Finding Solutions: Senior citizens volunteering to tutor local students
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Many seniors in our area are serving as grandparents to local students.
The Senior Citizens Council is a non-profit that has been around since 1968, serving as an advocate for senior adults while also allowing them to stay active through volunteerism.
The group is finding solutions in having seniors tutor children who need a helping hand.
Karen Holden has been a part of the Senior Citizens Council for nine years.
Prior to ing the organization, she says she felt like she had not accomplished what she wanted.
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“I felt like I did not have a purpose. If something happened to me, what would people me for? Nothing,” said Holden.
After learning about the foster grandparents program, Holden says she saw an opportunity to make a difference.
Seniors 55 and older can volunteer their time with children who need a helping hand in school.
Holden is now known as “Grandma Karen” to six children she sees four days a week.
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“Some of them are autistic, and some of them just need guidance and love,” said Holden.
Currently, the program has about 50 foster grandparents serving in about 15 Richmond County Schools and two Jefferson County schools. Executive Director Kathleen Ernce says the volunteers work alongside kids with special needs or those who need extra guidance.
“The teacher develops an assignment plan for the foster grandparent. They talk about it. This is what Johnny, Mary, and Susie need, by using flashcards, colors, whatever the teacher wants you to use,” said Ernce.
Holden says it’s very rewarding to see the students improve over time.
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“It’s not always an easy task, but it’s a challenging task, but like I said, you get fulfillment. One little thing you see improvement in means everything to you,” said Holden.
The Senior Citizens Council also has advocacy programs. They offer casework services, financial management, and more to seniors who need it.
“The focus is protecting the senior by whatever means we can do,” said Ernce.
They say volunteers are always needed to help even more students.
“I would say get out there and try it because it doesn’t only bless those children. It blesses you, too. You’ve got to feel good about yourself before you can help somebody else,” said Holden.
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