I created this group because, as a Veteran Grandparent raising grandchildren, there is very little support.According to VA, in order to claim grandchildren as Dependents,... MoreI created this group because, as a Veteran Grandparent raising grandchildren, there is very little support.According to VA, in order to claim grandchildren as Dependents, you must adopt them. It's been this way for MANY years and MUST be changed. A Maternal or Paternal Grandparent should NOT have to adopt their own Grandchildren. I have Court Ordered Custody of mine.I'm taking on this battle, along with the help of my VA Representative, for a MUCH NEEDED change. I'm currently in the process of taking this issue in front of a Judge. I'm willing to take it all the way to DC if needed.I KNOW that there are many more of us out there. I NEED your help ?. I need numbers, facts to get this outdated requirement changed.TOGETHER NOTHING is impossible. I'm willing to take this mission on and I am relentless when it comes to anything that I believe in.It only takes a spark to start a ?, I can assure you that I am that spark.If you are raising grandchildren or have already raised them, please join this group. If you know a Veteran in this situation inform them of this group.Thanks for your time and God Bless You ???
Thanks for joining Veteran's for Change. I truly appreciate your interest in the Group.
If you yourself aren't dealing with this specific issue, do you know a Veteran who is?
Do you mind sharing your ... View MoreThanks for joining Veteran's for Change. I truly appreciate your interest in the Group.
If you yourself aren't dealing with this specific issue, do you know a Veteran who is?
Do you mind sharing your storie's with the group? How has raising your Grandchildren changed your life? Have you been able to claim them as your Dependent/s with VA without being told you must adopt them?
I haven't had the responsibility of being a full time mom in 14 years. Stepping into that position, after so long, definitely wasn't something I expected or anticipated happening. After all, I had raised my three children. I was the best mother that i could be, was actively engaged in all parts of their lives as they grew up, friends, school, dating, from diapers through adolescence. I loved being a mom. When my baby boy graduated high school and left home, i thought, okay now it's my turn to focus on me. I traveled, worked and it was for me. No responsibility, except to myself.
Each of my children had two children, I had three children- 2 girls, 1 boy.
Suddenly, 2 years ago I found myself in a position that I NEVER dreamed i would be in. Two of my grandchildren faced being put into Foster Care. I, of course, could NEVER allow that to happen. I took full responsibility for them, with the hopes that my daughter would get her life together and it would only be for a short time, of course that's what she told me, I, of course believed her?.
Weeks turned into months and her life hadn't changed and i found myself taking it to Court and just like that, after a couple of weeks, I was again a Parent to a 14 yr old girl and a 12 year old boy. Neither father was or ever has been in either childs life so, they had no one but, me. How in the world could I have said NO to bringing them into my home, that WASN'T even a thought.
I'll continue more at a later time with my journey from Nanna to Nannamom.
What's your story? If you don't feel comfortable sharing on here, I'll give you my email. Or, you can simply share a little at a time.
There is much more to my Journey so far and it hasn't at all been easy. There have been so many struggle's, fears, tears, laughter and sadness.
But, that's one reason for this Group. We can learn from one another and encourage one another. Share experiences and ideas.
Thanks for your interest and time.
I hope for some feedback
God Bless you ???