The Foster Grandparent Program is a nationally-chartered program that provides an organized opportunity for low-income senior citizens to love, nurture, and educate at-risk and special needs children. The consistent, one-on-one relationships developed through the Foster Grandparent Program provide children with the additional attention and love they are needing. Children may receive support from their Grandparent to improve reading skills, cope with the death of a parent or other caregiver, assimilate into a new community or school, improve language skills, or simply share some quite time talking.

As participants in the program, Grandparents volunteer 15-40 hours a week and are provided with a program orientation; monthly in-service trainings; a uniform top with a program nametag; transportation assistance to and from volunteer sites and in-service meetings; a meal during each day worked; accident insurance; and an hourly stipend of $2.65.  

Applicants must:
     1.  Be 60 years of age or older
     2.  Have an adjusted income less than 125% of the federal poverty guideline
     3.  Enjoy being with children
     4.  Be in reasonably good health

Program Available In:   Barry County, Branch County, Calhoun County, St. Joseph County