Foster Grandparent Carol Is a Role Model to First Graders at St. Cloud's All Saints Academy

April 5, 2022

Are you interested in mentoring and tutoring children? Serve as an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer in our Foster Grandparent program.



Thank you to Cindy Bautch, who teachers first grade at All Saints Academy, St. Cloud, for sharing this story about Foster Grandparent Carol.

I have been fortunate enough to work with Grandma Carol for the past nine years. In that time she and I have grown very close. I see her not as just a Foster Grandparent volunteer, but a true friend and role model. Grandma Carol is always a professional and comes to school with a positive energy and genuine interest to help all the kiddos in my class succeed to the best of their abilities.

Grandma Carol gives countless extra hours of her time and energy to help make my job so much easier. I could not do all the activities that I plan in a day or week without the help of someone like Grandma Carol. When she is here, she pays full attention to each and every child who comes to sit next to her and work. She asks questions about what’s going on in their life, develops a great rapport, and lets those children know that she is 100 percent there to listen and help them be successful in school.

A perfect example of the report she builds with students is the current relationship she has with Jonathan. Jonathan is making the gains he has because he knows Grandma Carol is there to help him through thick and thin. She keeps him focused, she keeps him on task, she helps him finish work. . . .

I am so thankful that Grandma Carol is in my life and in the lives of all the students that she comes in contact with. She is a true blessing!

Grandma Carol shared that she and Jonathan were working together when Jonathan whispered to her a request: “Can we have a meeting?” Carol replied, “Absolutely. About what?” Jonathan responded, “What did you do this weekend?” Now Jonathan and Carol have weekly meetings to catch up.




The Foster Grandparent Program is always seeking volunteers 55+. If you or someone you know is looking to make a difference in the lives of children, please contact Sara Heurung, Program Director, at 320-229-4587 or sara.heurung@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.