Become a Grandmas2Go Volunteer

Harnessing the Wisdom of the Ages

When you become a Grandmas2Go volunteer and share the wisdom of your life experience, you can make a lasting difference in the lives of new parents and the children they are raising.

We need women of wisdom and experience to help us build a model of new community support that benefits ALL. Women, 50 and over, are in an ideal position to act as mentors.

If you would like to volunteer to be a Grandma2G0, click on the Online Volunteer Application button below and fill in the application online. Click on the “print” icon at the top of the page, and then select “Save as PDF” and save the completed PDF to your desktop. Email this PDF to grandmas2go@gmail.com. The application requests reference letters. Please ensure that the reference letters sent on your behalf include your name and street address so we can attach them to your application. Thank you for your interest in Grandmas2Go!

The support you need to do the job well

With our training and support, and your unique skills and talents, you can become a lifeline to a family as their mentor and coach. You will:

• Get 12 hours of basic training plus continuing education on nurturing parenting, infant care, childhood brain growth and mothering the new mother.
• Be a compassionate listener and gentle advisor who understands the needs of families during this stage of life.
• Model and share newborn tips such as soothing techniques for crying infants, understanding cues, the importance of bonding and attachment, infant massage, postpartum health and lactation.
• Model parenting skills and healthy life choices.
• Provide respite as needed.
• Share relaxation and stress-reduction techniques.
• Provide non-medical, physical, emotional, and informational support to families.
• Help at-risk families break the cycles of abuse, neglect, violence, addiction, poverty and hopelessness that plague our communities.

The power of altruism

Volunteering does not just benefit others. A growing body of research finds that volunteering reaps huge social, emotional, and physical benefits for the volunteer.

People who volunteer lead longer, healthier and more purposeful lives. Volunteers report significant improvements in their mental health, along with other socio-emotional benefits ranging from a greater feeling of productivity to increased social activity, and a greater sense of well-being. And don’t forget about that wonderful chemical, Oxytocin, the natural, feel-good, love hormone.

Our Volunteers

Randy Wilson

I have been married for 38 years, my husband and I raised two kind-hearted, beautiful daughters here in the Rogue Valley and we have three wonderful grandsons that are living in Oregon City, too far away to visit as often as I would like.  I have been a foster parent, 4H leader for a rabbit club, and a child-care provider.

 I attended Early Childhood Development classes at RCC which assisted me in getting a position with Jackson County Health and Human Services.  As a county employee of 20 years, I worked as a family advocate and a nutrition specialist. I have always been passionate about the health and well-being of children and their families.  I am newly retired and proud to be a Grandmas2go volunteer.

Barbara Ellis

Volunteering is working with others to make a meaningful contribution to a better community. It has also been shown to improve health and I am familiar with the rewards of volunteering, for both myself and those I serve. I have served as a volunteer in various capacities during my life.

A few years after my mom was diagnosed with vascular dementia, I was pretty depressed watching her decline. My friend, Joy Marshall, became involved with Grandmas2Go and explained the concept of family coaches to me. Knowing and trusting my friend, I knew this was a valuable entity. I know the best thing for me when I am depressed is to get out and serve others. So I said, “I’m in!”

My mom used to teach young children and I know the importance of those critical years of brain development from conception to age four. I have been caring for Grandmas2Go families for a few years now and am so rewarded with helping and caring for these young children and their parents. I am also paying my mom’s legacy forward.

Lyn Dyck

Grew up in eastern Nebraska. Graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan, 1967, BS in Medical Technology.  She married Jim in December 1967.  They lived in Zurich, Switzerland  & traveled for one year.  Then they lived in the Chicago area for 9 years; worked at a VA hospital, then chose Montessori teacher training and worked in 2 different schools.  They have three daughters.  She was the Founder of PRAIRIE HILL Learning Center, 1981 (a Montessori school for 3-6 year olds).  For over 30 years, the school expanded to include children from 18 months – 14 years.

Lyn retired in 2011 and moved to the west coast where her daughters and families are living (Portland, Berkeley, Grass Valley).  She is now active in Master Gardeners and Asante Hospice.  Her other interests: her 2 grandchildren who live in CA, learning to play a Native American flute, yoga, Tai Chi, book club, healthy cooking, photography.

Wendy Mayfield

I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for 39 years. We have 2 beautiful daughters and 1 grandson. My hobbies include bike riding, traveling, scrapbooking, and nature in general. I have a degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. I recently retired after teaching 33 years.

I started my career in the elementary schools. Once I became a Mom, I wanted to be home more so began teaching Preschool.  Soon I was integrating special needs children into my classroom in conjunction with DESD Child Development Services. I went on to work specifically as a Special Education Teacher, then finished my career as a Case Manager. Volunteering for Grandmas2Go has greatly enriched my life. I’m the grandma of 6-month-old twin boys!

Paula Lysinger

I’m originally from Orange County, CA where I spent much of my childhood in my grandfather’s orange grove. I also developed my love of growing things there, as well as my love for animals. Like many others though, I suffered trauma during my childhood and as an adult I was drawn to the field of counseling. I discovered the ACE survey and learned how one caring adult can change the course of a child’s life, helping that child become a healthy, happy, functioning adult. I am an entrepreneur, an artist, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a food gardener, an avid kayaker, yoga practitioner, a published poet, and a devoted volunteer.

Karyn Shirbourn

Karyn moved to the Rogue Valley four years ago from the Seattle area where she raised two children.  She has worked in financial services for the past thirty years and is an active volunteer for Grandmas2Go, CASA, Resolve, and Dogs For Better Lives.  She was raised in the Midwest, and has missed her extended family, especially the “grandmas,” and so she was compelled to become active with Grandmas2Go because she understands the real need to support growing families, especially when there’s a new baby!  Karyn currently lives with her husband of 33 years, their three dogs, two cats, goat and rabbit!  She enjoys travel, knitting, yoga, music, and is learning ASL.

Laurie Red