Foster Grandparents hold first pandemic-era in-person meeting at Charles City NIACC Center

To The Press

After more than a year without being able to get together in person, Charles City area Foster Grandparents gathered again last week.

“The Foster Grandparent Program was excited to host their in-service meeting at NIACC Center in Charles City and there was enough room to socially distance,” said Foster Grandparent Program Director Jennifer Lantz. “We wanted to make sure our Grandparents and staff were able to meet safely while learning about changes to our program, scams, blood borne training and even where we go from here as a program.”

Lantz said the program volunteers have missed in-person interaction since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The program staff have mailed out games, short stories and even appreciation awards to the Foster Grandparents.

“The Grandparents had the opportunity to attend Zoom meetings every month, but it is not the same as that in-person interaction,” Lantz said.

The morning last Thursday consisted of required announcements along with Charles City Police Officer Duane Ollendick speaking to the Grandparents about scams in the area and how to keep themselves safe from these threats.

These scammers want to use scare tactics on the older generation by saying a grandchild needs bail money, IRS saying the person owes money or even freeze up their computers so the person goes and buys gift cards which will unlock their computers. Many businesses are even being targeted by saying their boss wants them to buy gift cards for other employees for a recognition.

Advice given to the Grandparents was to be careful and if it sounds too good to be true, hang up right away, never send money and never give account numbers. Everyone has the power and right to keep safe and secure.

After a short break, Charity Fecht from Floyd County Medical Center spoke to the Grandparents about blood borne safety, which is an annual requirement from the Foster Grandparent Program. Fecht also spoke about the importance of washing their hands and answered questions after the slide show. Lunch was catered by Dave’s Restaurant after the training.

The Grandparents spent their afternoon discussing their book, “Help for Billy,” which they have been going through since January. The chapter four discussion was led by Lantz and was about developmental deficits.

“This has been a great way for the Grandparents to learn about children who need extra help and why these children act like they do,” Lantz said. “Whether it is behavioral issues or just a needing someone to help with the hard homework, children can flourish in the daycare centers and classrooms with a Foster Grandparent who cares about them and wants to listen to the child. “

Lantz said the daylong meeting was a fun way for the Foster Grandparents to see each other again while learning and many grandparents won door prizes at the end of the meeting.

The Foster Grandparent Program serves Cerro Gordo, Chickasaw, Floyd and Mitchell counties. Anyone who is interested in joining the program as a Foster Grandparent, daycare or school please contact Lantz at (641) 257-6327.