By BEN KLEINE

Staff writer

It is not often someone’s job description involves cuddling.

“Some just need somebody to snuggle with,” Hazel Hoffner said. “At this age they can take all the individual attention they can get.”

Hoffner works 20 hours a week as the foster grandparent for Marion’s Head Start Program at Marion Elementary School. She is the only foster grandparent in Marion County. She became a foster grandparent three years ago and spent time with MES kindergarten, first-grade, second-grade, and fourth-grade classes. Last year she joined Head Start, a preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds, which caters to children from disadvantaged homes.

“A lot of our children don’t have extended family around,” Hoffner said. “A lot of families don’t have these close relatives.”

A foster grandparent’s main duty is to be a caring force for students. Hoffner often spends time with students who may be struggling in school or at home.

“Some say, ‘Grandma will you sit by me?’” Hoffner said. “Some days one child will latch on to me and hang out with me and I’ll spend almost all day with them.”

Hoffner will aid teacher Leslie Berry by helping students with reading, math, and social skills. She said she will often have students read to her.

“They try to get them ready for kindergarten,” Hoffner said.

However, Hoffner is limited because she cannot discipline a child.

“I’ve had to learn a lot of patience,” Hoffner said. “It’s really hard not to discipline when I see them do it. Sometimes I just walk off.”

Berry said Hoffner is adept at being firm with students without enacting discipline.

“I don’t let them feel like they can do whatever and reward bad behavior,” Hoffner said. “I can say you’re not making good choices. I never yell at them, I never get upset because that’s not my job.”

Making a difference after raising her children was the reason Hoffner joined the foster grandparent program and she has had an effect on students throughout Marion Elementary School. She visited this year’s kindergarten classes to wish her twin six-year-old grandchildren — who are two of eight of Hoffner’s grandchildren — a happy birthday. She had students from last year give her hugs.

“They never seem to forget,” Hoffner said. “I feel like I’m making a difference in these kids’ lives.”

Those children have made a lasting impression on Hoffner as well.

“There’s nothing more wonderful than being in a grocery store and they say ‘Hi grandma Hoffner’ and they’re excited to see me,” Hoffner said. “A grandma just has a special place in her heart for kids.”