Recently, SUCCEED hosted a webinar titled, Raising Grandchildren through Diverse Generational Lenses, offered through PennCares. Some readers may have experienced being raised up by a grandparent, aunt, uncle or step-grandparent. In 2022, over 90,000 grandparents are responsible for the basic needs of their grandchildren under the age of 18.
Circumstances like terminal illness, mental health, incarceration, substance use disorders or divorce are often catalysts. In Pennsylvania, African American children are more likely to be raised up by a grandparent, reflecting a 12.2% rate higher than the national average (source: www.jsg.legis.state.pa.us).
Career opportunities involving coordination of services and/or direct client contact pivot to respond to the national numbers. According to www.pahouse.com, there are over 13 million children in the States with a grandparent as primary care giver and guardian. In addition to Pennsylvania, states with highest rates include
Mississippi 2.7%
Arkansas 2.2%
Louisiana 2.1%
Alabama 2.1%
How can SRU students impact this state-wide dilemma? Programs such as the YMCA Reach & Rise® train students to be a group mentor, with a secondary benefit of a respite for grandparents. Does Reach & Rise really have an impact? According to Reach & Rise® data,
Youth are five times more likely to graduate if they have meaningful relationships with adults.
Kids with mentors are 50% less likely to use drugs.
Youth with mentors demonstrate improved self-esteem, decision-making skills and relationships.
15 hours of training takes place at both Butler or Cranberry YMCA. Spring semester mentors commit 2 hours a week for the semester.
For more information, please contact Jessica Burr, Clinical Director, Reach & Rise Youth Mentoring at jburr@bcfymca.org.