Impact, learning and annual highlights.
We measure more than attendance. Family feedback, program evaluation and research help us understand what is working and what families still need.
Impact overview updated September 2026. This page summarizes public-facing highlights from Building GRAND-Families program records, evaluations and research work.
Impact starts with families having somewhere to turn.
Building GRAND-Families has grown from a caregiver-led support effort into a nonprofit working across peer support, family programming, caregiver education, trauma-informed activities, research, public education and advocacy.
2026 family camp snapshot
In 2026, we brought caregivers and children together for a weekend combining family recreation, peer connection, caregiver respite and child-focused programming. We evaluated the weekend using caregiver reflections, child feedback and staff observations rather than attendance alone.
12 adults + 14 children
Twenty-six participants took part in the 2026 camp weekend.
6 caregiver evaluations
Across the six full caregiver evaluations, we heard consistent themes of connection, shared experience and belonging.
6 child evaluations
Five of the six children told us they felt proud of themselves or someone else during camp.
6 staff reflections
All six staff recorded examples of connection, increased confidence or independence, and caregiver relaxation or respite.
What evaluation is for
Evaluation is not simply counting attendance. Building GRAND-Families uses family reflections, staff observations, program records and research partnerships to understand whether activities are helping families connect, whether caregivers feel less isolated, whether children are able to participate safely and meaningfully, and what should change the next time a program is offered.
From research into practical programming
Lived experience identified the gaps
Grandparents raising grandchildren described legal, financial, mental health, service-navigation and recognition barriers.
Research documented those experiences
Building GRAND-Families contributed to published PEI grandfamily research and wider family-research work.
Education translated findings into understanding
Caregiver learning, educator resources and professional conversations helped make grandfamily needs easier to recognize.
Programs created places to connect
Peer support, family camps, counselling partnerships and equine-assisted learning responded to needs identified by families.
Advocacy keeps the systems question visible
The organization continues bringing caregiver experience into conversations about child welfare, benefits, legal authority, mental health and service design.
Why we do not publish every internal number
Some program records contain private family information, operational detail or small-group data that could make participants easier to identify. Public impact reporting should be useful without compromising family privacy. As the organization develops formal annual reports, this page can link to them.
Families and community partners help us understand where the gaps still are.
Caregivers can suggest resources or program needs privately, and professionals can contact us about research, education or collaboration.