Foster Grandparents need volunteers
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on January 2, 2015 1:46 PM
Their uniform is simple -- a red vest and a smile.
Foster Grandparents are known throughout the county as the seniors who wear red.
But at the 16 volunteer stations where they serve, they have a reputation for being kind and trusted helpers.
WAGES Foster Grandparents commit to work at least 20 hours a week as mentors and tutors, working one-on-one with children from birth to second grade. They are currently assigned in three child care centers, six Head Start sites and seven elementary schools.
"The Foster Grandparents at North Drive (Elementary School) are priceless," Assistant Principal Barbara Williams said. "They give our students an opportunity to have one-on-one attention on a daily basis. Their presence is such a positive influence on our children.
"They always come to North Drive with smiles and share their enthusiasm with our students."
Wanda Becton, health and disabilities services manager at the WAGES Head Start/Early Head Start program, said the volunteers are a valuable addition to that program.
"They are nurturers, but they also provide for the children who need that extra help (with) a sense of success, even as a preschooler," she said.
Their role can range from helping infants explore their surroundings to assisting students with math or spelling words.
At the YMCA Preschool program, their interactions include helping children get ready for meal time, assisting with art work or being involved with learning time, said Jessy Seabrooks, preschool director.
But it is the intangible things that also makes them stand out members of the staff, said Julie West, elementary curriculum specialist at Carver Heights Elementary School.
"The love, guidance and instructional support that they provide for our students are key elements to ensure that they grow and flourish," she said. "The Grandparents are a part of our family and Carver Heights is blessed to receive their services."
Shonise Jacobs, elementary curriculum specialist at Eastern Wayne Elementary School, called the option an excellent outreach program.
"Foster Grandparents are individuals that provide students with one-on-one academic support from a loving and caring adult," she said. "EWE staff and teachers are proud of the time and effort our Foster Grandparents provide every day to ensure the students are successful."
With a current estimated pool of 103 volunteers assigned to 225 children, the WAGES Foster Grandparents program is the largest in the state. There are 13 other FG programs in North Carolina.
Created by the federal government in 1965, WAGES, or Wayne Action Group for Economic Solvency, has been the local sponsor of the program for 43 years, since 1971.
They are currently seeking more volunteers, says Program Administrator Delbra McIntyre.
There are a few requirements for applicants, she said -- from being age 55 and older to meeting an income criteria.
And while there is a background check and training is provided, ultimately those hired "must have a special love for children," Ms. McIntyre said.
"They serve as tutors, mentors and role models to children who have special needs, such as children from single-parent homes, teenage parents, children with learning disabilities or children who just need a little more attention in the classroom than the teacher is able to provide," she said. "Foster Grandparents live in the community in which they serve. They serve at the same educational facilities that their grandchildren attend, so they have the spirit that they are a part of the village raising their own children.
"They live in the neighborhood so they are not strangers. They are our grandmothers and grandfathers."
Interested candidates are invited to apply at the WAGES office, 601 Royall Ave., or contact Ms. McIntyre at 919-734-1178.