Released: December 8, 2023
This holiday season, Delaware County’s Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) is calling on Delaware County seniors to make a difference by volunteering their time, skills, and compassion to help children in need of guidance, support, and a shoulder to lean on. The holiday season reminds us that the true spirit of the holidays can be found in giving back to those in need.
Be the change you wish to see in the world and make someone’s day a little brighter by donating your time, experience, wisdom, and positive outlook by becoming a Foster Grandparent for a Delaware County child.
Foster Grandparents experience the joy of knowing they are making a real difference in the life of a child.
The program, sponsored nationally by AmeriCorps Seniors and locally by COSA (Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging), was established for people 55 and older who have a desire to help children achieve their full potential.
Foster Grandparents can help guide students to higher academic achievement, care for premature infants or children with disabilities, mentor troubled teenagers and young parents, and serve as role models for those with exceptional needs. Interactions will take place in schools, childcare centers and Head Start.
AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, who serve within the Foster Grandparent program, provide the kind of comfort and love that sets a child on a path to a successful future. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers themselves report better health and longevity having served their community, and enjoy new relationships with people in their community, while making a significant difference in the lives of others.
If you would like more information about the Foster Grandparent Program or would like to be in the next graduating class—the next class starts in February— please contact Alisha Freeman by phone (610) 490-1498 or by email at freemanas@co.delaware.pa.us.
AmeriCorps Seniors service provides tangible benefits for volunteers, including a tax-free stipend up to $640 a month, transportation assistance, STO – stipend paid time off, and holidays.
Other benefits include training, accident, personal liability, and excess automobile liability insurance as well as community recognition.
Participants must be available at least 15 hours per week.
For more information, visit the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program website.