Foster Grandparents

Purpose
Purpose
A promotional graphic for AmeriCorps Seniors. On the left, white text on a blue background reads, “Give back, learn new skills, and connect to your community.” Below it is a striped red, white, and blue design and a button labeled “Join Today.” On the right, a senior volunteer wearing a blue AmeriCorps Seniors shirt speaks with a young child. Words around them read “Mother,” “Caregiver,” and “Hero.” The word “Volunteer” appears in large white letters, along with the AmeriCorps Seniors logo.​​The AmeriCorps Senior​ was originally authorized until Title II, Part B, of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, as amended (Public Law 93-113). FGP was re-authorized under the National and Community Services Trust Act of 1993 (Public Law 103-82). The program's primary purpose is to provide opportunities for low-income persons aged 55 or over to provide supportive person-to-person services in health, education, welfare or related settings to help alleviate the physical, mental or emotional problems of children having special or exceptional needs.

The Alachua County Foster Grandparent Program started in July 1973, under the sponsorship of the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners through a grant funded by AmeriCorps Seniors. Presently, it is a part of the Department of Community Support Services.

FGP consists of AmeriCorps Senior volunteers working with children in the Alachua County Public Schools, local charter schools, Early Learning Coalition, ECS Head Start, and childcare centers and after school programs throughout Alachua County.​


The Foster Grandparent Program is operated in accordance with federal and requirements on non-discrimination and non-harassment. This program is subject to nondiscrimination requirements.

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Foster Grandparent Program Video
Foster Grandparent Program Video

The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is currently seeking volunteers. Volunteers work one-on-one with children, especially in Head Start classes, elementary schools, and after-school programs. Volunteers must meet income qualifications, be on good physical health, and pass a background screening.

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In return for their service, volunteers receive a bi-weekly non-taxable stipend, a daily meal, mileage reimbursement, and supplemental insurnace.

For more information, contact the Alachua County Foster Grandparent Program at 352-264-6730.

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Goals
Goals

​The goals of the Foster Grandparent Program are to:

  • Enable low-income persons aged 55 and over to remain physically and mentally active and to enhance their self-esteem through continued participation in needed community services.
  • Enable children with either exceptional or special needs to achieve improved physical, mental, emotional, and social development.​
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Volunteer Benefits
Volunteer Benefits
  • Receiving non-taxable stipend payment of $4.00 per hour for time served
  • Supplemental medical and automobile insurance
  • Transportation provided or reimbursement for mileage up to 20 miles per day
  • Daily meal or meal reimbursement
  • Free annual physical examination
  • Paid personal leave benefits
  • Volunteer Recognition
  • Opportunities to meet new people and enhanced socialization
  • Learning environment where volunteers share and gain new skills
  • Serve as a positive role model​ 
Foster Grandmother teaches hula​
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Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
  • Persons age 55+
  • Meet income guidelines
  • Be in reasonably good health
  • Enjoy working with children
  • Residents of Alachua County
  • Complete forty hours of pre-service training
  • Pass background screenings
  • Program restrictions may apply​
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Become an AmeriCorps Senior Volunteer
Become an AmeriCorps Senior Volunteer

​Help special needs children in your community by providing them with the love, encouragement, support and assistance they need.

For more information on how to become a Foster Grandparent, please call (352) 264-6730.

​Funded by AmeriCorps Seniors and the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners.

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Photos
Photos

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Contact​

April Francis
​
  • April Francis
  • Program Manger
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • 218 SE 24 Street
  • Gainesville, FL 32641
  • Phone: 352-264-6751
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
Brianna Mayberry
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  • Brianna Mayberry
  • Program Specialist
  • 218 SE 24th Street
  • Gainesville, FL 32641
  • Phone: 352-264-6757
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
Theresa Jewell
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  • Theresa Jewell
  • Program Specialist
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • 218 SE 24th Street
  • Gainesville, FL 32641
  • Phone: 352-264-6758
  • Fax: 352-264-6703
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
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Mission

  • To match low-income volunteers aged 55 and over with children and young people who have special needs, in order to increase opportunities for them to succeed, while providing challenging and rewarding experiences for the volunteers.

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 If any accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at (352) 374-5275 or (352) 374-5284 TDD.

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