Foster Grandparent Program Looking for Volunteers

January 11, 2023

January is National Mentoring Month and mentoring can have its surprises! 

Little did Grandma Gerry know that when she became a Foster Grandparent and began volunteering at Kid Zone at the YMCA, she would get a marriage proposal. A 5-year-old attendee of Kid Zone told Gerry, “Grandma, we’re getting married.” Gerry laughs as she shares, “He just told me we were getting married; he did not ask. Then he said he was too young to get married, so we would have to wait.”


Gerry was not immediately sold on the idea of becoming a mentor, recalling, “When someone first encouraged me to become a Foster Grandparent, I fought it.” Now she looks forward to going to Kid Zone and volunteers five days per week.


Catholic Charities Central MN Foster Grandparent Program offers seniors, ages 55 and over, the opportunity to work with students in local schools, or other non-profit agencies with children who need extra assistance. Typically school “Grandmas” and “Grandpas” work one-on-one with kids who need some extra support and love.



We invite you to participate in this life changing program. Your involvement will positively benefit the lives of countless children, but will undoubtedly improve the quality of your life as well, through the documented health benefits and assurance that your contributions to the community are immense. To learn more about volunteering with the Foster Grandparent Program, please contact Sue Feliciano, Area Supervisor, at (320) 229-4589 or sue.feliciano@ccstcloud.org.


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As the crisp autumn air settles in and football season hits its stride, Catholic Charities is proud to partner with the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University for a heartwarming cause: a Winter Wear Drive during the Johnnie Football Game on Saturday, October 25, 2025 , part of the schools’ Family Weekend celebration. While fans gather to cheer on the Johnnies, we’re inviting everyone to bring the warmth—literally. We’re collecting coats, hats, mittens, boots, and other cold-weather gear to support families in need across Central Minnesota. With winter fast approaching, this drive is more than a donation—it’s a lifeline for those facing the season without adequate protection from the cold. Our goal? 250+ coats. Our mission? Ensuring no one faces winter unprepared. Collection boxes will be conveniently placed around campus, near the field, and in the tailgate area , making it easy for attendees to drop off their donations while enjoying the game-day festivities. Can’t make it to the game? No problem! You can still be part of the effort. Donation boxes will be available at BOTH Blueline Sports locations , so you can contribute at your convenience. This collaboration between Catholic Charities and CSB/SJU is a powerful example of community coming together—not just to celebrate, but to care. Let’s rally for warmth, compassion, and generosity. Together, we can make a real difference. Let’s make this Family Weekend one to remember—for all the right reasons.