Foster Grandparent Program Helps Children Thrive By Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ

Retirement is a wonderful opportunity to volunteer your time and experience to help nurture a child in need.  The Foster Grandparent program, part of the Senior Corps organization, was started over 45 years ago and has served children in communities all over the country.  They place volunteers in thousands of organizations including Head Start, faith-based groups, and schools to mentor children and assist with tutoring and enrichment activities.  

To become a foster grandparent, you must be 55 years or older and available to work anywhere from 15 to 40 hours a week.  Many of  the volunteers give the full 40 hours of time.  To get started, you can fill out an application online and a program director will contact you for an interview.  You will be asked questions about why you are interested in wanting to become a volunteer and what your past experiences are.  A criminal background check is done and you are given a free physical and TB test which you must pass.  From the financial information on your application, it will be determined if you are eligible for a stipend that is based on income.  The stipend does not negatively affect your social security.  

The Foster Grandparent program initially provides an orientation to each new volunteer, and then the organization where you are placed does their own training so you are well prepared for your new job. Many of the programs are located in bigger cities as needs are higher in urban areas, but there are still programs in suburban settings.  

Remember you will get as much benefit from volunteering as you are giving.  It is a great feeling to be needed and to make a difference in a child’s life.  The Senior Corps likes to cites a study that shows volunteering can help a senior to live longer as well as improve their mental wellbeing.   

  

Bethesda retirement community Phoenix offers exceptional assisted living and short term care in a comfortable, tranquil setting.  Medicare supplemental insurance helps to pay for the additional medical cost not covered by Medicare.  Please read our latest blog on to find out why you might need medigap insurance.