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Adopt-a-Grandparent Foundation has brought a remarkable new program to the Fairfield community to encourage one-on-one contact with our elderly citizens. The program matches two or three individuals to one senior citizen for at least a one-year period, with a minimum of two hours of service per month. A year commitment gives the adopted grandparent something to look forward to and rely on, and gives the volunteers an opportunity to deepen their own appreciation of life.
Volunteers have reported wonderful experiences with the Adopt-A-Grandparent program. This is Ilene Slagter's story:
"Before I met my grandparent, I felt some apprehension. I had never done any kind of community service work before, let alone with an elderly person. But when I entered the nursing home, it felt completely right for me to be there.
"The nursing home director spent a few minutes giving me information about Mary, my grandparent. She said Mary was also a bit hesitant about having me come. But once we met we just started to chat. Turns out Mary is a retired gym teacher, something I always wanted to be! I asked if I could come back to see her and hear more about her teaching days.
"That first day, I spent about 30 minutes at the nursing home. On the way out, I said hello to different residents and watched their faces light up. When I left, tears came to my eyes, and I forgot about me for once. I look forward to going back and getting to know my adopted grandparent."
So far, 15 volunteers have been assigned to 12 grandparents, and many more have shown interest in volunteering, including teenagers and children. To create a strong organization, Adopt-a-Grandparent Foundation is forming a board of directors and an advisory board. They have immediate needs for people in the areas of writing, graphic design, public relations, and administrative assistance.
If you want to adopt a grandparent or help build this important community organization, please call (515) 472-2905. Adopt-a-Grandparent Foundation would be happy to make a presentation to your company or school.
