It's about love.

When Merlene Kincaid sits at a desk with a tiny four-year old girl reading aloud stories from a child's picture book, it is love.

"These little children need love," she said. "Some of them might not be getting enough out there in the world. Some don't have any. But when they're here, they have my love. I give them hugs; I listen to them."

Merlene is a Foster Grandparent through Cardinal Ritter Senior Services (CRSS), a Catholic Charites federated agency. Created by government funding, the goal of the Foster Grandparent program is to provide for children who are in need of warm and loving adults in their lives. Seniors benefit not only through interactive contact with the children, but also they receive a small stipend to supplement their incomes.

Queenola Hardin, another Foster Grandparent through CRSS, depends upon this stipend. "The program helps me to help myself. It's hard to make ends meet on my fixed income. Last month, I got my gas bill...woo hoo, it was a lot. But with the small amount from this program, I make it. Thank the Lord. Plus, I get to be with all my babies!"

Four hours a day, five days a week, Merlene and Queenola share their love with the children at South Side Day Nursery (SSDN). St. Louis' oldest family support child care center, SSDN provides support for low-income children and families. Every year, approximately 150 children walk through their halls.

Some of these children are lucky enough to receive the love of a Foster Grandparent. But the grandparents feel fortunate as well to spend time with the children.

"When you listen to children, you really learn something from them," Merlene said. "You'd be surprised what they say. I always say: there's no dumb child, if you take the time and listen, you can understand."

With seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, Merlene has a lifetime of experience with kids. Her philosophies about child-rearing center on love.

"You have to take time with them," she said. "You can't push children aside or put them in front of the TV. Now is the time to put good things into their mind. Now is the time. You have to be courteous and loving because that's how you want them to be."

After spending so much time with the children, the hardest part of being a Foster Grandparent is letting go.

"They get so excited about going to the ‘big school," Queenola said. "It makes you feel good to see them so excited, but oh Lord, you get attached to some of them! Sometimes you can get so close to a child and their families. Sometimes, I see the children at the grocery store, and they run up to me and hug me. It's hard to see them go."

"Tears come down my face," Merlene said. "I love all my children. I feel like I'm losing them. But then new kids come in, and we start all over."

For Queenola and Merlene being a foster grandparent is an irreplaceable part of their lives.

"I'll stay here until I can't I do anything else," 81 year-old Queenola said. "I'll stay for as long as I can.

To more about the Foster Grandparent program, visit www.cardinalritterseniorservices.org or call 314-961-8000.

To learn more about SSDN, a non-Catholic Charities agency, visit www.ssdn.org or call 314-865-0322.