By Katie Rayner
The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) group of Plymouth County has been a critical support and resources for families navigating a difficult journey. “The Plymouth GRG mission is to work together to find answers and solutions for ourselves and the rapidly expanding number of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. We realize that this has become a life-altering situation for the entire family,” according to their website. The group consists of grandparents who, due to various reasons, have accepted the responsibility of caring for their grandchild.
John and Beth Murphy of Scituate have been participating in the Plymouth County GRG group for the past 18 months. They are the grandparents and court-appointed guardians of their 15 year old granddaughter and 5 year old grandson. “After we attended the first meeting I felt this spark of light that we weren't doing this alone anymore,” Beth said, “everyone was warm, friendly, and openly shared their story. It made it feel very comfortable.” After attending their first meeting the Murphys felt so supported and comfortable that they continued to attend meetings to connect and share with other grandparents going through a similar situation. “They gave me the okay that it was okay to feel those things,” Beth said.
During the GRG meetings, there is a moderator, who works in the court system which helps answer any questions the grandparents may have about the legal system. “It takes away the anxiety of the process, John said, it can be very intimidating dealing with the courts, especially when you’ve done nothing wrong and you are trying to advocate for these beautiful children.” Navigating the court system can be tricky for grandparents and pose many barriers but having the added support from the GRG makes the process a little easier for them. “Having the court system behind us and the extra knowledge from the group. When you have a little more knowledge it relaxes you. And that’s what the grandparents group does. It relaxes you and makes you realize you are not alone and you’re a lot more comfortable,” Beth said.
The Murphys credit the resources and support from the group as the biggest highlight and reason why it’s so important to them. “The biggest part is the sense of resource. The sense of having someone I can ask a question too - the fear of the unknown is unbelievable,” Beth said, “the wealth of friendship and sense of community coming together and knowing we aren’t doing this alone.
For more information about Grandparents Raising Grandchildren groups, visit their website at massgrg.com
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