Peach County Grandparents Bridge the Generation ‘Gap’

A Peach County program called “Grandparents as Parents,” or GAP is helping families bridge the generation gap between grandparents and grandchildren. The initiative that started in 2008 provides support for those raising their grandkids.

“It’s just like I was raising my own,” says Annie Wright grandmother of Vaquan Wright.

Vaquan looks to both of his grandmothers as ‘mom and dad.’

“It’s different without a mom, but I still call grandma, mom too,” says Vaquan.

Vaquan’s grandmothers, Annie Wright and Verlene Ballard are sharing the parenting role.

“The program to me, has brought us closer with our grandkids,” says Ballard.

The monthly meetings include guest speakers, parenting tips, and a chance to mingle with other families.

“We’ve had people from DFACS come in to actually let them know what their rights are after they start raising their grandchildren,” says Sara Mason with Peach County Schools.

“You get to know other people and their situations and you think your situation is like mine,” says Ballard.

The program now has more than 50 participants.