Foster Grandparents
The Foster Grandparent program provides an opportunity for volunteers age 55 and older to stay active by giving between 5 and 40 hours a week to provide emotional and educational support to children in the classroom.
As school based mentors, friend and role models, Foster Grandparents work one-on-one with individual children or small groups of children in classroom settings. They display an abundance of personal warmth, emotional maturity and social responsiveness. The personal attention offered by the Foster Grandparents helps children develop the skills, confidence and strength to succeed in life. While sharing their wisdom and years of experience, they help guide children on a path to success. In return, Foster Grandparents develop rich, meaningful relationships in the community.
Foster Grandparents serve in a variety of locations throughout the communities, including childcare centers, preschools, Early Head Start/Head Start programs, public or private schools and exceptional care facilities. In 2019, Foster Grandparents devoted 77,723 volunteer hours in locations throughout Bureau, Carroll, LaSalle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Putnam, Stark and Whiteside counties.
2023 Eligibility Guidelines
Must be 55 years of age or older, retired, in reasonably good health and meet Federal Income Guidelines as listed below.
New Applicants
Income is projected for the next 12 months for new applicants.
| Number in Household | 200% of Federal Poverty Level |
|---|---|
1 Person | $29,160 |
2 Persons | $39,440 |
3 Persons | $49,720 |
4 Persons | $60,000 |
Income adjustments can be made for medical expenses. Please call 815-625-7830, ext. 610 for more information.
Enrolled Grandparents
Income is counted for the past 12 months for enrolled volunteers.
| Number in Household | Plus 20% |
|---|---|
1 Person | $34,992 |
2 Persons | $47,328 |
3 Persons | $59,664 |
4 Persons | $72,000 |
Benefits
- Tax Free Stipend
- Transportation Provided
- Meal Provision
- Free Physical Examination
- Paid Holiday, Vacation and Sick Days
- Training
- In-service
Foster Grandparent Sites
- Amboy – Central Grade School
- Byron – Mary Morgan Elementary
- Dixon – Bright Beginnings Day Care
- Dixon – Jefferson Elementary School
- Dixon – Lincoln Elementary School
- Dixon – Lovett Child Care (YMCA)
- Dixon – Madison/Reagan Elementary School
- Dixon – Open Sesame Child Learning Center
- Dixon – St. Mary’s Grade School
- Dixon – Washington Elementary School
- Dixon, Ottawa, Sterling, Streator – Head Start
- LaSalle – Northwest Elementary School
- Lostant – Lostant Elementary
- Marseilles – Marseilles Elementary
- Milledgeville – Chadwick/Milledgeville School
- Ottawa – Starved Rock Regional Center
- Polo – Centennial Elementary
- Princeton – Jefferson Elementary School
- Princeton – Lincoln Elementary School
- Rock Falls – Coloma Township Park District
- Rock Falls – Dillon Elementary School
- Rock Falls – East Coloma Grade School
- Rock Falls – Merrill Elementary School
- Rock Falls – Riverdale Preschool
- Savanna – West Carroll
- Spring Valley – JFK Elementary
- Sterling – Exceptional Care
- Sterling – Franklin Grade School
- Sterling – Jefferson Grade School
- Sterling – Lincoln Elementary School
- Sterling – Washington Elementary School
- Sterling – YMCA
- Tampico – Prophetstown/Lyndon/Tampico Elementary
