Recruit and train limited income people 60+ years of age to provide twenty hours per week of individual attention to children with special and/or exceptional needs.

Description:
WHAT IS THE FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM?

The Foster Grandparent Program is an intergenerational program that matches low-income seniors (age 60+) with children with special needs. There are Foster Grandparent Programs in all fifty states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Foster Grandparent Program is a part of the Corporation for National and Community Service and one of the three programs that comprise the National Senior Service Corp. The other two National Senior Service Corp programs are the Senior Companion Program and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. The Foster Grandparent Program is the oldest of the Senior Programs; it was started in 1965 under the Lyndon B. Johnson administration. It began as a national demonstration effort to show how low-income persons aged 60 or over have the maturity and experience to establish a personal relationship with children having either exceptional or special needs. An agreement between the Office of Economic Opportunity and the Administration on Aging resulted in the funding of 21 Foster Grandparent Programs. By 1968, the effectiveness of the program had been demonstrated and the program had expanded to 68 projects in 40 states.

Purpose: The Foster Grandparent Program has a dual purpose of: 1) engaging persons 60 and older, particularly those with limited incomes, in volunteering service to meet the critical needs of local communities; and 2) providing a high quality, meaningful experience that will enrich the lives of the volunteers.

Contact people:

Bonnie Grazulis, Office Manager, (phone), (email) Jane Watkins, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Address:

7400 Laurel Hill Oaks Circle Orlando, FL 32818 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.fostergrandparentprogram.org

Directions:

Beginning at the Silver Star/Hiawassee intersection, go west on Silver Star about 1/2 mile. Turn left on Laurel Hill Road. Continue on Laurel Hill Road until you pass through the chainlink gate (always open). As soon as. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: Laurel Hill Road, 2 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Does this agency typically accept court-ordered assignments?
	Yes
Do you accept volunteers at night and on weekends?
	No
Do you accept groups of volunteers?
	Yes