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Relatives As Parents Program

Are you raising children who are not your biological offspring? If you’re a grandparent, aunt, uncle, older sibling, or any other relative stepping into a parenting role, the Relatives as Parents Program at Brooker Memorial is here for you!

Our Mission

RAPP provides a caring and supportive environment for relatives who have taken on the role of raising children. We understand that this journey can bring both joys and unique challenges, and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

What We Offer

  • Peer Support: Connect with others who share similar experiences. Our group provides a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can share stories, advice, and encouragement, helping you feel understood and supported.

  • Monthly Meetings: Adults gather for meetings monthly in the evening at Brooker Memorial, 157 Litchfield St., Torrington. We provide dinner and babysitting services. There is no fee or cost to participants. The adult meetings feature guest speakers on a variety of topics for adult programming. Recent topics include Probate Court, legal guardianship, interactions with schools when a child has special needs, self-care for caregivers, LGBTQIA+ issues for children and supporting them, as well as financial support programs on the state and federal level.

  • Family activities: Four times a year, we offer activities that involve the entire family. Recent activities have included family board game night, Halloween celebration that included costumes and pumpkin decorations, family trivia night, and go-kart riding at a local facility.

  • Resources: We offer a range of resources tailored to the needs of relatives raising children. Topics include navigating legal issues, understanding child development, working with school systems, and managing stress.

  • Community Building: Join a community that fosters friendships and builds a supportive network, so you never feel alone in your parenting journey. Through shared understanding, we help you feel a sense of belonging.

RAPP Events Gallery

Why Join Our Group?

The adults in the support group report that they get great comfort talking with others in the same situation they face.
In addition, they always learn things from each other, as well as the “expert” who has joined the talk. Lived experience is a great teacher, and many of our grandfamilies have experiences to share with other families, such as going through the adoption process and the benefits. The current members have built a great community of support with each other.

There are also proven health benefits to members of support groups, including lower risk of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

Kinship caregivers who have supportive connections experience more positive physical and mental health.

For more information or to register, contact our Community Engagement Coordinator at (860)489-1328 ext. 129.

Testimonials

What Participants Say

The Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP) has become a lifeline for many, providing comfort, connection, and camaraderie. Here are some heartfelt words from participants:
“First off, this group is part of my family. Just being with other grandparents raising grandchildren lets me know I’m not alone. We share our struggles, our joys, and how to find resources for different situations. We enjoy coming together.”
“It's so nice to know I'm not alone. Everyone in the group is so supportive and uplifting. I’ve also found the speakers on topics like the law and available services to be very helpful.”
“I love this group of people I've come to admire. Not only do we listen to each other, but we all share the common bond of raising our grandkids. What a wonderful feeling to have a place to come to and feel so much a part of. I love my RAPP family!”