Foster Grandparent Program

Nearly 500 Wisconsin residents are serving as Foster Grandparents today. We are always looking for additional eligible volunteers. See the contact list following the program information below.

Foster grandparents serve as mentors, tutors and caregivers for children and youth with special needs. They provide 15-40  hours of weekly volunteer service through community organizations such as schools, hospitals, child care centers, Head Start programs and residential programs. Foster Grandparents delight in having a purpose to each day. They have the chance to join other community members in worthwhile activities that improve the lives of children. In so doing, they discover opportunities for friendship, education and satisfaction.

Foster grandparents receive a modest tax-free stipend, reimbursement for transportation, meals during service, annual physical examinations, and accident and liability insurance while on duty. They must meet income eligibility standards and be at least 60 years of age. People volunteering as foster grandparents receive careful orientation training to help them develop skills needed to serve children with special needs. They also receive periodic refresher training in monthly in-service group meetings.

Foster Grandparent projects are sponsored in Wisconsin by the following organizations.

• Bureau of Aging & Disability Resources
  LuAnn Paepke, State Coordinator - 608-266-2695
  
• List of Locations
  
• Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, Lac du Flambeau
  Contact: Jody Hardes, FGP Director - 715-588-3324
  Email: jhardes@glitc.org
  
• Southwest Community Action Program, Dodgeville
  Contact: Cindy Deckert, FGP Director - 608-935-2326
  Email: c.deckert@swcap.org

Last Revised: April 15, 2008