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Linda Robinson loves children, and Wesley Family Services’ Foster Grandparent Program provides her with the chance to work with them.

“Working with children is incredibly rewarding because of the genuine joy and positive impact it allows,” she said. “I witness their growth, learn from a unique perspective and I’m happy that I’m making a lasting difference in their lives. It makes me happy to see that they grasp whatever you’re teaching them.”

The foster grandparent program was established in 1965 to provide those 55 and older with an opportunity to connect with children with special needs and in the community, serving as mentors, tutors and caregivers. It is funded through AmeriCorps, and locally sponsored by Wesley Family Services.

The 60th anniversary of the program was recently celebrated with a luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn, Southpointe. More than 100 senior volunteers from Washington, Greene and Fayette counties were honored. The program was presented with a certificate of congressional recognition by a member of state Rep. Summer Lee’s staff.

“The foster grandparent program connects older adults with children in need,” explained Rebecca Maletto-Cornell, director of the program. “They provide mentorship and support while enriching the lives of both the volunteer and the youth, whether it comes to social skills or emotional support. We operate under the three famous words – help, guide and assist. That’s what our foster grandparents do, they help, guide and assist. They meet that child where they are and help them overcome any obstacle they may see from a teacher’s standpoint and allow them to be their best self.”

Robinson, 67, of Donora, has participated in the program for nine years.

“I work with the children, helping each child develop social skills,” Robinson said. “We are to provide guidance and encouragement to all children who need extra support. We help students learn important skills such as independence, self confidence and social skills. I also work with the teachers, enhancing academic skills.”

Foster grandparents receive a small stipend, and are partnered with public and private schools, Head Start programs, day cares, child development centers and after-school programs.

“It’s always in a classroom setting,” Maletto-Cornell said. “There’s always structure involved.”

Steven Smart, a teacher at Ringgold North Elementary School, became involved when he was at Monongahela Elementary Center. He works in conjunction with Robinson, or “Miss Linda,” as he called her.

“It’s been amazing to have the foster grandparents in my classroom,” Smart said. “It helps because there’s an extra adult in the room to work one-on-one with children who need extra help or extra attention with academics or behavior. It’s great for the grandparents to work in a school environment with so many children who love and care for them. It’s very rewarding. Miss Linda and I are very close. She’s almost like my own grandmother. It’s a beautiful thing.”

The program operates in six counties (Washington, Fayette, Greene, Allegheny, Beaver and Butler) in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Programs involved include Blueprints; Ringgold North and South Elementary schools; East End United Community Center and Asbury Preschool, both in Uniontown; Pathways, and California Area School District.

Children in the program range in age from birth to 21. Some foster grandparents will stay with the program for that long, or even longer

“Once they start, it becomes a calling,” Maletto-Cornell said. “Most of them say, ‘I don’t know what I’d do without it; it gave me a reason to get up every morning.’ It becomes an extension of family and becomes something they really look forward to.”

Maletto-Cornell added that many grandparents involved have seen some positive benefits as a result of their time with the kids.

“I have one grandpa who has lost a lot of weight because he’s moving,” she said.

The children, too, have benefited. Annual surveys chart the students’ progress and routinely the majority of the students improved.

“It’s that extended relationship they have with everyone involved in that classroom,” Maletto-Cornell said. “They learn from each other.”

Anyone who may be interested in becoming a foster grandparent may call 412-660-6841 or 412-660-7303.

Read the full article on the Observer-Reporter.

Wesley Family Services is excited to welcome ten new Board Members. These individuals bring a wealth of skills and experience, and we look forward to their contributions as part of the WFS family of mission-driven advocates.

The new Board Members are:

• Brenasia Ward Caldwell, Security Technical Specialist, Microsoft
• Andrés Franco, Executive Director, DNA Works
• Donny Hamilton, Jr., Gateway Project Manager, Federal Railroad Administration
• Kristin Lesker Eisel, Vice President of Human Resources, Kurt J. Lesker Company
• Amy Lindenfelder, Attorney, University of Pittsburgh
• Carla Panzella, Vice Provost for Student Affairs, University of Pittsburgh
• David Rancatore, Mortgage Lending Officer, Lending Heights
• Joe Sharp, CFO/Chief of Operations, Dentons Cohen & Grigsby
• Andrew Yamarick, VP of Sales, Northeast at Agiliti
• David Yanchik, III Managing Director, KPMG

 

Additionally, we proudly recognize our new Board Officers stepping into leadership roles this year:

• J. Nicole Rhodes, Chair
• Tia LaFleur, 1st Vice-Chair
• Brandi Phillips, 2nd Vice-Chair
• Mark Twerdok, Treasurer
• Clare Frederick, Secretary

 

We also extend our deepest gratitude to the seven outgoing Board Members who completed their terms on June 30, 2024. Their collective 79 years of service have been instrumental in advancing our mission and providing Quality Whole Person Care®.

• Tammy Aupperle
• Ross Chambers
• Shanicka Kennedy
• Scott O’Mara
• Christine Probert
• Bob Reilly
• Drew Schauble

View article on the Pittsburgh Business Times

There is a new program – and approach – for families looking for autism support in Allegheny County – and its goal is to provide support earlier in a hands-on, integrative environment. 

“The need is obviously there,” said Carrie Winner, Program Director for Intensive Behavioral Health Services. “We’re really hoping to alleviate some of the pressure for families waiting for services. And most importantly, early autism intervention is key.” 

Wesley Family Service’s new Autism Center for Growth officially opened its doors on April 1st of this year. Families will find a welcoming atmosphere which includes a sensory room (pictured), a gym area, and multiple classrooms and spaces to interact with clients and their families.  

The school-like setup is intentional, as children at the Autism Center for Growth will take part in extensive early-childhood skill development geared toward preparing them for success in school and social situations.  

The program provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services through evidence-based practices and is specifically for children aged 12 months through seven years (or entry to kindergarten). 

Winner says it is designed to cater to this group’s cognitive strengths. 

“It is really based on the knowledge that our brains can absorb and learn much more quickly at this early age,” she said. 

The Center utilizes natural environment teaching methods, which includes play-based interventions to focuses on teaching communication skills, play skills, imitation skills, and limited daily living skills.  In a nutshell, the program emphasizes building skills needed in a kindergarten setting. 

“We work on things like potty training, if that needs to be addressed. We’re targeting skills like sitting at a table and eating, as opposed to running around,” said Winner. “We also work on incorporating increased food preferences, because our little ones with autism sometimes can be very picky eaters.” 

More specifically, the Center also focuses on various developmental challenges, including communication delays, difficulties with imitation, aggressive behavior, self-injurious actions, restricted play abilities and other gaps in adaptive skills.  

Additionally, the program will also focus on providing parents and caregivers with their own skills through individualized training.    

Families looking for more information can call 412-342-2270 or fill out a form on the website. As of now, the program is only available to families in Allegheny County. An Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis is required for enrollment.  

For more information, visit Wesley Family Services website, at WFSPA.org.  

 

 

 

Marie, an older adult in Westmoreland County with limited mobility, has lived in her split-level brick house for more than 60 years. She and her late husband bought the home when they moved to be closer to her parents. Marie eventually installed a cathedral ceiling in the dining room to resemble the saltbox houses of Massachusetts and Vermont, where she lived during the early years of her marriage.

The 89-year-old’s rambling subdivision looks nothing like historic New England. It lacks sidewalks and bus lines, so getting around isn’t easy for someone who uses a walker and doesn’t drive. That makes it tricky for Marie, whose full name Spotlight PA is withholding because she lives alone, to get to her many medical appointments.

“My calendar looks like a Bingo card,” said Marie wryly.

The joke gets a chuckle from Polly Leipold, a volunteer with Wesley Family Services’ Open Your Heart to a Senior program, which provides free in-home, nonmedical care to older adults in Westmoreland County. Neighboring Allegheny County has a similar initiative called In Service of Seniors: Pittsburgh.

Volunteers help with daily tasks like reading mail, transportation to the grocery store and medical appointments. Leipold lives nearby and has driven Marie to many doctor’s offices.

Read the full story published on 90.5 WESA HERE.

Wesley Family Services, White Oak officials and East Allegheny’s soccer program will host a kickball game and cookout today (June 15) at White Oak Park and encourage an end to domestic violence.

The Father’s Day Pledge Kickball Cookout will begin at 11 a.m. at the Blue Spruce grove in White Oak Park.

Chris Goyke, head coach of the East Allegheny Middle School soccer team, is scheduled to speak, along with White Oak Mayor Ina Jean Marton.

The event is part of the national “No More” movement, which promotes awareness and prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault. A spokeswoman said Wesley Family Services is a local ally in a national network of many municipalities, corporations and communities promoting accountability and community involvement to reduce and eliminate domestic abuse.

Read the full story published on The Tube City Almanac HERE.