Courtesy of the OSD

The Lafayette County Foster Grandparent Program has partnered with Oxford School District for more than 25 years, providing a noble opportunity for people 55 and older to generously volunteer their time and serve children of all ages.

The volunteers provide nurturing care to students and additional assistance to teachers at various OSD locations, including: Oxford Early Childhood Center, Bramlett Elementary School, Della Davidson Elementary School and Oxford Intermediate School.

“[Foster grandparents] run centers; they work with kids one-on-one, whether for academics or behavior, or if that child just needs a little bit of love,” said Oxford Early Childhood Center teacher Mandy James. “It’s just great. The kids look up to them. They are a blessing in the classroom.”

The Lafayette County Foster Grandparent Program is under the leadership of Teresa Satterfield.

“I particularly love this work and the Foster Grandparent Program due to the intergenerational relationships that are formed through learning and mentoring young students,” Satterfield said. “The students absolutely give so much more back to their Foster Grandparents than they’ll ever realize.”

The Foster Grandparent Program is a national initiative and is a part of AmeriCorps.

For more information on the Lafayette County Foster Grandparent Program or how to get involved, visit the Foster Grandparent Program website or contact Teresa Satterfield at tsatterfield@nmrc.ms.gov.