Foster Grandparent Program

The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is part of Senior Corps, a network of national service programs that provides older Americans the opportunity to put their life experiences to work for local communities.  Foster Grandparents serve as mentors, tutors, and caregivers for at-risk children and youth with special needs.  They serve a minimum of 20 hours per week in child care centers, schools, Headstart centers and centers for children with disabilities. 

Foster Grandparents help young people achieve academically, physically, emotionally and socially, thereby, helping them to attain self-confidence and personal independence so they can learn to overcome their problems and become productive members of society. 

Eligibility
The Foster Grandparent Program is open to people age 60 and over with limited incomes.  All applicants undergo a telephone and personal interview, as well as pre-service and in-service training. 

Volunteer Benefits
Tax-Free Stipend  -  Income eligible Foster Grandparents receive a $2.65 per hour tax-free stipend.  According to law, the stipend does not count as income when determining eligibility for benefits, including food stamps, energy assistance, subsidized housing, rent, VA pension, etc.

Accident Insurance Coverage  -  Foster Grandparents are covered during regular service hours by accident insurance, personal liability insurance and if you drive, auto liability insurance.

Annual Physical Examination  -  Prior to assignment, and annually thereafter, Foster Grandparents are required to have a physical examination.  Local physicians normally provide these examinations.

Transportation Assistance  -  Mileage reimbursement and transportation assistance is provided to and from assignments and official project activities.

Paid Vacation and Sick Leave  -  According to the number of hours served each month, Foster Grandparents earn and accrue paid leave time hours.

Meals While Serving  -  A daily meal will be provided by the volunteer station.

Training  -  Ongoing training will be provided throughout the year to enhance the skills and performance of the Foster Grandparents.

Recognition  -  Special recognition events are provided for all Foster Grandparents throughout the year.

Sponsor  -  The White River Area Agency on Aging sponsors the Foster Grandparent Program in its ten county region. The program is funded and administered through a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service.  During 2003, 92 Foster Grandparents between the ages of 63 and 88 provided approximately 60,000 hours of service to over 500 children with special needs.  These caring individuals provided a meaningful community service at 27 volunteer stations throughout the ten county region.  The stations include three day care centers, three Headstart centers and twenty-one public schools.

Think this might be for you?

For a list of current Foster Grandparent sites in the WRAAA service area, click here.

To download a Foster Grandparent Application form (Adobe .pdf format, requires Adobe Reader) click here.

For more information contact: 

  Foster Grandparent Program
  ,Director
  P.O. Box 2637 
  Batesville, AR  72503
  Phone:  (870) 612-3039
  Toll-Free:  (800) 382-3205
  Fax:  (870) 793-5594