Foster Grandparent Program

Make a Gift to Foster Grandparents

The Foster Grandparent Program engages those age 55 years and older in volunteer service to provide academic, social, and emotional support to students in schools and after school programs.

The Foster Grandparent Program is a mentorship program – not part of the fostering system.

Volunteer your Time!

The Foster Grandparent Program connects role models like you with young people who have exceptional needs.  Enrich your life while enriching the lives of others. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who serve with the Foster Grandparent Program provide the kind of comfort and love that sets a child on a path to a successful future. Volunteers themselves report better health and longevity having served their community.

A Foster Grandparent

  • Is in good physical and mental health
  • Is a good role model
  • Is willing to serve 15-40 hours a week
  • Is capable of serving children with special needs
  • Can pass a background check

Foster Grandparents Benefits

  • Tax-free hourly stipend
  • Transportation mileage reimbursement or public transportation provided
  • Meal Allowance
  • Paid orientation and ongoing training
  • Liability insurance while on assignment
  • Recognition events
  • Socialization

Foster Grandparents Assist in Development of

  • Motor skills
  • Self care
  • Learning skills
  • Independence

Foster Grandparents Provide

  • Emotional support
  • Mentoring
  • Tutoring
  • Tender love and care

Foster Grandparents are Assigned to

  • Public Schools
  • Afterschool programs
  • Head Start programs
  • Day Care centers

To start your volunteer journey, contact us at 865-524-2786 or e-mail us at knoxooa@knoxseniors.org

The Foster Grandparent Program in under the umbrella of AmeriCorps Seniors and has been administered by the Knoxville-Knox County CAC Office on Aging since 1976. Funding comes from the Corporation for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps), as well as from Knoxville and Knox County. Community donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the IRS.