Washtenaw County’s Foster Grandparent Program is currently recruiting income-eligible individuals, ages 55 years or older, for a rewarding opportunity to provide educational support and mentorship to youth in local schools, daycare settings, Head Start Programs, and other youth facilities throughout the county. Volunteers receive a financial stipend, training, and professional development to better understand the needs of youth that they work with.
Participants must meet the following qualifications to be eligible for the program:
- Location: must live in Washtenaw County
- Age: 55 years or older
- Income: 200% of Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Poverty Guidelines
- Must clear state and federal backgrounds checks
- Ability and willingness to volunteer 20 hours per week (in-person and remote placements available)
Program benefits for seniors include:
- Participants will receive a $250 monthly stipend (non-taxed)
- Enhanced social engagement with school staff, students, and other program participants
- Increased health benefits associated with having a sense of community
- Transportation and lunch provided at no cost during programming
- Training and professional development offered
- An increased sense of purpose and fulfillment, providing mentorship and developing strong connections with youth and school staff
- Access to other local resources and wrap around services
Individuals can apply by contacting Foster Grandparent Program Specialist Sandy Bowers at 734-544-3040 or email at bowerssk@washtenaw.org. Alternatively, an application form is available on our webpage at https://www.washtenaw.org/fgp.
