3 minute read
Foster Grandparents Complete the Circle of Learning
By G.L. Yenne
Just one involved adult is all it takes to change a child’s life for the better.
Research shows that when one or more caring adults takes an active role in a child’s life, they’re more likely to flourish. They are less prone to bullying and depression and more likely to embrace learning, extracurriculars and exercise, maintain emotional stability and even volunteer when they’re older.
Maybe one day they’ll aspire to be like Dee Granville, a foster grandparent at James Monroe Elementary School.
Granville, 46, volunteers in the classroom three hours a day Monday through Friday. She teaches a “little bit of everything” to students in multiple grades, leads fun activities and spends time with those requiring extra attention with their studies.
“The best way to get kids motivated is a lot of praise and love,” said Granville, who’s been a foster grandparent for seven years.
She explained that children are very tactile, so she tries to make learning as concrete as possible.
“I take a bag of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters and have the kids adding and subtracting in no time,” she said.
With a background in information management, Granville brings much to this support role and receives a lot in return.
“[The kids] love me! They greet me every day and yell, ‘Nana Dee!’ when they see me. It gets me up and out of the house every day,” she said.
According to program coordinator Kisha Wiley, Foster Grandparents is a “full circle” program that benefits everyone involved. Senior volunteers feel like they are part of a team and enjoy making a difference in their community, students have another caring adult in their lives and teachers receive help in the classroom. Foster Grandparents is a federally funded program through AmeriCorps Seniors, a national service program (like the Peace Corps) that matches adults 55 and older with local part-time opportunities. The local program is sponsored by Volunteers of America. Foster Grandparents are 55 or older, live on fixed incomes and enjoy working with kids. They may volunteer in preschools, elementary schools, Boys and Girls Clubs and libraries. The program focuses on literacy and numeracy for children up to age 12. In return for serving 15-40 hours per week, foster grandparents receive benefits including a non-taxable monthly stipend of $3.15 per hour, which doesn’t affect Social Security payments, Medicare or Medicaid, SNAP food assistance or subsidized housing. They also receive paid time off, holidays and training, transportation and mileage reimbursement, recognition and gifts.
Wiley serves as matchmaker for both children and senior volunteers in the community. She holds a monthly in-service meeting for volunteers where she shares program updates, new policies, tips on classroom management, information on mental health issues, cybersecurity considerations and a meditation. There is even help with making a will. Best of all, volunteers can make connections and exchange stories.
The Foster Grandparents Program is always looking for more volunteers. Interested seniors will have an initial telephone screening. If they seem like a good fit, they will interview in person and undergo a background check, physical and three-day orientation.
To learn more, visit www.voa colorado.org or contact Wiley at 719-632-1448 or kwiley@voacolo rado.org. ■ Foster Grandparents Project Manager Sean Fujimoto, left, and Program Coordinator Kisha D. Wiley, right..
Lana Koscove makes tutoring understandable and fun for young students.
Are you looking for something meaningful to do?
Your time and wisdom are valuable. Become a Foster Grandparent Classroom Volunteer. You can share your skills and experience while children shower you with curiosity and hugs. Get involved with Volunteers of America’s Foster Grandparent Program. Could you use a little extra money each month?
• Do you love children and enjoy spending time with them? • Are able to volunteer 15-40 hours per week helping children learn and succeed? • Are you 55 years old or older? Do you live in El Paso County? • Is your income under $27,180 for a single person household, or under $36,620 for a two-person household? • Could you use an extra $200 - $400+ per month, plus travel reimbursement?
