Foster Grandparent Volunteer program connects older Texans with kids in need
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texas Health and Human Services is recruiting volunteers for its Foster Grandparent program, which connects older Texans with children in need of one-on-one emotional support, mentoring and tutoring.
According to Texas Health and Human Services, it currently has about 300 volunteers -- aged 55 and older -- acting as role models, mentors and friends.
To note, becoming a Foster Grandparent volunteer is not the same as foster parenting, and the children do not live with volunteers. Rather, they meet their mentees at designated organizations -- such as a public school, child care center, Head Start program, hospital, juvenile correction facility or any other child-centered agency.
The agency calls it a "proven intergenerational mentoring program."
There are also some virtual volunteer service opportunities. The time commitment ranges from five to 40 hours a week, according to the program's manager Emily Dressen.
"We do have a lot of volunteers who actually hit that 40 hours, which is just -- for me personally -- it is motivation every day," Dressen told KXAN. "It is that renewed purpose. For some -- a lot of them -- you know, they've already worked their full life. They've raised their family, raised grandkids, and now they're looking for something else to do, and this is a great opportunity for them to do that."
Dressen said Foster Grandparents might work with children on their school work: from learning their ABCs to word recognition. Other opportunities with younger children might be rocking babies or working on color recognition.
She went on to say, "a lot of our volunteers will tell you, 'It gives me a reason to get up every morning.'"
According to HHS, volunteers can also earn a stipend based on hours volunteered, ranging from $240 to $640 per month.
Foster Grandparent volunteers are screened through personal interviews and background checks. Nonprofits can also partner with the state agency to help out.
Dressen said the main qualification is caring for and about kids.
"We're really just looking for people who are looking for an opportunity to get out of the house, reengage with their community -- and must love children," she said.
For more information and to apply to the program, click here.