Stories of Service

Foster grandparent volunteer Judy Boyd is very familiar with being around children. After all, she and her husband have 11 children and 30 grandchildren. Judy believes this has helped her during her time volunteering for the foster grandparent program at Central Christian Academy. “I have 30 grand children, so you can see why I like working with children,” Boyd said. Judy said she enjoys the opportunity to stay active being around so many young children. “It keeps me getting up in the morning,” Boyd said. “It keeps my mind active. As you get older, you seem to slow down, and volunteering keeps you going.” Judy says she has seen the benefits of the program, not just for herself but for the children as well. “There was a boy that I had worked with when he was in preschool, and three years later I saw him in Walmart,” Judy said. “He came up to me and gave me a big hug and told me he had gotten all A’s on his report card.” Judy said the program is a great way to positively influence the younger generation, and she believes anyone who is able to volunteer should give it a try. “I would recommend it to anyone who can do it,” Boyd said. “The money you receive helps out, but the main thing is the children and giving them a good start in life.”