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!

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.