Support group for grandparents acting as caregivers for families in crisis set for Dec.

7:46 a.m.


Support group for grandparents acting as caregivers for families in crisis set for Dec.

SOS is located inside the First Church Congregational on South Main Street in Rochester. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Heathy Guardians and Grandparents, a monthly educational and support series, will be hosted by SOS Recovery Community Center on the second Thursday of each month, beginning Dec. 13 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Rochester center located at 63 S. Main Street in Rochester.

"This program is designed for grandparents, family members or loved ones raising grandchildren or providing care as a legal or informal guardian," says John Burns, director of SOS RCO. "It is specifically oriented toward guardians and grandparents who are caregivers for children with parents who have struggled with substance use disorders and addiction."

The program will be facilitated by a grandparent with legal guardianship and will also serve as a peer led support group for those who may just need support. Each session will include education and discussion on various topics such as how to file for legal guardianship, what type of reports need to be filed, issues that may come up for grandparents when parents of the child are involved with the Division for Children, Youth and Families and resources available for childcare, financial aid and transportation.

Dinner and child care will be provided as well.

While the program is being offered at no charge, registration is required to accommodate dinner for participants and child care. Interested person may register athttps://www.facebook.com/events/180203036263538/.

A program of Goodwin Community Health, the mission of SOS RCO is to reduce stigma and harm associated with substance misuse by providing safe space and peer based supports for people in all stages of recovery. SOS supports multiple pathways to recovery and also provides Peer Recovery Coaches, Telephone Support Services, meetings and special programs as well as Crisis Navigation for people seeking recovery.