• The Foster Grandparent Program is a Youth Mentoring Program.
  
  
• The Foster Grandparent Program is funded by federal, state and local grants, and contributions from organizations such as the United Way, the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, and through fundraising.

• The Dubuque Foster Grandparent Program became an independent program in 1974 and Project Concern became the sponsor.
  
  
• The Foster Grandparent Program is facilitated by the Corporation for National and Community Service created in 1993.

• Grandparents must be at least 60 years old.
  
  
• Grandparents volunteer for a minimum of 15 hours per week.
  
  
• Grandparents must enjoy children.

Benefits

• Hourly tax-free stipends for both training and working in the classroom are available for those who meet income guidelines.
  
  
• Grandparnets receive a free meal while on site
  
  
• An annual Physical is provided.
  
  
• Transportation assistance is available.
  
  
• Other benefits include Paid Time Off (PTO) & more!

• Foster Grandparents work on strengthening academic skills including Math, Reading, Spelling, Language, etc.
  
  
• Foster grandparents also assist with motor, social, and behavioral skills.
  
  
• Foster grandparents working in preschools & child care centers and child development homes help children learn ABCs, numbers, colors, writing names, etc.
  
  
• Many of the Grandparents eat lunch with the youth.

Work plans are established at the beginning of each year for the students with special needs and progress is monitored throughout the year.

Evaluations show almost every child working with a Foster Grandparent shows improvement in skills.

Volunteers usually work with about 8 youth, one on one.

Orientation- Volunteers are required to attend 20 hours of pre-service orientation.

Continuing Education-In-services are held each month- approximately 4 hours each.

Screening Process- Volunteers must pass a Criminal Background Check as well as a check of the National Sex Offender Registry prior to direct volunteer service.

Foster grandparents are paid for time spent in training.

“ My students need to have our Grandpa in our room, where we have 9 children on problem-solving for math and 9 for reading. He is patient and they learn so much from him. The Foster Grandparents program is a huge asset to our children and our school.”  - Local Second Grade Teacher

“Grandpa Bob is important to me because he helps us get better at Math! Grandma Betty helped me in Kindergarten. Everyone likes all the Grandmas and Grandpas.”  - Student Michaela

Foster Grandparents Make a Difference in the Lives of Children Every Day!

“Since becoming a Foster Grandma, my days are full and rewarding. Some days I feel that the kids give me more than I give to them. The time I spend with them goes so fast because we are so busy doing things together and helping them on a one to one basis. I am very proud to be a Foster Grandparent and enjoy working with others in the program.” – Grandma Joan

“They are full of wisdom and past stories. They take us in as almost family. They are there for us for emotional support. They help us with academics and respect you…They love us kids.”  - Local Student

If you have any questions about the Dubuque Area Foster Grandparent Program or know someone that would like to be involved, please contact the FGP Director, Brooke Sluiter, at 563-588-3980, or
Toll Free at 1-866-220-2642. E-mail: fgpdirector@project-concern.org

“To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.“               ~Author Unknown