Support Groups

The Grand Kin Raising Grand Kids Project - A Great Resource for You

Grandparents and others raising a "second family" are confronted with unique legal, financial, medical, and social issues. They need a place to go for answers.

The place to go is your local Grand Kin Raising Grand Kids program. The program, led by MKCA and funded by foundations and the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging with the cooperation of the Area Agencies on Aging, educates, assists, and supports caregivers who are raising grandchildren or other young relatives.

Reaching out to people throughout Minnesota, five Relatives As Parents (RAP) Programs have been established across the state. In addition, two other agencies serving kinship families dealing with disabilities or seeking counseling are a part of the support network.

RAPs are regional contact points for inquiries from, and for, relative caregivers. With the assistance of local collaborative partners, RAPs reach out to relative caregivers, including Minnesota's communities of color, within their designated areas.

They accept program inquiries and provide information, referral, advocacy, and education throughout their regions. In addition, culturally specific support groups and volunteer mentors for one-to-one support are provided to kinship caregivers.

Contact a RAP for information on services closest to your home or work.

Using the map below, click the region closest to where you live or work for more detailed contact information (address, phone number, email, etc.).