Renee Garrison is one of a kind. She is the only person who volunteers as both an AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent and a Senior Companion.
Catholic Charities’ Foster Grandparents program places older adult volunteers in schools and early childhood centers to serve children needing extra help. Our Senior Companion program serves seniors in independent living housing, veterans, developmentally disabled adults, as well as providing respite for caregivers in the community with hopes of the client remaining independent in their homes.
“She just truly wants to help others. For her, it’s all about the impact she can make and the help she can provide,” says Aaron Glauberman, Senior and Caregiver Support Services Director. “She’s always willing to help, always willing to be there for others.”
Renee, 68, started volunteering as a Foster Grandparent in 2017. Though she lives in Clermont County, she had no hesitation in driving all the way across Cincinnati to Lockland to help at the school. She didn’t mind the distance as long as she got to work with students.
“I love kids, and I always wanted to be a schoolteacher,” Renee says. “This was a way to work with kids and give back. I love meeting and being around the kids. I learn something new from them every day.”
Today, Renee volunteers in the library at Immaculate Heart of Mary School on Beechmont Avenue, much closer to her home. She reads to the students, helps them find books that will interest them, and instills in the children a lifelong love of reading and learning. She’s also helped the school update its collection of books to ensure children can always find something they want to read.
“If you don’t read, you lose,” Renee says. “Reading gives you knowledge and understanding. You can’t go through life without it.”
As a child, Renee didn’t have access to books in her home. That inspired her to do something special during the pandemic. Knowing many children wouldn’t have anything to read at home while schools were closed, Renee donated about 2,500 books to Catholic Charities to be distributed to children and families in need.
Renee has made a huge difference in the lives of local children, and her impact hasn’t stopped there. Last year, she began volunteering as a Senior Companion, as well.
She says being around other seniors and meeting new people exposes her to new things and helps keep her active and social. She loves being on the go with her client and appreciates learning all the quick back ways to get around town. The good conversation can also be therapeutic, Renee says.
Both programs — Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions — enrich Renee’s life in different and meaningful ways.
“They get me out of the house so I’m not just sitting,” she says. “It’s a give-and-take. I give, but I also get so much in return.”