January 2000
Seniors give the gift of time
One hour a week can make a huge difference in a child’s life. Just ask the
volunteers from Senior Services, Inc. of Wichita - a United Way-funded agency and Bryant
Core Knowledge Elementary School’s first grade teacher, Jana Epperly.
A senior volunteer is matched up with a first grade student for six weeks to help the
first grader with some extra tutoring in reading. Sometimes flashcards and spelling words
are included in the work folders provided by the teacher.
Donna Valerio, executive director for the Orchard Park Senior Center believes the
reading/mentoring program is beneficial for both the senior and the student.
"The seniors are having fun with the books because they remember reading them to
their own children and the kids look forward to every Tuesday when they get to spend time
with their senior," said Valerio.
Epperly agrees, "I have had several senior volunteers comment on how they feel
they get more out of helping than they give."
But does one hour a week really make that much of a difference?
According to Epperly it does. This is a time for the student to have one-on-one
interaction and the undivided attention of his senior mentor said Epperly. It is a chance
for the student to read to his senior mentor and for the senior to read to him.
"I can definitely see a change. He doesn’t need my help as much now as he did
when we first started," said Helen Scott, a volunteer senior mentor since the program
began three years ago.
Their teacher can also see a difference in her students. They have more confidence in
themselves says Epperly. She credits their progress on the seniors’ patience and
understanding.
"Any amount of time you can give a child with a book is wonderful; it is time well
spent," said Epperly.
Scott enjoys the time she spends with the students and plans to continue volunteering.
"I think they just need someone to be there," said Scott.
Call United Way of the Plains at 267-1321 to find out more about how your money is
helping our community. |
