A growing number of grandparents are responsible for caring for and/or raising their grandchildren.
These caregivers often are facing challenges they had not anticipated, including having to find information about schools, recreational activities, and healthcare. A free retreat on May 13, 2016 will provide information and resources to help Multnomah County grandparents manage.
The day-long retreat is sponsored by the Multnomah County Department of County Human Services’ Aging, Disability and Veterans Services division. It will provide grandparents with a variety of workshops, resources and networking opportunities.
Attendees will learn:
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How to be your grandchild’s health and mental health advocate
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Positive communication techniques
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Strategies for healing children affected by prior trauma
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Tips for talking to grandchildren about sexual health
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Information on how to work with schools when your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Program)
“The workshops we offer are in direct response to what the grandparents’ request,” said Loriann McNeill, a program coordinator in the county’s Aging, Disability and Veterans Services division and the retreat’s organizer. “They can choose which sessions they want to attend and they always find something that applies to them.”
In addition to the workshops, a resource fair will offer information on the wide variety of services available to seniors and children, including programs focused on financial assistance, health and recreation.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Retreat
Friday, May 13, 2016
9:15 am to 2:45 pm
Gethsemane Lutheran Church
11560 SE Market St.
Portland, OR 97216