Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, is proud to celebrate longtime Foster Grandparent volunteer Toni Lieteau, recipient of the 2026 AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteer Award for Impactful Service in the School and Community.
Affectionately known as “Grandma Toni,” Toni was honored during a virtual AmeriCorps Seniors awards ceremony on September 15.
For the past 10 years, Toni has served through Catholic Charities’ AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program at St. Andrew’s School in Romeoville. Volunteering approximately 35–40 hours each week, she has contributed more than 14,500 hours of service and become a trusted source of encouragement and support for students, teachers and families. She was also named the 2019 Illinois Governor’s Volunteer of the Year.
Building a Library — and a Love of Reading
One of Toni’s most lasting contributions began when St. Andrew’s needed a school library but had no funding to create one. Starting with two boxes of old books, one bookshelf and an unused mobile unit, Toni helped transform the space into a welcoming school library. The project soon grew beyond the school. Lewis University’s Education Department raised funds for new books, closing schools donated materials, and community members and volunteers helped the library continue to grow. Today, the library gives students a place to discover new books, strengthen their reading skills and build confidence.
Through a decade of service, Toni has helped strengthen literacy, expand access to books and bring together students, families, educators and community members in support of children.
Become a Foster Grandparent
Catholic Charities is currently welcoming new volunteers to our AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program. Foster Grandparents make a meaningful difference in the lives of children by providing mentoring, encouragement and academic support.
To learn more about becoming a Foster Grandparent volunteer, contact Deb Sirek at 815-724-1157.
