Foster Grandparents Program

The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) offers volunteer opportunities to limited-income persons age 55 and older.  Foster Grandparents provide one-on-one assistance to children with special and exceptional needs.

FGP volunteers in North Florida serve at public schools, schools for special needs children, pediatric units, day care centers and teenage parent programs.  The Foster Grandparents:

• Tutor children, teach remedial academic skills, help motivate students, and assist with socialization skills.
• Mentor children by listening to them, talking with them, and providing emotional support
• Assist with rehab exercises and teach self-care skills.
• Encourage children and help them prepare to return to their families and living environments.
• Hold and care for the babies, read aloud to the young children, and act as role models.
• Teach parenting skills to teen mothers.

Kids find role models in "Foster Grandparents" - feature on NBCs Nightly News.

Local Service Area

FGP of North Florida recruits and places Foster Grandparents in nine counties:  Calhoun, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, and Wakulla.

Training

Foster Grandparents receive 20 hours of pre-service orientation and training, plus four hours of in-service training each month from their sponsoring agencies or the volunteer stations.

Benefits

Foster Grandparents receive a modest tax-free stipend and assistance with an annual physical exam.  While in service, they receive accident, personal and automobile liability insurance as well as assistance with daily meals and the cost of transportation.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Jocelyne Fliger at (850) 921-5554 or fligerj@ecsbigbend.org or apply online: Foster Grandparent Application.