Gales Ferry foster grandparent loves surprises

April 30, 2021 12:00 am • Last Updated: April 30, 2021 9:49 am

By Aidan Schuler, Special to The Times

Lorraine Dollard

Throughout the current COVID-19 pandemic, many children have struggled to make meaningful connections with role models they can look up to. Lorraine Dollard, 71, of Gales Ferry is hoping to help make a difference, as she is busy inspiring pre-school children at the Head Start program in Groton.

For her six years of mentorship, she recently was named Foster Grandparent of the Year by the Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters program that covers eastern Connecticut.

Brian Kelly, director of marketing for Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, explained,

“Lorraine is a Foster Grandparent (senior mentor) in the Foster Grandparent Program, which is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service and managed by Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters. ... Nutmeg has a strong Foster Grandparent Program in the regions of both Greater Hartford and southeastern Connecticut.”

When asked why she wanted to get involved, Dollard explains that she was bored and lonely after retiring. She started volunteering as a Foster Grandparent in 2015 and found her niche when assigned to Groton’s Head Start program.

“The little ones are a constant surprise; no two days are the same,” she said.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Dollard supported educators and took part in relationship building with the children to whom she was assigned. She provided individualized attention, unhurried help, consistent support and the opportunity for intergenerational connection.

When describing her work, Dollard says, “I help the children learn letters and numbers, teach them to share and to make good choices. I monitor their meals and encourage good nutrition. I read stories, sing songs, dance and have tied many, many shoelaces.”

“This is very fulfilling. The school staff is wonderful and

appreciative. I feel connected useful and needed. The Foster Grandparent Program is great for seniors like myself. They checked in with us often during the pandemic and in many ways kept us going.”

The 50-year-old Foster Grandparent Program connects volunteers age 55 and over with opportunities to provide one-on-one mentoring, nurturing, and support to children and young people with special or exceptional needs, or who are at an academic, social, or financial disadvantage. Foster Grandparents served more than 230,000 young people across the country.

Jeannette Mendez, the Foster Grandparent Program director, describes the many roles filled by the foster grandparents, including: Providing children with emotional support, developing basic learning skills and assisting with teaching self-care. Helping abused or neglected children regain stability often comes through contact with older adults who act as role models and provide these children with support and empathy. Talking and listening to children, playing games, and encouraging appropriate behavior also is emphasized.

Dollard is now returning to action at TVCCA Head Start, as she has now been fully vaccinated. She’s very much looking forward to catching up with and interacting with the kids she has missed seeing for many months.

According to Kelly of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, “Lorraine is thrilled to be returning to the kids who mean so much to her. ... Due to the ongoing pandemic, the ceremony at which Lorraine Dollard’s Foster Grandparent of the Year award would normally be presented didn’t take place this year. We plan to honor her in more of an official way as soon as the current health crisis loosens up a bit.”

Lori Umphlett, head teacher of the Groton Chickadee Progam, states, “Lorraine Dollard is known as ‘Grandma’ at the TVCCA Groton Head Start program. She splits her day between the Sunshine and Chickadee classroom where she is involved with the daily events and routines. ‘Grandma’ is always available for hugs or to make a child feel comfortable. ... You can tell that she enjoys being with the children by her smile and laughter. ,,, She is such an asset to our classrooms and truly demonstrates the role of a foster grandparent. We all love her very much and are thankful for having her in our program. “

According to Rosalin Alcantara, the Foster Grandparent Program Specialist, Dollard volunteers four days a week at TVCCA and splits her volunteer time between two classes.

“Lorraine is always professional with both the staff and the children,” she said. “She is always willing to take on new tasks that are given; she attended a sign language course, with staff, allowing her to better communicate with a child and his family who are deaf. Lorraine is a wonderful role model/foster grandparent!”

Aidan Schuler of Ledyard is part of the Times’ Young Journalists Initiative. To find out more, email times@theday.com.