Whether you miss your own grandparents, never had a connection with them in the first place or just really like old folks, Odd Fellows is the place for you.

The Adopt-A-Grandparent program started last year and is growing quickly. Through the fall and spring of the ’07-’08 school year, only 4 students from Whitman College were consistently volunteering. As of now, 15 students have committed to the program, and recruitment continues for the 50 residents in need of a “grandchild.”

Last spring, sophmore Matt Manley, who started the program after seeing one on another college campus, decided to look into expanding the program and increase its official status by getting it adopted by the Center for Community Service on campus.

Kelsie Butts, a student at Whitman who was one of the few students regularly active in the program last year said, “We wanted to officially be under the center so more people would hear about it and volunteer.”

Right now, the program is active under a special program through the center. Next year, Manley and Butts hope to have it under an intern position, which is the same as the rest of the community service programs.

Students who are part of the program are paired with a grandparent from Odd Fellows, located on Boyer a few blocks off campus.

“We try to match the resident interest with the student interest so that they have more to talk about,” said Lina Menard, Director of the west wing of the center. “Even if their interests do not match exactly, they end up learning about each other and something new. We haven’t had one yet that’s not a good match.”

The program provides an excellent opportunity for both students and residents.

“They really enjoy interaction with youth. It is something for them to look forward to when they don’t have a lot else. Some of the residents see the students coming through the window and will say, ‘the kids are coming.’ They get really excited about it,” said Menard.

Once students have a “grandparent,” they take them out on walks around campus, watch movies or simply sit and talk. The program does not limit what students can do with their grandparent.

“It’s a fabulous opportunity to get out and take a walk around the big beautiful campus,” said Menard.

“Its the best part of my day when I just get to hang out with my grandma and read or go on a walk, do a craft, or just talk. It reminds me what is important in life and that it is good to slow down sometimes,” said Butts.

The residents have great things to say about the students as well. Millie Kendall, Butts’ adopted grandmother, had nothing but nice things to say about her experience with the program.

“I’ve had several grandchildren. The girls have been coming for two years now. It’s fun to have students from the college come visit,” said Kendall.

“The program is important for the grandparents because it not only gives them another relationship in their lives, but we want to bring them joy. The grandparents not only get to share their stories and lives, but we get to hear about their experiences and stories,” said Butts.

With the success of the program, Manley and Butts are looking forward to its growth.
“Matt and I have plans of putting on a large-scale activity right after Thanksgiving break, like a talent night where the grandparent and grandkid do a talent together. In the spring semester we want to have about four more similar events as this one,” said Butts.

Menard is very enthusiastic about the expansion of the program as well.

“Many residents need additional help to become acclimated. I can’t do it all myself. The students are really helpful,” said Menard.