Foster program finds new 'grandparents'

Patricia Sackner, aka Grandma Pat, arrives at school every morning at 7:30 a.m. with a lesson plan of love and hugs for the 3- to 5-year-olds at Head Start in Kalispell.

Sackner, almost 78, works through the Western Montana Area VI Agency on Aging’s Foster Grandparent Program, an initiative that places people 55 and over in schools, Head Start Programs, day cares and after-school programs.

Sackner said she works one-on-one with children on letters, numbers and other areas that help them get a foot up in education before kindergarten.

“They are just amazing little people,” she said. “I love them all to pieces.”

 Sackner works Monday through Thursday which leaves her lots of time to pursue other interests such as the Sunshine Choir that visits local nursing home. As a retired teacher, she brings an education background to her foster grandparenting but she said volunteers don’t need that experience.

“The only qualification is that you love kids and you love being around them,” she said. “I highly recommend it to all my senior friends.”

Foster grandparents like Sackner serve through the National Senior Service Corps, a network of federally supported programs that helps people 55 and over find opportunities to help their communities.

Cheryl Weatherell, Foster Grandparent Program director, recruits, trains and finds placements for seniors over a six county area including Flathead. She said has room for more volunteers who receive benefits like reimbursement for transportation costs and a meal during service hours.

“It allows seniors to volunteer with no out-of-pocket expenses,” Weatherell said. “They have to commit to a minimum of 15 hours a week.”

For limited income people, the program provides a small tax-free stipend of $2.65 per hour. All foster grandparent volunteers receive an annual physical exam, accident and liability insurance while volunteering along with the meal and transportation help.

Weatherell said the program operates year-round with summer opportunities in libraries, camps and other venues with children. To qualify, participants may not be in the workforce, must pass a background check and be at least 55 years of age.

“My average-age volunteer was 70 but now it’s down to 65 to 68,” she said.

To receive a stipend, a participant may make up to 200 percent of poverty level which equals about $21,000 or less for a single person. Seniors with more income are welcome to serve as well.

“I have some un-stipend volunteers,” Weatherell said. “I have a retired university professor in Thompson Falls who works in the high school. He started a literature club and a drama club.”

The process begins with a phone call to Weatherell at 1-800-266-4188. She will send an application and information about the Foster Grandparent Program then follow up with a face-to-face appointment.

“I can meet them at their home or in a coffee shop,” she said.

Weatherell provides orientation and training. She said that she normally places new volunteers in about a month to six weeks.

“The schools just love them — they’re extra hands at school,” she said.

According to Weatherell, the seniors also benefit from staying engaged with the community. She said volunteers stay healthier and get a nice boost in the self-esteem.

“When you can help a kid, it’s very fulfilling,” Weatherell said.

Sackner couldn’t agree more. She has spent about three years working as a foster grandparent, first at Elrod Elementary and now at Head Start, helping children catch up in school and feel good about themselves.

She said the children seem to love to come and sit at Grandma Pat’s table.

“We don’t do any reprimanding — it’s all love, hugs and kisses,” she said. “It’s just fun. I probably get more out of it than the kids do.”

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com