Seniors in Service Success Stories

Seniors in Service
of Tampa Bay, Inc.

Bridging Generations through Volunteer Service

Success Stories

Grandpa Pete spends part of each day in a classroom for physically challenged children at Lowry Elementary School. Jared, an 11-year old boy who has cerebral palsy, is a special student of Grandpa Pete’s. When Jared first came to the class in his motorized wheel chair, he just sat in his chair with his head hanging down and his eyes cast up. His right arm was limp and just hung at his side.

Grandpa Pete’s perseverance has made changes that amaze Jared’s teachers. Grandpa has worked with him so that (in his own words) “Jared holds his head up and looks people straight in the eyes.” Another highlight was when Jared was able to lift his arm, set it on a drum, and beat his fingers to music. It may seem like a small feat, yet for Jared, it was almost a miracle. He is also learning how to spell and do math problems with the help of a special computer called “AlphaSmart.”

Naomi serves as a Foster Grandma at a Head Start Center. She has enjoyed every day of her five years of service. “Being a volunteer gives me something to look forward to each morning,” she said.

She feels that the Head Start Center is “the perfect place for me” because she loves the children and admires the teachers. She knows the children are benefiting from their experiences in the classroom and believes she is helping them learn and grow.

In addition to her positive impact on the children, ‘Grandma’ feels that her volunteer service is good for her. “Being with the children keeps me young and sharp,” this 86-year-old volunteer said.