Here's a few more details on the program that I've been asked.

Every state does the Foster Grandparents Program differently.  Some, like West Virginia, are funded through United Way and others through state and other means.  

If you go to this site, Senior Corps, you can download the various states info in PDF format and see which areas within those states are participating. 

To select a state, scroll down past the blue "Get Involved" box. Directly under it is "Senior Corps in Your State."  Select your state from the drop down list.

I think it's a shame not every school is involved.  Grandparents add so much to a school.  Not only do the teachers, students and principals enjoy what they contribute, but the parents do as well.  Mom was really surprised the day one of the parents thanked her for what she has done in her child's life.

I know some schools feel teacher's aides are enough. Which is all fine and well, but many school districts keep wanting tax increases in order to pay for the aides.  It's expensive. 

Now before someone sends me nasty emails hear me out. It's not that I'd like to see the aides positions done away with, but I think school districts that do struggle with funding should consider using grandparents.

Anyway, check out the link.  Download the PDF files and take a look at what's up.  Then, call the area near you and find out what they have available. 

That's another point I should have mentioned and forgot.  Some places are filled to their limit of FG's and have a waiting list.  You might have to look into a school district outside of where you live.  Oh!  And yes!  You can live in one state and be a Foster Grandparent in another.

Anyway!  Call.  You never know what else they may have to offer you in volunteer work.

Check back Monday for more on the Foster Grandparents Program!  We'll take a look at summer jobs for Foster Grandparents!

Yesterday, I decided to teach you a bit about the Foster Grandparent Program.  For the reason, see yesterday's entry. 

The Foster Grandparent Program is something I'm quite familiar with  because my mom, the family geezer, is one.

Mom started her exciting volunteer work as a grandma in the school system (not naming which one), several years ago after giving up her paper-route. 

Since then she's met some rather interesting characters. From the student who never took a bath and enjoyed farting in class to a teacher who preferred to play with her pc, rather than teach special ed kids.

She's also met some outstanding teachers, who are the role models for everything a teacher should be.  Thankfully, they are more plentiful than the other. 

Anyway, here's our interview from last night.

ME:  What do teachers think about having a grandma in the classroom?

MOM:  They all like it, because I can give the individual attention that they don't have time to give.  When I miss, the teacher hates it because the student I take care of just sits there or just goes to sleep.  I mean what would you do if you weren't capable of learning at that level?

ME:  What do the teacher's aides think of grandparents?

MOM:  I have had some of the aides say, "Look at all the jobs that you are all taking!"  Yes, that's exactly how they look at it. 

I don't blame them.  I can see their point of view on that, but think of how much really they (the state & local, etc) could be paying real aides.  They couldn't afford all this nice free help that they're getting.

You think about how much teachers and teachers aides make - think about how much the government is saving.

ME:  How do you think the kids see grandparents in the school system?

MOM:  They enjoy having us there.  They treat us like we are they're grandparents.  Some of the kids don't have grandparents outside of the school.

ME:  Do they talk to you the way they would their real grandparents?

MOM:  They tell me things that I don't need to know.  I hear about their love lives and all the things they get into behind their parent's backs. (laughing)

ME:  So what do you hope to achieve as a grandparent?

MOM:  Well, some of these kids are being raised rough.  One of the girls had been sexually abused by her mother's husband for who knows how long. 

Another's parents weren't mentally well and never taught him anything about personal hygiene, which made a serious problem in the classroom. (the stories go on and on)

I always feel like I'm a good moral person and I always keep hoping something I'm saying or doing or not knowing that I'm saying or doing, they might remember it. 

I think that's the important part - to be a good example in front of them, because a lot of them don't have that at home.

ME: So what does it mean to you personally, and if you could add in what other grandma's have said to you.

MOM:  Well, life would be boring if I had to sit here every day.  I think we all feel that way.

ME: The government gives you a stipend.  Does it really help much?

MOM:  Yes.  You can't get too far ahead.  We get a little bit to help pay the gas. We get $1.50 for lunch and we're given $2.50/hour.

The little extra helps me with my bills.

ME:  What would you say to someone who might be interested in becoming a grandparent in the school system?

MOM:  It's a good idea.  You have to be someone who loves kids or forget it.  Some people just think about themselves all the time and are not that crazy about kids.  But for someone who has always enjoyed working with kids - this is ideal.

If you know of someone over 60, who is low income and loves kids, here's the link to learn more about becoming a foster grandparent.

Was reading Michelle Malkin's article today and saw the Foster Grandparent Program listed.

The Foster Grandparent Program is probably one of the least known government sponsored programs and one of the most brilliant.  The first paragraph from the main web site says it all:

"From its inception in 1965, the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) has provided a chance for the elderly and the young to assist each other's needs. Over 2,300 low-incomeseniors participate in more than 26 FGP projects in all 50 states, the District of Columbia , Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, serving more than 75,000 children everyday. These children are mentally, physically or emotionally handicapped and some of these children are incarcerated. Many Foster Grandparents provide the only stable and loving presence in these children's lives."

The government funds a lot of crap, but this one is far from being that.  For the rest of the week, I'm going to share with you what FGP is.  It won't come from my own thoughts, it's coming from interviews with people that I know in my area who participate.

You'll learn about what's happening in our school system when it comes to those in "special ed" - the good, the bad and the ugly.

You'll learn about some of the children being reached here in the foothills of the Appalachians. 

You'll learn about some of the volunteers who participate.  The stories will surprise and hopefully inspire you to not only encourage more funding, but encourage Seniors you know to participate.

Yes, I said "more funding."  This has nothing to do with the nutcase occupying the White House and his merry band of idiots.  This has everything to do with how the government wants people to fail and be reliant on them.

Many of the teachers who teach these kids treat them as though they have no choice but be government dependent the rest of their lives.  True, some of the kids will have to be, depending on the severity of their disabilities.  BUT!  Many of the kids are quite capable of doing more with their lives, they just need a grandparent to come in and undo the damage these teachers are doing.  And you know what?  It's working.

Tomorrow, we'll see how.