PITT AND VINTAGE OFFER "A DAY OUT" TO GRANDPARENTS WHO ARE RAISING THEIR GRANDCHILDREN

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 17 -- The University of Pittsburgh and Vintage senior care home are sponsoring "A Day Out!" for grandparents raising their own grandchildren, on Thursday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., at Vintage, 401 No. Highland Ave., East Liberty.

The free program, designed to be relaxing and informative, includes workshops for these parenting grandparents as well as a craft project, bingo, manicures, and a shoulder massage. A luncheon will be served and representatives from human service agencies will be on hand to answer questions.

Approximately 19,000 Allegheny County grandparents have the daily challenge of raising their grandchildren. These older adults face problems that can be overwhelming -- legal issues, discipline, emotional and physical health, and navigating their grandchild's school system. "A Day Out!" will allow these grandparents to become better informed as they share experiences with others in similar situations. Generations Together, Pitt's program of intergenerational studies, has taken a leadership role in reaching out to parenting grandparents, and is forming regional support groups.

"A Day Out!" is made possible through the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Area Agency on Aging, Office of Children Youth and Families, A Second Chance, Inc., and Family Resources.

-30-

10/17/00/mgc