More than 100,000 children in Arizona are being raised by their grandparents or other relatives, according to the U.S. census. Duet: Partners in Health & Aging helps grandparents raising grandchildren through Valley-wide support groups, workshops, family activities, respite care, and information and referrals. Recently, Thunderbirds Charities provided Duet with a $15,000 grant to support their one-of-a-kind Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program.

“When grandparents raising grandchildren come to Duet, they are often in turmoil,” said Patricia Dominguez, MSW, director of kinship care services for Duet. “They are often confused and scrambling to find resources and help. Duet is that life-line to making sense of their situation and provide them with hope. This grant from Thunderbird Charities will make a huge impact to grandfamilies [grandparents and the children they are raising] facing many challenges.”

By supporting grandparents raising grandchildren, Duet provides families with the tools they need to navigate an often unexpected transition and helps to keep children out of foster care. The funds from the Thunderbirds Charities grant will support group family activities, respite care, and more. These social and cultural outings such as family picnics, visits to local attractions, and more, allow grandparents and grandchildren to know that they aren’t alone in their journeys.

“By providing resources and support, Duet makes a true difference in the lives of Valley grandparents raising their grandchildren,” said Chance Cozby, president of Thunderbirds Charities. “We’re happy to assist in their efforts to serve the grandfamilies in our community.”

To learn more about Duet’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program, visit duetaz.org/grandparents-raising-grandchildren.

This grant is part of the Spring 2019 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.