Foster Grandparent Program builds bonds across generations

WORLAND —  This week, the Central Wyoming Foster Grandparent Program celebrated 50 years of pairing retirees with participating schools. 

According to Program Manager Lauri Shoopman, foster grandparents support school staff by providing the students with social, emotional and academic support. 

“Ideally, our foster grandparents are teamed up with the kids who need them. The foster grandparents are there to assist — they’re never in charge,” she said. 

Worland resident Joann Siebert signed up to be a foster grandparent in February of 2024, after retiring from the hospital. 

“I needed something to do, and I heard about the program and thought, ooh, that would be so much fun!” she said. 

Siebert let Shoopman know she only wanted to work with kindergartners, and Shoopman found her a position at East Side Elementary in Worland. Siebert says helping the kindergartners with math is her favorite … even though she is terrible at math. 

“When the kids finally figure something out, I just love it when they say, ‘Grandma Jo! I got it, I got it!’” Siebert said. 

Prior to becoming a volunteer, prospects are fingerprinted and must pass a comprehensive background check with the Department of Family Services. Once cleared, volunteers work anywhere from five to 40 hours a week. For those with limited income, the program pays a small stipend of $4 per hour, plus holiday and sick leave. 

Transportation to and from the volunteer site is paid, and seniors receive a small meal stipend and insurance while volunteering. 

The Foster Grandparents can pick whichever age they want to work with and choose the type of activity they want to engage in. 

Shoopman says each volunteer has unique skillsets; for example, a carpenter who volunteered in Riverton wanted to build things with the kids. Shoopman found him a position at the high school where he helped the students construct tiny houses for the community. 

Another story Shoopman loves to tell occurred when she was newly on the job. 

“I had to go get fingerprints for child development services for a foster grandparent in Lander,” Shoopman said.  “She was a foster grandparent before COVID, and she returned to the program after the pandemic. She had been with the program for a very long time, and we’re at the sheriff’s department to get her fingerprints taken. She walks in and says, ‘Is Sammy still here?’ and they’re like, ‘yes, he is.’ 

“Then this 6-foot 3-inch officer appears in all his sheriff’s garb with his bulletproof vest and all his stuff, and he’s like, ‘Hi Grandma Ida!’ and he gives her a big hug. He had her in fourth or fifth grade, and he remembers Grandma Ida who is now 90 years old.” 

Future

Despite the positive impact, the future of the program is uncertain. 

Shoopman said it was awarded federal funding through June 2026, but beyond that — unless something changes — this may be its last year. 

The program is unique in its ability to serve two vulnerable demographics – both children and seniors — simultaneously. 

“We’re encouraging everyone to reach out to Congress and let them know we’re still here, we’re still important to our community,”  said Shoopman.

For Siebert, this is the ideal volunteer opportunity. 

“If you’re 55 and older and you like to be around kids, do it!” she said. “It is so rewarding.” 

This story was published on July 24, 2025.