Healthy Grandparents Program hosts annual holiday party

The Healthy Grandparents Program celebrated the annual Christmas party on Dec. 15. The event is a staple of the Healthy Grandparents Program, which was established in 1998 by Augusta University’s College of Nursing.

Forty-eight of the families enrolled in the program were treated to a catered dinner from TBonz at the Julian Smith Casino, and there were Christmas-themed arts and crafts activities for the children. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were also on hand to distribute gifts to all 93 children in attendance.

Thanks to the generous donations made by faculty and staff from Augusta University and other community members, each child received at least three gifts.

“All of the over 300 gifts given out to the grandchildren during the party were donated by individuals, groups and businesses within the Augusta community,” said Mike Patton, Healthy Grandparents Program research manager. “Along with our monthly support group meetings, the annual Christmas Party is another opportunity for grandparents to expand their support system with other grandparents in similar situations, decrease their social isolation and receive some much-needed support during the holidays. We will always be grateful for that support which has allowed us to expand the services we provide to the families and increase the number of families we are able to serve.”

Each child also received a donated handmade blanket, a stocking and age-specific stocking stuffers. Each family also received a gift card.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with the Health Grandparents Program and to witness the extraordinary work that our programs offer to keep these kinship families stable,” said Pam Cromer, DNP, director of the program and professor in CON.

For 25 years, this program has provided physical, emotional and social support to grandparents and great-grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Members of the program have access to support group meetings, custody and adoption assistance, annual physicals for both guardians and children, and book bags and school supplies at the beginning of each school year.

“With Christmas just around the corner, it is heart-warming to see our CSRA communities join our efforts to make the holiday season a special one for the grandparents who have dedicated themselves to instilling the love necessary for ‘resilience’ of the grandchildren they are raising,” Cromer said. “We are privileged to serve these families day-to-day, making a difference in the lives of future generations and helping to break the cycle of challenges many have faced in their young lives.”

The College of Nursing would like to thank every volunteer and donor for making this another incredible holiday for our grandkids.

Check out further coverage of the event by WFXG, WJBF and Augusta Good News.