Volunteers from Catholic Charities Central Minnesota Foster Grandparent Program gathered at Jack and Jim’s Event Center in Duelm Dec. 8 to recognize volunteers’ efforts and celebrate their years of service to the program.  

 

Retiring Executive Director Steve Bresnehan and Area Supervisor Pat Braun led the annual program and acknowledged Foster Grandparents with 1, 5 and 10 years of service.  

 

Foster Grandparents serving at Becker Primary School include: Ray Marholz, Jean Brown, Nancy Heisick, Glenn and Lois Lahm.  

 

This year marks the 51st Anniversary of the Foster Grandparent Program and the belief that inspired its start in 1965 could not be truer today. Namely, that seniors have extraordinary gifts and talents to share with children who need extra support. 

 

The Foster Grandparent Program offers seniors, age 55 and better, the opportunity to work with students in local schools or other non-profit agencies where there are children who need extra help to succeed.  The program offers many benefits to volunteers, including a tax-free hourly stipend, transportation reimbursement for mileage, orientation, on-going training, health benefits and more.  The joy of helping children and getting frequent hugs seem to be among the “most mentioned” benefits!  For more information or to apply to be a Foster Grandparent, contact Pat Braun, Area Supervisor, 612-390-0617 or pbraun@ccstcloud.org.