Contact: Kimberly Osborne (304) 766-3363 kosborne@wvstateu.edu INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University (WVSU) will launch its new Healthy Grandfamilies initiative with an informational open house Tuesday, April 26, from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of St. Albans. The initiative, a series of free workshops and follow-up support, targets grandparents who are raising one or more of their grandchildren.
“West Virginia currently ranks fourth in the nation for grandparents raising grandchildren,” said Dr. Brenda Wamsley, project director and chair of WVSU’s Department of Social Work. “Healthy Grandfamilies is designed to address the unique needs of this family dynamic through education and access to resources and professional support.”
The program consists of nine workshops focusing on topics such as communications, technology, social media, nutrition, legal issues, stress management, navigating the public school system, 21st Century parenting and more. Participants are provided three months of free follow-up services with a Licensed Social Worker. Such services include assistance with locating community resources, confidential help in meeting unique family needs and advocacy services.
Potential program participants interested in learning more about the Healthy Grandfamilies initiative and meeting workshop instructors and staff are invited to attend the open house session. Refreshments will be provided, and children are welcome.
Workshops are slated to begin this spring in the St. Albans area. For more information, contact Yvonne Lee, Project Social Worker at (304)766-3098 or Administrative Assistant Nicole Wilson at (304) 766-4007.
Healthy Grandfamilies is a collaboration between WVSU’s Department of Social Work and WVSU Extension Service and is funded by the USDA’s Capacity Building Grants Program, Award No. 2015-38821-24374.
The First Baptist Church of St. Albans is located at 6th Avenue and 2nd Street in St. Albans.
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