Foster Grandparent Program
Matching caring seniors with unique opportunities to provide mentorship and educational support for children.
Purpose and meaningful work in your retirement
The Foster Grandparent Program at Catholic Charities provides opportunities for low-income seniors and retirees to serve children through mentorship and educational support.
In doing so, the children feel valued while senior citizens engage in meaningful work that pays them a tax-free stipend.
What to Expect
Foster grandparents help children feel loved and respected
Taking time to invest in area youth benefits both the children and the volunteers. Classroom foster grandparents serve in schools, early childhood programs, daycare centers and shelters, nurturing children’s potential by:
- Tutoring and mentoring one-on-one or in small groups.
- Engaging children through listening, talking, walking and reading.
- Crossing language barriers for non-native English speakers.
- Providing intellectual stimulation through one-on-one tutoring.
- Helping children make strides in their physical, psychological, educational and social development.
Benefits for Volunteers
Being a foster grandparent offers benefits
Beyond enriching the lives of children in our community, foster grandparents enjoy many personal benefits, including:
- A stipend of $4.00 per hour is paid to those who meet income eligibility requirements.
- 20 hours of paid orientation, plus an additional 24 hours of paid in-service training during the year.
- Monthly, supplemental in-service programs about aging issues and various approaches to working with children who have mental, physical, or emotional difficulties.
- Transportation assistance.
- Accident and liability insurance.
- Community and camaraderie with other volunteers through summer book clubs and seasonal celebrations.
- Volunteer recognition for years of service.
Qualifications
Become a classroom foster grandparent
Although classroom foster grandparents have varied skills and education levels, to apply, you must:
- Be retired and age 55 or older.
- Enjoy working with children.
- Be willing and able to maintain a work schedule of 15 to 40 hours a week.
- Have an income less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
Consider the positive impact you can have on children by becoming a classroom foster grandparent. To request more information, call (316) 264-8344, ext. 1211.
How to Apply
Apply today
Becoming a foster grandparent takes a few easy steps:
- Please fill out the inquiry form below.
- Consent to a background check regarding child abuse/neglect and other criminal offenses.
- If approved, attend required orientation and ongoing training.
Get Help From Foster Grandparents
Do you need the help of a foster grandparent
If your organization, classroom, daycare, or work with children could benefit from additional adult help, contact our offices to learn how a foster grandparent can serve the kids in your care.
Call (316) 264-8344, ext. 1211, to find out more.
Funding
The Foster Grandparent Program at Catholic Charities is funded by AmeriCorps Seniors and in-kind assistance from volunteer stations where foster grandparents serve through the communities in Sedgwick County.
FAQs About Foster grandparent Program
Good questions
Can I choose where I work?
Yes. Grandparents can choose which school or facility they will work in. Usually, grandparents choose a location near them, but it’s entirely up to the grandparent where they would like to work.
Do I have a choice when I work?
Yes. You and the facility can negotiate the days and hours you will be working. Just as long as you work 15 hours in a week the days and hours can be flexible.
Do children come to my house?
No. Grandparents only work in schools and other facilities. No children will ever come to your house.
Does the stipend affect my Social Security income?
No. The stipend paid to our foster grandparents is tax-free and does not affect Social Security income.
Is this a volunteer or paid position?
While this position is a volunteer position, foster grandparents earn a small stipend through the AmeriCorps Senior Program.