Foster Grandparent Program
The Foster Grandparent Program is an intergenerational program first established in 1965. It connects volunteers age 55 and over with opportunities to provide one-on-one mentoring, nurturing and support to children with special or exceptional needs, and who are at an academic, social or financial disadvantage. Children and youth served by the Program often do not have a caring and consistent adult presence in their lives; this void is filled by a Foster Grandparent. In turn, Foster Grandparents derive significant social, emotional and health benefits from their service. The Program gives them a strong sense of purpose by giving back to the community and shaping the young leaders of the future.
Foster Grandparents help young children gain skills and confidence to succeed in school. They mentor and tutor children, serve as positive role models and assist those in the child welfare system.
Foster Grandparents serve between 5 and 40 hours per week. Income eligible volunteers receive a tax free stipend of $4.00 per hour. Volunteers also receive service related insurance, mileage reimbursement and other benefits.
The Foster Grandparent Program, sponsored by Fort Hays State University, is part of AmeriCorps Seniors, along with RSVP and the Senior Companion Program. AmeriCorps Seniors is administered by AmeriCorps which is the federal agency connecting individuals and organizations through service and volunteering to tackle the nation's most pressing challenges.
AmeriCorps | National Senior Corps Association
Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging | FHSU Senior Companion Program