Becoming a Foster Grandparent

Westminster seniors have a wealth of knowledge and love to share. Volunteers of America's Foster Grandparents are bridging the gap between our most valuable assets, seniors and youth - providing mutual benefits. It is a chance to foster community and create strong generational ties among young and old alike.

The program offers opportunities for seniors to spend quality time with young people -from holding infants in pediatric hospitals, singing with preschoolers, reading to schoolchildren, to mentoring at-risk youth. Seniors with a love for children and willing to devote 20 hrs per week work with VOA's Foster Grandparent program to find the right volunteer match between seniors and children. The program currently has partnerships with dozens of educational programs in counties throughout Colorado.

Currently, the search is on for seniors in the Westminster, Thornton, and Northglenn area. The program is in full swing in several counties and Volunteers of America wants to expand the program to additional cities in Adams county.The GrandparentProgram has existing partnerships with Adams 12 and Adams 50 school districts, in addition tocommunity centers, hospitals, youthrehabilitation programs,and childcare facilities.

Foster Grandparents must be at least 60 years of age with an income limited to $12,765/year for a one-person household. Foster Grandparents will receive a $212.00 tax-free monthly stipend for their service, which does not affect OAP, Medicare/Medicaid or Social Security. They receive paid vacation/sick time, holiday pay and transportation reimbursement, an annual physical exam and supplemental insurance while they are at their sites. For more information, call Volunteers of America's Foster Grandparent program, 303-297-0408 or visit www.voacolorado.org