Grandparents As Parents (GAP)

The Grandparents As Parents (GAP) program exists to identify and respond to the unique concerns of parenting grandparents and kin and the children they are rearing. Linkage for grandparents and kin is provided within the program by support groups and by the broader community. This program strives to reach this population throughout the Merrimack Valley region, English or Spanish-speaking, who feel isolated and powerless while rearing a second family at a time when they are dealing with their own issues.

Multiple issues contribute to the reasons why grandparents and kin are becoming second-time parents, including addictions, teen pregnancy, incarceration, death, and abandonment. This growing number of families is facing many challenges and few resources are available.

GAP offers several services to these families including a confidential help line with access to information and referrals, coffee hours with guided conversation to provide support and information, and informational workshops and seminars. The program seeks to help and provide answers to concerns, such as legal matters, finances, housing, health care, child care and education, respite care, counseling services, stress management, and the effects raising children will have on retirement plans and lifestyles.

The Grandparents As Parents program is a program of Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities. For more information, call 978-459-3242.