The Foster Grandparent Program (FCP) is a program where seniors ages 55 and older serve as mentors, loving caregivers, and tutors for youth and children with special needs.
Contact: Trelany Pennington, Program Manager (352) 264-6751, tpennington@alachuacounty.us
Mailing Address: 218 SE 24th St., Gainesville, FL, 32641
What they do: The Foster Grandparent Program (FCP) matches low-income senior citizens ages 55 and older with children and youth who have emotional, medical, physical, or developmental challenges. Foster grandparents care for children and infants with mental impairments, physical disabilities, or medical issues; they tutor children who are behind in reading; they mentor young mothers and troubled teenagers; they also give emotional support for children who have been neglected or abused.
What YOU can do to help: This program needs volunteers ages 55 and older interested in helping out children and youth with special needs. Your help can make a big difference in the lives of children and youth. You can help build their self-confidence, help them achieve their goals, and help them become productive, active members of their communities and families. Foster grandparents often help the children at local schools, Head Start centers, youth centers, and hospitals. The time commitment average is 15-40 hours a week, often 4-6 hours a day Monday through Friday. To become a foster grandparent, you must meet income eligibility requirements.