Volunteers of America
Contact: Pat Cochran, Director of Prevention Services.

*One component of these services is our free NO EMPTY NEST program for grandparents raising grandchildren. The group meets on the last Thursday of the month at the YMCA (5353 Lake Otis) from 7:00 to 9:00p.m. Grandchildren are allowed to swim free during the meeting (they must meet the age or be accompanied by someone meeting the age requirements.) Usually Grands don't bring their kids to meetings, but everyone is welcome - even if you have grandchildren in tow! Most meetings offer a guest speaker to present various relevant topics, although time is also provided for sharing and support. 

*NEN mails out over 140 newsletters each month, mostly local and south central Alaska, with some going as far as the Aleutian Islands and Barrow! The newsletter offers parenting tips, information on substance abuse and children of alcoholics/addicts, self-care guidelines, resources, a calendar of opportunities and events, and features several specific ASSETS kids need in their lives to grow up healthy. 

*Telephonic support, referral and resources are always available by calling 522-9866. Whether you need an empathetic ear, guidance in where to turn for help, or information on the next meeting, someone will help you out! *Also available are two FREE camping opportunities: The Strengthening of Grandfamilies FAMILY CAMP is offered in mid-February, with motor coach transportation available if you don't want to navigate the icy roads. A 3-day camp, grandfamilies are offered a variety of workshops, crafts, activities, recreation and support to meet the needs of every member of the family. In the summer, twelve camperships are earmarked for grandchildren being raised by grandparents to attend CAMP HOPE. This unique 6-day prevention camp targets young children whose lives have been impacted by parental substance abuse. Combined with traditional camp activities, a specialized curriculum helps these children to make some sense of their parents' disease and how it has affected them. They explore their feelings, learn healthy new coping skills, and find out about their own increased risk of alcoholism and addiction. 

For more information on No Empty Nest or either of the camp opportunities please call area code (907) 522-9866 or 279-9646. You can also reach us at voa-allstars@gci.net or at nen@alaska.net.