KIPDA Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 2010 Spring Mini-Conference

On Wednesday, May 26, 2010 KIPDA presented Returning to the Journey of Parenting: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Spring Mini-Conference. The Conference was held at the newly renovated Kentucky Derby Museum. In addition to the conference, conference participants were provided an opportunity to tour the museum until closing at no cost. Lunch was provided for all attendees and school supplies were given to grandparents raising their grandchildren and relative caregivers. It was a concerted effort to get a jump on back to school.

The keynote speaker, Ms. Syvoskia Bray, presented on the topic "Returning to the Journey of Parenting." Ms. Bray encouraged the participants by instructing on the subtopic, "The ABC's of Re-Parenting," and enlightened us on the "do's and don'ts" from her perspective. Ms. Bray wears many hats: she is a motivational speaker, business consultant, pastor, author, and a grandparent who has been raising her grandchildren for 16 years.

After the lunch break, Ms. Bray returned to moderate a panel discussion. The panel members were Ms. Bray's grandchildren, Aaliyah Bray, 15, and Justin Bray, 17. The panelists shared their experiences of dealing with their parents and being raised by their grandmother. After they shared their stories, the floor was opened for participants to ask questions.

The Grandparent Raising Grandchildren Spring Mini-Conference was a day of motivation, encouragement and relaxation. The conference attendees stated they were pleased and found the information that was provided to be inspirational and useful. The number of Grandparents Raising their Grandchildren is increasing at an alarmingly high rate; as the numbers increase, the need for resources will increase as well. KIPDA assists individuals with connecting to needed community resources through the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program. Through this program, KIPDA also offers access to both supplemental and supportive services. We are happy that the spring mini-conference was a success and we look forward to presenting future conferences for Grandparents Raising their Grandchildren.