In a cheerful blue classroom at Dillon Elementary school, Mrs. Cameron teaches kindergartners fundamentals: reading, math and social skills. This classroom is special, however, because of the presence of Grandma Joyce, who has volunteered in Angie Cameron’s class for the past nine years through the Foster Grandparent Program.
Foster Grandparents is a sister program to Senior Companions (profiled in our February issue) and together they are part of Senior Corps, a federal service program that connects seniors with opportunities to serve in their communities. In Genesee, Shiawassee and Lapeer Counties, foster grandparents are placed into one of 20 different organizations, including schools like Dillon, hospitals such as Hurley or Genesee Health System, and early childhood development centers. “Potential volunteers who come to us know that they enjoy working with children,” said Director Gloria McCracken, “but we take the time to evaluate their strengths so we can place them in an environment where they will not only flourish, but also provide the best help for children, be it at the hospital or in a school or afterschool program. It’s very important to find a good fit.”
Joyce Couch became a volunteer with FGP 12 years ago, all of which time she has spent at Dillon Elementary. “I love to work with children: the look on their faces when they learn something gives me the best feeling in the world,” she said. “Their eyes light up like a Christmas tree.” Joyce added that the FGP is also important because without the stipend she receives, she would not have the means to remain independent, a situation with which many seniors can identify. Dillon Principal Gina Ryan says that foster grandparent intervention has made a huge difference in her school, which is attended by many high-risk students. “Joyce is a real asset here at Dillon,” she said, “She truly loves watching the students grow and learn, and she seems happiest when she’s with the kids.”
“I love having Joyce here,” said Angie. “She means so much to the kids, and she truly makes a difference in their learning.” Every day, Joyce uses a small room adjoined to the classroom to provide extra practice in word recognition, letters, and later in the year, writing. At any given time throughout the day, a small group of about four or five students can be found in the room, playing educational games, practicing their reading, or occasionally making crafts. “Many of the children think that she’s my grandmother,” said Angie with a laugh, “and I’d be happy to claim her!” Angie added that Grandma Joyce even eats lunch with the kids: “She’s always watching to make sure they are taken care of: well-fed, bundled up and happy.” With all the care and reassurance of a grandmother in the school, it’s easy to feel the love seeping out of the little blue classroom at Dillon. “She’s a blessing to our school,” said Angie. “I wish every classroom had a foster grandparent.”
Students from Ms. Cameron’s room tell their favorite things to do with Grandma Joyce…
“Read books with her!” Leonard
“Play games, like the fishing game.” Elliot & Langston
“Make crafts.” Nivea
“Practice sight words.” Ellyson
The joy of the Foster Grandparent Program is that its benefits extend like ripples in a pond to touch everyone in the community. By providing meaningful and much-needed work for seniors, by relieving some of the burden placed on teachers and caregivers, and by giving children an opportunity to create deep, loving relationships while they learn, the program gives hope to demographics that are often marginalized. It is discouraging to learn that proposed changes to the 2015 federal budget threaten the vitality of FGP. Under the proposed budget, AmeriCorps will be restructured to include what was Senior Corps, with less funding going to both the Foster Grandparents Program and the Senior Companion Program. “FGP is such a great thing,” said Gloria, “and we would be very sad to have to cut the number of our volunteers and their hours. A lot of people depend on it, and a lot of children are enriched by it.”
By the Numbers
1965: Year in which the Foster Grandparent Program was initiated
2.65: Hourly stipend for foster grandparents
74: Average age of FGP volunteers in Genesee, Lapeer & Shiawassee Counties
66: Number of people currently serving in the local FGP chapter
71,055: Number of service hours provided to local special needs children in 2013
90: Percent of mentored children who showed improved reading skills thanks to a foster grandparent
14.9 million: Amount of funding FGP stands to lose under the President’s proposed 2015 budget
PHOTOS BY MIKE NADDEO
