Studies have shown that mentoring is a valuable and successful way of preventing violence, drug abuse, and school dropouts for children. With mentors such as Foster Grand-parents volunteering in schools and other education programs, young people get the guidance they need to make positive choices in the future. If you love children, have time to spare and could use a little extra income, become a Foster Grandparent. With the new year starting, many seniors have already begun leading the way to a brighter future for many youth. The Foster Grandparent program is a great opportunity to make a difference in your community. Children guided by mentors have a better chance of succeeding and are more likely to make positive choices. The Foster Grandparent program is a nationally recognized intergenerational program that provides meaningful and re-warding volunteer opportunities to people age 60 and older to give back to their community. Foster Grandparents volunteer their time to build relationships with children at schools, early education programs, residential facilities and social service agencies. The mentor relationships built by Foster Grandparents help children who have exceptional, emotional and/or special needs within the community. Foster Grandparents volunteer an average of twenty hours per week and receive a small tax-free stipend ($2.65 per hour). Other benefits include transportation assistance, annual medical review, accident and liability insurance while on assignment, a daily lunch or meal allowance, education and training, paid vacation and sick leave, recognition, social activities, and the satisfaction of knowing you made a difference. If you or someone you know would enjoy giving of your time, talents and energy to volunteer with a program that is personally fulfilling and socially rewarding please call. For information contact Jean Yager at (320) 229-4587 or (866) 895-7992.
