Catholic Charities Receives United Way Health Initiative Grant

Catholic Charities Central Minnesota Foster Grandparent Program, sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud, has received funding from United Way of Central Minnesota through its Health Initiative. Funding will be used to support the mental and physical health education of AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who serve as Foster Grandparents.

Research has shown that volunteerism improves the well-being of volunteers, giving them a renewed sense of purpose. An article published by the Mayo Clinic Health System in 2021 even discussed the benefits of volunteerism that were being seen in research on the field. The benefits were most strongly seen in senior populations and included improved mental and physical health, as well as growth in new and existing relationships. 

It is projected that in the 2022-2023 academic year, over 80 Foster Grandparents will serve at one of central Minnesota’s 41 volunteer stations that include both public and private K-12 schools, Head Start programs, after-school programs and nonprofit childcare centers.

About AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteering and national service, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency invests more than $800 million in grants for local nonprofit, community, tribal, and state organizations; places more than 250,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

About Catholic Charities Central Minnesota Foster Grandparent Program

Foster Grandparents are AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers aged 55 and older who build a consistent, caring, intergenerational relationship with youth by nurturing a safe and inclusive environment. This promotes and enhances the development of youth by building competency and confidence through encouragement. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers mentor and tutor students in the classroom setting, participate in learning games, and role-model appropriate behavior and social skills while making learning fun. Learn more at here.

About Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud

The mission of Catholic Charities is to serve and enhance human dignity for people of all faiths and beliefs. Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer. Learn more at ccstcloud.org.