Think about this and spread the word – AAA is seeking caring persons aged 55 and older with limited income to share their love and knowledge with children through the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP).
The first major program I pursued after joining AAA in the 1970s was the Foster Grandparent Program. A national treasure, Foster Grandparent volunteers are reimbursed an hourly stipend to become a special friend and mentor to children identified as having exceptional needs.
There’s a special relationship between youngsters and older people. Those lucky enough to live close to older relatives understand this. Often a child will open up to the listening ear of a caring adult without worry about disappointing parents or teachers. Teens and young adults are often fascinated by life at a different time, and both young and old benefit from glimpses into another generation.
Recently attending a large 50th high school class reunion on the other side of that state, I stayed with a childhood friend who grew up three houses down the block from me. Not having seen each other for decades, what reminiscence did our chat evolve to? Talking about our memories and talks with an older man who lived between us growing up.
He was probably retired and sixty something when we met him as young playmates. Little did we know we both would go on to maintain his friendship through college and beyond. Stops at his house for a chat on the way to visit my parents were the norm until he passed in his late eighties.
So many don’t have grandparents or elders close by to foster that special relationship. Creating a nationwide construct for training and linking caring seniors with children who need extra one on one attention was ingenious and has proven highly successful.
Data from standardized Child Assessment Plans (CAP) for children paired with FGPs in Pre-K to 3rd grade in 14 schools throughout southwest Michigan during the 2021-22 school year show impressive results of the focused attention.
For example, social skills such as classroom interaction, behavior and participation improved an average 91 percent. Emotional markers for self-confidence and self-control increased an average 90 percent. Reading skills improved 89 percent; math 81 percent. General markers on ability to focus, follow direction, attendance and interest in academics or school in general improved an average of nearly 77 percent.
There’s no upper age limit for FGPs who want to volunteer. The pandemic brought health issues and many retirements. AAA is now seeking volunteers in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties for this exceptional work. It’s truly a win-win with volunteers finding their later life calling and children blossoming from their new friendship.
Foster Grandparent volunteers typically serve 25-40 hours per week helping children with exceptional needs in pre-schools, schools, and community agencies, giving them the one-on-one attention and support needed at a critical time in their emotional and academic lives
For more information you can go to www.areaagencyonaging.org and click on Get Involved, then Volunteer Opportunities, or call the Foster Grandparent Program directly at (269) 983-7058 or toll-free at (877) 660-2725 or email at: fgp@areaagencyonaging.org .
Do you know someone who might be interested? Please spread the word and share this article. It’s important; you just might change a life or two.