The Foster Grandparents Program provides senior volunteers, ages 55 and older, an opportunity to support, encourage, mentor, and nurture children with special and exceptional needs from infancy through 21 years of age. The children served may be those who have experienced trauma through abuse and neglect, or those with physical, mental or social and emotional challenges. Foster Grandparent volunteers serve children in non-profit childcare centers, Head Start. public schools, after school programs, juvenile justice system and group homes. FGP volunteers are required to attend 20 hours of paid pre-service training as well as 24-hours of annual in-service training. Training topics include program policies & procedures, confidentiality, child development, health & safety, diversity, literacy, trauma informed care, and much more! Volunteers can serve a minimum of 15 hours per week, up to 40 hours depending on the needs of the volunteer site. Volunteer opportunities are available in our ten county area (Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson, and Warren).
Who Benefits?
Foster Grandparent volunteers, the children they serve, the teachers, the classrooms, the volunteer sites, and our communities all benefit from the program. Children of all ages can improve with the interaction, support, attention, and wisdom provided by Foster Grandparent volunteers. The Foster Grandparent volunteers gain self-confidence and retain their sense of worth through daily activities specific to the needs of our communities’ children. Income-eligible Foster Grandparent volunteers also receive a small tax-free stipend which does not affect their current governmental benefits, such as Social Security, housing, or food stamps. Other benefits include reimbursement for transportation to and from their workstations, meal reimbursement during service, annual physical examinations, and insurance while on duty. Volunteers are also honored at our Volunteer Recognition in April. Service award certificates and gifts, lunch, guest speakers and entertainment are all part of their special day. We are proud to have volunteers with up to 20+ years of service. Bi-monthly in-service meetings are also a great time for volunteers to connect, share fellowship and social interactions, and learn new strategies to implement with their students and available community resources.
Advisory Council
The FGP Advisory council is composed of community members, who represent the service area, that assist the program with finances, recognition, public relations, fundraising, special events and other areas. Advisory members serve a three-year term and attend six council meetings a year. Meetings are held virtually and in-person. If you are interested in serving on the FGP council, please contact Krista for more information.
Testimonials
"The Foster Grandparent Program plays a very vital and important role in the lives of the community, and the children and families we serve within our ten county area. These retired individuals serve as mentors, tutors and loving caregivers to some very deserving children that may have come from at-risk backgrounds or who face physical or emotional challenges. They have a listening ear and provide care while offering encouragement, support and stability with connectedness that continues to have a profound and lasting impact on our children and staff. The Foster Grandparents offer so much knowledge and experience that creates a natural bond that aids in bridging the gap between generations. The Foster Grandparents restore and reinforce a sense of community and bring family values to our children and families we serve."
~Nikki Duncan - Little Scholars, FSW/Assistant Center Manager
"After 55 years of marriage and 3 children, I lost them all within 5 years. I found myself alone. I learned about the Foster Grandparent program through my sister, who was also a volunteer. The progam filled an empty place in my life and became my family for the past 14 years. I'm still with them and I plan to stay!" ~Grandma Bettie Justice
"Social and emotional learning is an important piece of the Head Start, Early Head Start learning journey. It has been proven that positive social and emotional development in the early years is the foundation for learning. To build a solid and supportive learning environment Western Kentucky Child Care utilizes foster grandparents. Our grandparents have been responsive to the needs of children by building positive relationships with the children in our classrooms. Our children not only have a friend in our foster grandparents but a mentor. We are appreciative of the enhancement they bring to our learning environments."
~Melody R. Hedden WKUCCC Head Start/Early Head Start Director
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Krista Graves - Program Director
(office )270-782-3162, Ext 131
(fax) 270-842-5735
kgraves@casoky.org
Kim Huffman - Volunteer Advocate
(office )270-782-3162, Ext 132
(fax) 270-842-5735
khuffman@casoky.org