We have a ‘win-win’ opportunity happening at Grandview. It’s the Foster Grandparent program. This program is sponsored by the Butler County Department on Aging, and it is fabulous! We currently have three volunteer grandparents that work with our students.

According to the Foster Grandparent Program Operations Handbook, the 1960 White House Conference on Aging highlighted the need for all older people to stay active which could be done through service to their country. The conference led to the passage of the Older Americans Act of 1965 under which several pilot demonstration programs were initiated, including the Foster Grandparent Program. It is financed by the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) and administered by the Administration on Aging. It began in August of 1965 with the launching of twenty-one projects throughout the United States.

The program has proven that these older citizens have much to offer and have a deep desire to help others. Thus, the Foster Grandparent program evolved to provide support for students. Our Grandparents work fifteen hours a week at Grandview in our kindergarten classes, our first grade classes, our library and music classes. They are all over 55 years old and receive a small stipend, some insurance, an annual physical, a school lunch, and lots of smiles.

We are fortunate to have three awesome Grandparents assist our teachers and work with our students.