Catholic Charities Foster Grandparent has been fostering intergenerational relationships for five years

Kevin McCarthy has been a Foster Grandpa with Catholic Charities Foster Grandparent Program for 5 years. He commits his time to the students and teachers at Pine Meadow Primary School in Sartell. Kevin works regularly with 11 classrooms.

Kevin is set up in the halls throughout PME, students will work with him 1:1 or together in a group. Kevin primarily works with students on math and reading. Mr. Percuoco shared, “Kevin is always willing to do whatever is asked of him when it comes to helping our first graders to be successful. Whether it is playing a math game with a group of students or listening to the same practice sheet over and over again, Grandpa Kevin always welcomes it with a smile (even if we can’t see it under the mask).”

Volunteers with the Foster Grandparent Program get the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the children they work with. Offering them a reliable, caring, and encouraging adult to help them with their studies. Ms. Kelley stated: “Grandpa Kevin has formed strong positive relationships with my first graders. He has been encouraging with student who are struggling readers. They are willing to take a risk and work through challenges with him by their side. His kind heart and warm presence has been such a blessing to all of the first graders and staff at PMPS.”

The Foster Grandparent Program focus’ on intergenerational relationships, having volunteers share their life experiences through tutoring and mentoring. On Veterans Day 2021, Grandpa Kevin spoke to the children about his time in the Navy. He was able to share what it was like “back then”.

The staff at PMPS have nothing but good things to say about Kevin, when I asked them for feed back the common statements were how caring Grandpa Kevin is, and how much each of the teachers appreciate his time and dedication to the students in their classrooms.

About Catholic Charities Central MN Foster Grandparent Program

Adults age 55 and over receive an hourly tax-free stipend ($3/hour) for volunteering to help children with activities, reinforce learning, assist with art projects, and more, for as little as 5 hours a week. This is a great opportunity if you love to be with children, could use some extra non-taxable income and would like some hugs.

For more information, call Sara Heurung at 320-229-4589 or toll-free at 1-866-895-7992. You can also email for more information: SHeurung@ccstcloud.org.