Foster Grandparent Program

“As a Foster Grandparent, you're a role model, a mentor, and a friend”

When you share your love, time, and experience, you have the power to help a child who needs you. If you’re 55 and want to share your experience and compassion, you have what it takes to be a Foster Grandparent.

 

The Program

Our volunteers work in a variety of local programs and serve around 20 hours per week in Head Start programs or public schools. 

 

Foster Grandparents serve up to 40 hours per week.

 

With Foster Grandparents, you’ll receive pre-service orientation, training from the organization where you serve, and supplemental accident and liability insurance while on duty.

 

The Foster Grandparent Program is part of the Corporation for National and Community Service and is sponsored locally by CASC. We serve Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester Counties.

 

What Foster Grandparents Do

Our volunteers work in a variety of local programs and serve up to 15 hours per week in child care, Head Start programs, public schools, or day treatment programs.

 

Specifically, some volunteers:

  • Help preschoolers learn their "ABC's"
  • Read with or tell stories to pre-school children
  • Help children stay on task in a classroom setting
  • Assist special needs children in a classroom
  • Tutor students behind in literacy to bring them up to grade appropriate reading levels.
  • Work individually with elementary age children to improve reading skills

How to Apply to be a Foster Grandparent

Requirements:

  • Must be 55 years of age or older
  • Income requirements - $1,860 per month or less for a single person
  • Must be willing to serve a minimum of 15 hours a week
  • Willing to accept supervision
  • An interest in and ability to develop supportive relationships with at risk children
Volunteers need to be available Monday through Friday. Schedules and times are arranged between the program director, the volunteer and the volunteer site director.

 

Interested persons can call the Charleston Area Senior Center or email us here to receive an application and meet the Program Director.

We will notify you when the next training class is forming.

Benefits of Being a Foster Grandparent

Each year, many Community Volunteers lend their time and talents to help the Foster Grandparent Program fulfill its mission to provide seniors with volunteer opportunities and improve the lives of children with special needs in our community.

 

If you or your organization would like to contribute to our program, please contact Mary Chris Pittman at (843) 722-4127 or click to email here.

 

And remember: our volunteers, are helping others—and enriching their own lives, as well. Volunteering often leads to new discoveries and new friends. Studies show that volunteering helps you live longer and promotes a positive outlook on life.

 

Watch a video marking the Foster Grandparent Program's 45th Anniversary!

 

 

Volunteer for Foster Grandparent Program

More info on Foster Grandparent Program