by Analisa Herndon
Special to The Leaven
Think about when you were a child. When you had a question, who did you turn to for help? Was it a parent, teacher or sports coach? Whoever your mentor was, they likely took the time to listen and offer guidance.
Unfortunately, many young children lack this kind of positive role model in their lives. Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is working to change that for children living in Wyandotte County.
The agency’s Foster Grandparent Program is an AmeriCorps Seniors federally funded program. It is part of a unique initiative that connects seniors in northeast Kansas with children in the Kansas City, Kansas, school district who have special or exceptional needs.
Foster Grandparents assist in pre-K to high school, day care centers and local Head Start programs. The matching process for Foster Grandparents is designed to ensure a good fit. Grandparents can choose the school and grade level they would like to work with. School supervisors, typically a principal or vice principal, then coordinate with teachers regarding which students would benefit most from a Foster Grandparent’s mentorship.
The “grandparents” act as classroom aides and mentors, providing one-on-one attention to students who require additional support. They help with a variety of tasks, including reading to or with the children, providing homework help and offering extra guidance on class assignments.
They also participate in field trips, craft projects and other classroom activities, modeling appropriate behaviors and reinforcing the lessons taught by teachers.
“While the ‘grandparents’ are assigned to specific students, they often end up being ‘Grandma and Grandpa’ to the entire classroom,” said Rachel Schuckman, Foster Grandparent Program director.
Beyond academic support, Foster Grandparents also play an important role in the social and emotional development of the students they mentor.
“They listen to students and offer praise and encouragement to help build their confidence,” said Schuckman.
One example Schuckman shared was that of a “grandparent” working with a student struggling to learn the alphabet. Despite weeks of frustration, they worked together, and eventually the student mastered it.
“Teachers have also told us that ‘grandparents’ are an integral part of the classroom. Pre-K classroom teachers have reported to us an increase in school readiness. K-12 teachers have noted improved academic engagement, higher grades and a noticeable difference in social and emotional skills,” said Schuckman.
To become a Foster Grandparent, individuals must be at least 55 years old, pass a background check and meet income guidelines to qualify for the program’s small, tax-free stipend. The stipend allows seniors to volunteer without impacting their other government benefits. They also receive reimbursement for travel to the schools they work in. In addition to these financial incentives, “grandparents” gain emotional and physical benefits as well.
“Many of our ‘grandparents’ tell us they’ve seen increased self-improvement, both physically and mentally, since entering the program,” said Schuckman. “Many ‘grandparents’ feel disconnected from their community since retirement. Being part of this program, they now feel like they’re a part of something bigger. They feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.”
Training is an essential component of the Foster Grandparent Program. Before starting their volunteer work, Foster Grandparents participate in 24 hours of orientation training, where they learn about the program, their role in the classroom and have the opportunity to connect with experienced volunteers. Ongoing in-service training sessions are also provided, featuring community speakers that provide new ideas for classroom activities.
Last fiscal year, 71 Foster Grandparents served 492 students.
“There are plans to increase our volunteer numbers and expand training opportunities by collaborating with community partners in Wyandotte County,” said Schuckman.
For those interested in becoming a Foster Grandparent or learning more about the program, visit the website at: catholiccharitiesks.org/foster-grand parent-program.
It might have been the late Marceline Henderson, a dedicated Foster Grandparent for decades, who said it best: “The most rewarding part about being a [Foster] Grandparent is that I get to take the place of a mentor or grandmother the kids don’t already have.”
