Foster Grandparent Program
The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) offers volunteer opportunities to limited-income persons age 55 and older. Foster Grandparents provide one-to-one assistance to children with special and exceptional needs for at least 15 hours a week.
FGP volunteers in North Florida serve at public schools, schools for special needs children, pediatric units, and day care centers. Foster Grandparents:
- Tutor children, teach remedial academic skills, help motivate students, and assist with socialization skills
- Mentor children by listening to them, talking with them, and providing emotional support
- Assist with rehab exercises and teach self-care skills
- Encourage children and help them prepare to return to their families and living environments
- Hold and care for babies, read aloud to young children, and act as role models
Local Service Area
FGP of North Florida recruits and places Foster Grandparents in Gadsden, Leon, and Wakulla counties.
Training
Foster Grandparents receive 40 hours of pre-service orientation and training, plus four hours of in-service training each month from their sponsoring agencies or volunteer stations.
Benefits
Foster Grandparents receive a modest tax-free stipend and assistance with an annual physical exam. While in service they receive accident, personal, and automobile liability insurance as well as assistance with the cost of transportation.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Ivy Ward at (850) 245 5922 or wardi@ecsbigbend.org or apply online: Foster Grandparent Application.