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Oxford School District Partners with Foster Grandparent Program to Bridge Generations

photo of foster grandparent with students
Lafayette County Foster Grandparent volunteer, Mrs. Margie Nell Mathis, with OECC students (pictured left to right): Palmer Jeffries, Adalyn Harris, Langston Ewing, and Mary Leonard Lomenick.

Oxford, Mississippi (April 29, 2024) — The Lafayette County Foster Grandparent Program has partnered with Oxford School District for more than twenty years. The Foster Grandparent Program is a noble opportunity for individuals 55 and older to generously volunteer their time and graciously 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.

photo of a foster grandparent with students
Lafayette County Foster Grandparent volunteer, Ms. Sharon Duke, with BES students (pictured left to right): Charleigh-Rose Evans, Annabelle Durham, and Still Dodson.

“[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.

Additionally, she added, “The students absolutely give so much more back to their Foster Grandparents than they’ll ever realize.”

OSD is so thankful for all of our Foster Grandparent volunteers and the tremendous impact they have had on countless lives.

The Foster Grandparent Program is a national initiative, part of AmeriCorps. For more information on the Lafayette County Foster Grandparent Program or how to get involved, please visit the Foster Grandparent Program website or contact Teresa Satterfield at tsatterfield@nmrc.ms.gov.

About AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.

Camille White