Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Alline's Story

When her daughter died four years ago, Alline and her husband took on the responsibility of caring for four grandchildren ranging in age from a preteen to infant twins. Alline was 56 years old. Imagine raising three grandchildren in diapers at one time.

In 2006 Alline learned about One Church One Child, a faith-based organization supported by Tarrant County United Way that helps grandparents raising grandchildren. Alline attended classes on stress management and money management. She learned about parenting techniques “that can be substituted for bottom-spanking.”

An estimated 18,000 Tarrant County grandparents are raising grandchildren because of family situations that place the children at risk. Children at risk of abuse and neglect are a major concern to Tarrant County United Way.

In the Metroplex, about a fourth of the grandparents raising grandchildren have a disability themselves, and almost one in five lives in poverty. Their own children may be dead, in prison or dealing with drug abuse or AIDS. Sometimes these grandparents are still caring for their own elderly parents.

“A lot of elderly people don’t know what’s available in the community,” said Alline, who at 60 is nearly the youngest grandparent in her monthly support group. “These organizations open up doors that you’re not aware of. It took a lot of pressure off of me.”

Today Alline makes time to assist seniors in situations like hers. “I have days when I’m crying, but this program helps me look beyond myself and help others,” she said.

For information about services for grandparents and others who care for relatives’ children, dial 2-1-1, United Way’s information and referral service.