After a lifetime of hard work and some health issues that had significantly impacted his life, Wally Smith knew retirement had to mean more than just doing nothing. When he discovered the VOA’s Foster Grandparents program, he found what he was truly looking for: connection, purpose, and joy. A father of four and grandfather to three boys in Minnesota, Wally has always had a deep instinct to nurture and guide children. “I loved being a dad, loved taking care of kids,” he says. “It’s just a natural thing.”
That’s the magic of VOA Colorado’s Foster Grandparents Program, a place where older adults find renewed purpose, and children feel what it’s like to have someone truly in their corner.
For retired seniors, many of whom are looking to stay active and connected, the program offers more than volunteer hours; it offers meaning. Whether they’re reading stories, helping with math, nurturing gardens, or guiding art projects, these volunteers give children what they need most: attention, encouragement, and care.
Serving preschoolers through sixth graders in schools and youth programs across Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Jefferson, El Paso, and Larimer counties, foster grandparents devote 15 to 40 hours a week to mentoring, teaching, and inspiring.
Together, they’re building lasting relationships and brighter futures with every shared moment.
Now 69, Wally spends two full days a week reading to kids, bringing stories like Captain Underpants and Dog Man to life. But it’s not just about the stories. It’s about sparking curiosity, nurturing attention, and offering the steady, loving presence of a grandparent. “I get so much out of being around kids,” he shares. “I’m starving for it.” His warmth, paired with the structure of VOA’s program, complete with organized lessons, games, and learning tools, has helped even the most disengaged kindergartners blossom. “I see so many kids go from not caring at all to loving learning,” he says. “That’s everything.”
Wally says he’s found his home through volunteering. And without a doubt, the children he works with have found a piece of home in him, too.
If you’ve ever loved being around kids, missed your grandkids, or simply want to make a real difference, the Foster Grandparents program could be your calling. Just ask Wally
