Some children have special needs that only special people can meet.
Foster Grandparents draw on the wisdom and devotion they have gained through their many years of life and in turn serve as mentors and tutors, restoring and reinforcing a sense of community and the value of an extended family in the children.
In helping children who are developmentally disabled, visually or hearing impaired, emotionally or physically abused, physically or learning impaired, Foster Grandparents earn the love of the children and also enjoy companionship of other volunteers.
Foster Grandparents spend 15 to 20 hours, or up to 40 hours, each week giving one-on-one attention to children with exceptional needs. Volunteers may rock babies, color with pre-schoolers, listen to school-age children read, or assist teenage parents with completing school successfully. In all cases, the relationship that grows between the Foster Grandparent and the child makes a tremendous difference in the lives of both.
Interested in becoming a Foster Grandparent?
To be a Foster Grandparent, you must:
- be at least 55 years old
- enjoy children
- successfully complete our pre-service training and a police background check
- be income-eligible
For your service, you will receive:
- max 40 hours of paid (stipend) volunteering
- ongoing paid training
- a tax-free stipend which will not affect other benefits
- mileage reimbursement to and from service
- an annual physical examination
- excess accident and liability insurance
- ongoing staff support
Within Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties, Foster Grandparents serve in elementary, middle and high schools, after-school programs, early childhood centers, preschools, migrant programs, emergency shelters and detention centers.
For more information on the Foster Grandparent Program, sign up here or call 269-983-7058.
Program supported by:
