Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN

  • WHAT IS GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN?
    Grandparents Raising Grandchildren recognizes and supports grandparents and kinship caregivers who have stepped into the parenting role to provide stability, care, and a loving home for their grandchildren.
     

  • WHEN IS SUPPORT AVAILABLE?
    Resources, educational opportunities, and community events are offered throughout the year to help grandparents navigate the challenges and rewards of raising grandchildren.
     

  • WHERE CAN I FIND RESOURCES?
    United Way of Hernando County connects grandparents and kinship caregivers with local organizations, support services, and educational opportunities throughout Hernando County.
     

  • TOPICS & RESOURCES:
    Resources may include navigating school systems and educational technology, legal guidance, mental and behavioral health services, financial assistance resources, parenting support, and connections to community programs.
     

  • WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?
    Grandparents, relatives, and kinship caregivers who have taken on the responsibility of raising children are encouraged to connect. These caregivers often face unique challenges, including generational differences, changing school expectations, and navigating unfamiliar systems while balancing their own needs.
     

  • CONNECTING FAMILIES TO SUPPORT:
    United Way of Hernando County works alongside community partners to help bridge generational gaps, strengthen family relationships, and connect caregivers with the tools and resources they need to help their grandchildren thrive.
     

  • FIND SUPPORT:
    You don't have to navigate this journey alone. Explore upcoming events, educational opportunities, and community resources through United Way of Hernando County. Visit our event calendar for upcoming programs and opportunities to connect.

2026 SEMINAR: SAVE THE DATE!

grg 2026

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

2025 Seminar Resources

In partnership with @hernandoschools Parent Academy, our annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Seminar on Friday, November 7th provided free, specialized support, services, and resources. Through a series of interactive, hands-on sessions, attendees were able to engage with experts and gain valuable insights in the following areas:

🧠MENTAL & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Youth & Family Support Services

· NAMI HERNANDO: Tracie Eagle, Recovery Community Center Director shared important information on mental health services, signs, and stigma for both youth and adults, along with available resources for families. CLICK FOR WARNING SIGNS HANDOUT

· CARD (Center for Autism & Related Disabilities): Tracy Cox, OTR/L Education/Training Specialists discussed the importance of recognizing signs of autism and the next steps for families, schools, and community members. CLICK FOR PRESENTATION

💻TECHNOLOGY: Guest Panel on School Based Platforms & Online Safety

· Jesse Diaz and the Academic Services team from Hernando County Schools offered an overview of the district’s communication platforms and practical ways grandparents can be aware Artificial Intelligence (AI) and online scams. CLICK FOR PRESENTATION, HCS COMMUNICATIONS FLYER, SCAM-PROOF HANDOUT

📑LEGAL SERVICES: Guidance on Options, Opportunities, & Kinship

· COMMUNITY LEAGAL SERVICES: Lizzie Johnson, Esq., Senior Managing Attorney of Older Adult Programs, empowered families with information on strengthening grandparents’ rights in kinship care - what to know and what to prepare for. CLICK FOR PRESENTATION

 📑TRANSITIONS: School, College, & Career Readiness

· HERNANDO COUNTY SCHOOLS CTE: Danyl Williams, College & Career Program Manager and Nicole Blair, Program Assistant for College & Career Readiness Program provided a glimpse at grade-level options on empowering students for a life of opportunities beyond the classroom. - including college credits, career & technical trades, and Students in Action. CLICK FOR PRESENTATION, COLLEGE & CAREER PATHWAYS HANDOUT

An inspiring Keynote presentation by Capacity Path Relief was also given on relieving the pressure, and rebalancing minds and hearts. The conversation was around tips on how to de-stress your body & mind, how to tap into your natural resilience & inherent strengths, and how to feel uplifted & empowered across all domains. CLICK FOR PRESENTATION

We are grateful to all who attended & supported this important initiative, including our Supporters in Education: Regions Bank, Starbucks at County Line Rd., Chick-fil-A, Rookies Family Grille & Bar, Publix #1871, & Tropical Smoothie Cafe, including Hernando Schools Parent Academy of Hernando and partnered vendors! 

· Pasco-Hernando State College
· Regions Bank
· Baycare
· Boy Scouts
· Community Legal Services
· Department of Health
· Early Learning Coalition Pasco Hernando
· Family Chiropractic Center for Wellness
· Habitat for Humanity
· Hernando Schools - ESE
· Hernando Schools - Academic Services
· Kids Central
· NAMI Hernando
· PACE Center for Girls
· The Y
· You Thrive

 

2024 Seminar Resources

In partnership with @phscedu and @hernandoschools Parent Academy, Friday, November 8th's seminar provided free, specialized support, services, and resources. Through a series of interactive, hands-on workshops, attendees were able to engage with experts and gain valuable insights in the following areas:

🧠BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Understanding Expectations & Reaching Full Potential

· Sandra Marrero, M.S.M., Manager of Behavioral Health at @baycare , shared important information on mental and behavioral health services for children and adults, along with available resources for families. CLICK FOR PRESENTATION

· Jill Kolasa, Director of Student Services at Hernando County Schools, discussed 504 plans, school discipline, and other student services. 

· Anna Jensen, Director of Exceptional Student Education at Hernando County Schools, provided essential guidance on IEPs and resources for exceptional students. CLICK FOR PRESENTATION

💻TECHNOLOGY: Safely Getting Connected & Staying Connected

· Jesse Diaz and the Academic Services team from Hernando County Schools offered an overview of the district’s communication platforms and practical ways grandparents can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support their grandchildren’s learning. CLICK FOR PRESENTATION

· Leah Stanton, Sexual Assault Program Coordinator at the @dawncenterhc, discussed navigating technology safely and the importance of caregiver communication in preventing online teen dating violence. CLICK FOR PRESENTATION

📑LEGAL SERVICES: Guidance on Options & Opportunities

· Lizzie Johnson, Esq., Senior Managing Attorney of Older Adult Programs at Community Legal Services, empowered families with information on strengthening grandparents’ rights in kinship care. CLICK FOR PRESENTATION

· Brian Brijbag, Esq., Managing Attorney at @brijbaglaw, provided guidance on legal guardianship & resources for special needs families. CLICK FOR PRESENTATION

An inspiring Keynote presentation by HCSB Superintendent Ray Pinder was also given, as well as a dynamic wellness Chair Yoga exercise with Nelson Snow, the Wellness Coordinator from The Y.
 

We are grateful to all who attended & supported this important initiative, including our Supporters in Education: @starbuckscountyline @glorydaysgrill @culvers @bagels352 Hernando SchoolsParent Academy of Hernando and partnered vendors! 

· Pasco-Hernando State College
· Kids Central
· Dawn Center
· Community Legal Services
· NAMI Hernando
· 211 Hernando
· Hernando County Sheriff's Office - Community Policing 
· The Y
· Hernando Schools - ESE
· Hernando Schools - Academic Services
· Family Chiropractic Center for Wellness
· Early Learning Coalition Pasco Hernando
· Hernando Community Coalition
· Baycare
· You Thrive
· Brijbag Law