A program that provides mentors to children is often as beneficial for older, wiser adults as it is for the kids they help.

Carrie and Hoyt Satterwhite, both active in the Wyoming Senior Citizens’ Foster Grandparent program in Park County, volunteer at Westside Elementary School. 

For Carrie, the best thing about being a foster grandparent is the opportunity to help shape the minds and the personalities of the future.

“They really have changed our lives,” she said of the children she works with through the program. “I’d like to think we’ve made a change in theirs.”  

The program is designed not only to provide mentorship to children, but also give seniors a sense of accomplishment.

In Park County, eight to 10 seniors are currently participating as foster grandparents. 

But Foster Grandparent Program Manager Laurie Shoopman and Program Coordinator Vernita Lackey said they are always looking for more volunteers.

Shoopman, who has a background in education, said foster grandparents help students socially, emotionally and academically. 

“Our fifth graders were scoring at the third-grade level. COVID time really spun us (Park County schools) into backtracking,” she said. “So that one-on-one time really helps get (students) where they need to be.”

Carrie said for her and Hoyt, it’s about involving themselves in things that are good for the students as well as entertaining. Carrie has even stepped up to the plate as a hokey pokey dance partner in the talent show.

Foster grandparents can work up to six hours a day. They carry out a variety of duties, including helping in classes and providing company and guidance to students.

Volunteers can also serve as senior companions if they would like to provide company to other seniors in their area. 

To qualify to be a foster grandparent, individuals must be 55 years or older, qualify as low income and pass a background check as well as program training. 

Foster grandparents receive a small tax free stipend, which is meant to help with costs and provide a sense of financial security.

“Enrich your life while enriching the lives of others. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who serve within the Foster Grandparent program provide the kind of comfort and love that sets a child on a path to a successful future,” according to the Wyoming Senior Citizen Inc. website.

Those interested in volunteering to be a foster grandparent may get more information and sign up at the Powell Senior Center on Friday, July 22 at 11:30 a.m. Shoopman, Lackey and local volunteers will be present to answer questions about the program.