RSVP seeks senior volunteers to be foster grandparents  

By Laura Mikkelson
Retired Senior Volunteer Program

At Mendota and Gompers Elementary Schools, you will find Northside members of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteering their time among students as part of our Foster Grandparent Program. 

Nancy Dodge has volunteered for eight years, over four of them tutoring Mendota Elementary students in literacy and helping in the school’s food pantry. One of Nancy’s fondest memories was working alongside two young girls who needed extra reading assistance. To make the book even more enjoyable and engaging, they played the hand game discussed in the book. Ms. Nancy, as her students call her, finds volunteering at Mendota provides positive energy, a sense of community, and the enjoyment of being in touch with the younger generation.

Jamie and Pat Birkett volunteer their time at Gompers Elementary. Pat, another committed volunteer with over eight years of volunteering, helps kindergarten students learn to read. Jamie helps in the library, keeping books organized. The school librarian described Jamie as a valuable help.

Thanks to RSVP’s group projects, Lake View Elementary School received a donation of 150 mittens, handmade by talented seniors who get together to make a difference in creative ways. 

RSVP needs more foster grandparents. To be a foster grandparent, you must: be age 55 or older; be able to work at least five hours per week; be able to travel to nearby volunteer sites or public schools; and have a willing heart, a lot of love and the desire to work with children.

Foster grandparents receive an in-depth orientation program, ongoing training, interaction with other foster grandparents and reimbursement of transportation costs. A tax-free stipend is provided for participants who meet income guidelines.

To find out more about becoming a foster grandparent, contact Laura Mikkelson at 608-441-7894. For information on other ways to work with children, visit our Intergenerational page at rsvpdane.org/programs/intergenerational.