Share Your Blessings, Adopt-A-Family!

Atlanta, October 12, 2017—Innovative Solutions for Disadvantage & Disability (ISDD) today announced the call for Project GRANDD (Grandparents Raising And Nurturing Dependents with Disabilities) Adopt-A-Family sponsors and donors for Christmas. The holidays are an especially difficult time for grandparents who are unexpectedly raising second families, particularly when the children have special needs.

Without warning, grandparents in Project GRANDD found themselves responsible for the needs of children who had often experienced neglect or abuse -- children with disabilities who need medical care and therapies. Somehow, they have to find a way to cope with all those expenses plus everything else - the extra food, clothes, and school supplies – all on a fixed income. When the holidays come along, there really isn't anything leftover. Grandparents struggle just to put enough food on the table. It becomes an impossible burden to provide winter clothes for growing children and a few Christmas gifts - never mind a holiday meal.

Each year, ISDD seeks to assist families in Project GRANDD who are in particular need. The goal this year is to serve 40 families with food, winter clothing, household necessities, toys for the children and something nice for the grandparents – because they always put themselves last. The food provided is especially appreciated. Each family will receive two large bags of non-perishable food and a grocery store gift card for meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Project GRANDD families are very food insecure and it isn’t uncommon for grandparents to report that they go without a meal during the week so the children can eat. Christmas break itself is an added stressor to grandparents and their food budget because it means children aren’t getting two of their meals at school.

There are two ways to Adopt-A-Family: 1) make a tax-deductible donation at http://bit.ly/GRANDD2017 or by check mailed to ISDD, 750 Hammond Drive, BLD 1 – STE 100, Atlanta, GA 30328 or 2) sign up to sponsor a family by completing a short questionnaire at http://bit.ly/GRANDDAdopt2017. Sponsors are then provided with wish lists to shop for specific families. Purchases are dropped off at a collection point for later distribution.

Project GRANDD Adopt-a-Family is a great holiday project for families, church or community groups and businesses. Hosting a non-perishable food collection drive is another easy way to help.

For more information visit www.isdd-home.org or contact Laura Wells, Program Director at 404-303-5126 or lauraw@isdd-home.org.

Innovative Solutions for Disadvantage & Disability (ISDD) is an Atlanta-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2004 with the mission to create healthier outcomes for vulnerable children and families. Project GRANDD (Grandparents Raising And Nurturing Dependents with Disabilities) is the only kinship caregiving program in Georgia serving grandparents who are raising children with special needs. Project GRANDD provides support groups, individual/family case management, training, education and referrals to support stable, safe and loving families. All services are provided at no charge.