Linda Jaynes is a seven-year veteran of the Foster Grandparent Program sponsored by AAA-Five County (Area Agency on Aging, Five County Association of Governments). Linda Jaynes started serving at Hurricane Elementary in August of 2013 because her grandchildren went to that school. Her last grandchild graduated from elementary school last year, but Linda is going to continue to serve and we couldn’t be happier. Linda is a reliable and dedicated Foster Grandparent.
One of the requirements of the Foster Grandparent Program is for volunteers to work one-on-one with children and this works well for Linda as it is her favorite thing to do. She loves to see the growth of students who are struggling and just need a little extra help.
Linda grew up on a farm in Idaho. She was riding a horse in a parade one day, selling tickets to a dance. She approached her “future husband” and asked if he would buy one. To her surprise he said, “no.” She said later he told her he wanted to buy one but didn’t have any money. They ended up getting married and having 7 children, 23 grandchildren and, at last count, 13 great grandchildren, most living in the Hurricane area.
During high school, Linda had her first taste of pizza and was introduced to tacos at Rick’s college while on a blind date. These are still some of her favorite foods. She said her mother always cooked good old meat and potatoes while growing up on the farm. Besides eating tacos and pizza, Linda loves to read works from her favorite authors; Zane Grey, Tom Clancy, Steven King and Samuel Shellabarger.
Linda helped her husband run his trucking company while raising her family. She also put in over 19 years working in the kitchen at Hurricane Elementary and delivering lunch to schools throughout the community.
Linda likes to stay close to home but if given the chance would like to travel more in America. A fun thing Linda does to keep her family close is sending a group email to all her grandchildren weekly. She shares something interesting that happened during the week; like their grandpa getting a new tiller! The things that go on in the Jaynes family!
The Foster Grandparent Program could not ask for a more delightful volunteer than Linda Jaynes. She is a kind, thoughtful, and wise person. Her favorite quote is, “Never think hard about the past. It brings tears…Don’t think more about the future. It brings fears…Live this moment with a smile. It brings cheers.”
-Achmad Muzakky
About the Foster Grandparent 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 AmeriCorps. 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.