State Rep. Rex Reynolds has been recognized for his work supporting grandparents and other relatives raising children affected by the opioid crisis, an effort that helped turn a pilot assistance program into a statewide initiative.

The Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments presented Reynolds its “Difference Maker” award during the agency’s annual board meeting Tuesday. Reynolds is the first community recipient of the award.

TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan said Reynolds has supported the agency’s work ranging from programs for older residents to economic development, but highlighted his advocacy for Alabama’s growing number of “grandfamilies.”

The issue gained Reynolds’ attention after he attended a meeting of Grandparents as Parents, a local nonprofit group, at a church in his district.

“I was shocked by how many grandparents there were in attendance and I was shocked by the number of kids that were running around,” Reynolds said. “When I asked why the kids were there, they explained there was no one else to care for them. I realized very quickly there is a void in services that needed to be addressed.”

Two years ago, TARCOG was asked to participate in a state pilot program using a portion of Alabama’s opioid settlement funds to provide financial grants to grandparents and other relative caregivers over age 55 who are raising children affected by the opioid crisis.

The program was jointly managed by the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Alabama Department of Senior Services.

“Two years ago, we got a call asking TARCOG to participate in a new pilot program in the state that would use a portion of opioid settlement funds to provide financial grants for grandparents and relative caregivers over 55 raising children impacted by the opioid crisis,” Jordan said.

The pilot has since expanded statewide. At TARCOG, assistance is administered through Alabama Cares, the agency’s caregiver support program.

According to a 2022 report from Generations United cited by TARCOG, more than 2.5 million children nationwide are being raised by grandparents, aunts, uncles and other extended family members when their parents are unable to care for them. Parental substance use has been one factor driving relatives to step in, often keeping children from entering foster care.

Jordan said funding for the relatively new program remains limited, but even modest assistance can help families taking on the unexpected responsibility of raising another generation.

Reynolds said he intends to continue working to secure state funding for the program.

“We appreciate Rep. Reynolds for supporting all aspects of our work here at TARCOG, from our Area Agency on Aging to our economic development programs,” Jordan said. “He helps make sure that funds are available at the state level to support our efforts and keep northeast Alabama safe and strong.”

Information about the caregiver grants is available through TARCOG.

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