RALEIGH, N.C. – If you’re 55 or older and want to make a difference in the life of a child, look no further than the Foster Grandparent Program.

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It’s a chance to mentor young students and build their self-confidence while having fun in the classroom at the same time.

 

 

 Sonya Mitcher is a Kindergarten teacher at Rogers Lane Elementary School in Raleigh and says she’s fortunate to have ‘Grandma B’ in her classroom everyday.

From teaching students all of the letters of the alphabet to teaching students how to read, ‘Grandma B’ has made a lasting impression on the students she interacts with.

‘Grandma B’ is the nickname students have created for Carolyn Blaylock. 

Blaylock is a Raleigh resident and has been a Foster Grandparent in the national program for five years.

“It's about the love of the children and how you interact with the babies.  I call them babies, everybody's a baby to me,” Blaylock said jokingly. “It has helped them a lot. They learn how to, hold their pencil and listen which is the most important part, along with following instructions. It's a beautiful program and the babies need us.”

Foster Grandparents dedicate a minimum of 20 hours a week in the classroom to mentor and inspire students. 

Parents have also mentioned how the presence of a Foster Grandparent makes the transition into elementary school seamless for their young students

Foster Grandparents receive benefits such as an hourly stipend, transportation reimbursement, ongoing training and supplemental insurance.

The Foster Grandparent Program is part of Senior Corps, a nationwide program sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

For more information on how you can become a Foster Grandparent, click here.