By Dan Sullivan
Catholic Herald

Program gives children 'foster grandparents'

SUPERIOR -- Retired people don't have to spend their time rocking the day away in a rocking chair. Some are choosing to take part in the Foster Grandparent program. This program is a sister effort to the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, under the federal Senior Corps. Unlike RSVP volunteers, a Foster Grandparent is required to work between 15 and 40 hours per a week.

"Our volunteers receive a stipend," said Margaret Hogg, director of the Superior-based Foster Grandparent Program.

Besides an hourly stipend, a Foster Grandparent is eligible for transportation reimbursement, meals during service time, annual physical examinations, and accident and liability insurance while on duty. Nationally, nonprofit organizations and public agencies can receive grants to sponsor and operate local Foster Grandparent projects.

Organizations that address the needs of abused and neglected children, troubled teens, young mothers, premature infants, and children with physical disabilities work with the local Foster Grandparent program to place and coordinate the services of the Foster Grandparent volunteers. These local partners are called volunteer stations. These volunteer stations include child service agencies, child and youth oriented charities and faith-based institutions. Participants with the Superior-based Foster Grandparent program are in schools, Head Start and day care centers.

"We have been in the Diocese of Superior and with Catholic Charities for 30 years," Hogg said.

The national Foster Grandparents program is marking its 40th anniversary in 2005. The Superior-based program area covers Douglas County and five counties within northern Minnesota. Foster Grandparents assist as tutors and mentors. Their goal is to build relationships with the young people they serve.

"They are role models and friends to children," Hogg said.

Hogg has been with the Foster Grandparent program in Superior for 21 years and has been its director for 12 years.

"I love working with the seniors," she said. "Seniors have so much to give in their time, talents and the life experiences that they share. People are now realizing that seniors are our nation's biggest untapped resource."

Bea Cieslicki, 86, has been a part of the Foster Grandparent program for 25 years. Students at the Cathedral School in Superior simply know her as "Grandma Bea."

"Working with the young ones makes me feel good," Cieslicki said.

"I really like being a part of the Foster Grandparent program."

Cieslicki works four days a week, five hours a day, assisting students in the prekindgarten room and in first grade.

"I help them learn numbers and letters or whatever the teacher asks me to do," she said.

Principal Tim Johnson said "Grandma Bea" has become an asset, working one-on-one with students needing extra help or with small groups in the classroom.

"Whether she's with preschoolers or elementary students, she gives unconditional love and support to all," Johnson said.

Katie Jordan, a teacher in the school's prekindergarten program, said students miss "Grandma Bea" on her day off.

"Students have a love for Bea," Jordan said. "She doesn't work on Wednesdays and the students ask where she is."

Jordan is appreciative of the extra help in the classroom.

"Grandma Bea is real good one-on-one with the kids," she said. "She gives the special attention that I may not have time to give."

Participating in the Foster Grandparent program gives seniors a purpose and reason to get out of bed in the morning.

"They receive a lot from working in this program, but get so much in return from the children," Hogg said.

The Foster Grandparent program is open to men and women, age 60 and over, with limited incomes. All applicants undergo a background check and a telephone interview, as well as preservice and in-service training. Although its offices have been housed in various locations in Superior, the Foster Grandparents program moved to the Catholic Charities building last year.

"It's nice to be back home with Catholic Charities," Hogg said.

Foster Grandparents have an impact on the lives of young people.

"Sometimes they don't realize it until years later," Hogg said.

She tells of a young soldier, who attended a surprise birthday party given for a Foster Grandparent. In full uniform, he wanted to thank his Foster Grandparent for the helping hand extended to him some years earlier.

"Foster Grandparents are making a difference," Hogg said.

Editor's note: To learn more about the Foster Grandparent Program call 715-394-5384.

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2005