Fall 2006 Volume 3, Number 3

"Let's Grow Together" Conference A Success!

“I loved it and so did my twin granddaughters!” said Gloria Grismore, a grandparent who attended the Gateway Grandparent Kinship Network’s annual conference with her two granddaughters, Brittney & Brianna Robinson. The Grismores were one of twenty-six families who attended the event on Saturday, July 15th at the St. Louis Science Center.

A panel comprised of Karen Warren of Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Rich Krueger of the Community Action Agency, Deeny Robinson of Human Development Corporation, and Sharon Minoff of the Family Support Division educated the relative caregivers on resources in the community. The panel discussion was followed by a mediated discussion of caregivers’ needs and concerns facilitated by Tracy Moore of the Children’s Division. The relative caregiver portion of the event concluded with a beautiful song sung by one of the grandparents.

The event also featured opportunities for the kids to grow. While the relative caregivers were listening to the panel, asking questions, and participating in the discussion, the kids were enjoying multiple arts and crafts activities, face painting, and a wonderful clown.

The event was successful due to the many volunteers from AARP who
volunteered at the event; the St. Louis Bread Company and Krispy Kreme Donuts who donated the food for the event; and the clown Diana Jones from the Wellston Community Support
Association.

Gloria Grismore summarized the event, stating, "I liked it so much that I even told my Sunday School church group about it, I just really enjoyed myself!"

Please look for upcoming information about next year’s event!