Foster Grandparent Program

The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is a program with a big heart and a heartfelt purpose. It provides an opportunity for senior men and women to interact with children through active involvement wherever children gather, such as daycare centers, Head Start, state-supported facilites, public and private schools and home settings. The "Grandparents" serve youth with exceptional and special needs.

Any successful program involving human interaction has specific goals. One of the main purposes of FGP is to serve children, and it also adds a note of informality, freshness and intimacy to the site location. For more information about this program nationally, go to www.NationalService.org.

Eligibility

1. Men and women, 60 years of age and over.
2. Retired, no longer in the work force.
3. Capable to serve assigned children on a personal and regular basis.
4. Physically able, as determined by a required physical examination, prior to the assignment and annually thereafter.
5. Willing to accept supervision as needed.

Benefits

1. if income eligible, stipend at the rate of $2.65 per hour for an average of 20 hours of service per week, usually 4 to 5 hours daily.
2. One hot, nutritious meal each day if possible.
3. Transportation or mileage reimbursement
4. Physical examination.
5. Accident and liability insurance.
6. Annual, sick and holiday leave.
7. Orientation and in-service training program.
8. Information and referral service.
9. Annual recognition program.

Activities

1. Foster Granparent and children play games, walk, talk, listen, read and eat together.
2. Foster Grandparent lends support to learning and therapy.
3. Activities between the Foster Grandparent and children are developed for a one-on-one relationship.