OTTUMWA — You may have heard of the Foster Grandparent Program of Wapello County. But, did you realize, the program is open to grandpas as well as grandmas?

Debra Adam, program coordinator, said, “We are proud to include Grandpa Al Mitchell and Grandpa Dave Anderson as an integral part of this program. These two seniors volunteer regularly in local schools to assist students with exceptional or special needs.”

Grandpa “Al” Allen Mitchell, 73, has been a volunteer since November 2006 and spends approximately 30 hours a week at the Alternative High School. He has a degree in education and a master’s degree in counseling. He taught junior high math at Cardinal School and also has other business and factory experiences.

He now focuses his attention on helping students who are at risk of dropping out of school, low achievers, and those with learning disabilities.

Ottumwa’s Alternative High School principal John Ohlinger says, “Grandpa Al is respected by the students, who are grateful for his attention and encouragement.”

“The teachers do not give up on their students and give more than 110% to see that they succeed,” Grandpa Al said. “I have so much respect for the staff here.”

Why does he stay? Grandpa Al said, “I want to help change the attitude of each young adult from being a loser to being a winner.” The first step to that, he said, is to “get them involved or get them hooked.” Then, he said, “you can teach them anything!”

His wife, Nancy, is also retired and volunteers as Grandma Nancy at Pickwick School.

Grandpa Dave

Grandpa Dave Anderson was new to the Foster Grandparent Program last year. He volunteers at Wildwood Elementary School and has earned the respect of students, teachers and support staff. He provides one-on-one attention in academics, reads with students and helps them study for tests.

Grandpa Dave has a passion for writing poetry and has encouraged the children to express themselves through poetry. At the end of the school year, Grandpa Dave presented the staff with some of his original poetry on plaques. His supervising teacher said, “The students have adopted him. He tends to attract children like a magnet.”

School assets

All of the volunteers with the Foster Grandparent Program have proven to be an asset to the schools, the day care centers, preschools and Head Start. The staff shows their appreciation by providing gifts at Christmas, birthdays and end-of-the-year recognition. Many of the school hallways display photos of the grandparents with students in various learning situations.