GrandFamily Resource Center
In Philadelphia, over 15,000 grandparents are raising their grandchildren full time (US Census, 2013-2017). The children face foster care unless grandparents step in. The caregiving demands on grandparents can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming.
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What We Do
Weekly group counseling, phone support, and more for grandparents raising their grandchildren
Weekly family literacy workshops and more for grandparents raising their grandchildren
Healthy living initiative for grandparents raising their grandchildren
Philly Families Connect
Weekly group counseling, phone support, and more for grandparents raising their grandchildren (ages 0 to 18). The program is led by professional staff trained in trauma informed practices.
Learn More and Join
Contact: Arlene Segal
Phone: 215-487-3000 ext. 11
Email: asegal@sown.org
Why Join?
- Parenting education
- Variety of workshops
- Connect with other grandparent
caregivers
- Get information & referrals
- Receive individual counseling
Where it Happens
In-person meetings are held at the Abbottsford Falls Family Practice & Counseling and the 11th Street Family Health Center. Meetings are also held over the phone.

Contact: Dionne Wright Chambers (Ages 3 to 8)
Phone: 215-487-3000 ext. 14
Email: dwchambers@sown.org
Contact: Carly Handley (Grades K to 8)
Phone: 215-487-3000 ext. 24
Email: chandley@sown.org
Weekly family literacy workshops and more for grandparents raising their grandchildren (ages 3 to 8 and in grades K to 8). Workshops teach grandparents how to help children build reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
Why Join?
- Learn fun ways to foster a joy of learning
and success in school
- Connect with other grandparent
caregivers
- Free children’s books for home libraries
- Learn texting, email, and popular apps
(tablets provided for training)
When & Where it Happens
Virtual:
For grandparents raising grandchildren ages 3-8, workshops are held via Zoom on Wednesdays from 9:00 to 10:30 AM, and 1:00 to 2:30 PM.
In-Person Locations:
West Oak Lane Senior Center, 7210-18 Ogontz Ave (19138)
Mercy Neighborhood Ministries, 1939 W. Venango St (19140)
Avery D. Harrington School (for grandfamilies with students enrolled in grades K-8 at Harrington), 5300 Baltimore Ave (19143)
Comegys Elementary School (for grandfamilies with students enrolled in grades K-8 at Comegys), 5100 Greenway Ave (19143)
Learn More and Join
Philly Families Read Together



Philly Families Read Together is funded by The William Penn Foundation Family Literacy Initiative (ages 3 to 8) and Carnegie Corporation of New York (Harrington School)
Contact: Debby Davis
Phone: 215-487-3000 ext. 13
Email: ddavis@sown.org
Healthy living initiative for grandparents raising their grandchildren (ages 0 to 18).
Why Join?
- Family events providing fun fitness activities and nutritious foods for grandparents and grandchildren
- Healthy cooking workshops
- Access to fresh produce
- Connect with other grandparent-headed families
Where it Happens
Events take place in parks and at meeting locations throughout Philadelphia.
Learn More and Join
Philly Families Eat Smart
