Our Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP) will offer “Coffee and Conversation”, a peer support group for adults and the RAPP “Kidz Club” every first Monday of the month beginning June 1. The group will meet at the Ulster County BOCES Conference Center located at 175 Rt. 32 in New Paltz from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
These support groups are free confidential and provide guidance, education and training to teach new parenting and coping skills to grandparents and other relatives who have taken on the role of primary caregiver for related children. Various topics are discussed, such as financial management and budgeting, nutrition education and legal education. Referrals and access to appropriate community based services and resources are also offered. This support group is open to all adult relative caregivers residing in Ulster County and the children being raised by them. All relative caregivers may participate regardless of income. All this is available in a setting designed to promote sharing, caring and mutual respect.
In addition to the support group offered for adults on the first Monday of the month, the RAPP Kidz Club will take place at the same time so that adult participants can enjoy the many benefits of RAPP and network with others. The Kidz Club features an array of fun hands-on activities for children ages 5 and up.
RAPP was established in 1999 by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County and expanded to neighboring counties including Ulster County in 2005. RAPP continues to offers information to assist kinship care giving families, youth and family enrichment and educational program information in a caring environment.
For more information about RAPP or to register for this program call RAPP Coordinator, Erica Smith or Barbara Grumberg at 845-340-3990 or email els235@cornell.edu.
