Foster Grandparent Program
Mission Statement

Mentor and Tutor needy children of the Concho Valley.

About Us

The Foster Grandparent Program of the Concho Valley was brought to the Concho Valley in 1997. It is federally funded by the Corporation for National Community Service (CNCS), and is sponsored locally by the Concho Valley Council of Governments (CVCOG). Foster Grandparents serve 15 - 40 hours per week mentoring, tutoring, and being a positive role model to disadvantaged youth, children with special needs or special circumstances, children of Veterans, and children of deployed Active duty military in elementary schools, Head Start Programs, daycare centers, and after-school programs.

Benefits:
  • Gives you an opportunity to mentor children.
  • A stipend is paid and gas mileage to and from work.
  • Volunteers – do not have to report stipend amount at end of year.
  • Enjoy life by helping others!

Are you 55 years old, and want to work? If so, please call or write to us at:

Concho Valley Council of Governments
Attn: Foster Grandparents
5430 Link Road,
San Angelo, Texas 76904
325-944-9666 x 225

*Submission of an application does not guarantee you a volunteer position. Applications are reviewed and those applicants that are qualified to serve as a volunteer will be called for an interview. An interview does not guarantee you a volunteer position. If you are chosen to attend Pre-Service Orientation training you are not considered a volunteer until after you have completed all training and have been given an assignment.
Foster Grand Parent Program Information

The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) was established in August 1965 to provide older adults with a useful way to serve their communities in the retirement years, and to give them the satisfaction that comes from being needed and serving others. The program also provides a source of individual attention and personalized care to children with special needs, to help these children grow physically, socially, emotionally, and mentally.

One of three programs that make up the "Senior Corps," the Foster Grandparent Program is administered and funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). This federal volunteer agency organizes its' programs into three streams of service: National Senior Service Corps, Learn and Serve America, and AmeriCorps.

In January 2002, President Bush called for the creation of the "Freedom Corps" to enlist Americans in public service at home and abroad. Initially, three service efforts will make up the Freedom Corps. The newly created Citizen Corps, AmeriCorps and Senior Corps (joint partnerships within the CNCS), and the Peace Corps.

Partnership Information

AFGP volunteer Station can be a public agency, private non-profit organization, or proprietary health-care agency or organization that accepts the responsibility for assignment and supervision of Foster Grandparents in health, education, welfare, or related settings.

The types of agencies or organizations serving children which may be a volunteer Station, includes but are not limited to: Public/Private Elementary, Middle or High Schools, Head Start Centers, Teen Pregnancy Programs, Shelters, Rehabilitation Centers, Non-Profit Day Care Centers, and Before/After School Programs..

Eligibility

Foster Grandparents must be 55 years of age or older and have an interest in working with children. An individual must meet income eligibility guidelines in order to receive FGP benefits. Up to 50% of out of pocket medical expenses may be deducted from total income to determine eligibility.

Annual Income for Family Units of:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
$24,280 $32,920 $41,560 $50,200 $58,840 $67,480 $76,120 $84,760

This does not apply to current, Active Foster Grandparents.
Benefits and Duties of a Foster Grandparent

Benefits

  • Pre-Service Orientation training plus monthly In-Service Trainings.
  • On-the-job supplemental accident/liability and auto liability insurance.
  • Mileage reimbursement or transportation assistance may be provided.
  • Daily meal provided at some Stations.
  • Annual physical examination.
  • Annual Volunteer Recognition.
  • An hourly stipend. By federal law the stipend is not subject to tax or garnishment. It also does not reduce or eliminate the level of, or eligibility for, assistance or services a Foster Grandparent may be receiving under any governmental program, including: unemployment insurance, worker's compensation; temporary disability, retirement, public assistance or similar benefit payments or minimum wage laws.

Duties

  • Volunteering a minimum of 15 hours per week. A volunteer may work up to 40 hours a week.
  • One-on-one tutoring with children in a supervised setting.
  • Tutoring children in reading and math.
  • Mentoring children.
  • Being a role model to children.
Areas Served

Counties served by the FGP of the Concho Valley include: Coke, Concho, Crockett, Irion, Kimble, Mason, Menard, McCulloch, Reagan, Runnels, Schleicher, Sterling, Sutton and Tom Green.

Communities served by the FGP of the Concho Valley include: Eden, Bronte, Robert Lee, Mertzon, Mason, Menard, Brady, Big Lake, Eldorado, Sonora, and San Angelo.

Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ.
No.
FGP is a federally funded program designed to help seniors who are assisting their community by nurturing special needs children.
Stations are chosen by the following criteria.
  • Where placement is needed.
  • Educational background of Foster Grandparent.
  • Age/type of needs children the Foster Grandparent would like to serve.
  • The child’s need or language issues.
  • Proximity to Foster Grandparent's home/transportation issues.
Service hours are defined by Station need; school hours.
No.
The only age requirement is that you must be at least 55 years old.

* Eligibility to be a Foster Grandparent shall not be restricted on the basis of education, experience, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, handicap, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.