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Published on January 16, 2025
Multnomah County Foster Grandparent Program, A Lifetime of Service and Intergenerational ConnectionSource: Multnomah County

In the heart of Multnomah County, the Foster Grandparent Program, an initiative of the AmeriCorps Seniors, is quietly weaving the threads of generational connection, serving both the young and the elder in the community. Pioneered at Providence Child Center in 1965 and taking roots under Metropolitan Family Service in 1977, the program stands today as a testament to the power of dedicated volunteers who mentor and guide children facing numerous challenges. Multnomah County themselves sponsored the program starting in 2010, as noted by Multnomah County's news release.

Among the volunteers is 71-year-old Connie Green, fondly known as Grandma Connie, who is not only serving her second decade in the program but also has become the embodiment of a grandmother figure for dozens of preschoolers at Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) Head Start program. In a statement obtained by Multnomah County, Green abundantly expresses her bond with the children, "These kids are all my kids, and that's the way I look at it."

The program notably caters to a dual purpose, serving both the students and the seniors. It provides a much-needed social connection for older adults, while the youngsters benefit from the emotional and educational nurturing of the volunteers. Within local schools, hospitals, and daycare facilities, this initiative offers up to 40 hours of weekly service to those in need. According to the Multnomah County's report, volunteers are found to experience enhanced health and longevity through their engagement in the program.

Grandma Connie's impact extends beyond just watching care for children facing myriad upheavals. Samar Atia, a teacher at MHCC Head Start, shared with Multnomah County how seated at Green’s table, her students, including some with speech delays, have witnessed a palpable growth in their abilities to open up. The presence of Grandma Connie serves as more than just a volunteer, but as a cornerstone of stability and affection — especially poignant for two young sisters whose solace, after losing their own grandmother, they found in Grandma Connie.

The volunteers, while creating these intimate bonds, are also supported financially via a stipend, provided they meet certain income eligibility criteria. As per reports from Multnomah County, the division director of Aging, Disability & Veterans Services at the county, Irma Jimenez, praises the reciprocal nature of the program, noting its profound impact on the emotional and academic progression of the children.

Bilingual skills like those of Grandma Connie prove to be precious assets to the program, bridging communication gaps and fostering inclusivity. Carmen Mendel, a teacher's assistant at MHCC Head Start, recounted to Multnomah County how a shy Spanish-speaking girl blossomed under Connie's attentive care. Such personal triumphs are rampant within the fabric of the program, with volunteers like Connie showing indefatigable commitment — a fact underscored by her near-perfect attendance even during the challenge-laden times of the pandemic.

The call for more foster grandparents continues, as noted in the Multnomah County's announcement, with volunteers being sought in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. Those willing to step into roles as tutors, mentors, and role models can expect not only to contribute significantly to another's life but also to find a profound enrichment in their own. Connie's encouragement to prospective volunteers, “It would be the best part of your life,” stands as a heartwarming invitation to join a program steeped in compassion and care.