Become a Foster Grandparent
Share Today. Shape Tomorrow.
Foster Grandparent volunteers provide one-to-one mentoring a few hours a week to at-risk youth to help them boost their self-esteem and overall success. In this role, you can positively impact the lives of children and youth, find a meaningful way to give back and earn extra income.
Foster Grandparents are once again providing in-person support at approved schools, preschools and other community sites. Volunteers offer one-to-one academic, emotional and social support to at-risk students and serve children with needs brought on by the disruption of school and family schedules, the difficulties of distance learning and the impact of COVID-19. Foster Grandparents who choose not to serve in person may support teachers and students through phone and video chat.
Since 1965, Foster Grandparent volunteers have shared their wisdom and experience with children and youth to make impressions that have lasted a lifetime. They are role models, mentors and friends.
Depending on need, volunteers support youth in a variety of settings including at public and private schools, Head Start locations, shelters and at day care centers. Learn about becoming a Foster Grandparents partner site.
Volunteer Benefits Include:
- Meeting new people, learning new things and having the satisfaction of helping others.
- A non-taxable stipend of $3.15 per hour (serve a minimum of 10 hours per week to qualify).
- Transportation reimbursement to and from your service site.
- Orientation and ongoing training opportunities.
- Recognition events.
- Accident and liability insurance while volunteering.
To Qualify as a Volunteer:
- No prior experience is required.
- You must be age 55 or older and in good general health.
- Have compassion, patience, flexibility and respect for children and others.
- Work well with diverse individuals and families.
- Have dependable transportation available.
What Foster Grandparents are Saying
“This program allows me to stay busy and useful. It keeps me young and moving! These children make me happy every day.”
–Foster Grandma Charlotte
“Foster Grandma Rita has built strong and loving relationships with every child in the service. The children light up when she enters the room and always want more hugs from her. She does a great job helping children feel unconditionally heard and loved.”
–Meredith Johnson of People Serving People
Get Started Today
We are currently accepting new volunteers. Complete our quick interest form to learn more, talk about your needs and how this opportunity will work for you.
To get started, we will collect your information and run the usual background checks first. Next, you will complete our online training and we will wait to match you with a site later, as appropriate based on COVID-19 recommendations.
You can also contact the LSS representative in your area or call us toll-free at 888.205.3770.
Learn More
LSS Foster Grandparents is funded by the national AmeriCorps Seniors program, formerly known as Senior Corps.
Visit the Minnesota Senior Corps Facebook page for news updates and stories about Foster Grandparents services.
