Foster Grandparents Bring Joy to Navajo Nation Kids

"When I go into a cafeteria, they are all shouting, 'Grandma, Grandma,'" said Laura Desh, 64, a foster grandparent from Tuba City. "It is a good feeling. Everybody then turns around and looks. They're like baby lambs crying out."

Irene Eldridge, a program director, said her staff works with local schools and Headstart to place grandparents in the community. At their site, they teach the kids, one-on-one the Navajo language and culture and help with reading, and even adjusting to school life. "Last year, a state official recognized that some children even had improved their reading skills with the help of the grandparents," she said. A common concern among foster grandparents is the loss of the Navajo language and culture.

Navajo elders participate in team building activities at the Navajo Foster Grandparents Recognition Ceremony in Flagstaff, AZ in May

"Today's kids are losing their culture and language," added Irene Franklin, another foster grandparent from Leupp. "When we first meet them (kids) we tell them who they are and where they come from. Some are slow and some don't want to listen. They are all different."

Eldridge said the foster grandparents make a big difference by mentoring and teaching Navajo culture to the kids. "All of them are very concerned about the loss of our language and culture," she said. "This is why many of them sign up to volunteer. It's common for some volunteers to have been with the program for 15 to 30 years, said Victoria Bahe, program staff with the Fort Defiance office.

In recent years, however, officials said recruiting has become harder, because the stipend is not enough in these days of rising gas prices. They are hoping that they can get additional funding. Presently, the project is funded at $558,489 by the Corporation for National Service. The Navajo Nation then kicks in $200,000, and the State of New Mexico helps with $99,392. Arizona provides no financial support.

To become a foster grandparent, an applicant must be 60 years of age, meet certain income eligibility requirements, love children, and be willing to volunteer 20 hours a week, said Bahe. Participants earn a small, tax-free stipend to cover the cost of serving. They also receive reimbursements for transportation, meals while on duty, an annual physical examination and supplemental accident and liability coverage while serving.

For more information, call (928) 871-6869.

George Joe is a Senior Public Information Officer for the Navajo Nation Division of Health in Arizona.