Foster grandparents offer individual attention

There is a unique bond between a grandparent and grandchild. But sharing a bloodline is not required for making this relationship special.

The Penquis CAP Foster Grandparent Program unites senior citizens with disadvantaged or handicapped children and youth in schools, Head Start and daycare centers.

The foster grandparents provide friendship, individual attention, personal care assistance with activities such as hand washing, eating and shoe tieing, understanding and support. Other activities shared by the children and their “grandparents” include reading, singing, game playing, working on crafts and quiet times. The foster grandparent acts as a positive role model.

“Teachers will usually list the kids who need a little extra help with reading or social skills,” said Gary Dorman, program manager of the Foster Grandparent Program. “The grammies or grampies, as we call them, will help those children with whatever needs they may have. The program serves the duel purpose of showing retired persons that they can give back while providing a lot of emotional support for the kids.”

Many of the children come from single parent homes and don’t have grandparents of their own, added Dorman. Children in this program gain multigenerational knowledge by interacting with seniors while improving their social skills.

“All the volunteers are referred to as grammie or grampie,” said Dorman. “And the whole class calls them by that name, not just the children they are working with.” They begin feeling like real grandparents, he added.

The “grandparents” seem to benefit as much as the children.

“My husband says that when I get up in the morning, I am happy-go-lucky and that if I’m happy, he’s happy,” said Grammie Gloria, 62, who works with 9- and 10-year-olds. “I have always been a strong believer in education as a way out of a hardship situation. This age group is great because they can be reasoned with and carry on an adult conversation. It is very rewarding to help them with reading and math.”

But Grammie Gloria does much more than that. Last year, she started a knitting program with only two children participating. This year, the program has grown to 36 children, both boys and girls.

“While they’re knitting, they’re talking about their day,” she said. “The social interaction is incredible.”

Certain criteria must be met before becoming a foster grandparent. Individuals must:

. Be 60 years of age or older.

. Meet income guidelines.

. Be able to volunteer a minimum of 15 hours per week.

. And above all, love working with children.

“Foster grandparents receive a non-taxable stipend which is not considered income, therefore does not affect other assistance they might be receiving including rent subsidies, food stamps and fuel assistance,” said Dorman. “In addition, they receive pre-service orientation and monthly training, mileage reimbursement or help with transportation, meals, supplemental insurance and an annual physical.”

There are currently 30 foster grandparents in the Bangor area, he said, but more are always needed.

“People don’t realize how much they’ll get out of [being a foster grandparent], said Nana Laura, as she prefers to be called. At 74, working with 2- and 3-year-olds, Laura says there is “something about my personality that gets along with kids in this age group. I took to it like a duck to water. I go home and laugh at what happens during the day.”

Grammie Pat, also 74, has been with the program for 12 years.

“It’s a reason to get up in the morning and get going,” she said. “And I like being with the children. I work with the second and third grades, listening to them read and helping with their writing.”

And the teachers appreciate the extra pair of hands, said Dorman.

For more information about the Penquis CAP Foster Grandparent Program, please call 973-3684.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, toll-free (800) 432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org or visit www.eaaa.org. TTY 992-0150.