Millie Hall, 68 years young has been a dedicated Foster Grandparent since May 2008. Currently Millie is making an impact in Betsie Valley Elementary. When you ask Grandma Millie about her experience as a Foster Grandparent you can see her pride and commitment shine through. I asked Millie what keeps her volunteering year after year and she said it is the children. She loves the children there as well as the staff and the relationships she forms that strengthens her bond to the school.

Millie grew up in Merritt and moved to Mesick to be by friends and give her children a change of area. She was involved in the Michigan High School Rodeo Association for many years when her children and nephews were a part of it. She became involved in the Foster Grandparent program after seeing a flyer and has been a treasured volunteer ever since.

Grandma Millie has been working with one child in particular for a few years and has had the opportunity to see him grow. Millie said when she first started working with him he didn’t care for his schoolwork, and was not motivated to do anything at school. After working with him and encouraging him she has seen him take pride in his schoolwork and how he has become determined to get all of his spelling words correct every time. Another favorite story of Grandma Millie’s is how a few years ago a group of boys were having some trouble with learning how to tie their shoes. Grandma Millie took the time to make sure each of the boys mastered the art of tying. She mentioned that as she was walking down the hall she saw one of the boys now a year older bent down teaching a younger child how to tie their own shoes. This is a memory that Millie said is one of her favorites and made her feel so proud to see how something she had taught a child had come full circle.

Betsie Valley Elementary has mentioned how they love to have Grandma Millie there and what a great Foster Grandparent she is. We are so proud of Grandma Millie and of her contribution to the Foster Grandparent Program. She is a wonderful volunteer that really makes a difference in the lives of the children and staff daily!