Summer Newsletter #2 August 2021 It is August already and as we enjoy these last few beautiful summer days, we know the count down to the school year and the Fall is on! But until then, please take some time to enjoy the sunshine (when we see it!), the breeze, the green fields, and make sure to be taking care of you!

COVID-19 Updates and Information: Many of you have reached out with questions and concerns about COVID-19, the Delta variant, vaccines, and the impact of this pandemic on your families. The information and policies seem to be changing daily. The Commission strongly encourages you to get your COVID-19 information from reliable sources such as the CDC or Mass.gov. Links to both are below: www.mass.gov www.cdc.gov

Upcoming Workshops and Events Fall 2021 The Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren has been working on putting together a robust schedule of virtual workshops for you for the fall. Although we had hoped to start offering workshops in person, the Commission has decided to start the fall with virtual workshops with the hopes that we can get together some time soon. Here is a sample of some of the workshops coming this fall: Trauma and Resilience for the Caregiver Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Adolescent Depression and Anxiety The Impact of Parental Substance Use Disorder on Children Planning for Your Grandchild's Legal Future Brain Health Special Education Advocacy Internet Safety New Event Announcement: Resource Fair for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 10/21/21 The Commission hopes to hold our first "Resource Fair for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren" on 10/21/21. This will be held at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel in Marlboro. Service providers and community partners such as The Kinship Navigator, The Federation for Children with Special Needs, The Family Resource Centers, Learn to Cope and many more plan to be there to share information about services for grand-families. More Information to Come

Virtual Support Group for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren If you are interested in joining the statewide virtual support group for grandparents raising grandchildren that meets Monday nights/Tuesday mornings, please contact Colleen Pritoni at colleen.pritoni@mass.gov