Senior Volunteers Receive Grant to Give Back to Poway Unified

It's no secret that local schools are hurting from budget cuts and larger classes that leave less time for individual student attention. But for the past two decades—beginning long before the current fiscal crisis—SHOK was here, making an impact on the academic lives of countless elementary school children.

A group 175 strong, Seniors Helping Our Kids (SHOK) brings seniors into the classroom for weekly tutoring with Poway Unified School District elementary students.

"The seniors feel they get as much out of it as the children," said Jane Radatz, who leads the group after joining as a tutor 17 years ago.

A $650 grant from the will help provide whiteboards, markers and other tutoring supplies for the seniors, she said. The foundation is the main source of funding for SHOK, which also holds a fundraiser with Outbeak Steakhouse and receives supports from the RB Kiwanis.

In May, SHOK recognized 25 volunteers who had been helping out for five, 10 or 15 years.

“The senior volunteers bring a special touch to our schools. Their experience, talents and caring ways complement the wonderful work done by the teachers and staff," Radatz said at the time.

One honored volunteer described the experience as "satisfying."

Radatz said the volunteers range in age from their 50s to the 90s, and primarily work with children in first through third grade. SHOK also has a ballroom dance component, where fifth-graders learn new moves from the older volunteers.

SHOK, as much as it helps the children, also helps the seniors because they know they're making a difference, Radatz said.

"We're very grateful to the RB Community Foundation for supporting the program," she said.