For Monette in Moab, serving children as a Foster Grandparent volunteer “feels like a double win.” She shares, “I feel really good about [serving] and good about myself because I truly believe that it’s helping to make a difference.” Before becoming a volunteer at Head Start, Monette felt that during retirement, “I did not feel that I was living the kind of life that I wanted to live. I wanted to be more involved with people.” This inspired her to become a volunteer, and she had an interest in serving children.
On April 1, UServeUtah celebrates Monette’s first year of service! When asked how volunteering has benefited her, she said, “ I feel that I have more self-esteem, to be frank. I feel better about myself as a retiree, and that I’m doing something important. It has also helped me have a commitment and a reason to get up and go out into the world.”
The biggest gift she has received from her service is “the wonderful love from the children I work with and their enthusiasm for life.” Monette expressed gratitude that she can directly see the impact of serving children with developmental delays and developing relationships with children who needed one-on-one attention. “I can see results day to day. Many kids don’t get that undivided attention as much as they want it. That’s benefited the kids a lot for me to be able to be there and give them encouragement, to build up their self-esteem and their feeling of being able to do things.”
Whether she is playing make believe games, or helping the kids learn to resolve conflicts, Monette uses her time to teach kindness, awareness of others, and help children prepare for kindergarten. Thank you for your wonderful service, Monette!
AmeriCorps Seniors connects adults aged 55 and older with meaningful volunteer opportunities that make a difference in their communities. Whether serving as a mentor, providing companionship, or supporting local organizations, volunteers use their skills and experience to create lasting impact. With flexible opportunities available nationwide, AmeriCorps Seniors makes it easy for older adults to give back in a way that fits their interests and schedules. Learn more about serving with UServeUtah’s AmeriCorps Seniors programs at userve.utah.gov/seniors.