This Ain't Something You Can Pray Away: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, A Photovoice Project

Each day, across the nation, grandparents are making the difficult choice to either care for their grandchildren or lose them, possibly forever, into a state-run foster care program.

For three weeks during Spring 2009, five grandparents from Project Guide: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren told their stories using Photovoice, a qualitative process in which photographs are used in more vulnerable populations to enable them to record and reflect on issues that affect them. It then powerfully promotes communication of those concerns to others.

In their own words and with their own photographs the grandparents identified the objects, situations and settings they feel contribute to their quality of life and overall well-being.

The This Ain't Something You Can Pray Away: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, A Photovoice Project hopes to offer important insights for educators, counselors, health and wellness professionals, and policymakers into the concerns and challenges of grandparents who are raising their children's children.

My Time

When I wonder why I am doing this, I go to my Bible.

God chose me to do this because He felt I could do it.

I try not to complain around my grandkids because it is not their fault. I took two of my grandchildren from the hospital because my daughter had left them there.

My other grandchild I have had since he was four.

Deborah, 54

Getting Ready for Church

One of my most uplifting times is when I get ready for church.

Laying my clothes out to get ready to go to service is a part of what I do.

This is for ME. Everything else I do for the boys.

Tommie, 69

My Room

I spend most of my time in this bedroom. It is comfortable for me here. I have everything I need—my TV, DVDs, clothes, cologne, bed. This is my private area where I have peace.

The kids have to stand in the door to talk to me because there is not enough room for them to move around in there.

So, that is GOOD!

Delores, 62

Peaceful

I wish I had room for each of my granddaughters to have their own bed.

They are so peaceful and so quiet here.

I love to see them like that.

Deborah, 54

My Decorating Project

I worked to make my bathroom beautiful.

No grandkids are allowed.

I went to garage and church sales to get inexpensive things that are nice.

This room gives me a lot of joy. When I come home, I go in here and sit because it is pretty and I can be stress free.

My Tears

Arguments with people in my family upset me and affect my well-being. I don't want things to upset me to the point where I can't take care of my two grandkids.

I keep a lot of stuff inside—especially things that really hurt me.

Humiliation

Us grandparents seem to always be at the Department of Social Services and it is never pleasant. We are always treated like we are a nuisance.

I want to provide for my granddaughter on my own but my job pays very low wages. I don't want to ask them for assistance just like they don't want to give it to me.

This place is a nightmare for me because I need help.

Deborah, 54

A Dope House on One Side and a Burned Out One on the Other

This is the view my grandchildren have.

Our house is between these two houses.

They sell dope out of the one house. They lower a bucket out of the second floor window. Customers put their money in the bucket and they pull...