Community Notes: Foster Grandparents Program is thankful throughout the year

By Jennifer Lantz, Director, AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program

As the year draws us into the holiday season, I am looking back thankful for all the Foster Grandparents who are so dedicated to the program and the children who they serve. I want to thank all of them and tell them how grateful we are they choose to stay through uncertain times.

Thank you, Foster Grandparents, for learning how to Zoom. At the beginning of the year, we were not able to meet in person, so we started Zoom in-service meetings. The Grandparents were allowed to get online and call into the meetings.

This made for some interesting meetings, but we all adjusted and learned something new. This is proof we can learn something new at any age!

Thank you, Foster Grandparents, for getting the word out to others in their communities. The best recruiting tool is word of mouth. When our Grandparents start talking about their great experiences they have through the program it makes others want to find out more about the program and join in the fun.

Thank you, Foster Grandparents, for learning about Drive Thru Recognitions. Last year we were unable to hold the Winter Celebration Dinner in December, so the staff took time to drive to three different locations to personally deliver holiday bags for the Grandparents. We still wanted to thank them, but in a safer way to keep them healthy.

Thank you, Foster Grandparents, for being flexible when it comes to Appreciation Dinner, which was held in May this last year in Mason City. We were able to hold the annual event but with a few changes. We look forward to holding the next Appreciation Dinner not so spread out.

Thank you, Foster Grandparents, for doing a great job when I am there doing site visits for the first time since I started as the director. The children are excited to see you every day and the teachers appreciate what you bring to the table.

Thank you, Foster Grandparents, for going through the long process of rebranding. We changed from Senior Corps Foster Grandparent Program to AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparents Program. We began the school year with new uniforms, new name tags and a great attitude.

Thank you, Foster Grandparents who carpooled to our annual trip in Clear Lake in August. We were able to tour and learn about the history of the Surf Ballroom and the Central Gardens of North Iowa. It was a fun day even with a little rain.

Thank you, Foster Grandparents who cheer on the Foster Grandparent of the Year, Wanda Ward, whether she is in the area parades or being recognized for her years of dedication and hard work.

Thank you, Foster Grandparent Advisory Board members, who help by giving their time and energy to the program. I am also grateful to have a full board of men and women who want to see the program grow in the coming years.

And lastly, thank you to all the Foster Grandparents who chose to stay in the program through COVID. I know for some it was a hard decision, while for others it is just you wanting to help your children in the community. We are also excited to have 10 new Grandparents who chose to start serving area children even though the program was going through so many changes.

As the year draws to an end, please take time to thank a Foster Grandparent who is making a difference in their day care, preschool or school. Their dedication is an inspiration to all and these Grandparents are truly bridging generations with a touch of love.

For more information about becoming a Foster Grandparent, please call (641) 257-6327.