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Grandfamilies Afterschool

Grandfamilies Program of Chicago is comprised of a network of support services that have been selected to meet the unique needs of grandparents raising grandchildren. Assistance and counseling regarding financial burdens, medical issues, utility costs, housing, childcare, and employment are few of the areas covered. Grandfamilies’ mission is to improve the quality of life for grandparents raising grandchildren and our philosophy to emphasize appreciation while creating a legacy of self-sufficiency.

The After School Challenge Initiative is a program offered by Grandfamilies (in partnership with A Knock At Midnight), intended to give grandparents extended support with their grandchildren during critical after school hours (3:00 pm.-6:00 p.m.).

Many grandparents has taken on the responsibility of surrogate parenting when the biological parents are unable to do so. Despite the much needed love of their grandparents, some of these youth still live with the feelings of abandonment due to the absence of their biological parents on a daily basis.

The general goal of “The After School Challenge Initiative” is to provide prevention education services to address some of the youth and family dynamics (for male youth, ages 10-14) designed to increase academic success and character development, while reducing risk-taking behaviors such as substance abuse, criminal activities and/or the lack of individual/family counseling opportunities.

The program seeks specifically to address the following five core elements:

Improving Academic Performance, which encompasses time to do homework, tutoring in basic skills and enrichment programs that encourage creativity.

Recreational Activities that provide safe outlets for the youth to try new skills and interests, build friendships, find their place in a group and gain relevant social experiences.

Computer Literacy Trainings,

 1. Computer Software Applications - Participants will learn basic computer literacy with an  introduction to Micro-Soft Applications (Ms Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

 2. Multimedia Projects—Participants will explore multimedia projects utilizing tools such as,  DVD video cameras, digital cameras, and scanners.

 3. Engaged Learning Projects—Participants will complete research based projects

 utilizing their Computer skills and internet accessibility to develop productive PowerPoint  presentations.

Life Skills Education that provides character development training, which helps participants adopt positive decision-making skills that discourage harmful risk-taking behaviors, such as substance use, criminal involvement, violence and sexual activity.

Parental Involvement Opportunities so that parents and guardians have opportunities to meet with staff to discuss their children’s activities and to participate in events that strengthen parent/child bonds and community involvement.

Family Counseling Opportunities so that youth and/or families can receive counseling services to address behavioral problems, depression, and separation due to trauma experiences.

Grandfamilies Photo Gallery