On Sunday, September 13th, families across America will celebrate Grandparents Day. Here in Brevard, over 8,500 children are being raised by relative caregivers, including local grandparents.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Brevard is a local organization that strives to provide a stable home in order to ensure permanent placement with relative in lieu of foster care.
The organization was established in 1994 by Mary Ann Sterling, a grandmother with a vision to improve conditions for relative care families and the community who care for them. Their mission is to support relative caregivers throughout Brevard County in achieving Safety, Permanency, & Well-Being for their families through education, advocacy and community collaboration
It is their vision that one day all children will live in a safe loving home with relatives that will help them to develop into their full potential. Living in a place you can call home and knowing that someone will always be there for you is something everyone needs, especially children.
GRG of Brevard provides cost-free, community-based programs and services that include:
Weekly therapeutic support groups;
Crisis counseling for relative caregivers;
Workshops and educational programs;
Advocacy on behalf of caregiver families
Community outreach and education;
Recreational activities and respite;
Holiday assistance,
Advocacy for the rights and concerns of caregiver-headed families;
Emergency resource referrals for food, clothing, and infant supplies
GRG of Brevard maintains numerous monthly support groups throughout Brevard County, monthly newsletters, an annual training conference, and an information/ resource/referral warmline that serves families and professionals locally and across the state.
Currently, there are five support group meetings throughout Brevard County.
Titusville Support Group Meeting
805 Century Medical Dr, Building B, Titusville. This group is partnered with Parrish Senior Solutions. 10:00 – 11:30 am
This meeting is always the second Tuesday of each month
Club Esteem Support Group Meeting
3316 Monroe Street, Melbourne 10:00 – 11:30 am.
This meeting is always the second Thursday of each month
Central Brevard Support Group
GRG of Brevard Office, 123 Barton Blvd, Rockledge 9:30 -11:00 am
This meeting is always the third Tuesday of each month
South Brevard Support Group Meeting
Memaw’s Restaurant, 4916 Babcock Blvd, Palm Bay 6:00-7:30 pm
(Dinner is available at member’s expense)
This meeting is always the third Wednesday of each month
Beach Side Support Group
Memaw’s Restaurant, Indian Harbour Beach, 9:30 – 11:30 am
(Breakfast is available at member’s expense)
This meeting is always the last Thursday of each month
In addition to the emotional support, education and guidance that participants receive, group facilitators create opportunities for fun via social activities for the grandparents and their children.
For additional information on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, please contact 321.631.7776 or grg.brevard@gmail.com
