The Foster Grandparent Program of Central Pennsylvania connects older adults with children who could use the support of a grandparent-like figure in their lives. It’s open to anyone 55 and older living on a limited income who is passionate about helping kids.
The brief description of the Foster Grandparent Program that follows can be found on the Union-Snyder Agency on Aging website, “A Foster Grandparent reads stories, helps develop a child’s independence and self-confidence, teaches simple tasks and learning skills, and plays games. They receive supervision and direction from program supervisors.”
In addition to developing a meaningful connection with a child, foster grandparents receive a tax-free hourly stipend, transportation assistance, a daily meal, paid vacation, holiday and sick leave, paid training, recognition events, and — above all else — socialization and friendship. When asked how the Foster Grandparent selection and pairing process works, Director Sarah Long said, “We have an application process that includes interviewing the applicant, checking references, and completing background checks. The volunteers are then placed at local sites (schools, daycares, Head Starts, and Pre-K Counts) based on their preferences. The teachers at the sites match them with students that have special needs.”
During the pandemic, the Foster Grandparents have not been able to go into schools and centers, so they have revamped their approach. Foster Grandparents have received technology training to learn how to use Zoom and iPads as well as how to send emails to communicate with their students. In addition to technical training, the Foster Grandparent Program of Central PA recently set up a pen pal and classroom helper program that allowed the grandparents to help out from home. The pen pal program has allowed the grandparents to stay connected with their students while staying safe in the comfort of their own homes.
“The Foster Grandparent Program provides volunteers with a sense of purpose when they see their investments of time, patience, and positive praise pay off,” said Long. “Whether it is a student reading a book to them, improving their spelling, or excelling in rocket math, the volunteers know that the one-on-one attention they give the students has a direct impact on their success.”
Foster Grandma Jane agrees. She recently shared on the Foster Grandparent of Central PA social media, “It means so much, I don’t know how to even tell you. It has given me a reason to get up and get dressed in the morning and a place to go where I always feel welcome and needed.”
If you or someone you know is interested in getting involved in the local Foster Grandparent Program, call (570) 374-9196 or visit https://usaaa17.org/our-services/foster-grandparent-program-of-central-pennsylvania/