The Foster Grandparent Program, through Catholic Charities, is helping young children with various skills, including literacy.

San Diego

The Foster Grandparent Program, operated by Catholic Charities for 60 years, places volunteers aged 55 and older in San Diego schools to mentor and support students, especially in literacy. Volunteers, affectionately called 'Grandma' or 'Grandpa' by students, assist children with reading, spelling, and other academic skills, providing one-on-one and small group support.

The program is federally funded and focuses on helping students who are learning English, have learning disabilities, or need to catch up academically. Volunteers undergo background checks, receive training, and are provided a stipend. The program is currently seeking more volunteers to expand its impact, and a local fundraising initiative is underway to support San Diego school children.

Foster Grandparent Program helps promote literacy

For these kindergartners at St. Charles Catholic School, having an extra pair of hands is helpful. But it's even more special when it comes from community members like Grandma Grace. I think it is very different. The kids seem to really take very well to the grandmas. The teachers are there for support as well and they do utilize them, but it's a different feel from the kids. Grandma Grace is a member of the Catholic Charities Foster Grandparents Program, which has been around for 60 years. It's a federally funded program that connects those 55 years and up with local schools and those with different needs. They have English as their second language, maybe have some type of learning disability or just have to get caught up. Maybe they've come from a different school and they just fell behind. As volunteers, they mentor students, help with tutoring and skill building with a focus on literacy. It depends on what the student needs. Sometimes they'll need help with the phonics and they'll sit there and work with them. Sometimes it's spelling. They need to learn to spell, so they'll have the flashcards working with them one-to-one. I've seen small groups where the kids take turns reading. This is not what I do in the classroom. Linda Cochran Johnson has volunteered as a grandma for several years. And it's been very rewarding. What do they call you? Grandma Linda. Grandma to one, she says it gives her the opportunity to relive the days when her grandson was younger while making an impact in other children's lives. Beyond the teacher, I'm the next person that they talk to. And I try to give them the same advice I would give my own grandchild. You know, if I see them doing wrong or doing something that's not right, I pull them aside and say, hey, look, what could you have done differently? The program director tells me they are in need of volunteers. If you were interested, you're asked to fill out an application. You'll have to go through a background check and get a physical. I am told training will be provided and you will get a stipend. Marie Cornell, ABC 10 News. The impact they have. Oh, absolutely. I had a woman who read to my kindergarten and young classes and her name was Grandma Florence and I would see her as I grew up and I would still go up to her and give her a big hug. You remember those people. I know. You said you were in kindergarten. And that memory still sticks with you today. And I still remember Grandma Florence. Yes. And today is the day you can join ABC 10 News and North Island Credit Union to make a transformative impact on San Diego school kids. Every dollar that you give, it's going to be matched, doubling the power of your donation. And don't forget to act fast. You can donate 10news.com or text IMAGINE to 50155. A reminder here, every single dollar makes a difference. And when you give today, it counts twice. Again, sponsored by ABC 10, North Island Credit Union and the Scripps Howard Fund.

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