Frequently Asked Questions
So you’ve found us! Yay!!!!! In today’s world, finding relevant meaningful connection can be challenging, especially for grandparents like you and me who have taken on the responsibility of raising their grandchildren. While social media platforms like Facebook may feel convenient, they often fall short in offering the secure, focused, and nurturing environment that grandfamilies truly need.
That’s where GrandFamily Village fits in, addressing these gaps with compassion and innovation.
GrandFamily World has partnered with the best platform for this type of community – easy to use, accessible (yes, there’s an app) AND private all the while providing that people connection we all crave. You will find a range of tools that support our immersive and engaging community, including personalized activity feeds, weekly zoom meetings, workshops and educational webinars as well as specialized areas for extra care and support.
And you have some more questions on why you might want to join GrandFamily Village. Read on…
Will anyone here really understand what I’m going through?
Answer: Absolutely. This community was created by someone who has is walking the same path as you — raising a grandchild while navigating grief, family complexities, and legal hurdles. Not many in the general society understands how the relationships you have with your grandchild(ren), their parents/your adult children and how you navigate your family life is very different than a typical grandparent. But the friends you meet here do get it because they’re living it too. You won’t have to explain yourself; you’ll find people who truly understand your unique journey.
This isn’t just another group — it’s a lovingly nurtured space where grandparents raising grandchildren can connect, grow, and find joy.
I barely have time to keep up with my responsibilities. How will I find time for this?
Answer: We know your plate is full—that’s why this community is designed to fit into your life, not add to your stress. Whether you spend five minutes reading a post, engage in a chat thread, join a weekly check-in, or reach out with a specific question, it’s here for you on your terms. Every moment you invest in this space will give back in support, relief, and connection. You can access the community any time, day or night. Because this is a global community spanning many time-zones, if you are looking for some real-time chat, there will likely be someone online. This will happen more and more as we grow.
What if I don’t feel comfortable sharing my struggles?
Answer: That’s totally okay. There’s no pressure to share if you’re not ready. Many members will start by simply reading and listening. Over time, as you see the kindness, warmth, and non-judgmental nature of the community, you might feel more comfortable opening up. And if you don’t, that’s perfectly fine too. You’ll still benefit from being part of this supportive space.
How is this different from other groups I’ve seen online?
Answer: This isn’t just another Facebook group — it’s a carefully nurtured intimate community where you’ll find meaningful connections and tangible support. Similar to some FB groups, it’s peer-to-peer, which means we learn from each other’s lived experiences. The community is financially self supporting, not accountable to an external agency or precarious government funding or limited by geography, nor is it plagued with annoying ads that have become so invasive on social media. Imagine a place with no ads, no distractions, and no mis-leading algorithms — just a safe, vibrant place built with you in mind. Find out more
What will I get out of joining this community?
Answer: You’ll find the peer based support you maybe didn’t even realize you needed, practical tools to navigate this role, and a sense of belonging that comes from connecting with people who really get it. And you will have all the good feelings that come with supporting others. You’ll gain insights, share laughs, shed some tears, and feel less alone as you embrace this unique journey.
How much does it cost, and is it worth it?
Answer: The main area, the Kitchen Table, is fully funded by a GrandFamily just like you and will always be free to join. You can also opt-in to join the friendly folks hanging out in the Full House plan. There is a low monthly charge that is offered on a sliding scale, so everyone can have access to the specialized content, weekly Zoom chats as well as special events like workshops and expert panels provide opportunities to learn and grow. With a dedicated resource library, you’ll have quick access to tools, guides, and advice to support you on your caregiving journey. There’s no price on the comfort of knowing you’re not alone, but we’ve worked hard to make joining affordable and accessible. Whatever you invest, you’ll get back tenfold in support, connection, and resources. This isn’t just a community; it’s a lifeline.
How come I hear GrandFamily Village sometimes referred to as GrandFamily Connect?
After being known as “GrandFamily Connect” for around four months, I ran a focus group and sent out a survey (kind of like a 4-month baby wellness check). Several great ideas came from that check-in, including the notion to simplify things. When we first started the membership community, it was named “GrandFamily Connect” and the areas/spaces in the community used a home metaphor — kitchen table, back porch, workshop — because it felt warm and familiar. And it worked… but not quite. It was clear that this space is so much more than a house.
It’s a village. Remember the values our own grandparents exemplified? They knew what it takes to raise a child….You may have noticed a few changes in the community. A new name, some updated space names, and a slightly different layout. So I wanted to take a moment to explain what’s happening, why we’ve made these updates, and most importantly — what it means for you. Read more…
I’m not tech-savvy. Will I be able to navigate the platform?
Answer: Totally get it! Don’t worry—this space is designed to be simple and user-friendly. Plus, we’re here to help if you get stuck. You don’t need to be a tech wizard to connect with others, access resources, or participate in events. If you can browse the web, you’ll be just fine!
Also, there’s an app for that! If you want to carry the community in your pocket, you can! Simply download the app and log in… you can tap in anytime (including when sitting in waiting rooms, or when parked in the parent carpool lane… again! )
I don’t live in the same situation as others. Will I still fit in?
Answer: If you are a grandparent raising their own grandchild – this place is for you! Every grandfamily’s journey is unique, but what unites us is the shared experience of stepping into this unexpected role. Whether your situation feels different or familiar, there’s space for you here. This community is built on inclusivity and understanding. Whether you’ve been had sole-custody for years, or just starting out, you have found your people.
What if I don’t like it or it doesn’t meet my expectations?
Answer: We hope you’ll love being part of this space, but if it doesn’t feel like the right fit, you can leave anytime—no hard feelings. The most important thing is that you find the support you need, whether it’s here or elsewhere. If you can, please email Mary at hello@grandfamilyworld.com and let me know what we can do better!
How do I know this community is safe and welcoming?
Answer: Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. This is a moderated, judgment-free space where kindness and respect are non-negotiable. Everyone, from hosts to members, is committed to creating a warm, welcoming environment where you can feel at ease. GrandFamily Village is built with your security and privacy in mind, ensuring that your conversations and connections remain exclusive to verified members. Unlike Facebook, where privacy policies can shift and data control is often limited, GrandFamily Village provides a members-only space with no casual drop-ins. This encourages a judgment-free zone where you can safely share personal experiences and challenges, without the worry of unwanted visitors or security breaches.
I’m a professional, facilitator, or ally supporting grandfamilies. Can I join?
GrandFamily Village is built by grandfamilies, for grandfamilies. This is their safe space to vent, share, and support each other without feeling like they need to explain themselves.
We know professionals, facilitators, and allies bring incredible value to the world of grandfamily support. And we love that! But this community is all about peer-to-peer connection — where members find comfort in knowing every single person here truly understands their journey.
Please feel free to share our resources with your groups and colleagues, and definitely subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with what’s happening. If you’d like to collaborate or share resources, we’d love to hear from you. Send Mary a note at hello@grandfamilyworld.com, and let’s see how we can work together.
Thank you for all you do.
