05/19/2026
During Older Americans Month, we are celebrating John’s story of service, joy, and healthy aging.
Ten years ago, after retiring, John spotted an ad in the Morrison County Record. He had wrapped up a busy summer and was looking for something meaningful to fill his time. When asked what first drew him in, his answer was simple: “I decided to give it a try and here I am, ten years later.”
What began as a small step into volunteering grew into what John now fondly calls “the joy of giving.” Over the course of his service, he has recorded more than 11,000 volunteer hours, a testament to his long‑standing commitment to children and his community.
As a Foster Grandparent volunteer with Catholic Charities, John supports children one on one, especially in reading and math. For him, the most meaningful moments come from seeing progress over time—not just academically, but emotionally too. He recalls working with two third graders early in his service, one struggling with reading and the other with math. Months later, both were thriving.
The smiles,” he says, “they just light up when they realize how far they’ve come.”
Teachers noticed as well. The students John supported showed improvement, including higher test scores. Moments like that confirmed what he already felt—this work mattered.
The impact goes both ways. “It’s hard to feel down after volunteering at the school,” he says. Over the years, he’s gained patience, perspective, and a deeper understanding of the challenges children face. Running into former students at a basketball game or hearing “Grandpa John!” yelled from a passing car still catches him by surprise. “If they remember me,” he says, “it must have meant something.”
What keeps John coming back year after year? “The joy of helping the kids,” he says. And for anyone considering volunteering, his advice is straightforward: Try it. You might be surprised by how much you’ll enjoy it.
learn more about the Central MN Foster Grandparent Program at ccstcloud.org/services/community/foster-grandparents.
