Foster Grandparent Program

Teachers' Stories about Foster Grandparent Volunteers

A little girl entered first grade as a selective mute. Grammy Hyla and the little girl developed a strong bond and she began to talk to Hyla. Soon she was talking to others, too. The little girl has blossomed into a much more verbal and confident child. I attribute much of her academic and social growth to Hyla’s encouragement and support.

Phyllis worked with a small group of four struggling readers after they came back from the reading specialist. By the end of the year their test scores rocketed with Phyllis’ help. They made more gains than any other group!

Isabel ran a math center. Without her I would have been unable to provide this extra reinforcing program for students lagging in math skills.

A child of a parent in prison would become frustrated and obstinate when he made social errors. He learned to go to Sally to cool down and would then be willing to apologize and get on with his day.

Stephanie has helped a student whose father is in prison. Her home life has been in disarray all year but Stephanie helped to keep some stability in her life.

My student in foster care learned to trust an adult due to Flora.

We had a child whose father committed suicide. With Phylis’s caring attention, the young boy changed from a teary-eyed, reticent child to a solid, happy learner.

Quotes from Principals and Administrators

“More Grammies for my school!”

“Outstanding volunteers whose contributions to teachers and staff and children are immeasurable.”

“I think the program is successful as is. My staff enthusiastically agrees! The Foster Grandparent Program deserves recognition. It is a positive program that bridges school and community. Our children are the benefactors.”

“Always looking for more Foster Grandparents!”

“Top Notch Program!!!”

“I absolutely love the idea of “multi-generational” within our classrooms. It is a wonderful opportunity for children who are not, for whatever reason, geographically close to their grandparents.”

“I personally enjoy having someone around who is actually older than me!”

“This will be my 5th year involved, and my Foster Grandmother has been such a positive attribute to our classroom community. It wouldn’t be the same without her!”

“We need 2 more “grammies”!!! Great job by everyone! Thanks!!!”

“Our Grams are wonderful. Not only do they contribute to children’s learning, they add warmth and caring to the climate. They are wonderful individuals, and this is an exceptional service.”

“We love having Foster Grandparents. They bring joy to our students and provide benefits that classroom teachers may not have enough time for.”

Quotes from Foster Grandparents

“Being a Foster Grandparent has brought me nothing but joy, and a good feeling of being able to help some of these beautiful children, in our schools. They need our help and love.”

“I have been with my teacher going on 15 years. She is like family to me and does a lot for me.”

“The program has been the best thing I could have done for myself. It is the most gratifying experience. The children are so wonderful, this has been the best decision I have ever made.”

“An excellent opportunity for seniors to keep their minds alert and knowing you are helping someone who appreciates you.”

“I think the FGP is very well organized and really in tune to the needs of seniors and youth alike.”

“I'm so very thankful for the FGP and the opportunity to work with school children as well as infants. The extra income from the stipend is very much appreciated and allows me to have a few “extras” I wouldn't have otherwise.”

“The recognition that is shown by The Friends Program makes me feel greatly appreciated. Thank you.”

“This program has been a gift to me which I hope in a small way to be able to give something back. Coming from Massachusetts, when my husband passed away everyone assumed that I would return to my old homestead, but the children and teachers at School St. School are the greatest reason for me still being in NH.”

“The Foster Grandparent Program has brought me joy. I love children and it is a pleasure to be able to assist in their learning experience.”

“The stipend keeps me off the welfare list. What else is there to say? I have reasons to get out of bed each and every morning.”

“The Foster Grandparent Program has put more meaning into my daily life. Thank you.”