About Us
For more than 30 years, Foster Grandparents have given their talents and love to children with exceptional needs, have held out hands and found thousands of hands to hold, and have had experience making rainbows.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you have time to give, are 60 years or older and are in good physical and mental health, you may become a Foster Grandparent. For more information call 630-5450.
Accomplishments
100 volunteers give more than 83,000 hours of service to the community. At market value (average $12.84 per hour), service is equivalent to more than $1,000,000 annually.
Assignments
Foster Grandparents are assigned to:
Head Start Programs
Day Care Centers
Public Schools
Youth Detention Center
Parent-Child Centers
Hospitals
Police Athletic League
Benefits
Foster Grandparents receive the following benefits:
Tax free hourly stipend
Transportation reimbursement
Lunch allowance
Annual physical exam
Special training
Recognition events
Opportunities to socialize
Activities
Foster Grandparents serve children who are mentally retarded, visually or hearing impaired, emotionally or physically abused, physically handicapped or learning disabled. Foster grandparents assist in the development of motor skills, self care, learning skills and independence. They serve as mentors and tutors to special needs children. In addition, they help restore and reinforce a sense of community and family values in the children.
Advisory Council
An Advisory Council suggests ideas, makes recommendations and supports special activities for the Foster Grandparent Program such as the annual recognition event and the Foster Grandparent Conference.
Transportation
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) offers free transit service to persons 60 years of age and over with a Transit Identification Card, available at the Mary L. Singleton Senior Center, 150 East First St. Call 630-0995. For Foster Grandparent volunteers the costs of personal travel to and from assignments is reimbursable.
The Foster Grandparent Program is sponsored and funded by the National Senior Service Corps, Corporation for National Service with matching funds from the City of Jacksonville, Community Services Department, Adult Services Division.