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Successful Aging - Archived Article
What Could I Have To Offer?
Thoughts from a New Volunteer
By Liz Tsantes
"Become a Foster Grandparent!" I would see the poster on the bulletin board every day. It was right next to my mailbox in the apartment building where I live. I decided one day to take a moment to really read about it. Less than a month later, I was completing my orientation to the Foster Grandparent Program. Then I was placed in an elementary school close to my home.
I'm sure you are wondering what it is like to volunteer in the classroom. What could you do to help out? When I arrived in the classroom, the teacher asked me to assist the students that needed extra help with math and reading. At first most of the children were shy and not very vocal, but after my third day they began to open up.
I want to share a story with you that will summarize what I think being a Foster Grandparent is all about. I was helping a young man with his schoolwork when he turned to me and in a very serious voice said, "Do you like soup?" He didn't call me Grandma yet; I guess he was finding that a strange name for me. I replied, "Sure Joe, why do you ask?" He said "My dad makes the best soup in the world!" He proceeded to tell me, in great detail, all the kinds of soup his Dad could make. Later, Joe asked if he could sit with me at lunch and we continued our soup stories. Just before going back to class Joe said, "Do you know I'm adopted?" I said, "So am I!" Joe looked both surprised and pleased. What a good feeling it is to know that I can help with their work and connect emotionally.
Now that school is out for the summer, I am spending my time volunteering at a day-care center with pre-school children. I enjoy my summer placement, but I will be glad to get back to school in the fall.
The children are appreciative of the extra care, love, and attention, but I can't begin to tell you the care, love, and attention they give back. I am so happy I took the time to read that Foster Grandparent poster.
At Office for Aging, we have many positions available for seniors who would like to contribute some time and talent to help others.
The Foster Grandparent Program is for low-income seniors and provides a weekly stipend of $51.00. Volunteers must be 60 years of age and able to volunteer 20 hours a week with children.
There are also many other volunteer opportunities where there is no income requirement or minimum number of hours.
To find out more, call 607.778.2411.