Foster Grandma Odie Is a Blessing to the Students She Serves

March 29, 2022

Are you interested in mentoring and tutoring children? Serve as an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer in our Foster Grandparent program.



Grandma Odie is a Foster Grandparent volunteer who had to make a decision about service in the past year. It’s not unusual for Foster Grandparents to move to be closer to family. It’s also not unusual for the Foster Grandparent to make sure that there is a place for them to continue to serve and make a difference.

One of the latest to do this is Odie Wegscheid, who was serving at Perham Elementary before her move to Elk River, and she wanted to make sure that she could still serve. Grandma Odie is now serving at Lincoln Elementary, which is part of the Elk River School District. This is the first time that Lincoln Elementary has had a Foster Grandparent and Grandma Odie’s teacher, Mrs. Thiry, has commented that Grandma is a blessing in the kindergarten classroom.

Grandma Odie helps students with vocabulary, reading and is helping the students meet grade level. It did not take long for students to recognize who Grandma Odie is as she travels down the hallway to frequent calls of “Hi, Grandma Odie!”

The Foster Grandparent Program is seeking volunteers 55+. If you or someone you know is looking to make a difference in the lives of children, please contact Pat Braun, Area Supervisor, at 612-390-0617 or pat.braun@ccstcloud.org.



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