Foster grandparents play a vital role in school districts in Broome County. Many schools have Foster Grandparent volunteers who bring gifts of friendship and caring. Teachers who have worked with a foster grandparent tell us they are invaluable. Foster grandparents are an extra set of eyes and ears, someone who can work one-on-one with children to help them succeed. Foster grandparents play with the children, read with them, help reinforce lessons taught by the teacher, and offer encouragement and praise. The foster grandparent can play a vital role in the well-being of a child both socially and academically.

The Foster Grandparent Program offers income-eligible seniors, age 60 and over, the opportunity to receive a non-taxable income, free daily lunch, and paid time off. In return, they spend time with children in schools, Head Start programs and day care centers. Foster grandparents enjoy socializing with others, feeling useful and needed, and having an impact on a child’s life.

There is always a need for Foster Grandparents in our community. To find out if this is something you would like to do, or if you are a teacher and are interested in having a Foster Grandparent in your classroom, please call Deb Stewart at the Broome County Office for Aging at 778-2089.