News
August 20, 2025
Zachary Rotary hears about grandparents raising grandchildren
At the July 17 Zachary Rotary Club meeting, attendees heard from Kathy Coleman, president and advocate of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Louisiana.
Zachary, LA - The Zachary Rotary Club's July 17th meeting shed light on a growing societal trend: grandparents stepping in as primary caregivers for their grandchildren. Kathy Coleman, president and dedicated advocate of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Louisiana, addressed the club, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs faced by these often-unsung heroes.
Coleman's presentation focused on the increasing number of grandparents across Louisiana and the nation who are raising their grandchildren, often due to circumstances such as parental substance abuse, incarceration, military deployment, mental health issues, or death. These grandparents, she explained, frequently find themselves unexpectedly thrust into the role of full-time parents again, navigating the complexities of childcare, education, healthcare, and legal guardianship, often on fixed incomes.
The organization, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Louisiana, works tirelessly to provide resources and support to these families. Coleman detailed the various services they offer, including assistance with navigating legal and financial hurdles, connecting grandparents with support groups and counseling services, and advocating for policies that benefit grandparent-led families. She emphasized the importance of community awareness and understanding of the unique challenges these families face.
"Many grandparents are raising their grandchildren with limited resources and little support," Coleman stated. "They are often dealing with their own health issues and financial constraints while trying to provide a stable and nurturing environment for their grandchildren, who may have experienced trauma and instability."
The Zachary Rotary Club members were deeply moved by Coleman's presentation. Several members expressed interest in volunteering with Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Louisiana and exploring ways the club could support the organization's mission. The meeting served as a powerful reminder of the vital role grandparents play in families and the importance of providing them with the resources they need to succeed. The Rotary Club encourages the community to learn more about Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Louisiana and consider ways to offer support to these deserving families.
Coleman's presentation focused on the increasing number of grandparents across Louisiana and the nation who are raising their grandchildren, often due to circumstances such as parental substance abuse, incarceration, military deployment, mental health issues, or death. These grandparents, she explained, frequently find themselves unexpectedly thrust into the role of full-time parents again, navigating the complexities of childcare, education, healthcare, and legal guardianship, often on fixed incomes.
The organization, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Louisiana, works tirelessly to provide resources and support to these families. Coleman detailed the various services they offer, including assistance with navigating legal and financial hurdles, connecting grandparents with support groups and counseling services, and advocating for policies that benefit grandparent-led families. She emphasized the importance of community awareness and understanding of the unique challenges these families face.
"Many grandparents are raising their grandchildren with limited resources and little support," Coleman stated. "They are often dealing with their own health issues and financial constraints while trying to provide a stable and nurturing environment for their grandchildren, who may have experienced trauma and instability."
The Zachary Rotary Club members were deeply moved by Coleman's presentation. Several members expressed interest in volunteering with Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Louisiana and exploring ways the club could support the organization's mission. The meeting served as a powerful reminder of the vital role grandparents play in families and the importance of providing them with the resources they need to succeed. The Rotary Club encourages the community to learn more about Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Louisiana and consider ways to offer support to these deserving families.
Category:
Politics