In North Carolina, a growing number of grandparents are now taking on the parenting role for their grandchildren, often causing the families physical, emotional, and financial stress. GrandFacts NC reported 237,976 North Carolina children living in grandparent- or other relative-headed households in 2021.

N.C. Cooperative Extension in Cleveland County partners with other agencies to provide the Broad River Grandparents Raising Grandchildren & Kinship Care Support Group (BRGEG), a program that promotes stability in kinship care families by providing education and helping them access necessary services and expand their support systems.

• Discussion group focuses on providing families with emotional support and allowing members to talk about their successes and challenges.
• Educational group uses knowledge experts, books, and other information resources to address the issues and needs that kinship care families often experience.
• Advocacy group works to raise awareness and identify solutions on key issues like laws, policies, attitudes, and community awareness.

While the support group can offer emotional support and provide assistance, it is not a replacement for formal counseling, legal advice, or other services that require professional training.

Support group meetings are free, but registration is required so that age-appropriate child care can be provided at each meeting. Leaning and fun activities are coordinated by Extension staff, community partners, and volunteers.  Children also receive a light snack.

Meetings are held  monthly from 6 - 7:30 pm at N.C. Cooperative Extension Cleveland County Center, 130 S. Post Road, Suite 1, Shelby, NC  28152, and are posted on our Events tab.

For more information or to register for BRGRG, contact:

• Nancy Abasiekong, Extension Agent, Family & Consumer Sciences.