For grandparents raising their grandchildren, there’s a support group in Havertown to help them, reports Katherine Scott for 6abc.com.
Karen Barnes is the founder of Grands Stepping Up, started in 2020.
Grands Stepping Up has provided grandparents with food and goods through Denis’ Pantry.
The pantry is named after Barnes’ brother, who passed away from COVID-19.
Located at Llanerch Hills Chapel. The pantry is for the community, but its primarily focused on grand-families.
Barnes has been raising her own granddaughter for nine years, keeping her safe and out of the foster care system.
The group has helped many people, according to Pastor Mike Emge.
“There are people who have gone to prison, there are people that have died, there are people that have been displaced, so what happens to the family unit? They’re kind of left on their own,” Emge said. “Thank God for Karen and Grands Stepping Up because we have a place now where they can come, and they can get what they need.”
They started with 20 grand-families. Today, they help more than 75.
The group also offers legal and financial services, social activities, and trauma focused therapeutic services for grandparents and children.
Read more at 6abc.com about Grands Stepping Up.
