UPO Foster Grandparent Program

Description

Volunteer Foster Grandparents provide a variety of support services to the program. The Foster Grandparent Program offers seniors age 55 and older opportunities to serve as mentors, tutors, and loving caregivers for socioeconomically disadvantaged children and youth from birth to 21 years of age. Foster Grandparent Program provides a stipend to those that meet income eligibility guidelines receive a modest, tax-free stipend to offset the cost of volunteering. Persons exceeding income guidelines are welcomed to serve without a stipend. Foster Grandparents serve 15 to 40 hours per week, each volunteer chooses their schedule, Monday through Friday, serving children one-on-one and in small groups. Currently the program provides opportunities to serve at 51 locations including: 26 DC Public Elementary Schools / Public Charter Elementary Schools; 21 Early Education Programs; 3 Hospitals and 1 Youth Program. Other benefits include reimbursement for transportation, some meals during service, an annual physical, and accident and liability insurance while on duty. Pre-Service and monthly training sessions provided. Additionally, the program seeks volunteers (no income or age restrictions) to serve on its Advisory Committee, fundraising, provide trainings in early education, computer literacy and other areas of interest to FGs, assist in resource development, program marketing and program data management.