Foster Grandparents give special one-to-one time

The Central Minnesota Foster Grandparent Program began as an experiment back in 1965. Over the years it has become a nourishing environment for children who might otherwise fall through the cracks of the educational system and for adults whose life experience brings a breadth of patience and understanding.

Sister Joyce Piotrowski joined the ranks of other Foster Grandparents last summer. She has become a permanent fixture at Saints Peter, Paul and Michael Primary School in St. Cloud. A former teacher, she fits the job description: child-oriented, cheerful, good listener, encouraging and upbeat, sympathetic and understanding.

A typical day finds her listening to children read, keeping them on task and offering suggestions for their schoolwork. One particularly obstinate, temperamental fourth grader changed his attitude toward school when Sister Joyce discovered his interest in NASCAR; now they have a rapport that has led to his improved writing and reading skills. She also helps a kindergartener to focus and, as a result, the student does not fall behind the rest of the class. Another young girl greets Sister Joyce with a big hug, wrapping both arms around her in a tight squeeze; all she needs is a good hug.

In addition to her "grandparent" duties, she is active within her Franciscan community, driving elderly sisters, serving at special meals, ushering for events and serving on various committees. With her volunteer time, she is a Eucharistic minister and is active in the "Why Catholic" program, which help live out the FSLF commitment statement to "dedicate ourselves to rebuilding the Church." Sister Joyce said, "I believe in working and serving where there is a need. I'm with a group of special needs students five hours a day five days a week who mightotherwise be left behind without one-to-one help."

Grandparents often say that if they had known that grandchildren were so rewarding, they would have had them first. Sister Joyce skipped the marriage and family steps but learned about life in her community of sisters. Now she takes that wisdom and connects with children in a fun, energizing, nourishing way. "I live my life in grateful ministry."

For more information on the Central Minnesota Foster Grandparent Program, call Jean Yager, Area Supervisor, at 320-229-4589 or 1-866-895-7992 or email her at jyager@gw.stcdio.org. During 2006, 254 Foster Grandparents mentored approximately 4,500 children for a total of 184,054 hours of service.

At a glance

Ministry: Foster Grandparent
Location: St. Cloud, MN