Healthy Grandfamilies
Since 2016, the WVSU Extension Service has partnered with the WVSU Department of Social Work to offer the Healthy Grandfamilies project to 125 grandparents in the Greater Kanawha Valley.
Grandparents participate in a series of free educational discussion groups on the topics of parenting, communication, health literacy/self-care, stress management, legal issues, social media, public school programs and policies, family response to addiction, and nutrition. Group meetings are held in venues such as churches, schools, and libraries in communities where participants live. Child care is provided. Grandparents also receive social work support services such as help locating community resources; confidential assistance in addressing unmet needs; and advocacy services. Community partners include: WV Department of Education, Legal Aid of WV, Handle With Care, WV Library Commission, WV Bureau of Senior Services, WVU Extension Service, and numerous community faith-based and non-profit organizations.