In the last couple weeks, I have had the pleasure of talking with many of our Foster Grandparent volunteers.
Our Foster Grandparent program is about 80 volunteers strong. These volunteers would typically spend 20-30 hours a week mentoring students in schools throughout Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties.
These volunteers have a wonderful opportunity to help with children’s growth and development. They can be a source of positivity, encouragement and stability to children who need it most.
Normally at this time, they would’ve been preparing to return to the classroom to greet this year’s students. They always look forward to this time – to see the fresh new faces and to reconnect with students they have mentored in the past.
But, as you know, things are different this year. They understand why they can’t return at this time, but it does not make it any easier.
They are ready! Ready to do whatever they can to help “their kids.” Most say, “I can’t wait to see my kids! They need me!”
Over the last few months, we have been researching ways they might be able to “see” and connect with those kids, mentor them, and give them the help only Grandma or Grandpa can.
That could include creating a pen pal program, recording videos of volunteers reading books and virtual mentoring.
Another option we’re looking at is getting an electronic tablet to each volunteer. With the right tablet and training, we can empower these volunteers to get back in the classroom, at least virtually. They would possibly be able to mentor students one-to-one or in groups, while keeping the volunteers safe at home.
Many volunteers are eager and willing to try this interesting, new approach to volunteering.
Many organizations in our community, and around the nation, are trying to find ways to accomplish their work remotely. There have been many Zoom meetings and conference calls trying to pull our collective brains together to come up with a way to serve our students and get the volunteer back to a routine all while keeping everyone safe.
While it can be a challenge, everyone, from the schools to program staff to the volunteers, are motivated to make it work.
Funding this undertaking, however, is a different challenge. It is sometimes hard to convince potential funders to step in with a new endeavor. We have a great track record with the Foster Grandparent volunteer program, and we are confident in our ability to impact students who most need help.
We would like to thank our federal, state and local funders for helping when help was needed and for encouraging us to find new and creative ways for our volunteers to contribute. It might be a long, bumpy road ahead – but we are in good company.
To all of the Foster Grandparent volunteers I’ve spoken to these last few weeks, thank you for being an encouragement to me! I usually set out to lift you up, and always end up feeling lifted.