Put that hard-earned wisdom to good use: Become a foster grandparent

July 01--Mountain States Group's Foster Grandparent program is offering a particularly meaningful and engaging volunteer opportunity for men and women age 55 and older.

Foster grandparents will provide encouragement and companionship for children in Southwest Idaho who have special or exceptional needs (kids with learning disabilities or who are behind in school for various reasons). Foster grandparents will build friendships and supportive relationships with a student on a one-on-one basis.

Foster grandparents will meet with their "grandchildren" in their elementary schools, Head Start classrooms and juvenile correction facilities.

The aim, say organizers, is for volunteers to help kids in need develop healthy behaviors, attitudes towards school and academic skills in a range of subjects.

Mountain States will provide a small stipend ($2.65 per volunteer hour), as well as mileage assistance, supplemental accident insurance, paid sick leave, vacation and holidays and ongoing training. Because of the financial aid, volunteers must be living on a limited income to qualify.

Other requirements: Volunteer grandparents must live in either Ada, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Washington or surrounding counties; be willing and able to volunteer with children at least 15 hours a week; be in good health and able to meet the demands of the program; reflect a positive attitude and the ability to work with a diverse range of people

For more information about the program and how to get involved, call Elizabeth Ultis at 336-5533.

AMERICAN RED CROSS OF GREATER IDAHO NEEDS TOILETRY DONATIONS

Among the organization's many good works is providing a "comfort kit" of toiletries for people who have lost their homes, or parts of their homes, to fire. The Red Cross'Boise office is running low on supplies and is in urgent need of travel-sized toiletries for the kits. Needed items include shampoo, toothpaste, shaving cream and deodorant.

If you'd like to help, drop items on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Boise office, 5371 W. Franklin Road. Call 855-4932 for more information.

PREPARE FOR WILDFIRES WITH FREE CLASSES

The city of Boise is offering classes to help you know more about wildfires and how to contend with them. Both programs take place at the Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center, 3188 Sunset Peak Road in Boise.

--"Ready, Set go! Wildfire is Coming; Are You Ready?" 7 to 8:30 p.m., July 9. The class will cover how to prepare for and reduce the risk of wildfires. Experts will cover evacuation plans, emergency supply lists, and household inventories.

--"Fire! Wildfires in the Foothills," 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., July 12. Topics for this all-ages program include the history of fire in the foothills, how fires have changed in recent years and what the public can do to prevent them. Attendees will watch a mini forest fire demo ignite, meet a wild land firefighter, see and try on gear and get to climb around on a brush truck (if they're not all out of the city fighting fires, that is).

Both programs are free. Registration is not required. Call 493-2530 for more.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF ADA COUNTY SET FOR A MAKEOVER

The Moseley Center of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County will get new carpet and paint in its gym and multipurpose room and other much-needed improvements.

It's all thanks to a $30,000 grant from the Brighton Foundation. The center, at 610 E. 42nd St. in Garden City, serves more than 300 at-risk kids each day. The Brighton Foundation, the charitable arm of the Brighton Corporation and Brighton Homes, provides capital support for improvements that benefit children.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County also operate two additional clubs at 911 N. Meridian Road, and the Kuna summer Club at Reed Elementary, 1670 N. Linder Road

Find more information online at adaclubs.org, or call 639-3162.

BETTERING YOUNG LIVES AT HOME AND ABROAD

The nonprofit Gates of Hope supports projects benefitting young people, especially former refugees, through charitable efforts in Boise, Kenya and Costa Rica (read more about the various projects online, link through this column at idahostatesman.com).

Local attorney Jeff Mandell is partnering with the group once again to send local refugee children to the YMCA'sHorsethief Reservoir overnight camp this summer.

The goal is to raise $6,500 to send up to 30 kids to camp. Contributions are tax-deductible. Donors will receive documentation of their donation.

Donations can be made online (through Gates of Hope). Note: There is a 3 percent fee for online donations.

For more information about the project, contact Jeffery Mandell, Esq., The ERISA Law Group, P.A., 205 North 10th Street, Suite 300, P.O. Box 853 Boise, ID 83702, 342-5522 or [email protected]. (donations can be sent by check to Mandell, as well, to avoid the online service fee).

Remember, you can always support YMCA programs for young people, families and adults through the Strong Kids Campaign. Donations ensure that everyone will be able to participate in healthy activities at the Y regardless of their financial situation.

Read more online, link through this column at idahostatesman.com.

Anna Webb: 377-6431

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