November is National Adoption Awareness Month. This month, we not only recognize adoptive parents and adoptees, but also those who have chosen to raise and mentor children through fostering—both parents AND grandparents.
Foster guardians are critical figures in the lives of the quarter of a million children per year entering the foster system. Foster guardians step in to provide stability, emotional support, and teach life lessons to vulnerable youth. But foster parents aren’t the only ones stepping in to provide love and kindness to children.
The Foster Grandparent Program, funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, is a senior volunteer program that pairs Americans over age 55 with children in need of guidance and mentorship. Foster Grandparents provide tutoring, basic care for children with illnesses and disabilities, and nurture children who have experienced abuse and hardship.
In return, the Foster Grandparent Program provides its senior volunteers with ways to keep active and enjoy one-on-one interaction with children.
If you would like to make a difference in the lives of children in your community, the Foster Grandparent Program is looking for volunteers just like you! Check out the Senior Corps homepage at nationalservice.govto become a Foster Grandparent.
