Foster grandparents honored for school roles
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SPRINGFIELD — After Kathleen Jennings of Hammond retired from working 26 years in the cafeteria at Woodland Park Early Learning Center, she went back to the Hammond school to serve in another role.
Four days a week, Jennings volunteers as a foster grandparent to the kindergarteners in three classrooms.
She and the children work together “one-on-one, on the alphabet, numbers. I’ll read them a story,” Jennings said.
“I love children,” she added.
Jennings said she can tell if children are feeling sad when they come to school. Part of her role as a foster grandparent is to find out why and cheer them up.
“They don’t want to learn anything if they’re sad,” Jennings said.
Jennings was among more than 80 foster grandparents honored May 1 at a luncheon held at the American Legion Hall near Springfield in honor of National Volunteer Week.
“Thank you very much for everything you do,” said Wallace Sibley, executive director of the Quad Area Community Action Agency.
The agency sponsors the Foster Grandparent program, which is funded by the Corporation for National Service.
Before the meal began, Sandra Cavalier, program director for the foster grandparents, invited people to tell the audience about their fostering experience.
Mari Fuller, who volunteers at Lewis Vincent Elementary in Denham Springs, said: “I’ve been a grandparent, and I haven’t been able to be around my grandchildren. This has filled a void … it’s just like a miracle.”
People eligible to become foster grandparents are those 60 or over; who are not in the regular work force; who meet certain federal income guidelines; and who are physically able to work with children 20 hours a week.
The program provides “meaningful part-time opportunities for low-income senior citizens to render supportive, person-to-person services to children,” according to Foster Grandparent program literature.
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