When Robin retired, she left behind a career dedicated to helping children and families. She had worked in special education before spending many years supporting children during their earliest stages of development at an Early Childhood Center. Although she had stepped away from the workplace, she still missed the connection and sense of purpose that came from supporting
young people. When someone from Necco contacted her about becoming a foster grandparent, it did not take long for her to say yes. The Foster Grandparent Program connects young people at the Necco Center with caring adults who can offer additional encouragement, companionship and consistency. For Robin, that has meant phone calls, video chats and in-person visits with the young person she has been paired with. Their relationship began with something simple: a Dairy Queen Blizzard. During one of their first phone conversations,
he mentioned how much he liked Dairy Queen. Robin remembered and brought him a Blizzard when they met in person. They spent that first visit talking, playing games and looking through a scrapbook filled with his drawings and photographs.
Those early conversations have grown into a meaningful connection. Robin sometimes brings him a special treat from Tudor’s or a bag of candy when she visits. They talk about his interests, look through his artwork and spend time getting to know one another. “He’s just a sweet kid who needs and wants some attention, and I’m glad to give it to him,” Robin shared. Over time, that care has become mutual. When Robin was recently sick, he called to check on her and ask how she was feeling. “I thought that was amazing,” she said. “He is very friendly and very loving.” Robin also appreciates knowing that Necco staff are present during their visits. That support has helped her feel comfortable and reassured as their relationship continues to develop. While the program is designed to provide young people with another supportive adult in their lives, Robin has found that the experience gives something back to her, too. “What it does for me as a person is very fulfilling,” she said. “Because I’ve been working in this area, I missed that when I retired. And now I’m getting it back.” Through regular conversations, thoughtful gestures and time spent together, Robin is giving a young person something every child deserves: the comfort of knowing someone cares, remembers and continues to show up. In return, she has rediscovered a part of herself that she thought retirement had left behind. For Robin, being a foster grandparent is more than volunteering. It is an opportunity to build a genuine relationship, share encouragement and find renewed purpose through connection.