Beech Tree News Network

On December 7, 2012 The Grandparents raising Grandchildren group met for their Christmas meeting at the Butler County Boys and Girls Club. This group is funded by the Barren River Area Development District. Tamara Prather, Family Caregiver Coordinator for BRADD serving a 10 county area was in attendance.

“There are approximately 139 grandparents and 265 children registered in the BRADD District. These families can receive assistance with clothing, school supplies, bedroom furniture, personal care items, as well as many activities such as summer camps and sports,” said Prather.

 Locally, Karla Coles and Patty Glass with the Youth Service Center, along with Daisy Bishop with the Family Resource Center host these monthly meetings at the Boys and Girls Club. These meetings are normally held on the second Friday of each month.  Grandparents in attendance stated that these meetings are a place where grandparents can come together, share in the joys and challenges that come with raising grandkids, seek advice and counsel each other, as well as enjoy their time together.

According to Patty Glass, it is important for grandparents in these types of situations to know that they are not alone, and there are people who care and understand what they are going through and are here to lend much needed support. 

For more information on future meeting on a local level please contact Karla Coles or Patty Glass at the Youth Service Center, 270-526-4800. For Information from BRADD, you can call 1-800-395-7654.   

Story and photos by Tammi Reynolds, Beech Tree News/WLBQ1570