Grandma Valenzuela says that although it may seem like the children are the only ones benefiting from the program, she too is a beneficiary. "She helps us when we need help and she reads us books. "She's a great-grandma," says first-grader Kimberly Rodriguez. Foster Grandmas volunteer four hours a day. "She helps us to listen too."īut it is obvious the effect Grandma has on the entire class is more than academic, as witnessed by the number of hugs she received upon her departure from class. "Grandma helps us if we have trouble spelling words," she says. "They just want reassurance."Īnd almost on cue, first-grader Taylor Meno approached Grandma to benefit from that extra spelling help. "Sometimes they ask simple questions like 'What color should this be' or 'What's the next letter in this word,'" she says. She says it's very easy for her to help the children with their requests. Grandma Valenzuela agrees with Rivera's assessment completely. "So I'll have about eight of them showing me their work or asking me questions all at the same time. "Younger students want to make sure they are doing the work right," she says. Rivera, a first-grade teacher at Hambric, knew about the program and requested a Grandma for her class. The program then tries to locate a trained volunteer who lives in the school's area. Schools requesting a Foster Grandparent simply contact the Program to request a volunteer. The Foster Grandparent Program is an endeavor of the City of El Paso's Community & Human Development Department, funded by Americorps, the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, and the City of El Paso. "They don't hesitate to come up to me and ask me things." "We've only been together a few weeks, but they are comfortable with me and I'm comfortable with them," she says. Grandma Valenzuela says that for some reason, a grandma figure is more approachable to students. They become really attached to her and this really improves their learning." According to counselor Karina Cataldi, the project has been a success at Hambric for over ten years. Olga Valenzuela is not the actual grandmother of all those students, but she is a volunteer of the Foster Grandparent Program. Hambric School, you may notice a few first-graders calling out to "Grandma." It's not a particularly unusual thing until you notice that an entire class is calling the same person "Grandma." If you happen to walk a particular hall at Jane A. Volunteers donate their time at several non-profit agencies and organizations (Museums, Libraries, Police Departments, Senior Centers, Food Pantries, and Hospitals).įoster Grandparent Program helps students at Hambric receive extra one-on-one help.Brings together the life experience of volunteers with community needs.Encourages seniors to bring a lifetime of talent, experience, skills, and hobbies to community projects, organizations, and agencies needing talented volunteers.America's largest volunteer network for people 55 and older.The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is: Currently, there are more than 600 active volunteers in the program that offer their time at over 30 organizations. RSVP has been part of the community of El Paso since 1974. We place individuals, aged 55 and up, in more than 30 community organizations, helping with pressing issues such as food security, companionship, respite care, transportation, and social support. You’ll not only make new friendships with people in the community you will also make a significant difference in the lives of others. Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)Įl Paso’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) can help you put your skills, experience, and talent to work.
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