Vermont Kin As Parents (VKAP) is committed to support relatives who are raising children and to educate the public and community partners about the joys and difficulties these families experience.

Description:
VKAP is a newly established nonprofit organization, serving grandparents and other relatives who are the primary caregivers for their young relatives. Because this arrangement is often associated with family and life crises of the biological parents, such as drug and alcohol abuse, incarceration, domestic abuse, death, and so forth, VKAP has been organized to support the needs of kin caregivers. VKAP seeks to establish a supportive role for the numerous support groups which have already started across the state and to assist in the formation of new support groups. VKAP has organized two educational conferences so far, the first in 2005, the second in 2006. Plans are being made for a caregiver telephone "hotline," a website with resource links, and various other needs identified by the caregivers.

Contact people:

Lynn Granger, Program Director, (802) 338-4725 Office, (email) Heather Simmons, Pres, VKAP Board, (802) 652-5135, (email) Betty Holton, Board Member, (email)

Address:

P.O. Box 382 Winooski, VT 05404

Web Site: None specified

Directions:

The VKAP office is located in Casey Family Services, 46 Main St, Winooski, VT, with parking in the garage across the rotary.   Nearest Bus Stop: In front along the rotary, 2 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

1. What target populations does your agency serve?
	Grandparents and other relatives who are caregivers for their young relatives
3. How many paid staff (FTE) do you have?
	0
4. Please indicate your organization type:
	Independent 501 (c)3
How many clients do you serve annually?
	There are currently five support groups across the state; with an additional three in the starter phase; there were approximately 200 attendees at each conference
Volunteers for this agency can serve in these county(s):
	Chittenden County