A Beacon of Kindness and Learning in Central Minnesota

For over five years, Grandma Cory has been a dedicated volunteer with the Central MN Foster Grandparent Program, sharing her love of learning and kindness with classrooms across the community. Driven by a deep passion for children, Cory joined the program to make a meaningful difference and inspire the next generation. 

For the past three years, Cory has had a lasting impact in Suzanne Robben's preschool classroom at Oak Ridge Early Learning Center. On World Kindness Day, Suzanne posted a heartwarming photo of herself with Cory, capturing the spirit of their shared mission to spread kindness and positive energy. 

Devoting two hours a day, four days a week, Cory’s presence is felt throughout the classroom. While she primarily focuses on reading and math stations, her caring and flexible nature often sees her lending a hand with a variety of tasks. Suzanne describes Cory as having a magnetic effect on the students: “They are like magnets to her. She is so kind, caring, and has a special way of engaging their learning.” 

Cory’s approach to teaching is as heartwarming as it is effective. She connects with the children by meeting them at their level—often sitting crisscross-applesauce with them during story time. Her interactions with the children have created lasting bonds, with the kids eagerly asking about her whenever she is absent and excited for her return. They also love it when she participates in special celebration days like Whacky Wednesday, PJ Day, and Hat Day, making those moments even more memorable. 

Beyond her daily presence in the classroom, Cory has committed to using the Foster Grandparent Program’s Assignment Plan, a tool designed to measure student progress. Although she works with all of the children, certain students who need extra one-on-one support with reading and math receive focused attention. At the end of the year, these children will be reassessed to track their progress and celebrate the improvements they’ve made with Cory's guidance. 

Grandma Cory’s dedication and warmth have already made a significant impact on the students and the broader Oak Ridge Early Learning Center community. The lasting relationships she has built, along with the academic progress of the children she mentors, reflect the powerful role that the Foster Grandparent Program plays in enriching young lives. 

The Central MN Foster Grandparent Program continues to provide meaningful intergenerational connections through tutoring, mentorship, and supportive relationships that benefit both volunteers and children alike. In 2023 alone, 195 senior volunteers served over 77,500 hours across 88 stations in Central Minnesota, working with nearly 10,000 children. With a focus on school readiness, literacy, social skills, and more, the program helps children thrive in ways that go beyond the classroom. 

Grandma Cory’s story is a beautiful example of the difference one dedicated volunteer can make. Her love, support, and kindness continue to inspire not just the children she works with, but all of us fortunate enough to be a part of the Foster Grandparent Program. 

Learn more about how the Foster Grandparent Program is making an impact in Central Minnesota.