JWB Hosting Three Events to Celebrate Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Feb 29, 2024
For Immediate Release: February 29, 2024
Three free springtime events across Pinellas County will deliver great food, fun activities,
and resources specifically for Grand Families
(PINELLAS COUNTY, FL) – The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB) is hosting a series of family friendly events across Pinellas County to celebrate and support grandparents raising their grandchildren.
Three unique and free Grand Families Events will be held this spring where families headed by grandparents can come out to enjoy great food, fun activities, and resources designed to support them in their caregiver roles. We are also extending invitations to these events to all relative caregivers who are raising their nieces, nephews, or siblings in their homes.
“As a grandparent myself who is raising my two grandsons, ages 11 and 12, I can speak to the unique joys and challenges this presents. While I am fortunate to have access to resources, I know many struggle to know where to turn,” shared JWB CEO Beth Houghton, who is a champion for supporting relative care. “JWB is dedicated to bringing resources to grandparents and other relative caregivers, as well as making connections to improve their quality of life and strengthen their families.”
Information about the three Grand Families events is listed below. All events are being hosted by JWB and our three Community Councils in north, mid-, and south Pinellas County and are free of charge to the public.
DID YOU KNOW?
U.S. CENSUS BUREAU DATA:
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), in the United States (Grandparents and Their Coresident Grandchildren: 2021):
- 6,928,281 grandparents are living with their grandchildren.
- Almost 33% of those grandparents report sole responsibility for their grandchild(ren).
- 16% of grandchildren under the age of 18 living with grandparents were in poverty.
2021 PINELLAS COUNTY DATA
According to the ACS (2021), in Pinellas County:
- 17,072 grandparents are living with their grandchildren.
- 35% of those grandparents report sole responsibility for their grandchild(ren).
- 22% of grandchildren under the age of 18 living with grandparents were in poverty.
GRAND FAMILIES EVENTS – FREE TO THE PUBLIC:
North County Grand Families Event
Thursday, March 14th from 10:30 AM-2:00 PM
Clearwater Hall Rentals, 1828 Main St., Dunedin FL 34698
Hosted by JWB’s North County Community Council, the event will feature a community lunch with speakers and resources, plus fun activities for children. Pre-registration is requested by March 4th. This event offers an excellent option for families looking for free Spring Break fun!
https://www.jwbpinellas.org/calendar/grand-families-events/
South County Grand Families Event
Saturday, April 6th from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Lake Vista Park, 1401 62nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg FL 33705
A resource fair and game day-themed event will be hosted JWB, our South County Community Council, and St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation.
https://www.jwbpinellas.org/calendar/grand-families-events-2/
Mid-County Grand Families Event
Saturday, May 4th from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center, 4951 78th Ave. N., Pinellas Park, FL 33781
This JWB Mid-County Community Council-hosted resource fair will be a bilingual event.
https://www.jwbpinellas.org/calendar/grand-families-events-3/
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Learn more about JWB’s Grand Families Events: www.jwbpinellas.org/calendar
For questions, contact: Community Engagement Manager Yaridis Garcia at 813-381-2407 or ygarcia@jwbpinellas.org.
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ABOUT JWB: For more than 75 years, the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB) has been investing in the futures of children to strengthen our community. Governed by an 11-member Board and driven by data, JWB and our partners served more than 64,000 children and families through 85 programs with 50 nonprofit agencies in FY22. Learn more at www.JWBPinellas.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS: Jennifer Dodd | 813-767-7895 | jdodd@jwbpinellas.org
April Putzulu | 727-804-6404 | aputzulu@jwbpinellas.org