TUTORING PROGRAM STARS bridges generation gap

The program has proved to be a benefit for the senior volunteers and the pupils.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
The STARS program shines at four sites in Youngstown City Schools.
The program, Seniors Teaching and Reaching Students, involves people 55 years and older who help pupils with their schoolwork.
Started in July 1997, STARS was developed by the Ohio Department of Aging in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Education and Ohio Family and Children First. The intergenerational program pairs older adults who have good reading, math, writing and spelling skills with children who will benefit from tutoring.
"The volunteers foster more than a mentoring relationship with the children. For some children, the volunteers are like surrogate grandparents," said Claudia Charity, the program director.
Charity said volunteers have a "sense of wanting to give back to the community and have an interest in helping children."
Reaping rewards: What they get out of the program often amazes them, she said.
"Volunteers develop ties with their students, but they also make new friendships and share fellowship with other volunteers. Some even feel better physically ... maybe it's because they have something to look forward to and they know someone is depending on them," she said.
If the senior volunteers benefit so much, it's no wonder their young charges do as well. "The children feel better about themselves because they are doing better [academically]," said Charity. "The children look forward to spending time with the volunteers."
There are 56 volunteers -- 50 women and six men -- who volunteer at participating elementary schools. Coordinators and their schools are Jill Roberts at Harding, Venessa Foster at Martin Luther King Jr., Mary Jane Gingher at Williamson and Sherry Dawson at Cleveland. Harding was one of nine pilot programs in the state.
Each school has between eight and 18 volunteers. More recruits are needed, said Carol Rimedio-Righetti, STARS media and fund-raising coordinator. "We go to civic groups and speak in order to get more people involved," she said. And others have heard about the program through word of mouth.
"It's a great avenue for seniors to put their talents to work," said Rimedio-Righetti. "For the children, it's terrific one-on-one help and attention."
One volunteer's experience: Theresa Casale of McDonald has been with STARS for 2 1/2 years at Harding. "I get a lot of joy out of helping children and it's wonderful to be needed," she said. "Lots of hugs are one of the benefits of the program and I look forward to being here."
On a recent day, Casale worked on spelling with second-grader Angela Haliburton, 7 1/2, and the youngster said her favorite part was the flashcards. As Casale held up the cards, she had words of encouragement for Angela.
Teachers tell the volunteers in what areas the pupils need help. "I do whatever the teacher tells me," Casale, who tutors four days a week.
A volunteer with the program from the outset, Orlando Olverson of Youngstown said, "I enjoy being here ... it's my home away from home. And I've seen so much progress. We help with the one-on-one and encourage students," he said.
Frank Righetti, Youngstown, was drawn into the program because of his wife's involvement. "I like the sense of being involved and knowing it's helping children," he said. "It's gratifying to know you're doing something like this." Righetti and his second-grade pupil, Brittanni Davenport, 8, worked on identifying various shapes.
Roberts, the Harding coordinator, said she has seen how the program "fills the lives [of volunteers] and how they enjoy being needed." For students, Roberts said the program matches children with a caring adult and "children love the attention."