GRAND Magazine - Summer 2024 - 27

grandfamilies
Tips for BIPOC Grandfamilies
and Kinship Families
As a caregiver in a BIPOC grandfamily or kinship family, there are
things you can do to help with mental health and wellness:
1. Talk Openly: Foster open communication about emotions
and mental health within your family, emphasizing the normalcy
and importance of seeking help. Generations United's publication,
" Through the Eyes of Grandfamilies: A Conversation with Five
Caregivers, " can be particularly helpful as it features personal
accounts from five grandfamily and kinship caregivers. Their stories
shed light on their families' mental health challenges and share successful
strategies, providing valuable insights and encouragement
for open discussions within your family.
2. Learn About Help: Research mental health resources in
your community that respect and understand BIPOC cultural
values. Organizations like Mental Health America offer valuable
insights and tools for mental health and wellness. Sharing this
information with others in your network can provide crucial support
where it's needed most. "
3. Ask for Good Care: When seeking mental health support, advocate for healthcare
providers who are knowledgeable about and respectful of your cultural practices
and beliefs. Generations United offers several helpful resources that you can share
with your provider and read yourself, including the Latino Grandfamilies: Helping
Children Thrive Through Connection to Culture and Family Toolkit & Tipsheet,
American Indian & Alaska Native Grandfamilies: Helping Children Thrive Through
Connection to Family and Cultural Identity Toolkit & Tipsheet, and African
American Grandfamilies: Helping Children Thrive Through Connection to Family
and Culture Toolkit & Tipsheet.
27 GRAND SummER 2024
4. Take Care of Yourself: Prioritize self-care to
maintain your well-being. Taking breaks and engaging
in activities that bring you joy and relaxation are essential
for effectively supporting your family.
5. Find Support: Connect with other BIPOC caregivers
facing similar challenges. Support groups and networks
can provide understanding, shared experiences,
and practical advice. Find a support group by clicking a
state on the GrandFacts: Fact Sheets for Grandfamilies
page, contacting the local Area Agency on Aging, or
inquiring at a child's school.
Grandparents, BIPOC grandfamilies and kinship families
deserve to be seen, valued, and supported in their journey
toward thriving mental health and wellness. It's not
just about talking-it's about taking meaningful action. By
breaking down stereotypes, advocating for affordable care,
and ensuring services respect our cultural traditions, we're
giving our families a better chance to thrive. Let's make sure
every family gets the help they need, and let's make sure
every voice is heard. Together, we can make it easier for
everyone to access the support they deserve.
CLICK HERE
FOR RESOURCES
AND TIPSHEETS
Jamarl D. Clark is Generations
United's Assistant
Director for the National
Center on Grandfamilies.
GRAND Magazine - Summer 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GRAND Magazine - Summer 2024
