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Foster Grandparent Program may be the right fit for you

The Foster Grandparent Program may be the perfect fit for you.

The program is for men and women over the age of 55 who to volunteer with children while earning an hourly stipend.

Volunteers are assigned to classrooms at schools, Head Start programs or alternative education programs.

There are volunteer opportunities in Juniata, Mifflin, Snyder, Union and Northumberland counties. Foster Grandparents work one-on-one or in groups with children who have special needs, but volunteers do not need to have prior experience.

Volunteers complete an orientation training, which covers the necessary information to fulfill the duties.

Foster grandparents serve in classrooms as mentors and role models, sharing love with the students. They make a difference by tutoring the students in areas that the teachers feel they need additional assistance.

Foster Grandparent Leah Young has been with the FGP since 2001 and currently volunteers in Cheryl Rush’s Head Start classroom at Strodes Mills. Young and Rush have worked together for several years.

“Having Leah in our room is a huge help. She always knows which kiddos need that extra hug or encouragement. I love seeing the children’s faces light up when they see her at the door to greet them!” Rush said.

Foster grandparents earn an hourly tax-free stipend to offset the time they dedicate. They serve between 15 and 40 hours a week. Volunteers work with staff to create a weekly schedule that works best for their lifestyle.

Volunteers receive paid vacation, allowing them to take time off when they need–whether that be for doctor’s appointments or bus trips. Volunteers are also paid for holidays each year, so they can enjoy the time off while continuing to earn money.

Additionally, they receive meals from their site and share lunch time with the children, getting to know them outside of the classroom.

Foster grandparents also receive transportation assistance to and from their volunteer site.

For more information or to learn how to apply, call the Foster Grandparent Program office at (570) 374-9196 or toll free at 1 (866) 374-9196.

The Foster Grandparent Program of Central PA is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Union/Snyder Agency on Aging Inc.

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