GRANDFamily Connections of Chester County, Pa.

10/31/2026

https://www.aecf.org/blog/equipping-kinship-caregivers-for-success?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Adoption%20-%20Topics&utm_term=relative%20caregivers&utm_content=Kinship%20Caregivers

A kinship care expert answers questions about the complexities of kinship caregiving and the importance of kinship competency. Read the interview.

10/29/2026

A week or so ago I posted asking for those who may be interested in helping some of our GRANDFamilies with Christmas. The number of people responding has been fantastic! I wanted to share something from one of the children's wish lists.
As I reviewed the children's wishes, one in particular touched my heart. When a grandmother shared her grandson's wish with me, she initially considered asking him to choose something else. Then she realized that this wish reflected what he was truly feeling and that sharing it might help others understand the depth of emotion many of these children carry. His number one wish was simply to live with his biological mother.
While none of us can grant that wish for this young man, we can surround him, his caregivers, and his family with our prayers, compassion, and support. It is a powerful reminder that behind every wish list is a child navigating loss, change, hope, and love.

Send a message to learn more

10/26/2026

10/24/2026

WE’RE SO EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE NEXT CHAPTER OF STRONG BODIES, CALM MINDS! 💛
What started as a vision nearly a year ago — and then became our first 4-week pilot — is now growing into a full 8-week program!
Our inaugural pilot gave us the opportunity to see firsthand how movement and somatic-based activities can help boys build body awareness, emotional regulation, resilience, confidence, and healthy coping skills. We were so encouraged by the response from the boys and their families, and we’re thrilled to continue building on that momentum.
✨ Registration is NOW OPEN for our next 8-week Strong Bodies, Calm Minds Somatic Therapy Program!
👦 Designed specifically for boys ages 6–12
💪 Two age-based sessions:
• Ages 6–8: 5:00–6:00 PM
• Ages 9–12: 6:00–7:00 PM
📅 Sessions will be held every Tuesday for 8 weeks, beginning October 27, 2026.
💛 Only 6 boys per session — space is limited!
We can’t wait to welcome more boys, create a safe space for them to move, connect, grow, and learn, and continue helping them build the skills they need to feel stronger in both body and mind.
This is just the beginning. 💛
👉 REGISTER HERE:
https://docs.google.com/.../1NGOwvyk9GH1CnXQgCH1G.../preview
📩 Questions or want more information? Email [email protected]
Strong Bodies. Calm Minds. Brighter Futures. 🌟 See less

10/23/2026

I just heard of Complex Developmental Trauma. Is anyone familiar with this and have any materials they would recommend?

10/22/2026

This is SO true!!!

Everybody loves to praise the grandparents who step up to raise their grandchildren. But can we talk about who’s actually helping them?

Who’s buying the groceries? Who’s giving Grandma a break? Who’s helping her navigate court dates, visitation, therapy appointments, and a system she never expected to be part of?

Because somewhere there’s a grandmother who thought she was finished raising children. She was supposed to be enjoying retirement, spoiling her grandbabies, and sending them home after a weekend of fun.

Instead, she’s raising them.

And while she’s making sure those babies have everything they need, she may also be lying awake at night worrying about her own son or daughter.

Goodness, think about that.

She’s trying to protect her grandchildren while praying for the healing of the very person she raised.

And some of these grandparents are doing all of this on a fixed income, with little to no financial assistance.

We tell them how amazing they are. We call them heroes. We thank them for stepping up.

But praise doesn’t pay for diapers. And being called a hero doesn’t give Grandma a day off.

I believe in kinship care when it’s safe and appropriate. I believe children deserve the opportunity to remain connected to their families.

But I also believe we need to stop assuming that because someone is related to a child, they automatically have the resources to raise them.

So instead of just telling Grandma how wonderful she is, bring her dinner. Buy some groceries. Offer to babysit. Ask her what she needs.

And please, check on HER.

Because sometimes the person holding an entire family together is the one nobody thinks to ask if she’s okay.

Kinship caregivers deserve more than our applause. They deserve our SUPPORT. ❤️

10/19/2026

👨‍👧‍👦 Male Kinship Caregiver Focus Group

We are excited to share that caregivers are already signing up for our Male Kinship Caregiver Focus Group! 🍂

This is a wonderful opportunity for male kinship caregivers to connect with others who understand their journey, share experiences, and help shape future supports for fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, and other men raising relative children.

🍁 See the attached flyer for additional details.

🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/YUAJ7QbTgbJgePXVA

We would love for you to help spread the word to the amazing men in your life who are stepping up to care for their grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or other relative children. 💙

10/18/2026

https://www.mychesco.com/a/news/social-issues/downingtown-based-a-childs-light-expands-rapid-response-youth-trauma-care-into-montgomery-county/

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — A Child’s Light, a Chester County nonprofit that provides expedited mental health support for youth who have survived severe trauma, has expanded into neighboring Montgomery County through …