When you enter one particular room at Barren County Middle School, you might see “Deloris” was seated at a desk at the front. She could be working doing word sounds with Anna, a girl who hasn’t spoken since she was three years old. Or she might be spending time with Dalton, a boy with autism who recently learned to “give her five”. Dalton has sensory issues and doesn’t like to be touched, but Deloris believes that before the end of the school year he will allow her to hug him.
Dalton has sensory issues and doesn't like to be touched, but Deloris believes that before the end of the school year he will allow her to hug him.
Deloris doesn’t have much as far as possessions. A widow, she doesn’t own her own home. The stipend she receives from participating in the Foster Grandparent program, though modest, makes a big difference for her. Many months it means the difference between having everything that she needs or “making due” by going without some things.
Deloris says the children she works with have made a big difference in her life too. She relates that her participation in the Foster Grandparent program has resulted in a decreased sense of isolation. She is happy that she has the means to get out and share the experience of her many years.