Foster Grandparents Program (FGP) – South Central Human Resource Agency

Foster Grandparents are role models, mentors, and friends to children with exceptional needs. The program provides a way for volunteers age 55 and over to stay active by serving children and youth in their communities.

Serve as a volunteer tutor at local schools, Head Start center, or after-school and summer programs. Receive a tax-exempt hourly stipend, lunch, and mileage reimbursements. These will not affect other benefits you receive.

Program Requirements

55 years of age or older
Have limited income
Able to volunteer at least 5 hours per week
Pass a background check

Previous experience in education is not required. Ongoing training and support will be provided.

Make a difference in the lives of children

Volunteers serve at dozens of local organizations. Their duties include:
- Helping children learn to read and providing one-on-one tutoring
- Caring for children with disabilities
- Helping children who have been abused or neglected
All you need to join is the ability to give the kind of comfort and love that sets a child on the path toward a successful future. If you’re 55 or older and want to share your experience and compassion, you have what it takes to be a Foster Grandparent.

Make new friends, have fun, and stay active in your community!

When you volunteer, you're not just helping others. You're helping yourself! Volunteering leads to new discoveries and new friends.
Older Americans who volunteer frequently live longer and report better health as well.

Volunteer Involvement

Foster Grandparents often maintain an ongoing, intensive relationship with the children and youth served for a year or longer.

Foster Grandparents serve from 20 to 40 hours per week in locations including schools, after-school programs, daycare facilities, or Head Start centers in all 13 counties served by SCHRA. Volunteers receive pre-service orientation, training from the organization where you will serve, supplemental accident and liability insurance, mileage/travel cost assistance and meals while on duty. Volunteers who meet certain income guidelines also receive a small stipend.

For additional information, visit the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) website.

Contact Information

FOSTER GRANDPARENTS TESTIMONIALS

My name is Bertha Faulkner; I am retired from Head Start. I worked as a teacher for 34 years and two years as a substitute. Then I decided to get into the Foster Grandparent Program. I truly love my work as a Foster Grandparent. I love working with children. It helps me to meet different people and also helps me financially as well as helps me mentally and it keeps my mind off things. If it had not been for the Foster Grandparent program I would not be able to live by myself. Thank you for the program!

Bertha Faulkner

FGP Volunteer in Lawrence County at New Prospect School

What being a Foster Grandparent means to me: I work with Pre-K through third grade. In the morning you walk in the room they will say “hi maw maw” and most will come and give you a big hug, and that makes me have a very good day, to see their smiling faces. When you are reading with them most of them want to be first. I feel I am doing something right. You see the children at lunch or in the hallways and they will say “hi maw maw “and wave to me.

Lavaughn McMasters "Maw Maw"

FGP volunteer in Lawrence County at New Prospect School