Florence resident Alisha Sanders has taken on the parenting role for two grandchildren.
Now, she may be eligible for state resources to lend a hand.
Established 17 years ago, the Kentucky Caregiver Program was designed to support grandparents of any age raising grandchildren who meet income and other guidelines, but prior budget cuts limited the program’s reach to two of the state’s 15 Area Development Districts, officials said.
The program has now been expanded, with the Northern Kentucky Area Development District taking the local lead in implementing the initiative, Northern Kentucky Area Development District Aging and Disabilities Associate Director Anne Wildman said.
“This year we got great news that the state is funding that program again,” Wildman said, adding personnel hired to render program services will begin duties next month. “These are grandparents who need assistance with purchasing things like clothing, school supplies and furniture.”
The Kentucky Caregiver Program’s restoration is worth exploring, Sanders said.
“I’ll certainly be looking into that – and spreading the word to others, too,” Sanders said. “It’s great to know that some additional help may be available and people are recognizing that there is a need.”
Grandparents shouldering the responsibility of raising grandchildren also need assistance with finding support groups and other manners of assistance, Wildman said.
“We’re super excited to get that program up and running,” Wildman said. “We’ll be serving everyone in all of our counties, and we will have outreach events that will involve talking with grandparents.”
Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen and Pendleton counties are within the Northern Kentucky Area Development District’s service area, officials said.
To determine Kentucky Caregiver Program eligibility, contact the Northern Kentucky Area Development District at (859) 283-1885.