Foster Grandparents/Mentors

Be a Mentor! Give Back! Be a Volunteer!

Senior Connections offers volunteer opportunities through federally funded programs such as AmeriCorps Seniors. AmeriCorps Seniors is a network of national service programs for Americans 55 years and older, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improve lives and fostering civic engagement. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers commit their time to address critical community needs including academic tutoring and mentoring, elderly care, disaster relief support, and more.

Overview

Volunteers in the Foster Grandparents Program (FGP) are role models and mentors to children who need additional support.  The program provides a way for volunteers - age 55 and over  - to stay active by serving children and youth in their communities.

FGP in Richmond

Area partners are non-profit or faith-based child care centers and schools located in Richmond, Henrico or Chesterfield. Our Foster Grandparents work with a wide age range of children, from infants to age 12. For infants and toddlers, we provide comfort, care, and additional support to ensure children are reaching developmental milestones. For our preschool and school-aged children, we work on building academic and socio-emotional skills to help students succeed in and out of school.

Current Partners

  • All Saints Catholic School

  • Amelia Street School

  • CrossRoads Christian Academy (CRCA)

  • John C. Purnell Family Center

  • Kingdom Kidz Academy

  • Lakeside Baptist Church Day Care

  • NextGen Learning Center

  • Robert L. Taylor Childcare Center

  • St. James Children’s Center

  • Trinity Family Life Center

  • Worship and Praise Child Development Center

  • Youth Life Foundation

  • YWCA Child Development Center

Eligibility

Foster Grandparents must meet certain eligibility requirements:

  • Be 55+

  • Agree to serve 5 - 40 hours a week

  • Meet income requirements for tax-free stipend

Benefits

As a Foster Grandparent you will receive:

  • A modest hourly tax-free stipend

  • Specialized training

  • Free annual physical exams

  • Reimbursement for travel associated with your assignment

  • Recognition of your volunteer service

Contact

Have questions or want to learn more?

Please contact: 

 

Carol Ayars, CVA - AmeriCorps Seniors Programs Manager

Foster Grandparents (FGP) and Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

cayars@youraaa.org

(804) 343-3047