Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Project
In Montana, and other areas around the country, there is a growing population of grandparents who are called upon to be the primary caregiver(s) to their grandchildren. Today, more than 6,600 grandparents in Montana are raising their grandchildren. As a result of the increasing need, Montana State University Extension has teamed up with Montana DPHHS, Montana AARP, and several other state agencies and organizations to provide services and support to grandparents who are faced with the challenges associated with raising their grandchildren.
GRG Project Initiatives
A State Level Task Force & Partnership
This partnership addresses the statewide needs of the GRG Project.
A Network of Support Groups
There are many existing support groups in Montana communities and still more
forming. Click here for a list of Montana support contacts (updated April, 2013).
Facilitator Training
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Facilitator Training is a one-day workshop to train GRG's and others to facilitate support groups in their communities. Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a facilitator.
Listserv
A listserv is available for individuals interested in GRG Issues when they arise. Please contact us to get on the listserv.
Speakers
Upon request, speakers are available on topics related to GRG and the Montana project.
Current Projects
Newsletter
This publication provides facilitators of support groups, grandparents and others interested individuals with information on topics of interest to grandparents raising
grandchildren in Montana. Click here to access all newsletter back issues.
Research
The research team at Montana State University is currently studying grandparent wellbeing. Other topics studied in the past include GRG mental health, role conflict, ambiguity in relationships, child behavior problems, stress, and social support.
GRG Seminars
Workshops and conferences are offered for Montana grandparents who are raising their grandchildren and service providers who work with them.
State Partners
- MSU Extension
- Montana AARP
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
- Montana PBS
- Various Tribal Partners
- Montana Child Care Resource and Referral
- Montana Head Start Collaboration
- Montana Office of Public Instruction
- Montana Alliance for Families Touched by Incarceration
Funding Support
- The Brookdale Foundation of New York
- The Montana CYFAR Building Community Strengths Project
- The Montana Children's Trust Fund
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
- Beim Foundation
- MSU College of Education, Health and Human Development
- Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation
- Montana AARP
- Kappa Omicron Nu
The Very Important Roles of Grandparents
Family “Watchdog” Helping family members during times of crisis.
Nurturer Nurturing family values and providing emotional support.
Family Historian Providing a sense of family history and passing down rituals, traditions, and family values.
Companion Forming special relationships with grandchildren.
Why Children Feel Close to Grandparents
°My grandparent is an enjoyable person to be with."
°My grandparent has expressed special interest, love, and appreciation for me."
°I have great admiration for my grandparent- the attitudes and values
or the things my grandparent has accomplished."
°I can relax and feel comfortable around my grandparent."
°My grandparent helps me feel proud of myself."
°I know my grandparent will always be available to help me or
encourage and support me."
°My grandparent listens to and understands me and treats me as an individual."
°My grandparent’s admiration makes me want to be a credit to my grandparent."
°My grandparent expresses much affection for me with words and hugs."
°My grandparent has taught me many things."
Source: Kennedy, G.E. (1991). Grandchildren’s reasons for closeness with grandparents. Journal of Social Behavior and Personality, 6, 697-712 as cited in Parenting: A Life Span Perspective by Carole Martin & Karen Culbert, 1997.
