Foster Grandparent Program

The Foster Grandparent Program offers older adults an opportunity to provide one-on-one and small group tutoring and mentoring to elementary school children who need additional support at school. The program in southeastern Wisconsin has had a successful track record since 1993 by helping students improve academically and older adults thriving because they have sense of purpose.

Foster Grandparents help children learn basic social skills, reading and writing and guide them at a critical time in their lives. They use the wisdom they have gathered throughout their lives to help put a child on the path toward a successful future.

The Foster Grandparent Program connects the generations by building on a natural bond, wisdom and experience of foster grandparents to enrich the lives of children, adolescents and young adults.

Teachers who work with Foster Grandparents in their classrooms believe strongly in their value.

“If [our volunteer] isn’t directly working with a student, she knows our classroom and routines well enough to take the initiative to help out where needed. She knows the students who need the one on one help and can assist them without my direction. She is an integral part of our classroom culture and we all appreciate her.”
–Racine Elementary School Teacher

“ [Our volunteer] was such an asset to my classroom and my students. She knew how to relate to them at their level and the students always responded very positively to her. They’d frequently ask when she would be coming. They would love to have her everyday.”
–Racine Elementary School Teacher

Eligibility:

55 years of age and older
Interest in working with children
Able to work a minimum of five hours per week
Able to travel to a Racine or Kenosha school
A non-taxable stipend is paid to income-eligible senior volunteers, along with travel reimbursement. Orientation and ongoing assistance and training are provided

Benefits:

Small tax free stipend to those who meet income guidelines.
Transportation reimbursement.
Annual paid leave as well as holiday hours.
Access to an annual physical examination.
Recognition events.
Ongoing training, both personal and professional
Community engagement

Funding Sources: Corporation for National and Community Service

If you or someone you know may be interested in being a Foster Grandparent contact Goodwill at (262) 833-1629 or email Jeromy.Moore@goodwillsew.com.

Goodwill would like to thank the Racine County Community Foundation and the L.C. Christensen Charitable and Religious Foundation, Inc. for their generous grants to our Foster Grandparents program.

Goodwill Community Services