MONROE   —  Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program has a special volunteer national service program, the Foster Grandparents Program which is designed for seniors. 

Foster grandparent volunteers do not volunteer in homes, instead the focus of the FGP is to provide seniors with supervised volunteer opportunities in public and faith-based schools, HeadStarts, not-for-profit daycares and other organizations who focus on improving the lives of children. The volunteers read to or listen to children read, do math flash cards or other classroom activities developed by the teacher. But FGP volunteers do much more, they encourage confidence in the children and assist them to grow into productive community members.

Locally the Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program sponsors the FGP in eight counties: Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, Crawford, Richland, Vernon and Sauk. 

Foster Grandparents are seniors 55 and older who meet income guidelines and FGP guidelines, which includes a background check, and have the desire to use their life experience to volunteer 5 to 40 hours per week during the school year at approved host sites to encourage, tutor and mentor. 

In return for volunteering, qualified FGP volunteers can earn money in the form of a tax-free hourly stipend. The money does not affect any income sensitive program. Volunteers also receive funds to assist with transportation to and from host site and FGP activities, a meal allowance, assistance with an annual physical, paid pre-service training and paid monthly trainings. 

Those 55 years of age or older and are interested in learning more should contact the Foster Grandparent Program at Southwest CAP, 149 North Iowa Street, Dodgeville, WI 53533 or call 1-800-704-8555 ext 209, or e-mail c.deckert@swcap.org. Additional information can be found on www.nationalservice.gov and www.swcap.org.