AmeriCorps' Foster Grandparent Program

AmeriCorps, with the help of South Central Human Resource Agency, will be partnering with Hope Hohenwald to begin the "Seniors Foster Grandparent Program," which aims to engage Americans 55 years and older in volunteer service and to provide one-on-one mentoring to students to reach higher academic achievements.

The Foster Grandparent program serves in classrooms and after-school programs to improve school readiness for economically disadvantaged children or in a higher education setting providing young adults guidance to achieve greater things and academics.

The program has already been adopted by surrounding counties' school systems, but the idea was presented to our school during the recent transition from former Director of Schools Benny Pace and new Director of Schools Tracy McAbee. With the transition in administration taking place, AmeriCorps turned to Hope Hohenwald.

Hope Hohenwald is a local non-profit that prides themselves on serving the children of Lewis County. This year marks their 15th annual after school program where they will be serving over 120 kids. This made Hope Hohenwald a great fit for the Foster Grandparent Program.

The volunteers who are in need are 55 years or older and are looking to make a difference in a child's life, whether that means serving as a much-needed role model or to help them achieve academic success. Volunteers can be active anywhere from 5 to 40 hours per week.

"Volunteers seek to improve social-emotional skills, self-control, and self-esteem through one-on-one tutoring and mentoring services," read one of the hand-outs, describing the volunteers they are seeking.

According to the AmeriCorps website, the program offers benefits to their volunteers. "The Foster Grandparent program offers modest stipends to eligible volunteers to help offset the costs of volunteering. Other benefits include training, accident, personal liability, and excess automobile liability insurance as well as community recognition," it read.

If you are interested in becoming a Foster Grandparent, you can contact the Foster Grandparent Program Director Jeana Mills at 931-433-7182, ext. 1126, or June Kerrin at 931-433-7182, ext. 1127.