MONROE — January is National Mentoring Month and Southwest CAP is looking for adults interested in the Foster Grandparent Program.

To learn more, stop in between noon and 4 p.m. at an open house on Tuesday, Jan. 22 at Southwest CAP’s business office at 149 North Iowa Street, Dodgeville. Those unable to attend can also e-mail c.deckert@swcap.org or call 800-704-8555 extension 209. Additional information on the Foster Grandparent Program is available at www.southwestcap.org or www.nationalservice.gov.

More than a half of a million adult Americans serve as 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 which encourages Americans to give back through the primary national service programs of Senior Corps and AmeriCorps. Southwest Wisconsin has a Senior Corps volunteer program, The Foster Grandparents Program taps into the skills, talents and experience of adults 55 and older. Locally the Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program (Southwest CAP) sponsors the FGP volunteer program in Green, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland, Sauk, Vernon and Crawford counties.

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 youth programs. Foster Grandparents 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 keep pace with peers. To offset the cost of volunteering qualified FG volunteers who meet FGP income and program guidelines receive a stipend which does not affect income sensitive programs.