Classes offered for relatives thrust into parenthood

Published 2:13 pm Thursday, December 23, 2010

Classes for grandparents and other relatives who find themselves thrust into parenthood will be offered in Redmond beginning Jan. 3.

Kinship Care, offered by Encompass, a North Bend-based children’s and family-services organization, will be held the first Monday evening of the month at the Together Center, 16225 NE 87th, Suite A-5.

The first session will run from 5:30-7 p.m.

“By participating in Kinship Care Support,” says Kerry Beymer, Encompass Family Support manager, “you can come to know that others are in the same situation as you – and, as a result, the children in your care can come to the same realization. We can help you go from overwhelmed to well equipped.”

Kinship Care Support services include assistance with accessing counseling, parenting classes, health care, legal assistance and basic needs, along with advocacy with federal and state agencies. It also provides a place for grandparents and other relatives to share concerns, joys and resources associated with the responsibility of raising children.

Free childcare will be provided at the Jan. 3 session, along with a free meal for both children and adults.

For more information and to reserve a spot, contact Kerry Beymer at Encompass, 425-888-2777, kerry.beymer@encompassnw.org.