Foster Grandma Mary Baker has enjoyed the past few months off from school. However, like many other Foster Grandparent volunteers she returned to school with students this fall. Baker used to be a nurse and volunteered with the senior companion program. Then one day she saw an ad in the Fergus Falls newspaper for the Central Minnesota Foster Grandparent program. She started volunteering as a Foster Grandparent at Underwood Elementary School in August 2001. Grandma May currently volunteers in the kindergarten classroom. She most enjoys reading with the children. A typical day in the classroom starts out with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the calendar and the alphabet. Grandma Mary spends one-on-one time with children who need extra help. She is an extra set of hands in a busy room full of 18 to 20 five- and six-year-olds. The teachers and staff at Underwood Elementary are always appreciative of the assistance they receive from volunteers like Baker. If you love children, have time to spare and could use a little extra income, consider becoming a Foster Grandparent. The program is a nationally recognized intergenerational program that provides meaningful and rewarding volunteer opportunities to people 60 and older to give back to their community. Volunteers build relationships with children at schools, early education programs, residential facilities and social service agencies. The mentor relationships built by Foster Grandparents help children who have exceptional, emotional and/or special needs within the community. Foster Grandparents volunteer an average of 20-40 hours each week and receive a small tax-free stipend. Other benefits include transportation assistance, annual medical reviews, accident and liability insurance while on assignment, a daily lunch or meal allowance, education and training, paid vacation and sick leave, recognition, social activities and the satisfaction of knowing you make a difference. If you or someone you know would like to volunteer with a program that is personally fulfilling and socially rewarding, please call Jean Yager toll-free at (866) 895-7992.
