(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

We appreciated the editorial of Aug. 25, 2023, which highlighted the recent Healthy Grandfamilies conference held in Bridgeport. The editorial captured several statistics about the extent of grandparents caring for grandchildren, and some of the challenges they face. As quoted, Melissa Lilly of West Virginia State University, community members are encouraged to get involved in helping those caring for their grandchildren, and seeking ways to raise awareness across the community.

In Wood County, as everywhere across West Virginia there are many “kinship caregivers.” Though schools may come in contact most broadly with families in these situations, impacts can be felt across many parts of children’s lives. Children’s Home Society of West Virginia is the local partner with West Virginia State University’s Healthy Grandfamilies program, and though the sheer numbers of such living arrangements can seem overwhelming, Children’s Home Society has helped many grandparents with support, concrete help, and the social factors mentioned in the editorial. Examples include: furniture, car seats, a hot water tank, and accessing resources in the community. Since kinship care can be similar to foster care (and is actually the largest kind of substitute care in Wood County) a website for linking with supports can be accessed at: www.woodcountywvfostercare.org. Those involved locally would appreciate hearing from folks in the community with your experiences, questions, or observations. We can help individual needs, and connect people for support.

Once again, we thank the newspaper for promoting this important community issue.

Denise Hughes, Children’s Home Society of West Virginia

Leah LaPrade, Children’s Home Society of West Virginia

Steve Tuck

Parkersburg