This October, our Relatives as Parents Program held a Halloween party, bringing together costumed kids and caregivers over pizza.
“It was a fun time for parents and kids to get together and celebrate the holiday,” said Diana Bell, Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa) Assistant Chief Program Officer.
CCWVa’s Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP) serves families in which caregivers other than the biological parents are raising children. We often see grandparents or aunts or uncles stepping in to raise children when their biological parents are not in a place to do so.
RAPP provides a variety of supports and interventions for these children and families. The program gives participating caregivers the resources they need to be informed, effective, and responsible parents.
While the children did a Halloween craft, the caregivers learned about parenting topics from the monthly guest speaker.
“As much as our parents learn from the guest speaker at each meeting, they also learn from each other,” said Bell.
In that way, group members engage and support one another.
“The common aspect of raising other peoples’ children – for whatever reason – brings the parents together,” said Bell.
To learn more about Catholic Charities West Virginia, please visit www.CatholicCharitiesWV.org.
