The Foster Grandparent Program offers seniors ages 60 and older the opportunity to serve as mentors, tutors and caregivers for children and youth with special needs. They provide 20 hours of weekly service to community organizations such as schools, hospitals and youth centers. Foster grandparents must meet income eligibility requirements to receive a modest tax-free stipend for their services.

Individuals over 60 years of age with an income of $1,495 a month or less also have the opportunity to volunteer one-on-one with home-bound seniors in the community. Senior companions enable care recipients to remain independent by providing assistance with non-medical care such as:

• Active listening
• Companionship
• Laundry
• Light housekeeping
• Meal preparation
• Shopping

Benefits
In return for volunteering 15-40 hours a week, senior companions receive:

• $2.65 per hour as a tax-free stipend, or approximately $220 per month (does not affect other benefits received) 
• Annual physical paid by the program
• Pre-service and on-going training
• Reimbursement of transportation mileage to and from volunteer site

For more information about either of these programs, please call Program Director Denise Nelsen at (712) 476-2628. You can also visit the program website for additional details.