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FiftyForward Foster Grandparent Program enrolls seniors to help at-risk youth

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Grandparents are special, even if they aren't yours. Wyvonnia Brooks is a volunteer and in this Rocketship classroom she's known as "Granny." Brooks is part of a Foster Grandparent Program.

Established in 1965, the program recruits grandparent volunteers to help at-risk students in local schools. Adults 55-years-old and older can sign-up to help mentor the young.

"This makes us want to get up in the morning," said Foster Grandparent Wyvonnia Brooks,

Lauren Marzolla is the site coordinator at FiftyForward a non-profit that helps seniors seek longer, more fulfilling lives.

"Senior adult have decades of wisdom to provide to their mentoring and tutoring. They aren't just providing extra educational support but they get to offer life skills and life experience," she said.

Brooks hands out wisdom and hugs and treats every student like family. She says spending time in the classroom keeps her young.

"i would seriously ask you to come down and just try it try it for a day just come and tour the school or come sit with me," she said.

If you are interested in being a volunteer or for more information click here.