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Westchester Program Recruiting Foster Grandparents

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. -- The Foster Grandparent Program of Elmsford-based Westchester Community Opportunity Program, Inc. is expanding its outreach efforts and is interested in attracting additional participants. 

Foster grandparents are being recruited by Westchester Community Opportunity Program, Inc.

Foster grandparents are being recruited by Westchester Community Opportunity Program, Inc.

Photo Credit: Contributed

This program provides valuable assistance to children with special and exceptional needs in an academic setting. 

The Foster Grandparents serve one-on-one as tutors and mentors to young people throughout Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Sullivan, Ulster and Orange counties.  This program is funded primarily by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Additional funding is provided by the New York State Office for Aging and Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services. The Foster Grandparents are low-income senior citizens who must be a minimum of 55 years of age. They serve from 15 to 35 hours weekly and receive a tax-free hourly stipend as well as 30 paid vacation days, 12 paid sick days and 5 paid inclement weather days.  Additionally, they are provided mileage reimbursement, liability insurance and an annual Recognition Luncheon honoring their service to the community. 

Currently WestCOP’s Foster Grandparent program has more than 200 seniors serving hundreds of children in numerous Head Start centers, elementary schools and day care centers throughout many different cities and towns.  Nationally there are nearly 30,000 Foster Grandparents serving in 341 local projects. These participants provide service to more than 284,000 children with special and exceptional needs.  The mission of the Corporation for National and Community Service is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. 

If you are interested in becoming a Foster Grandparent or just need more information, call 914-592-5600, ext. 114 or email rbahr@westcop.org.

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