The Chippewa Valley Post provides news of area nonprofit organizations in order to increase public awareness of their missions and activities, and to provide information that otherwise might not be made available.
Our “6 of Substance” series is part of this effort. It will present answers from nonprofit organizations, in their own words, to six questions we asked about who they are and what they do. The responses will be edited only for length, grammar and style concerns.
This series will be updated regularly to introduce Chippewa Valley residents to the many nonprofit organizations and people working to serve the needs of our area. If you have a favorite nonprofit organization that you’d like to see featured here, please let us know at cvpostwi@gmail.com.
Foster Grandparents Program (CESA 10)
Who do you serve?
The CESA (Cooperative Educational Service Agency) 10 Foster Grandparents program serves two groups of people: children who need extra one-on-one attention in schools; and senior citizens, especially low income senior citizens. Teachers match Foster Grandparents with students who could benefit from some extra help and the Foster Grandparent works with them in classrooms for a minimum of 15 hours per week, on activities that the teacher assigns. Activities may include reading, practicing math facts or spelling words, writing stories, or catching up on work missed during an absence. There are benefits to both groups we serve. The children enjoy the special relationship that develops with the older adult and make instructional gains from the one-on-one support. For senior citizens, the relationships with the students and other adults in the school are beneficial. Senior citizens who are income qualified receive a small stipend ($2.65 per hour) and a transportation reimbursement (51 cents per mile) to offset the cost of volunteering. Pre-service and in-service training are also provided.
How long have you been established in the Chippewa Valley?
Foster Grandparents is a nationwide program sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The CESA 10 program was one of the original pilot programs, begun in 1965, and sponsored by the Northern Center. In 1987, CESA 10 became the sponsor and the program moved from the Northern Center to the schools served by CESA 10 (currently 29 school districts including Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls). Presently, we have 45 Foster Grandparents serving in 18 schools in west central Wisconsin.
What are the major issues you will be facing over the next 18 months?
The needs of students in our schools are more than we currently have Foster Grandparents to support. We need senior citizens (minimum of 55 years old) who are passionate about working with children in classrooms and who are able to commit 15 hours per week during the school year. To qualify for the stipend, the income level for a single person is $24,120, and for a family of two it is $32,480. Medical expenses can be deducted from higher income levels in order to qualify.
Aside from financial support, how can the Chippewa Valley Community support you?
Spread the word, please, if you know someone who is at least 55 years old, meets the income qualifications, and would love to have an important job to do each week. A child is waiting!
Who are some of the key people in your organization?
Our Foster Grandparents are the key people in our organization. Each one makes a difference EVERY day. Sitting beside a child supporting, mentoring, befriending, guiding, noticing the new haircut or the untied shoes is an invaluable contribution to our children and our future. Mary Jo Hanson, Program Administrator, can be reached at 715-456-8543 or mhanson@cesa10.k12.wi.us for more information or to receive an application.
What is the most important thing about your organization that people should know, but don’t?
During the 2016-17 school year, our group of 45 Foster Grandparents will spend more than 34,000 hours in schools making a difference.
— by Mary Jo Hanson, Program Administrator
If you would like more information about the Foster Grandparents Program, go to www.nationalservice.gov.
To download a copy of the “6 of Substance” questionnaire, click here.
To see earlier “6 of Substance” listings, click here for the Archives.