Grandparents As Parents, Inc.

Specialties

Providing programs and services to meet the urgent and on-​going needs of grandparents and other relatives raising children at-​risk.

History

Established in 1987.

GAP was founded in 1987 by Sylvie de Toledo, a dedicated clinical social worker, whose own family was impacted by the death of her sister. Her sister left an 8 year old grandchild who immediately went to live with his grandparents. Ms. de Toledo recognized the need for support services targeting grandparents and other relatives who began to parent relative children because the parents were unable to do so. The primary reason was due to parental drug and alcohol use, however other reasons included abuse, neglect, incarceration, death mental illness and more. The impact of parenting again, required a total change in lifestyle. Most families needed help in recognizing what should be done and how to do it.

Group therapy meetings where relatives could discuss their issues and concerns in a non-​judgmental and caring environment with others in the same situation as themselves (often for the first time) became the backbone of Grandparents As Parents programs today.

Meet the Manager

Madelyn G.

Manager

Madelyn Gordon | Executive Director

Madelyn served on the Grandparents As Parents Board from 1999 — 2007. Prior to assuming the role of Executive Director was the Vice President of Rehab Data, Inc. from 1988 — 2007. She is an entrepreneur and has been involved with a number of successful businesses over the last twenty five years. She has a degree In Secondary Education and a Masters Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. She currently serves on the Mayor’s Coalition on Aging, LA City, Dept of Aging Council, as well as on numerous committees and task forces throughout Los Angeles County.