For nearly two decades, 71-year-old Connie Green has arrived at Mt. Hood Community College’s Head Start program with a smile that lights up the room and arms ready for dozens of hugs. Known simply as “Grandma Connie” to the preschoolers she mentors, Connie has become the embodiment of unconditional love for children who need it most. Through the Foster Grandparent Program, she works one-on-one with young students, including those with speech delays, helping them find their voices and confidence. When two young sisters lost their own grandmother, they found comfort and stability in Grandma Connie’s presence.
Teachers at the Head Start program say Green’s influence is immeasurable, watching shy children blossom into confident learners under her patient guidance. The program connects volunteers aged 55 and older with children who need extra support, creating bonds that enrich both generations. Green’s teacher partner, Samar, has witnessed remarkable transformations in students who sit at Grandma Connie’s table, seeing them open up and develop crucial social skills. When asked about her decades of service, Connie’s advice to potential volunteers is simple: “It would be the best part of your life,” proving that sometimes the greatest gifts come from giving to others.