Foster Grandparent Program, Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet

The Foster Grandparent Program offers older adults age 55 and up an opportunity to serve as a mentor and tutor for children and youth with special or exceptional needs in the classroom. If you are interested in serving as a Foster Grandparent, you must meet income eligibility guidelines and pass a background check. You will receive a modest tax-free stipend to offset the cost of volunteering. Foster Grandparents serve a minimum of 15-20 hours a week, usually 5 hours a day Monday through Thursday. Other benefits include reimbursement for mileage, meals during service, accrued paid time off, and accident and liability insurance while on duty. Pre-Service orientation and monthly training sessions provided are mandatory.

Foster Grandparents offer emotional and academic support to children who are in need of extra help in the classroom. Their personal attention helps these young people grow and gain confidence they need to succeed in life. In the process, Foster Grandparents strengthen communities by providing youth services that community budgets cannot afford and by building bridges across generations. Foster Grandparent volunteers report that they have better life satisfaction, increased mental and physical health, and less isolation. They often serve in community organizations such as schools, Head Starts, and after school programs. Please contact us to find out how you can help a child as a Foster Grandparent!

Terms: Volunteer must be at least 55 years of age. Volunteer must meet income eligibility requirement which is 200% of poverty level or less and pass background check. Volunteer serves a minimum of 15-20 hours a week year round.

Benefits: Meals, Accident/Liability Insurance, Mileage, Stipend, PTO, and Training