Giving Back Never Gets Old

Charles W. Shedd, an author known for his homespun wisdom, once said, “Grandparents are, without a doubt, some of the world’s best educators.” Shedd is not the only one who thinks senior members of society have a lot to offer, though. AmeriCorps has an entire program based on the notion. The AmeriCorps’ Foster Grandparent Program pairs thriving senior citizens with young people with exceptional needs. The program operates in states across the nation. In Mississippi, the program dates back to 1972 when, according to Mary Lynn Smith, the Director of the Foster Grandparent Program of the Pine Belt, “…a grant written by Dr. Paul D. Cotten and Dr. Randall Hendrix brought the program to Ellisville State School.” Today, the Foster Grandparent Program is available in cities all over the state, making it easy for residents to get involved. Even better, Smith gave an interview to Parents & Kids, providing plenty of information about the program, including who can participate, the benefits of participating, and success stories from past participants.

How it all Began

The Foster Grandparent Program was piloted on August 28, 1965, as a way to keep senior citizens active and, simultaneously, promote community service. Now a national program, it is sponsored by organizations all over the country – and they all operate with the same goal in mind: to engage Americans 55 years and older in volunteer service, while providing one-on-one support to children with special needs to improve their academic, social, or emotional development.

A Win-Win-Win

One of the biggest benefits of the Foster Grandparent Program is the joy of giving back. Those volunteering with the Foster Grandparent Program “serve as mentors, tutors, and caregivers to the students who teachers identify as needing a little extra help,” Smith stated. “AmeriCorps Seniors service also provides tangible benefits for volunteers. The Foster Grandparent Program offers modest stipends to eligible volunteers to help offset the costs of volunteering.” She continued, “Nationally, the program began in 1965 to help senior adults remain active in the community as well as supplementing their income with a non-taxable stipend. Volunteers receive a meal each day that they volunteer and travel assistance.” It’s not just the volunteers and children who are being mentored who benefit from the program, though. Organizations that support the Foster Grandparent Program receive grants to offset any costs incurred, so it’s truly a win-win-win for all involved.

Success Stories

The program’s success is undeniable, especially to someone like Smith, who’s seen it play out firsthand. When asked about standout moments from her time as Director of the Foster Grandparent Program of the Pine Belt, Smith replied, “One of our volunteers was so inspired after working in a classroom helping the students she went back to school to take classes that would help her in working with the students.” That’s not the only heartwarming story Smith had to share, though. “Another Foster Grandparent received a graduation card from one of her former students, [asking] her to sit with his family.”

Most Eligible Grandparent

Volunteering for the Foster Grandparent Program is as easy as it is rewarding. There are just a couple of stipulations. First, all volunteers must be 55 years of age or older. Second, anyone interested in volunteering must be in “good physical and mental health and meet a low-income eligibility,” Smith stated. Volunteering is a breeze, which means there is no reason not to do it, and, according to Smith volunteers are needed. “We are always getting requests from schools for more Foster Grandparents.”

Want to know more about this unique volunteer opportunity? For more information, call the Foster Grandparent Program of the Pine Belt at (601) 477-5803 or send an email to [email protected]. You can also visit the Foster Grandparent Program page on the AmeriCorps website at americorps.gov.

Daniella DiRienzo is a self-proclaimed southerner who graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2011 and has been working as a freelance writer ever since.