Eligibility

Applicants must be age fifty-five and older to be eligible to be Foster Grandparents. Individual must pass criminal background checks and have a passion for helping children reach their full potential. All volunteers must be willing to serve at least 15 hours a week.

Benefits

Most Foster Grandparents are reimbursed for their bus fare or mileage. By staying active and volunteering with children, Foster Grandparents are healthier, less lonely, and play an active role in the community. Many volunteers develop new friendships with their peers. We also recognize our Foster Grandparents with annual events and celebration.

Assignments

The average volunteer serves 1,044 hours annually. Being a Foster Grandparent provides flexibility, as many Grandparents may need time off because of illness, family visits, etc. Your volunteer assignment will be close to home. Some of our volunteer locations such as Head Start and district schools are closed during the summer, which allows for extra time off for vacations, rest and relaxation.

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Stipends

Foster Grandparents are considered volunteers but are paid a stipend. To qualify for the stipend, seniors must have incomes no greater than 200% of poverty level. Most seniors volunteer 20-30 hours per week and receive on average $300-$400 per month. This income is not taxable and is not counted in the determination of other benefits such as Medicaid or subsidized housing. The Grandparents are paid for holidays and can earn eight hours per month of paid time off.

Training

Foster Grandparents attend a 20 hour pre-service orientation, and a monthly in-service meeting. Throughout the year, volunteers also receive training from guest speakers on topics related to children and seniors.

Funding

Americorps is the federal agency connecting individuals and organizations through service and volunteering to tackle the nation’s most pressing challenges. To support the placement of our AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers a grant is given to our Foster Grandparent Program with a dual purpose: to engage Americans 55 years and older in volunteer service and to provide one-on-one support to children with special needs to improve their academic, social, and emotional development at their local schools and community centers. The local support from businesses, foundations and public agencies has strengthened community impact and increased the return on taxpayer dollars.