Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP)

Relatives as Parents Program mission is to provide a safe community for families to share experiences, strength and hope. To provide support, recreational programs and education that aim to provide opportunities to develop friendships, build skills and have fun.

Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP) provides education, referrals, and support for adults raising relative children and the children whom they care for through monthly support groups, RAPP 4-H youth, and Teen programs. Intergenerational programs, field trips, and career exploration events and activities are held throughout the year. (funded by The Dyson Foundation & The United Way of Ulster County) 

RAPP 2020 programs are:

*Please note: As of March 16, 2020, all 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 from 4:30-6pm. 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, 1x per month at 9:30.
  • Ellenville: Thursdays, 2x per month at 10am.
• Youth/4-H Group for children 5-11yrs. Hosted on Wednesdays, 1x per month.
• Teen Group for youth 12-19 yrs. Hosted on Tuesdays, 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 Training's and 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 July 29, 2020