Charles City Foster Grandparents program seeking new volunteers

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City Foster Grandparent program is looking for new volunteers to help mentor and tutor area children.

For 50 years now the Foster Grandparent program has matched senior volunteers with area schools and day cares to provide additional support for children of all ages. From rocking babies at day cares to helping young students with math and reading, volunteers provide a unique resource to aid developing youth.

“We have adults coming back that are running businesses now and talking to us about their grandparents back in the day,” said program Director Jennifer Lantz. “That’s always really nice to hear. They make a difference in a child’s life.”

At one point the Foster Grandparent program boasted upwards of 100 people contributing their time and energy to mentoring area kids. However, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a major disruption and the program has struggled to refill its ranks since. Before the pandemic, the program coordinated more than 60 senior volunteers. Today it only has 34.

“About half of our volunteers were gone after COVID,” said Lantz. “We’re really in desperate need of grandparents right now.”

Looking to grow out their numbers again over the next year, the program has reduced the minimum time commitment for their volunteers from 15 hours a week to just five, hoping that the lighter time requirement will encourage new volunteers to give the program a try.

The program also offers benefits, including a tax-free stipend, meals, an annual physical, leave and holidays, and free training. Volunteers are even invited to participate in an annual summer trip.

“It’s a way for everybody to relax before school starts up again,” said Lantz.

Volunteers must be at least 55 years old and live in the area. The program serves in communities from Charles City to Clear Lake to New Hampton in Floyd, Chickasaw, Cerro Gordo and Mitchell counties.

Those that are interested can contact Lantz at the Foster Grandparent office, (641) 257-6327, 624 N. Main St., Charles City, or download an application from the city of Charles City website, www.cityofcharlescity.org/124/Foster-Grandparents.

“If anybody wants to be a grandparent, we’re always looking,” said Lantz.