AARP New Mexico to Conduct Resource Fair for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Source: AARP.org

More than half of all grandparents in Bernalillo County are responsible for caring for their grandchildren according to data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau.

"Taking on the role of a primary care-giver for a child, especially later in life can be very overwhelming," said Stan Cooper, AARP New Mexico State Director.  "But there is help available through a variety of programs. We want to put information and tools in grandparents’, or other caregiver’s, hands to make their job a little easier."

AARP New Mexico and Outcomes Inc. are a joining a number of community organizations to conduct a free resource fair for grandparents raising grandchildren. The event is set for Saturday, April 25th, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, at 5415 Fortuna Road NW, in Albuquerque.  Free childcare will be provided.

The forum will include booths with a number of service providers on hand to answer caregiver’s questions on a one on one basis across a multitude of areas.

Main topics will be legal issues and cover areas such as guardianship, visitation rights and medial power of attorney; financial assistance, such as Social Security benefits and fraud protection; public benefits, such as obtaining food stamps, health care coverage and free prescription assistance; and family issues, such as behavioral challenges and navigating the school system. 

The event is free and open to all grandparents raising grandchildren or other kinship caregivers.  Free child care will be provided.

Other sponsors include the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department, Pegasus Legal Services for Children, the Senior Citizen Law Office, the New Mexico Financial Literacy Project, YDI, and the Albuquerque Area Agency on Aging. For more information visit call toll-free 1-866-389-5636 and ask for Stan Cooper or Beth Velasquez.