Are you a grandparent raising children?
or
Are you an aunt, uncle or other relative left in charge of a minor child by his or her parent?

Statistics

In Illinois, over 100,000 children are being raised in grandparent-headed homes. One-fifth of those individuals live in Suburban Cook County. The majority of grandparents are single women. Most have cared for children 5 years or longer and are raising 1-2 children.

Many grandparents or relative caregivers are overwhelmed with the situation they face. You are not alone. It's important to ask for help.

• Recognizing the increase need for services to grandparents who are raising children, assistance is available.
• Catholic Charities Northwest Senior Services assists in coordinationg supportive services to grandparents or other non-parent relatives who are the primary caregivers of a relative (by blood, marriage) whi is not more than 18.

Catholic Charities' Activities

• Reaching out through schools, fath-based organizations, and other organizations about what assistance is available.
• Educational sessions to individuals or groups that address issues affecting grandparents and other non-parent relatives.
• Case management to inform and connect grandparents and other relatives raising children with available resources. In-home assessments are available.

Benefits and Service Referrals

• Title III-E services available through the Legal Assistance Foundation
• Child Only Grant
• Illinois Free Lunch Program
• Social Security - Disability and/or survivor benefits
• Support Groups (as available)
• KidCare insurance
• Food Stamps/Public Assistance
• School Fee Waivers
• gap Filler Service
• Child Daycare
• Support Groups

For more information please contact Sheryl Madden-Pitter, MSW at Catholic Charities NW Senior Services at: (847) 253-5500 ext 384.