GALION — Galion City Schools is launching a new support group in the community for grandparents raising children who are in preschool through 12th grade.

The first meetings are scheduled from 1-2:30 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church this Thursday, Nov. 16.

The purpose of the group is to provide a safe and supportive place for grandparents to gather and support and help one another as they go through this life-changing experience.

“When I started in the district last year, I noticed there was a large number of grandparents who were raising their grandchildren and with a recurring theme that things have changed since they raised their own children,” said school social worker Carly George. “I will be there to support the group, provide some education, answer questions about school, life issues facing children today, and anything they want to ask related to raising their grandchildren.”

Grandparents are encouraged to join the support group prior to the first meeting Nov. 16, as well as any time after the first meeting date. Please contact Carly George at 419-468-3676 , ext. 14005, to join or to learn more about the program.

George made it a goal for the 2017-18 school year to connect with those grandparents to make sure they know they are supported, but more importantly allow them to discuss their lives with people who are in similar situations.

She received permission from the building principals, as well as overwhelming support from director of academics Paul Wheeler and superintendent Jim Grubbs, to offer this program to Galion families.

“People in non-traditional situations feel isolated and alone, and we do not want them to feel that way,” said George. “We want them to know they are not alone and they should never feel ashamed of whatever situation they’re facing when raising their grandchildren.”

George will lead the group, and include other community members to provide information grandparents have requested.

The district’s technology department is an example of a source of information that grandparents have requested from through questions they have posed.

“I’m very proud of the work Mrs. George is doing to engage our families in the Galion City School District,” said Grubbs. “I’m excited to be involved with this support group and look forward to helping these individuals provide greater support for their grandchildren.”

G