Healthy Grandfamilies

Healthy Grandfamilies is a free support and education program for grandparents and relatives raising children. Through structured sessions, peer connection, and follow-up services, the program helps caregivers build confidence, access resources, and strengthen family stability.

Support for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Helping Grandfamilies Thrive

Healthy Grandfamilies is a free community support program designed to provide information, education, and resources to grandparents and other relatives who are raising grandchildren in Raleigh County and across West Virginia. Through educational sessions, peer support, and follow-up services, the program equips caregivers with tools, connections, and ongoing guidance to strengthen family well-being and resilience.

Education & Peer Support

What the Program Offers

Healthy Grandfamilies is offered in partnership with West Virginia State University and local community partners. The program includes:

Educational & Support Sessions

Participants engage in a series of facilitated group sessions that cover topics such as:

Parenting in the modern era
Family communication and relationships
Health literacy and self-care
Stress management and healthy lifestyles
Legal issues and navigating systems
School involvement and student success
Technology and social media awareness
Nutrition and wellness skills

These sessions provide information, interaction with peers, refreshments, and childcare as needed.

Follow-Up & Support Services

After completing the education sessions, participants receive continued assistance from social work professionals. Follow-up support may include:

Help locating local resources and services
Confidential guidance tailored to family needs
Advocacy and case planning support
Ongoing connection to community partners

This continued engagement ensures that caregivers have ongoing support beyond the classroom sessions.

Strengthening Caregivers & Families

Why This Program Matters

Many grandparents and kinship caregivers step into caregiving roles suddenly and without preparation, often due to family crises such as parental substance use or other instability. Healthy Grandfamilies provides a space where caregivers can:

Learn parenting and life skills relevant to today’s challenges
Build a supportive network with others in similar roles
Access information on legal, educational, and health systems
Address caregiver well-being and self-care needs

Being part of a group of peers can reduce isolation and increase confidence in parenting roles.

Additional Resources

Who Can Participate & How to Get Involved

Healthy Grandfamilies is available to grandparents raising one or more grandchildren, as well as other relatives serving as primary caregivers to children. The program is designed for families seeking support, education, and meaningful connection with others navigating similar experiences.

Sessions are offered through county coordinators and community coalitions across West Virginia. Local schedules and session details may vary.

Interested participants can contact Raleigh County United for Prevention for information about upcoming sessions, registration details, and program availability

In addition to local sessions, families may explore related support systems statewide, including resources on kinship caregiving and legal guidance, as well as national organizations that provide information and tools for grandfamilies.