Aging Friendly Innovations: Best Practices Wichita Best Practices

 The following is a program, initiative, or project, within and beyond the Wichita area, that serve as models to communities anywhere of how to advance intergenerational engagement.

Foster Grandparent Program Wichita, Kansas For more than three decades, the Foster Grandparent Program has been providing opportunities for older adults in Wichita to serve youth with special needs. The program, operated by Catholic Charities, places foster grandparents in volunteer stations such as schools, shelters, daycare centers and hospitals where they provide one-on-one attention to children reading or exercising, tutoring, or even just talking and listening. The program provides nurturing support for youth to help with their physical, psychological, educational and social development, and instills an appreciation for the wisdom and caring support of older adults. For foster grandparents, they are left with the satisfaction of making a positive contribution to the community, along with a number of other benefits such as training sessions, transportation assistance, and meals. Each year, foster grandparents provide more than 100,000 hours of service to youth in the Wichita community, and the program is sure to have continued success in the future.