Seniors in Service Success Stories

Seniors in Service
of Tampa Bay, Inc.

Bridging Generations through Volunteer Service

Success Stories

Grandpa Earl Baker serves in a kindergarten classroom at Lanier Elementary School. Now in his fifth year as a volunteer, he is with the same teacher and says they are “a great team.” Grandpa Baker devotes 20 hours a week to helping children reach their full potential. He and the teacher want to make sure that all their students are able to “move up” at the end of the year, as their previous students have done.

Last year Grandpa Baker had four children who could only recognize two-letter words. He worked with the children by talking to them and using some special flash cards that he made. Now those children can recognize five-letter words! “Individual encouragement works well with my special kids,” Grandpa Baker says, “and often the classroom teacher is a little too busy to give it.”

Grandpa Baker has already been given four children who really need his extra help this year. His biggest challenge is a little girl who comes from a dysfunctional family and receives no help or guidance at home. At 83, Grandpa Baker has the luxury of time, as well as the patience and wisdom that comes with age, to give extra attention to the children who need it.

Grandma Mildred Brisker serves in a second grade classroom at Lowry Elementary School. Grandma Mildred helps children when they are “stuck” on an assignment and offers encouragement to those who are struggling. She’s an expert with spelling, math, writing and reading. Grandma Mildred, now in her 26^th year as a Foster Grandparent, says that doing this keeps her young.

Last year, Grandma Mildred spent time each day with who was “way behind” in both reading and math. Grandma Mildred taught her to read and spell the 120 words on the basic list and helped her solve addition and subtraction problems. Grandma Mildred reported that all her special children passed the FCAT test and graduated to the next grade level.

She devotes 28 or more hours each week helping children reach their full potential. Grandma Mildred’s biggest challenge this year is a little girl who is repeating third grade and has a negative self-image. Grandma has been working with her daily, reviewing the 120 words she must be able to read and spell. “She’s improving,” Grandma said.