a community of support.
• In Fiscal Year 2011, 86% of our program clients met the goals that they created in their service plans.

A Grand Family Support Success Story:

Often it comes down to simply having someone in your corner. Take the case of Mrs. Smith. In 2003, this grandmother entered the GFS program when she became parent to her teenage grandson. Facing the reality of limited financial resources and debilitating medical issues, Mrs. Smith found that the stress of raising her grandson cost her emotionally as well. Her monthly GFS support group helped her understand she was not alone. And her great working relationship with her coordinator gave her the advocate she needed. This year her grandson graduated high school and is now enrolled in Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois where he is studying Criminal Justice. With the help of GFS, Mrs. Smith relocated to a more affordable apartment with access to the physical assistance she needs. But she's still going to her monthly GFS support groups. According to Mrs. Smith, "those meetings mean so much to me and they keep me going."