Grandparent Circle
Sometimes, just knowing someone believes in you can make all the difference.
As the first Chicago-based partner of The Grandmother Project, JPA works with community elders who are identified as leaders by their peers to solidify their social-emotional skills, improve their communication with youth, and enhance their knowledge of adolescence.
The Grandparents then hold weekly, in-school sessions for middle schoolers. During their time together, they share structured, but unscripted, group discussion and activities that create a safe space for young people to talk about their experiences, be heard, and express themselves.
Generational connection can heal.
During the Grandparent Circle’s pilot last year, five well-respected women from North Lawndale worked with cohorts of middle school girls in two North Lawndale partner schools.
Through song, crafts, activities, and focused listening, the elders support the social-emotional skills and well-being of students to help them address community issues with violence, gang activity, bullying, and neglect.
Interested in learning more about the Grandparent Circle?
Fill out the interest form below, or Contact Erinn Boone, Grandmother Circle Coordinator.