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• Foster Grandparents

Foster Grandparent Program

As an older adult, you may be looking for a way to make a difference in the lives of our young people.  Or, maybe you want to meet new people that share your interests. Or, maybe you could use a little extra income.

With CEO’s Foster Grandparent Program, you can do all of these things and more. The program has been in operation at CEO since 1976 and now serves hundreds of children each year in the  counties of Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady. The program allows you to earn a tax-free stipend for volunteering anywhere from 15 to 40 hours a week, helping children to learn and grow through fun and educational activities.

Participants are placed on assignment at various volunteer stations that are close to their homes. You may be volunteering with children in:

• Local schools
• Head Start and Early Head Start programs
• After-school programs
• Teen and preteen programs

Not only does the program offer the chance to make a difference in children’s lives – you can also meet new and interesting people. Foster Grandparent Volunteers often travel together on field trips, celebrate events with one another, and attend regular training and group learning sessions, creating a strong community.

“Mentoring gives purpose to my life in a program that I am passionate about. Interacting with young children puts a smile on my face many times a day. I get to work with a team who are like-minded in bringing  happiness to our ‘little people’.”

-Colleen Melia

“I am so happy when I help a pre-K student learn how to write, especially when they learn how to write their fist & last name.”

-Mary Turner

“Building a close relationship with the children & showing them my trust.”

-Pauline Williams

“Mentoring makes me happy when the children realize that they can accomplish something and smile.”

-Shon Cooper

CEO’s Foster Grandparent Program is Senior Corps program. Senior Corps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency for volunteering, service, and civic engagement. CNCS engages millions of Americans in citizen service through its AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs and leads the nation’s volunteer and service efforts. For more information, visit nationalservice.gov.

Eligibility Guidelines:

Foster Grandparent Volunteers must be:

• 55 years of age or older
• Willing and able to volunteer a minimum of 15 hours per week
• Cleared by a physician for a:
  • Physical annually
  • TB test every 2 years
• Income eligible (guidelines below)

The following link will direct you to the current income guidelines set forth by The Corporation for National & Community Service. This information will be found at the very bottom of the page.

• Income Guidelines

If your income is over the income guidelines, you may still participate as a volunteer.

Want to apply now? Please click below and fill out the form.

Forms can be e-mailed to: ceofgp@ceoempowers.org
Or mailed to:
Commission on Economic Opportunity
Foster Grandparent Program
2331 5th Avenue
Troy, NY 12180

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