Foster Grandparents Serve Students During National Mentor Month

February 8, 2022

Four Catholic Charities "Grandma's" have served area schools not just during National Mentor Month, but for decades.

Grandma Audrey Dingmann working with students.

January was National Mentor Month, within Catholic Charities, we have many great volunteers who are mentors. The Foster Grandparent Program currently has 176 volunteers mentoring children throughout the 16 counties in the St. Cloud Diocese. In the Albany Area School District, you can find four amazing mentors who are known as “Grandma,” who volunteer at the school through the Foster Grandparent Program.

Grandma Rosie Maile (Avon Elementary) has been a volunteer with the program for 12 years. She served at Avon Elementary for the past four years working with Ms. Meyer and the Kindergarten classrooms. She works with students on academic skills and help improve their reading by listening to them read. Ms. Meyer would describe Rosie as “Compassionate, joyous, giving, and gracious.” The students view her in a different light and use words such as nice, pretty, silly, cool, and kind .

Grandma Jewell Glady (Albany Elementary) has been volunteering with Ms. Navratil’s class for nearly four years. Jewell works with students in whole and in small groups with math, reading, and science. Ms. Navratil would describe Jewell as dedicated, giving, and compassionate. The students describe Jewell as nice, kind, and giving. They especially like it when she gives them Lifesavers after working hard.

Grandma Maren Chrismen (Avon Elementary) has been a volunteer with Ms. Conrad’s fourth grade classroom for two years. Ms. Conrad appreciates that Maren, “Makes each child in the class feel smart and special. She works with them on what they are passionate about. They thrive off her positive support and attention.” The students describe Maren as helpful, kind, and fun.

Grandma Audrey Dingmann (Avon Elementary) joined the Foster Grandparent Program in the fall of 2021. She is working with four pre-school classrooms, spending one day a week in each. The teachers appreciate having her in their classrooms. Ms. Trehey described Audrey as warm, adaptable, and kind, with Ms. Kost stating, “It’s been a joy to have her in my classroom.”

Our volunteers serve differently throughout our program, but they share one common role: mentors. We are grateful for all our volunteers.

For more information on the Foster Grandparent Program contact Sara Heurung at (320)229-4589 or Sara.Heurung@ccstcloud.org.

Our Recent News

The Difference a Volunteer Can Make

By Brittany Hoversten • September 2, 2026
If you've spent time with Brian Woods, you've probably heard a great story.

Family Volunteers Bring Hope to Our Community

By Brittany Hoversten • June 16, 2026
At Catholic Charities, we are blessed to witness moments that reveal the true spirit of community. During a recent visit to our St. Cloud Senior Dining program, our team saw one of those moments firsthand. Grandpa Ray and his grandson, Noah, were preparing to deliver meals—a routine that has become a treasured family tradition. Ray often brings all three of his grandsons, turning service into something that strengthens their bond while uplifting others. Our Senior Dining Coordinator, Kim, shared that Ray and his grandkids have become a bright spot for many of the neighbors we serve. For those receiving meals, it’s not just about nutrition. It’s the warmth of a familiar smile, the energy of young people at the door, and the reminder that they are seen and cared for. This simple act of delivering meals shows the power of serving together—building community, connection, and hope one doorstep at a time. We depend on volunteers like Ray—and like you—to bring compassion to our neighbors. If you feel called to serve, explore our volunteer opportunities, including meal delivery and family volunteering. Your kindness could be the moment someone looks forward to each day. Make an impact and volunteer with us!

Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month: Spotlight on Jennifer Lieser Eschmann, MSW, LGSW

By Brittany Hoversten • May 26, 2026
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to honor the courage it takes to seek support, the resilience people carry within them, and the professionals who walk alongside individuals on their healing journeys. At Granite City Counseling—a program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud—Jennifer Lieser Eschmann, MSW, LGSW, embodies that mission every day. Jenny’s path into mental health care began long before she earned her graduate degree. With 20 years of social work experience, she had already spent much of her life serving diverse communities and supporting individuals through life challenges. She graduated from Saint Benedict/Saint John’s in 2004, later pursuing her Master of Social Work to deepen her ability to support others. As part of her MSW training at St. Cloud State University, Jenny completed an internship at the St. Cloud Veterans Administration, gaining meaningful experience supporting veterans and their families. She also worked in higher education, promoting mental health initiatives, and helping students access the care they needed. Before her graduate studies, she served for many years as a Licensed Social Worker, working with a wide range of populations. These experiences shaped her, strengthened her, and gave her a broad, compassionate understanding of the people she serves today. A Person-Centered, Strength-Based Approach Jenny’s practice is grounded in person-centered care and a deep belief that every individual carries strength worth recognizing and nurturing. She incorporates: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Motivational Interviewing with a focus on the Stages of Change Mindfulness techniques A strong emphasis on self-care and resilience She specializes in supporting individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, stress, and challenges related to self-esteem and confidence. Helping people recognize their own strengths and potential isn’t just part of her job—it’s her passion. At Granite City Counseling, she works with individuals from many backgrounds, offering a safe, secure, and welcoming space where clients can share openly—often from deeply vulnerable places. She sees this as a privilege, not a task. Jenny wants future clients to know that they are not just a number. At Granite City Counseling, care is personal, intentional, and rooted in genuine compassion. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys spending time with her friends and family—especially cheering on her daughter at sporting events. She loves finding great bargains and looks forward to new travel adventures whenever she can. A Message for Anyone Who Is Struggling If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, Jenny wants you to reach out. Support is here, and healing is possible. Visit https://www.granitecitycounseling.com/ or call 320‑650‑1550. You deserve care, connection, and a place to feel heard.