Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, many young school children were affected adversely, falling behind in basic school subjects like reading and math.
At the start of this school year, many will be struggling to learn, to catch up.
That is just one very good reason why more elderly people should definitely consider joining the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent program.
“Foster Grandparents” volunteer at schools. Under the supervision of teachers and staff, they work with children to improve reading skills, math, art projects, shop classes and provide extra attention and both mental and emotional support to students who may be having a hard go of it. Through the mentoring process, a trusting bond develops that does wonders for students’ effective learning, boosting not only their learning but also their confidence and self-worth.
The volunteers can serve in local schools, Head Start programs and other non-profit agencies.
They spend much of their time reading with children. At the end of the school year, teachers and staff reported 98 percent of students in grades K-12, who practiced reading skills with a Foster Grandparent, showed marked improvement.
“As we begin another school year, we are reminded once again of the investment Foster Grandparents make to the youth in our community,” said Sara Heurung, Foster Grandparent program director. “Our volunteers serve as tutors, mentors and friends to kids who need them most. We are grateful for their efforts, and for the lives they change each school year.”
The great late anthropologist Margaret Mead observed repeatedly that strong bonding between young people and elderly people, such as grandparents or grandparent surrogates, directly strengthen the long-term health, happiness and viability of every community.
The Catholic Charities Central Minnesota Foster Grandparent Program volunteers spend anywhere from 8-40 hours per week helping children in schools and other facilities.
Through their service, the Foster Grandparents create relationships with and become role models for children who need such constructive relationships the most.
AmeriCorps Seniors, which is under the direction of AmeriCorps, consists of the Foster Grandparent Program, the Senior Companion Program, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. The Central Minnesota Foster Grandparent Program is sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud.
Please consider becoming a Foster Grandparent to help children become the best they can be. Such volunteer work helps the teachers and school staff; brings a sense of purpose to the volunteers; and most importantly, helps so many students develop learning skills, confidence and self-esteem. Foster Grandparents can help create better people and a better world.
To learn more about the Foster Grandparent Program, call 320-229-4589 or toll-free 1-866-895-7992. Or visit https://www.ccstcloud.org/services/community/foster-grandparents.
The mission of Catholic Charities is to serve and enhance human dignity for people of all faiths and beliefs.
