Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP)

Interested in joining the Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP)? Fill out our RAPP inquiry form and we will get in touch with you!

The Relatives as Parents Program mission is to provide a safe, confidential community for caregivers who are raising the child of a family member or friend. Caregivers share experiences, strength, resources and hope related to their unique journey. The RAPP program provides support groups, recreational trips and programs, educational workshops, referrals, 4-H for youth and a teen group.

RAPP 2021/22 programs are:

*Please note: Some RAPP programming listed below has been modified and moved on-line. Please contact Karri Paul at kp376@cornell.edu to learn more.

• Family Nights. Hosted on Fridays, 1x per month. We provide a healthy meal, time to socialize with other families and family activities, such as crafts and games.
• Support Group for Caregivers.
  • Kingston: Tuesdays, 2x per month.
• Youth/4-H Group for children 5-11yrs. Hosted on Mondays, 1x per month.
• Teen Group for youth 12-19 yrs. Hosted on Thursdays, 1x per month.
• Community Trips (such as picnics, plays, roller skating, bowling, zoos, museums, etc.) for caregivers and children together. Hosted 1x per month.
• Trainings and Workshops throughout the year for caregivers related to parenting, nutrition, financial planning, stress management and much more. 
• Referral Services for caregivers and other service agencies.

The Ulster County RAPP program has a variety of opportunities to meet a multitude of needs. In addition to trainings and educational workshops for caregivers related to parenting, nutrition and resource management, time together as a family is honored with monthly Family Nights and Community Outings where group members have the opportunity to come together, have fun, and socialize with other members who can relate to the joys and challenges of being a kinship family. 

Additionally, there are individualized programs to support families such as Support Groups for caregivers, Teen Nights for youth ages 12-19 and a 4-H Youth Group for children ages 5-11 years. All of these get-together's are geared towards making connections, sharing experiences and building relationships.

All programs are offered at no cost to the family. “The RAPP program has made me realize I am not alone in my situation of raising grandchildren at 65 years-old,” says program member, Sherry.

Last updated November 12, 2021