Support Groups for Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children

What is the Relatives As Parents Program (RAPP)?

This free program exists to assist those who have taken on the role as primary caregiver for a child. RAPP is designed to assist grandparents and relatives who have taken on the role as primary caregiver for a related child. 

Held in three locations covering Poughkeepsie, Southern Dutchess and Eastern Dutchess.

Providing:

  • Kinship care and peer support
  • Education and Training to address needs and concerns of caregivers
  • Presentations from local organizations and professionals addressing topics related to caregivers
  • Wellness Education programs
  • Financial Education workshops
  • Family Education presentations
  • Resource Sharing and Referral Services

Twice a year the support groups will join together for special events: the Winter Holiday Party and Summer Picnic. The purpose of these events is to provide encouragement and fun for kinship care families.

Click here to download the 2019 Schedule of all Dutchess RAPP meetings

RAPP Coffee & Conversation

Adult Support Group

  • Group discussion and support
  • Parenting and kinship education and trainings
  • Referrals to community resources including wellness, mental health, legal services
  • Presentations from local organizations

RAPP Youth Group

Meeting simultaneously with the Coffee & Conversation support groups of Poughkeepsie and Eastern Dutchess, youth groups provide:

  • Leadership and empowerment workshops
  • Teen youth directed activities
  • Games, crafts and fun!

RAPP Intergenerational

Combined Adult and Youth Activities

  • Periodic programming that fosters family connections for all ages 
  • Respite activities

First Wednesday of every month at Immaculate Conception Church, Amenia

Second Thursday of every month at St. Paul’s Church, Poughkeepsie

Third Tuesday of every month at St. Mary’s Church, Fishkill

For more information contact:

  • Jessica M Canale
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County
  • 2715 Route 44, Millbrook, NY 12545
  • (845) 677-8223 x 137
  • Jmc646@cornell.edu

Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities. This program is partially funded by the County of Dutchess, Dutchess County Office for the Aging, New York State Office of Children and Family Services and NYS Kinship Navigator. Please contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County office if you have any special needs.