TARCOG recognized State Rep. Rex Reynolds as the first community recipient of its “Difference Maker” award for his efforts to support grandparents caring for children of drug-addicted parents.
Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan presented Reynolds the award during TARCOG’s Annual Board Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 22. She said Reynold’s advocacy and support for all of agency’s programs — from assisting the aging population to economic development efforts is appreciated. She also highlighted a relatively new program making a big impact on the lives of “grandfamilies” who are raising second families with little support.
“Two years ago, we got a call asking TARCOG to participate in a new pilot program in the state that would use a portion of opioid settlement funds to provide financial grants for grandparents and relative caregivers over 55 raising children impacted by the opioid crisis,” Jordan said. The pilot program was managed jointly by the Alabama Department of Mental Health and the Alabama Department of Senior Services.
According to a 2022 report from Generations United, a national advocacy group, statistics show more than 2.5 million children in the U.S. are raised by grandfamilies — grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other extended family members — when their parents are unable to care for them.
Parental substance use, especially during the rise of opioids, has been a key driver behind this trend, with other family members stepping in to prevent children from entering foster care – although many still do. Reynolds saw the impact firsthand while attending a meeting of a local nonprofit group called “Grandparents as Parents” at a church in his district.
“I was shocked by how many grandparents there were in attendance and I was shocked by the number of kids that were running around,” Reynolds said. “When I asked why the kids were there, they explained there was no one else to care for them. I realized very quickly there is a void in services that needed to be addressed.”
The pilot program was a success and is now being implemented across the state. At TARCOG, the new program is managed through the Alabama Cares Program, which assists all caregivers. The program’s funding is limited, Jordan said, “but a little can make an impact on meeting the needs that are out there.” Reynolds said he is committed to helping keep the program funded from a state level.
“We appreciate Rep. Reynolds for supporting all aspects of our work here at TARCOG, from our Area Agency on Aging to our economic development programs,” Jordan said. “He helps make sure that funds are available at the state level to support our efforts and keep northeast Alabama safe and strong.”
For more information on the grants, please contact TARCOG at 256-830-0818. TARCOG is a community partner with the local grandparent’s group. More information on the Grandparents As Parents program is available at www.gapalabama.org
TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan presented State Rep. Rex Reynolds, D-21, as the first community recipient of the TARCOG Difference Maker Award during the Annual Board Meeting on Sept. 22