Welcome!
Thank you for the work you do. Support groups are one of the most impactful ways we support grandfamilies—and your efforts strengthen your community every day.
Whether you’re just getting started or have been leading a group for years, this page is designed to provide the tools, tips, and guidance you need to support grandfamilies effectively.
Need to update your group? Support group details are updated quarterly. You can submit an update to your group listing at the top of this page at any time.
Resources
GRG Regional Roundtables
Quarterly virtual meetings that bring together service providers and facilitators to share resources, promote events and workshops, and connect with others supporting grandparents raising grandchildren.
Regions: West • Central • Boston • Southeast • Cape + Islands • Northeast
Quarterly Newsletters
Stay informed with the latest resources, tips, and news from the Commission. Our quarterly newsletters include:
- Program updates and important announcements
- Spotlight stories and best practices from other facilitators
- New tools and resources to help your group thrive
Not receiving our newsletters?
Support Group Training
We offer a free, two-part virtual training—typically in the spring and fall. The training is designed to support new and long-term facilitators by covering foundational topics and timely updates.
Participants will:
- Review key issues facing grandparents and other kinship caregivers
- Learn about current services, resources, and program updates
- Refresh best practices for facilitating a support group
- Explore effective networking and outreach strategies
- Connect with other facilitators and receive ongoing support
Questions, Tips & Tricks
How do I get more people to come to my group?
Create a flyer to promote your group via email, social post, or post it in high-traffic areas in your community.
Make sure you include:
– Why join the group (i.e., connection, support, and community)
– Date, time & location
– If it is in person, Zoom/Virtual, or both
– What to expect (i.e., childcare, parking, food available, special themes)
– Contact information
– If it is Zoom include a QR code or link. If you print the flyer make sure you test the QR code.
Here are a few sample fliers that you can easily edit.
How much do I promote my group?
Promoting your support group can make a big difference. Here is a simple timeline you can use to spread the word within your community:
– 2 weeks before: Share date/time with partners (schools, libraries, hospitals). If you don’t have Facebook send what you want to post to massgrg@mass.gov for sharing.
– 1 week before: Post reminder in local Facebook groups (tag @magrgcommission)
– 3 days before: Text or email past attendees.
– Day of: Quick reminder post or message.
– After the meeting: Email and post to Facebook a meeting follow-up + next date (tag @magrgcommission or send to massgrg@mass.gov).
I am not allowed to use or don’t like using Facebook. What should I do?
Facebook is a great way to engage with a community, but we know that some are not allowed to use it or don’t like using it. If you have a flyer or meeting update that you would like to share, send it to us at massgrg@mass.gov—we are happy to share the information on our Facebook page.
What are some low or no-cost ways to get the word out about my support group?
– Word of mouth: Encourage attendees and GRGs to sign up for emails and follow your Facebook page (if you have one). Ask them to share materials with other grandparents indirectly.
– Facebook groups: Share updates or event reminders in town/neighborhood groups. If you don’t have access to Facebook, send it to us at massgrg@gov.com—we’ll share it for you!
– Ask partners to share: Local schools, pediatricians, libraries, senior centers, and faith organizations.
– Community boards: Post flyers or “business” cards at supermarkets, YMCAs, libraries, cafes.
– Local events calendar: Submit your meeting info to town websites and parent/child activity listings.
– Hospital connections: Ask social workers or family resource staff to share your flyer.
I want to make my group more interactive. What are some suggestions?
- These activities work best when people are physically together and can interact casually.
- Include a guest speaker
- Food is attractive: Light snacks, potluck items, cookies, or simple refreshments.
- Include a craft or teachable moment: Something participants can make, practice, or learn on the spot.
- Showcase a theme or fun activity: Seasonal themes, holiday tie-ins, back-to-school prep, etc.
- Special mini-parties (2–3 times per year)
What are some good icebreakers to help get people talking? Lighthearted Show & Tell:
- Funny household items.
- “When I Was My Grandchild’s Age…” Mini Stories: 20-second silly/funny childhood facts.
- Two Truths and a Tall Tale (Grandparent Edition): 2 real, 1 fake; others guess.
- Develop a group Motto or Inside Joke: e.g., “Powered by coffee and grandchildren.”
- Group Playlist Game–“Guess Whose Song?”: Submit favorite songs; play clips; group guesses.
- Music Mood Check-In: Share a song that describes the week; build a group playlist.
- Discuss ideas for promoting your group in your community
Have a tip? Share it with us!
Need Help?
You don’t have to do it alone. We are here to support you—reach out if you:
- Have questions about facilitation
- Need guidance on resources or training
- Want to share a challenge or success story