I just learned about a program over at Grandparents Guide at About.com that I have not heard of before. It sounds wonderful and I’m sure there is a huge need. It’s called the Foster Grandparents Program, a government program to connect seniors to kids who need them. Sometimes, if you qualify, you can even receive income from helping these kids.
Here’s another link to learn more. If you want to sign up to help, well, this link hopefully will get you to a page with your states contact info. It seems to me it's a lot harder than it should be to find out how to sign up and volunteer. I finally got to the state offices page, after clicking link after link, and called my states number (Arizona) only to find out there is currently no funding here for this program through a recording. I randomly called a few other states just to see what other info I could find about the Foster Grandparent Program and only found recordings to leave a message. So, you will need to leave a message and wait to have someone get back to you. Good luck with your state!
Kids need grandparents who help! I am curious if any of you reading this have participated in this program. I would love to hear about your experience. Email me or leave a comment please if you have or know someone who did. Thanks!
Kids need grandparents who help! I am curious if any of you reading this have participated in this program. I would love to hear about your experience. Email me or leave a comment please if you have or know someone who did. Thanks!
Hi, Connie
ReplyDeleteThanks for the mention. I'm so sorry to hear that Foster Grandparents are not being funded in all states. I do know that it is active in many places as I have a "Google Alerts" set up for "grandparents," and I frequently see articles about it. I, too, would love to hear from someone who has been personally involved in the program.
Hi Connie, navigating through your blog and found this about the Foster Grandparents Program. Lyn over at the school was mentioning a program she is trying keep going called "adopt a grandparent" I wonder if it is the same or what similarities there are. Love this blog by the way. Great job!!
ReplyDeleteHow generous of grandparents who are good with their own to want to include other children who are not so fortunate. I have heard of a program where families adopt a grandPARENT because they have none living. That, too, is a "win-win" for everyone!
ReplyDeleteI think this is an wonderful idea. I've often said they have Big Brother and Big Sister programs and they need something similar for Grandparents. I've done Grandparents Day at Amara's school where I got to adopt 3 or 4 others and I loved it if only for a day! I think the need is huge and from both sides. For grandparents who have grandchildren that live far away, they have lots of love and knowledge to share with some child who is local. Same goes for their grandchildren who are so far away, it would be nice if they had an adopted grandparent near by. I hope they make it work.
ReplyDeleteYes I think all kids need grandparents, foster or not. It's a great volunteer activity.
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