Catholic Charities Open Your Heart Summer Challenge

For over five years, Grandma Cory has been a dedicated volunteer with the Central MN Foster Grandparent Program, sharing her love of learning and kindness with classrooms across the community. Driven by a deep passion for children, Cory joined the program to make a meaningful difference and inspire the next generation. For the past three years, Cory has had a lasting impact in Suzanne Robben's preschool classroom at Oak Ridge Early Learning Center. On World Kindness Day, Suzanne posted a heartwarming photo of herself with Cory, capturing the spirit of their shared mission to spread kindness and positive energy. Devoting two hours a day, four days a week, Cory’s presence is felt throughout the classroom. While she primarily focuses on reading and math stations, her caring and flexible nature often sees her lending a hand with a variety of tasks. Suzanne describes Cory as having a magnetic effect on the students: “They are like magnets to her. She is so kind, caring, and has a special way of engaging their learning.” Cory’s approach to teaching is as heartwarming as it is effective. She connects with the children by meeting them at their level—often sitting crisscross-applesauce with them during story time. Her interactions with the children have created lasting bonds, with the kids eagerly asking about her whenever she is absent and excited for her return. They also love it when she participates in special celebration days like Whacky Wednesday, PJ Day, and Hat Day, making those moments even more memorable. Beyond her daily presence in the classroom, Cory has committed to using the Foster Grandparent Program’s Assignment Plan, a tool designed to measure student progress. Although she works with all of the children, certain students who need extra one-on-one support with reading and math receive focused attention. At the end of the year, these children will be reassessed to track their progress and celebrate the improvements they’ve made with Cory's guidance. Grandma Cory’s dedication and warmth have already made a significant impact on the students and the broader Oak Ridge Early Learning Center community. The lasting relationships she has built, along with the academic progress of the children she mentors, reflect the powerful role that the Foster Grandparent Program plays in enriching young lives. The Central MN Foster Grandparent Program continues to provide meaningful intergenerational connections through tutoring, mentorship, and supportive relationships that benefit both volunteers and children alike. In 2023 alone, 195 senior volunteers served over 77,500 hours across 88 stations in Central Minnesota, working with nearly 10,000 children. With a focus on school readiness, literacy, social skills, and more, the program helps children thrive in ways that go beyond the classroom. Grandma Cory’s story is a beautiful example of the difference one dedicated volunteer can make. Her love, support, and kindness continue to inspire not just the children she works with, but all of us fortunate enough to be a part of the Foster Grandparent Program. Learn more about how the Foster Grandparent Program is making an impact in Central Minnesota.

In the heart of Sauk Rapids, there’s a group of students learning more than just the skills to work in a kitchen—they’re learning the importance of community, service, and giving back. Each year, the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Culinary Program, led by instructor Mary Levinski, joins forces with King Arthur Baking’s Bake for Good program to bake bread that nourishes local families in need. This year, the partnership has led to an inspiring 80-pound donation of fresh bread to Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf in St. Cloud. The impact goes far beyond the loaves of bread themselves—it’s about building stronger communities and empowering young people to make a difference. Bake for Good is a program initiated by King Arthur Baking Company that encourages students to bake bread from scratch and then share it with someone in need. The program provides all the supplies, including King Arthur flour, and teaches students not only how to bake but also the science and math behind bread-making. For the students in Sauk Rapids, this hands-on experience serves as a powerful lesson in both culinary skills and community service. For years, the program has allowed students to bake delicious, preservative-free bread and donate it to food shelves, brightening the holidays for families facing food insecurity. “I love seeing how the students’ hard work comes to fruition,” says Mary. “They don’t just bake bread—they get to see the difference it makes in people’s lives. It gives them a sense of purpose beyond themselves.” Each year, the bread donation is made around the holidays when families are often struggling the most. The gesture helps ease the stress of holiday meals for families who are uncertain about where their next loaf of bread will come from. For the students, it’s a tangible reminder that their skills can serve a greater good and offer hope to those who need it. For Catholic Charities Food Shelf, the donation of bread means much more than just food. Eric Vollen, Emergency Services Program Manager, shared his gratitude for the donation, highlighting how it not only provides essential nourishment but also fosters a sense of community. “Receiving this donation is incredibly meaningful to us at Catholic Charities Food Shelf,” Eric explains. “It helps us provide nutritious food to families in need and shows the power of community support." This collaboration is a shining example of how different parts of a community—schools, businesses, and local organizations—can come together to make a real difference. It’s a reminder that even small acts of kindness, like baking bread, can have a profound impact on the lives of others.