MONROE — January is National Mentoring Month. More than a half of a million adult Americans serve as Foster Grandparent Volunteers through the Senior Corps volunteer programs. 

Engaging Americans to strengthen their communities through volunteer service is the primary role of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Southwest Wisconsin has a Senior Corps volunteer program, The Foster Grandparents Program taps into the skills, talents and experience of adults 55 and older. 

Volunteers of the FGP assist their communities by volunteering at approved sites such as schools, after-school programs, family enhancement programs, not-for profit daycare agencies and other qualified youth programs. Children are not placed in a volunteer’s home. Foster Grandparent volunteers, under the supervision of host station staff, provide supportive activities such as assisting with reading, math skills, social skills, or other areas where children may be challenged. To offset the cost of volunteerin,g qualified FG volunteers who meet program guidelines receive a tax-free hourly payment which does not affect income sensitive programs. 

To learn more about volunteering, contact Cindy at SWCAP, 149 North Iowa Street, Dodgeville, WI 53533, e-mail c.deckert@swcap.org or call 800-704-8555 extension 209. Additional information on the program is available at southwestcap.org or www.nationalservice.gov.