Think about volunteering

Crystal Noles/Dept. on Aging/guest columnist

Has Anyone Ever Asked You To Volunteer?
You have the experience, wisdom and knowhow to make a difference in the lives of the youth of your community by being a volunteer grandparent. Organizations that serve our children – schools, recreation departments, health care facilities, and libraries are all in need of your services.
The Benefits of Being a Volunteer Grandparent
Time and again, FGP volunteers report that they derive a strong sense of fulfillment and satisfaction from their work which translates into a more rewarding and connected lifestyle. In fact, studies show that volunteering improves one’s physical, mental and social well-being and enhances the quality of life for the volunteer.
In addition, the stipend, insurance benefits, and travel reimbursement provided by FGP contributes to a sense of financial security for those on fixed or limited incomes. Frequent newsletters and recognition events provide opportunities for the community to express its gratitude and appreciation for their volunteer service and a chance to visit with other volunteer Grandparents.
Our staff at FGP will make sure you have appropriate orientation, training, administrative support, a safe environment to work in and interesting in-service opportunities.
This is just a sample of the activities you might do as a volunteer grandparent:
• Help students with homework assignments. Check that they are complete and submitted on time.
• Support students in their reading, and writing activities. Work in small groups and/or one on one sharing your love of books. Help students with journaling activities.
• Work with infants, providing the nurturing experience that only a “grandparent” can provide.
• Share your passion for math or science with students by being a tutor or classroom helper in these subjects.
• Assist in general classroom activities that utilize your own special talents and interests.
• Share your love of arts and crafts and/or music with students through activities that address these areas of interest.
FGP - Responding to the needs of children and youth.
The Foster Grandparent Program, founded nationally in 1965, is a program that provides opportunities for volunteers to work with one of our most valuable resources – today’s youth. By serving in settings that range from classrooms to day care centers to recreation department programs to libraries, Volunteer Grandparents lend their time, skill, and life experiences to assist our children in reaching their potential – academically, behaviorally, developmentally. By interacting on a regular basis with our youth, Foster Grandparents provide the mentoring and role modeling that so many of today’s children lack in their lives. The heart of the program is the one-on-one daily attention that Foster Grandparents provide. This special care helps young people grow, gain confidence, learn, and become full and productive members of society. The benefits to individuals and communities are both immediate and lasting.
Together we can make a difference in the life of a child.  Sharing Today, Shaping Tomorrow!
   
For more information please contact:
Satina Goodwin
Foster Grandparent Program Coordinator
Butler County Department on Aging
2101 Dearborn Ste. 302
Augusta, KS 67010
316-775-0500

For more information on this and other activities of interest to seniors, contact the Butler County Department on Aging at 775-0500.