Seniors enjoy a new chance at being with kids

Angela Soo

Friday, Oct. 12, 2001 | 4:28 a.m.

Grandparents wanted.

The Economic Opportunity Board recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of its Foster Grandparent Program, which has become so popular that there aren't enough grandparents to go around.

"As more sites and schools begin to hear about our program, we get more requests for grandparents," said Gina Levou, the program coordinator.

The Foster Grandparent Program aims to match low-income seniors with elementary or preschool environments. The grandparents work with at-risk children or those with special needs. The additional help, because of growth in the valley, is particularly important now, Levou said.

"Teachers need an extra pair of hands," Levou said. "They can't help individual students one-on-one all the time, especially with the ones that need an extra little help."

Also benefitting from the program are the grandparents themselves, some of whom do not have family members or friends who live nearby.

"The program gives seniors motivation to meet the day," she said. "The entire community benefits in the end."

Grandparents receive a $2.55 per hour stipend, or $102 every two weeks. The money does not count against disability payments, workers' compensation, subsidized housing payments or food stamps.

Those who make more than the maximum amount may still participate, but they will not receive a stipend. Anyone who is interested in the program may call Levou at 647-1515.

Grandparents must be at least 60, work 20 hours a week, make no more than $895 if they are single or have a combined income of $1,210 if they are married, pass a physical exam and, in some cases, obtain a child care health card.

At the Catholic Charities Child Care Center near Twain Avenue and Paradise Road, two foster grandmothers can't think of anywhere else they would rather be.

"I love it," said Geri Preis, 70, a foster grandparent at Catholic Charities since December. "It keeps me going. Otherwise, I would just be sitting at home doing nothing. I miss being around children."

Gertrude Fowler, 81, another foster grandparent at the child care center, has no children of her own, though she has always loved being around them.

"I have no family out here, but I've been close to kids all my life," said Fowler, a foster grandparent for two years. "I like taking care of babies and feeding them."

All foster grandparents attend a one-week training course held twice a year -- January and June. They learn how to detect signs of child abuse and also have access to other child care resources. But most grandparents already come equipped with years of experience, Levou said.

"Many of the seniors are already blessed with a wealth of knowledge," Levou said. "Some are retired teachers, and some have already raised many children."

There are about 130 grandparents participating in the program in more than 45 locations from Boulder City to Bunkerville. Most of them were honored during a luncheon Friday at Castaways hotel to celebrate the program's 30th anniversary.

Some directly assist a teacher in classroom instruction, while others may help out with homework or storytelling sessions.

"But the chief responsibility is to be a loving grandparent to children ... most of whom have never known what it's like to have a loving adult spend long blocks of time with them," Levou said.

Barbara Gray, principal at the Catholic Charities Child Care Center, said the grandparents provide a valuable contribution to her school by enhancing the children's learning and play environment.

"The foster grandparents have added a lot to our program here," Gray said.