Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising your grandchildren, while also managing modern-day tech challenges and social systems? Are you seeking innovative solutions to better support your family, amidst the complexities of kinship care? Navigating communication gaps between generations and finding accessible resources can feel like an uphill battle, isolating you in your journey.
I’m Laura Brazan, and my life changed dramatically in 2022 when I became a grandparent raising grandchildren. The experience has made me realize that while love is vital, practical support and community are indispensable for thriving. In this episode of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,' we delve into a groundbreaking technology aimed at transforming social support.
Join me as I converse with John Gesumeria, founder of "Diffrently", a web-based service that revolutionizes how social workers assist families. Modeled after Uber, "Diffrently" connects clients with the right social workers for initial consultations, ultimately offering a preventive approach to mental health and community support. Gesumeria shares his journey and insights on creating stronger community ties and using technology to bridge generational gaps.
To learn more about "Diffrently", please go to https://www.diffrently.net/
Tune in to discover how "Diffrently" could make a difference in your life, and learn strategies to build a supportive network grounded in empathetic, effective social work. Our upcoming episodes will also feature experts like Janine Mushawar, focusing on communication strategies with teenagers. Together, we aim to provide you with strength, hope, and practical tools to navigate the responsibilities of raising grandchildren in today's world.
As a grandmother raising two grandchildren, one of my favorite things is watching them connect with the world around them. That's why I'm so in love with Dr. Dale Atkins new children's book "Dear Deer". Purchase directly through her website, Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Help our kids log off the screeens and tune back into the world!
Jill Bryant has spent years researching the deep complexities of counseling and the lived reality of kinship care as a professor and a grandparent raising a grandchild. Her work, focusing on the complete subjective well-being of kinship caregivers. Taking this 10-minute survey gives our advocates the timely, real-world data they need to fight for the funding and structural support your family deserves right now.
Kinship care—stepping up to raise your grandchildren—can often feel like an incredibly lonely journey. When custody happens unexpectedly, it’s easy to feel like you are the only one navigating the trauma, the system, and the sheer exhaustion.
But you aren't alone. And that is exactly why your story matters. Your unique experience holds the power to change the system for the next family. Share your story with us at laurabrazan@grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org
Thank you for tuning into today's episode. It's been a journey of shared stories, insights, and invaluable advice from the heart of a community that knows the beauty and challenges of raising grandchildren. Your presence and engagement mean the world to us and to grandparents everywhere stepping up in ways they never imagined.
Remember, you're not alone on this journey. For more resources, support, and stories, visit our website and follow us on our social media channels. If today's episode moved you, consider sharing it with someone who might find comfort and connection in our shared experiences.
We look forward to bringing more stories and expert advice your way next week. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.
Want to be a guest on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity? Send Laura Brazan a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/grg
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