In Montana, more than 7,400 grandparents are raising their grandchildren without parental involvement. These children come to them because of family crisis and the relative parents are often ill-equipped to deal with the emotional, physical, financial and social hardships of raising children “a second time around”.

There are numerous reasons for the increase in this relative parent-led family form said AnnaMarie White with La Paloma Family Services. “Often the reasons are intertwined which may include parental substance abuse, physical or mental health problems, financial difficulties, teen pregnancy, incarceration, death and deployment. The issue cuts across all socioeconomic and racial/ethnic groups.”

THE MONTANA Kinship Navigator Program (previously called the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Project) is the only one of its kind in the Montana. The program was founded in 2002 and offers caregivers support, education and access to resources.

“This gives caretakers the opportunity to live happier, healthier lives and in turn, raise children who know emotional and physical safety, excel in school and social situations and are prepared to take on the challenges of their new life,” she said.

Now, Mineral County has its own group which will meet on Mondays from 2 to 4 p.m. at the new Whipped Up Cafe located at 301 Railroad Ave. in Alberton.

AnnaMarie and her husband, Ron, are currently raising their three grade school grandchildren, Ava, and twins, Olivia and Penelope. Though the couple never imagined they would be parenting their grandchildren, “we have taken the experience as an opportunity of a lifetime. We are proud our daughter understands what is best for her children and support her daily in her relationship with her children. We are doing this as a family,” she explained.

However, in AnnaMarie’s family it is not uncommon for grandparents to raise their grandchildren, “in fact I was raised by my paternal grandparents until a time my teenage parents could care and provide for me,” she said.

THE COUPLE was involved with the girls from the beginning, and brought them home from the hospital and even named the twins, Olivia Lokkee and Penelope Picabo.

AnnaMarie views this as an opportunity for a second chance.

“We get to correct our own parenting mistakes, in a way. We are fortunate to be in a place in our lives where we can provide for them and give them undivided attention. Our ‘adjustment’ period was short-lived and we dove in head first! Our granddaughters are the center of our world and we will loving care for them until. Period. Where ‘until’ has no expiration date,” she said.

For additional information about the meetings, AnnaMarie can be reached at 406-396-1937.