OACAC Foster Grandparent Program

05/10/2026

Today, we celebrate the mothers, grandmothers, caregivers, and mother figures who fill our lives with love, strength, and support. Happy Mother’s Day to all who nurture and care for others in countless meaningful ways.

We also hold space today for those carrying grief or who find this day difficult for any reason. You are seen, remembered, and surrounded with love. Wishing peace, comfort, and love to all today.

[ID: Graphic with leaves and flowers in vibrant colors, which says Happy Mother's Day.]

05/08/2026

Every May since 1963, our nation has celebrated Older Americans Month—a time to honor the generations who built our communities and continue strengthening them every day.

At AmeriCorps, we’re proud to recognize the older adults whose service bridges generations, supports neighbors, and ensures no one is left behind.

Last year, more than 130,000 older Americans served as AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers, contributing over 29 million hours of reading with children, supporting older adults, strengthening nonprofits, and reducing poverty across the country.

Their wisdom, dedication, and compassion make our communities stronger. This month, and every month, we celebrate them.

05/08/2026

What is one thing you miss about being young?

05/06/2026

We don’t say it enough—thank you, Teachers everywhere, for the work, heart, and dedication you give to children each and every day.

Your commitment goes far beyond the classroom. You pour love, patience, and guidance into every student, shaping not only minds but futures. You support families, uplift communities, and create opportunities for children to grow into confident, capable individuals ready to make their mark on the world.

Even grandmas and grandpas like us still remember the kindness, encouragement, and steady belief of a teacher who made a difference when we were young. That kind of impact doesn’t fade—it lives on across generations.

Happy National Teacher Day! Today, we celebrate the incredible educators who show up every day with patience, creativity, and heart. Thank you for the early mornings, the extra hours, the encouragement, and the belief you pour into every student. You shape futures, build confidence, and open doors to opportunity.

A special shout-out to all of our teachers!

[ID: Graphic which reads, "Thank You, Teachers!" The graphic includes a quote from Albert Einstein, "It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." The graphic shows a photo of a Head Start classroom with children and adults.]

05/05/2026

The Foster Grandparent Program staff made a road trip to visit several wonderful volunteers and schools in Cabool. Along the way they decided to take a quick detour to Mountain Grove for a quick hello to see Grandma Edie hard at work loving on kids on the playground. I think the photos capture her surprise!

05/04/2026

This interview covers very well what we are all about! For more information about the Foster Grandparent Program in Southwest Missouri, give us a call at 417-864-3420!

[Video: Danielle Lyons, Program Director of the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program, speaks with a Living Local 15 host about mentoring opportunities for adults 55+ in Fort Wayne schools.]

7 likes, 1 comment. "AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program Assists serves both youth & seniors | Living Local 15"

05/02/2026

OACAC is Community Action

04/29/2026

Our classroom OACAC Foster Grandparents are young at heart and joyfully lived through the 70's, 80's and 90's rock band era. They bring this spirit of toughness and punk rock in the work they do but also carry the softest hearts for children who benefit from one-on-one mentoring in the classroom. Forever young, no one loves National Service and Academic Success like an AmeriCorps Seniors classroom grandparent. Just ask the parents and teachers!

If you are 55 and older, give us a call. We have FUN through SERVICE!

Call Jodie at 417-864-3420 to learn more!

[ID: A group of older adult senior volunteers stand together smiling and facing the camera in a stylized image. They are presented as a confident, energetic team in a roller derby–inspired arena setting, with dramatic lighting, colorful spotlights, and a lively crowd atmosphere in the background. The group appears cheerful and strong, conveying a sense of fun and teamwork. A bold banner above them reads “Foster Grandparents - Where Experience Meets Attitude” in a heavy metal–style font, emphasizing their spirit, positive attitudes and enthusiasm for mentoring and tutoring children in classrooms.]

04/28/2026

We hope everyone is doing okay with the storms. Send us your photos!

Image Description (Photo 1): A woman stands on a grassy area blanketed with enormous hailstones following a thunderstorm. She wears a red Kansas City Chiefs shirt. The hailstones are unrealistically large—about the size of boulders—indicating the image has been edited.

04/27/2026

“A caring heart is the foundation of a strong community.”

When we look out for one another, we build connection, trust, and hope that lasts for generations.

Who can you reach out to, showing you care?

But if you need someone to show care to you, SeniorAge is ready to be there. Call today: 417-862-0762.

04/24/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of one of our beloved Foster Grandparent Program volunteers, Doris “Grandma Doris” Leach.

Doris began her journey with the Foster Grandparent Program in April of 1997 and faithfully served for over 27 years before retiring in June of 2024. During her time at Round Grove Christian Academy in Miller, Missouri, she touched countless lives with her patience, kindness, and unwavering dedication to the children she supported.

As recently as Spring 2024, her impact was still deeply felt in the classroom. One teacher shared, “Grandma Doris continues to be a blessing in our class. A few of our situations have required constant redirections and encouragement. She has filled this need well. We are thankful for Grandma Doris!”

Doris passed away on April 19, 2026, at the age of 90. She will be remembered not only for her years of service, but for the love, encouragement, and steady presence she gave to so many students, families, and educators.

Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.

You can read her full obituary here:
https://www.fossettmosherfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Grandma-Doris-Leach?obId=48178593

Image Description (Photo 1): An elderly woman, Doris Leach, with a warm smile is standing for a photo alone for a portrait or badge photo. She is wearing a white floral top with blue and brown flowers

Video Description (Video 1): A teacher named Lori Bowles, is describing the work that Doris “Grandma Doris” Leach provides to the classroom at Round Grove Christian Academy in Miller, MO. Visuals of children, the volunteer and the classroom are shown as well as a little bit of an interview with the teacher Lori who mentions she has volunteered for over 25 years at the time of filming the video in November 2022. Doris Leach is shown indoors in a calm, classroom setting, conveying warmth and kindness.

Image Description (Photo 2): Doris “Grandma Doris” Leach, an older woman with short, light-colored hair, is talking on a microphone at a meeting event.

Image Description (Photo 3): Doris “Grandma Doris” Leach, an older woman with short, light-colored hair, is smiling and perhaps in mid laughter while talking with OACAC CEO Jennifer Olson at a meeting event.

Image Description (Photo 4): An elderly woman, Doris "Grandma Doris" Leach, with a warm smile is standing for a photo alone for a portrait or badge photo. She is wearing a blue top with stripes in multiple colors.