A HELPING HAND ALWAYS

Empowering Grandparents to Thrive

Hear Our Story

Interview with my Grandson

About

My name is Madelyn Coles

Madelyn Coles is the Founder of Another Mother’s Arms,

a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting grandparents raising

their grandchildren.

Her journey began in July 2017 when she received a life-changing call

from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department: her grandson’s mother

had been arrested, and her son was also incarcerated.

Overnight, Madelyn found herself navigating an unexpected path—

one that tested her mentally, financially, and emotionally.

As she adjusted to her new role, she discovered that many of her friends

and coworkers were facing similar challenges. She saw firsthand the

emotional and physical toll this responsibility took on them and was

inspired to take action.

Through research and outreach, she began gathering resources to help ease the burden for other grandparents in the same situation.

Madelyn founded Another Mother’s Arms to provide support, guidance, and community for grandparents raising grandchildren. Her mission is to offer hope and practical assistance to those who often feel unseen—helping them manage financial strain, health challenges, and emotional stress, while ensuring their grandchildren receive the care, stability, and love they deserve.

(photographer, Kristen Mayberry)

OUR MISSION AND VISION

A non-profit organization designed to create and sustain a network of resources – financial, educational, emotional, and social specifically designed to support grandmothers who are raising their grandchildren, so that every grandchild may flourish in a stable, enriching, and loving environment. We also, but are not limited to supporting aunts, uncles and siblings who may have taken on these roles as well.

There are many reasons why grandparents have to take on the duty of raising their grandkids such as incarceration, health reasons or even death of a child’s parent/parent’s but we understand that some of these situations are beyond any help that we can offer.

The fundamental goal is to empower incarcerated mothers/fathers, upon their release, to successfully reunite with their children and create a safe, stable, and supportive family environments. This vision aims to restore family bonds, promote the emotional well-being of both mothers/fathers and children, and address the systemic barriers that hinders reunification.

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PROGRAMS

Our Initiatives

Explore our various programs that aim to assist grandparents raising grandchildren, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to thrive.

SUPPORT SERVICES

We offer financial assistance and guidance tailored to the needs of grandparents, ensuring they receive adequate support to manage daily challenges.

EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS

Our workshops provide grandparents with vital information and skills to help nurture their grandchildren effectively and efficiently.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Building networks among grandparents fosters a supportive community where shared experiences and resources can uplift one another.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS

We host events that raise funds for our programs, connecting grandparents with the resources they need to succeed.

UPCOMING EVENTS