Encompass recently received an additional AmeriCorps Seniors grant to expand the Foster Grandparent Program at our newly opened Oconto Falls Center. In February, Deb Johnson, Foster Grandparent Program Director, visited Parkview Apartments and Iverson’s Piggly Wiggly to share information about the program, successfully recruiting four new volunteers who began in March.
The Foster Grandparent Program provides seniors with meaningful volunteer opportunities, enriching their lives with a sense of purpose and community engagement. Volunteers support classrooms by rocking and feeding infants, reading to toddlers, and assisting children who need extra attention through interactive activities like games and puzzles. This initiative fosters intergenerational connections, benefiting both the children and the seniors involved.
To participate, volunteers must meet specific income requirements set by AmeriCorps Seniors, the program’s funding source. Volunteers receive a tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement, and annual paid time off. Most importantly, they experience daily affection and appreciation from the children they support.
The Oconto Falls Center, which opened in June 2024, is Encompass’s newest addition, reinforcing our commitment to high-quality early education and care. By integrating the Foster Grandparent Program, the center enhances children’s learning experiences while strengthening community bonds by involving seniors in the educational process.
Encompass is currently looking for dedicated senior volunteers eager to make a meaningful impact in young children’s lives. Those interested in joining the Foster Grandparent Program can contact Deb Johnson at (920) 785-9710 or [email protected].
