Catholic Charities Foster Grandparent has been fostering intergenerational relationships for five years

December 1, 2021

Foster Grandparent, Kevin McCarthy, has been working with Pine Meadow Primary School for five years working with children on reading, math, and intergenerational relationships.

Kevin McCarthy has been a Foster Grandpa with Catholic Charities Foster Grandparent Program for 5 years. He commits his time to the students and teachers at Pine Meadow Primary School in Sartell. Kevin works regularly with 11 classrooms.

Kevin is set up in the halls throughout PME, students will work with him 1:1 or together in a group. Kevin primarily works with students on math and reading. Mr. Percuoco shared, “Kevin is always willing to do whatever is asked of him when it comes to helping our first graders to be successful. Whether it is playing a math game with a group of students or listening to the same practice sheet over and over again, Grandpa Kevin always welcomes it with a smile (even if we can’t see it under the mask).”

Volunteers with the Foster Grandparent Program get the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the children they work with. Offering them a reliable, caring, and encouraging adult to help them with their studies. Ms. Kelley stated: “Grandpa Kevin has formed strong positive relationships with my first graders. He has been encouraging with student who are struggling readers. They are willing to take a risk and work through challenges with him by their side. His kind heart and warm presence has been such a blessing to all of the first graders and staff at PMPS.”

The Foster Grandparent Program focus’ on intergenerational relationships, having volunteers share their life experiences through tutoring and mentoring. On Veterans Day 2021, Grandpa Kevin spoke to the children about his time in the Navy. He was able to share what it was like “back then”.

The staff at PMPS have nothing but good things to say about Kevin, when I asked them for feed back the common statements were how caring Grandpa Kevin is, and how much each of the teachers appreciate his time and dedication to the students in their classrooms.

About Catholic Charities Central MN Foster Grandparent Program

Adults age 55 and over receive an hourly tax-free stipend ($3/hour) for volunteering to help children with activities, reinforce learning, assist with art projects, and more, for as little as 5 hours a week. This is a great opportunity if you love to be with children, could use some extra non-taxable income and would like some hugs.

For more information, call Sara Heurung at 320-229-4589 or toll-free at 1-866-895-7992. You can also email for more information: SHeurung@ccstcloud.org.

Our Recent News

Bryce's Pumpkins

By Brittany Hoversten • April 14, 2025
At Catholic Charities Emergency Services, we see countless acts of kindness every day, but a recent donation from a remarkable young man left a special mark on our hearts. On a chilly Friday afternoon, Bryce, a 17-year-old student at Albany High School, donated an impressive 860 pounds of squash. This generous gift highlights the power of community support, proving that even in challenging times, there is always hope. Bryce has grown his own pumpkins, squash, and gourds under the name Bryce Pumpkin’s, which has become known for fresh, locally grown produce. His efforts extend beyond growing, as he sells his harvest at farmers markets and even had a booth at the Made in Minnesota Expo in November, supporting local businesses and sustainable farming. What makes his story even more inspiring is how Bryce uses his success to give back. His donation will directly help families in need through our food shelf, which serves St. Cloud and surrounding areas. Bryce’s squash donation will be a vital part of our monthly food distribution, helping to provide nutritious meals to hundreds of families in our community. His gesture demonstrates not only a heart full of compassion but also the interconnectedness of local farmers, businesses, and families. When young people like Bryce step up, it’s a reminder that the future is well cared for. Bryce’s story proves that even small acts of kindness can grow into something truly transformative. Through donations like Bryce’s, we are able to provide food to those who need it most, including seniors on fixed incomes and single parents working multiple jobs. The connection between local farmers and organizations like Catholic Charities sustains our community and fosters hope for those struggling. Looking ahead to the upcoming growing season, we’re excited to see what other generous community members, like Bryce, will share. His efforts remind us that every small contribution adds up to something much bigger, and it’s not just about the food—we’re also strengthening our community and inspiring hope for all.

Pack the Porches 2025!

March 28, 2025
PACK THE PORCHES FOOD AND FUND DRIVE RECEIVED OVER 6,000 POUNDS OF FOOD AND MORE THAN $21,000

A Day of Joy and Connection at Pond View Estates

By Brittany Hoversten • March 13, 2025
On Tuesday, January 28th, a group of students from Trex North School visited Pond View Estates in Albany, organized by Sandy Baldwin, group leader, and in collaboration with Catholic Charities in St. Cloud. Julie Ueland, the student advisor, helped oversee the project to ensure everything went smoothly. Pond View Estates is a Senior Dining Congregate Kitchen, where seniors gather to enjoy meals and socialize, making it a perfect environment for these students to connect with the residents. When the students arrived, the residents were delighted by the youthful energy and enthusiasm they brought. The students quickly got to work helping the seniors create Valentine’s cards before lunch. The atmosphere was filled with creativity and laughter as everyone worked together to make colorful and thoughtful cards. Afterward, the group enjoyed lunch together, where the dining hall was full of lively conversation. The students interacted with the seniors, hearing their stories and building new connections. The visit bridged generations, fostering meaningful and joyful interactions. The highlight of the day was the bingo game that followed lunch, where excitement filled the room as the numbers were called. Friendly competition brought plenty of laughs, especially when someone was just one number away from winning, only for another participant to grab the prize first. The fun, camaraderie, and shared moments left everyone smiling. A few standout interactions included Joseph and Riley spending time with resident Victor Tschida, and Tianna sharing a special moment with resident Ken Bunger. These connections highlighted the deep impact of intergenerational friendships. For many of the residents, the visit from the students was an unexpected but cherished experience, reminding everyone of the importance of making time for one another. It was a beautiful day of fostering community, connection, and kindness. As the students prepared to leave, there was a sense of fulfillment in the air. Not only had the day brightened the seniors' lives, but it also left a lasting impression on the students, who gained a deeper understanding of the joy and fulfillment that comes from spending quality time with others. The day ended with smiles, hugs, and promises to return, a reminder of how powerful and meaningful human connection can be.