July, 2021
Marco Canar has been a Foster Grandparent for seven years, along with his wife, Olga. They took a two-year break to serve their church, but they hurried right back to volunteer again.
Marco is a very dedicated Foster Grandparent volunteer. Having been orphaned at the age of 11, he really feels the need to make sure the students feel loved and supported. He is very subdued, but behind that quiet facade lies great sense of humor and a quick wit.
Marco serves in a dual-immersion school and assists the Spanish teacher, Ms. Oliver. He doesn’t speak much English and Foster Grandparent staff doesn’t speak much Spanish, but we always find a way to communicate. We do know that you really need to watch out for that mischievous smile to know that he is up to something clever!
Marco’s calm demeanor is what draws the children to him. He is patient, kind, caring and determined to make a difference. He has been so amazing at looking for inventive ways to engage students and make learning fun. He even uses magic card tricks to get those kids thinking and problem solving.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a very challenging time for volunteers. Most of the volunteers were not able to serve as schools requested that they not return to the classroom. Marco did not let that slow him down. He found a way to keep serving. He and the staff at Windsor Elementary found a unique way for him to continue to work with his students remotely. His teacher comments:
“Señor Marco went above and beyond to help the students of Windsor Elementary during the COVID-19 pandemic. He worked with students over a video call for three hours each day, helping them practice what they were learning in the classroom. He worked hard to prepare review materials and knew many of the students by name. From geometry to magic tricks, he can do it all! I am so grateful to Marco and his lovely wife Olga, for the time they put in to give the students the one-on-one time they needed this past year. They are Windsor Wildcats through and through!”
Abbie Oliver
We are thrilled to be able to recognize Marco’s volunteer service, alongside his sweetheart, Olga. He is a great example of what a Foster Grandparent should be and an invaluable part of our Program.
AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers help meet the needs and challenges of America’s communities using resources provided by grants and the energy and efforts of citizens aged 55 and over. AmeriCorps Seniors is a national service program funded by the AmeriCorps agency, formerly known as the Corporation for National and Community Service. Foster Grandparents serve as role models, mentors, and friends to children with exceptional needs. They often provide one-on-one tutoring to help children learn to read; mentor troubled teenagers; and help children who have been abused or neglected. They provide the kind of comfort and love that sets a child on the path toward a successful future.
To get involved with an AmeriCorps Seniors program in your area, you can visit this website. To find out more about AmeriCorps please visit this website.