BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – Senior volunteers are making a difference in local child care centers by bringing experience and warmth while bridging generational gaps. The Foster Grandparent Program, operated by Community Action of Southern Kentucky, provides seniors with the opportunity to form meaningful connections with children and assist in classrooms across a 10-county region.
“The Foster Grandparent Program is designed for seniors aged 55 and older who meet income requirements. We match these seniors with classrooms to offer one-on-one mentorship,” explained Krista Graves, Director of the Foster Grandparent Program. “We collaborate with nonprofit childcare centers and after-school programs to deliver the personalized support many children need.”
One local partner is WKU Campus Child Care, which includes Early Head Start, Head Start, and nonprofit child care services for children from six weeks to five years old.
“We focus on the most vulnerable children in our community—those who face significant obstacles to succeeding in school,” said Melody Hedden, Director of WKUCCC.
Teachers at WKUCCC value the additional support provided by the foster grandparents.
“The Foster Grandparent Program is especially helpful when we have children who need extra attention,” said Christy Rogers, WKUCCC Program Coach.
Paulette Duncan, a foster grandparent at WKUCCC for 12 years, discovered the program through an advertisement. She finds joy and purpose in working with the children.
“I believe it’s important to teach children responsibility and problem-solving from a young age,” Duncan said.
Duncan and other foster grandparents stay active in the community, finding motivation and fulfillment through their work with children.
“Staying busy keeps you feeling good, and working with kids brings excitement and purpose to each day,” Duncan added.