[NaNaCyndy]

Hi my name is Cyndy...My husband and I are raising my 2 grandchildren ages 5 and 6...the boys have been with us for almost 3 years now....we moved from Illinois to Florida last year...having been trying to find support groups in the area, which is North Port Florida, does anyone know of any? The bio father has had no contact with the boys in over 1 1/2 years, bio mom, she has wrote the boys 1 letter/card in a year, and spoke on the phone with the boys 4 times, in a year, and those only happened because we called her. We get no financial help and have no support downline to fall back on. Im sure there are other grandparents out there in the same situation as us. Could use some helpful advise and someone to talk to.

[grandmotherof2]

My name is Pat and my husband and I are raising our 5 year old grandson. We live in Indiana. I can sympathize with you on the no contact deal. His dad got him when they separated but he dropped him on us when he went chasing after a girl. At the time he was just a little over a year old. His mother came back into his life when he was just over 2 years old with her live in "girlfriend". At this time we were going to court to get legal guardianship, which we got. He went to live with his mom when he was 3 1/2, lived with her until he was just over 4, then we took him back due to a lot of unhealthy issues. His dad was in his life a little...at his convience of course. Now mom is in his life weekends only. She doesn't even call or ask to see him more and she lives in the same town as he does. I am 54 years young and my husband is 48 and we did not want to start all over raising kids but we would not give him up for anything in the world. At times it is hard but we are doing it. It is the best thing for him. I do not know of any support groups, and as far as support....we have a court order and they are taking money out of Dad's pay check but Mom is not working. We are getting TANF, money from the welfare, for him. Not much but it pays for school clothes, shoes, books, etc. Why don't you try your local Welfare office and see if you can get it for your two grandkids? They told us that as long as we just have legal guardianship, they do not count out income. And they helped up file for child support. Anytime you want to talk, just let me know.

[QueenAngie]

Welcome to the board, Pat!

Sounds like your grandson is a joy in your lives.
Certainly, he was not planned to be in your home at this time,
but he is lucky that you and DH are so caring & love him.

(((Hugs)))