Foster Grandparents: Their Impact & How
to Volunteer
July 11, 2024
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AmeriCorps Seniors, a network of national service programs for Americans 55 and older, provides a Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) to address critical community needs. The goal of the Foster Grandparent Program is to provide tutoring and mentoring services to youth in local communities. Foster Grandparents are considered role models, mentors, and friends to children with exceptional needs.
At Senior Services Plus (SSP), the Foster Grandparent Program serves Madison, Macoupin, Jersey, and Clinton counties. The FGP staff are always hard at work ensuring that the children they serve flourish academically and socially. During the school year, you can find Grandparents volunteering in local schools, after-school programs, Head Start programs, and more. Typical duties in a school setting may include helping children with reading, writing, and math skills, one-on-one tutoring to students in busy classrooms, and caring for children with disabilities.
Grandparents often form meaningful relationships with the youth they serve and look forward to their time together in the classroom. Vivian, Foster Grandparent at SSP since 2019, says, "We are like a substitute family member to them. When Grandparents walk into the room, the teens' faces light up knowing they are going to receive love and affection."
Educators also appreciate the work that Grandparents do for their classrooms. Wolf Ridge Elementary staff stated that Sue, FGP volunteer, impacted their school. "The kids look forward to her visits and getting to meet with her one-on-one or in small groups," they say, "The teachers truly appreciate her assistance. She is ag reat role model for all the students!"
However, the work for the FGP doesn't end with the school year. During the summer, Grandparents team up with non-profit community summer programs to provide critical services to youth year-round. Some locations include local YWCAs, the William G. Murray Center, and the William BeDell Achievement and Resource Center. FGP services will continue to be provided in these summer programs as our volunteers strive to create positive learning environments for children all year-round.
What Does it Take to be a Volunteer?
If you're highly motivated, feel the need to serve, and have a sincere interest and ability in developing supportive relationships with children, then the Foster Grandparent Program could be a great fit for you! Successful volunteers find themselves in alignment with our service philosophy and approach:
Service Philosophy:
FGP operates on the philosophy that older adults and youth can benefit from interactions with each other. FGP volunteers share their love, time, and experience which empower them to help children who have special or exceptional needs.
Service Approach:
The program's service approach recognizes that older adults have contributed significantly to our society and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. They are recognized for the desire to give back to their communities, and adequate time is provided for tasks needing completion. Volunteers are treated as valued members of the group.
Qualities of a Foster Grandparent volunteer include:
- Carrying out assignments in good spirits
- Respecting and complying with all station guidelines and procedures
- Respecting and complying with FGP, Senior Services Plus, and the Corporation for National and Community Services (CNCS) policies and guidelines
- Being able to serve a culturally diverse population
- Consistency and reliability when reporting for scheduled service
Volunteer Requirements
To volunteer with the Foster Grandparent Program, participants must be:
- 55 years of age or older
- Willing and able to abide by the program requirements
- Can serve a minimum of 15 hours per week
- Meet the annual income guidelines set by CNCS
- Complete and pass all required background checks
- Complete volunteer application and screening process, including interview and reference checks
- Receive an annual authorization from a physician certifying the volunteer can serve children with exceptional physical, cognitive, or special needs, without detriment to themselves or the children served
- Be flexible in accepting volunteer assignments
Volunteers who are income eligible receive a small, tax-free stipend during service. Mileage and meal reimbursement are also available. Additionally, FGP volunteers receive monthly training and ongoing recognition for their service.
In 2023, SSP's Foster Grandparent Program had 69 total volunteers who completed 70,613 hours of service collectively. Our Foster Grandparents continue to provide exceptional service to the youth of our community and are preparing for the upcoming school year.
To learn more about what it's like to be in the Foster Grandparent Program, please visit seniorservicesplus.org/fgp. If you're interested in volunteering, please contact our office at 618-465-3298 ext. 135.
618-465-3298 ext. 135.
