ST MARY'S FGP

Description

Sharing a Lifetime of Wisdom.

The Foster Grandparent Program is a successful nationwide volunteer program that helps seniors use their experience to improve the lives of children in need. Every day in communities across America, Foster Grandparents are the people children in need depend on for love, wisdom and support.

Our Foster Grandparents provide invaluable attention, confidence, and a positive role model for children by:

• helping at-risk preschoolers gain important skills for entering Kindergarten;
• working with children with learning disabilities or delays;
• helping students improve their reading skills;
• teaching incarcerated youth essential skills for school and life;
• providing assistance to children who may be physically or mentally challenged.

YOU have what it takes!

You do not need to be a parent or grandparent, but you must have the desire to share your time and experience with children who will benefit from individual attention. Some Foster Grandparents even qualify for a modest, non-taxable, hourly stipend. Through a federal program, you will qualify if you:

• are at least 55 years old;
• are available to volunteer 15-30 hours/week;
• meet household income requirements. We can help you determine if you qualify.

By federal law, the stipend is not subject to income tax, nor does it affect eligibility or benefits from any governmental program, including social Security, disability, retirement, or public assistance!

Additional benefits include orientation and monthly training, continued support, an annual wellness exam, assistance with transportation and meal costs, supplemental insurance while on duty, discounted membership at St. Mary's Wellness Center health club, and the opportunity to meet and socialize with other volunteers, make friends, learn new things, and even the odds for children who have special needs.

Giving back helps YOU, too!

When you volunteer, you're not just helping others - you're helping yourself. Volunteering leads to new discoveries and new friends. Plus, studies show that volunteering helps you live longer and promotes a positive outlook on life. Not to mention, being a Foster Grandparent Volunteer is FUN!

When you share your love, time and experience, tutoring and mentoring as a Foster Grandparent, you have the power to help a child who needs you. Put simply, you give the kind of comfort and love that sets a child on the path toward a successful future.

Won't you join us?