Manley Joins Local Aging Agency Podcast to Highlight Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Legislation

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – In order to promote the resources that are available to older adults who are raising children, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, joined AgeGuide’s podcast series on aging to talk about the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program, known as GRG Plus, available to Will County residents.

“When you are raising a child, providing and caring for them is the most important job you have,” said Manley. “Caregivers, whether they are grandparents, uncles, aunts, or others, will sacrifice their time, their money, and their own well-being to ensure that the little people in their care are provided for. Ensuring that we are aiding older adults who are raising a child, helping them take a break and get connected to vital resources, can go a long way in alleviating the many difficulties that these older adults face.”

According to the Illinois Department on Aging, more than 71,000 grandparents are caring for their grandchildren throughout the state. In order to provide assistance to these caregivers, Manley passed legislation last year that created the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program in Will County. The program provides older adults who are raising a child with a variety of resources, such as legal assistance, counseling, support groups, and assistance with obtaining clothing, school supplies, and other needs.

In order to highlight the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program, Manley joined AgeGuide’s recent podcast series to talk about the resources that the program can provide local older adults. AgeGuide is a local agency that coordinates a wide variety of services for persons age 60 and older in northeastern Illinois, including Will County. To listen to AgeGuide’s podcast series, please visit ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast.

“There are many resources available to older adults, but finding them without assistance can be a difficult and frustrating process,” said Manley. “The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program makes it easy for older adults to apply for and receive support. Thank you to AgeGuide for the important work they do for older adults throughout our community and helping me spread the word about this program that can help provide vital support to older caregivers who are raising children.”