Foster Grandparent Helps Students Remotely 

January 20, 2022

Foster Grandparent volunteer Rosanne Finneman has enjoyed helping students and teachers with schoolwork and prep work from her home.

Grandma Rosanne Finneman has not let the challenges due to the pandemic stop her from volunteering with Mora Elementary. She has been able to volunteer remotely due to some program rule changes.

She has assisted with prep work that teachers have delivered to her home by the box load. Grandma Rose has enjoyed every minute of being able to assist and to keep herself busy. She is now calling herself and expert with the stapler and making bundles of projects. According to her teacher, Roxy Anderson, “Grandma Rose has been an amazing help for our 4th-grade classrooms. She helps prepare many materials from her home. These items include flashcards, math games, writing books, and fun project kits. This assistance alleviates stress and allows for teachers to use their prep time for planning lessons, looking at data, or loading assignments to Google Classroom for students that are absent for extended periods of time. “

Mrs. Anderson has helped Grandma Rose get set up with Google Meet. Grandma Rose was so excited to be able to “see” her students and interact with them via the internet. Mrs. Anderson also shared that Grandma Rose is helping students with math facts, fixing mistakes, and listening to students read aloud. She is a great asset to Mora Public Schools as she makes students feel successful and cared for.

Grandma Rose shared that she is thankful for being able to work with the 4th grade students from home. “I am able to see the students. It is great. I don’t get the hugs and I really miss them. I miss all my teachers, the other Foster Grandparents and school staff.” She is glad that she can still volunteer and cannot wait to get back into the classroom in person, but for now this is the next great thing that she can be doing to help.

Our Recent News

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.
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By Brittany Hoversten March 13, 2025
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