GrandFamilies Program

MEETINGS ARE CURRENTLY SUSPENDED. WATCH FOR MORE INFORMATION IN THE FALL/WINTER. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED SOMETHING IN THE MEANTIME.

Free to everyone and includes dinner. Activities will also be provided for children and teenagers.

There are over 200 families in Ocean Springs that are grandparents raising their grandchildren. Wesley wants to support them and spread God's love to these families because they have specialized needs.

WHAT WESLEY NEEDS YOU TO DO NOW

Very simple--we need your help to identify grandfamilies in our community and refer them to us at grandfamilies@wesleyumc-os.org so we can notify them about our plans in January.

WHAT DO GRANDFAMILIES NEED?

  1. ANSWERS: These grandparents may need legal advice and resources to help them navigate their situation.

  2. RESOURCES: Many grandparents are on fixed incomes and are caring for 1-5 children. They need assistance in finding the resources to get financial assistance.

  3. PEER SUPPORT: These grandparents need to have a way to meet and talk to each other about their challenges and successes.

  4. PARENTING SUPPORT: These grandparents are caring for children that have many times been through traumatic experiences. They need specialized training to adapt to their needs.

  5. HELP: These grandparents need a break occasionally. They need time to relax and take care of themselves.

  6. RESPECT: They need to be acknowledged and respected for their role as a caregiver. They need advocates.

  7. UNDERSTANDING: These grandparents and their grandchildren need understanding as they deal with feelings of loss, abandonment, fear, confusion.

  8. SENSE OF HUMOR: These grand-families need laughter and fun in their lives.

  9. EMPATHY: These grand-families need someone to listen and care.

  10. COMMUNITY: These grand-families need community! They need their schools, neighborhoods, and faith communities to offer social and spiritual connections to help sustain and support them.

WATCH FOR MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!

What you can do now:

  • Refer any grandfamilies you know to this program.

  • Learn more about the need using the links above.

  • Ask yourself, "What would Jesus do?

  • Pray about which needs from the above list you might help Wesley meet.

  • Contribute to this program if you feel led to do so.

  • Volunteer!

For more information, to volunteer or to refer a grandfamily to this program, email grandfamilies@wesleyumc-os.org