Have you volunteered for over 11,000 lifetime hours? Foster Grandparent Phyllice Jackson has!
Foster Grandparent volunteer Phyllice Jackson has been a part of the program for over 7 years. YWCA Tri-County Area sponsors the Foster Grandparents Program in Montgomery County. This program allows older adults a chance to volunteer in their community. Volunteers are placed in community sites such as elementary schools and child care centers. They provide mentoring and one-on-one services to children with educational needs.
Along with Phyllice, YWCA Tri-County area caters to 35 Foster Grandparent Program volunteers. Hoping to reach closer to 80 volunteers by the end of next year, these adults 55 and older are given a chance to help a young one along in their educational experience.
“My favorite part of being a Foster Grandparent is knowing that I have made a positive difference in a little one’s life. I work hard to help them promote their self-confidence and self worth,” Grandma Phyllice explains.
YWCA Tri-County Area’s programs align with the core mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. This mission is embodied in the Foster Grandparent Program every single day. The program works to strengthen communities and help adults remain physically and mentally active.
“When some of the children ask me ‘Grandma, why do you do that?’ I say I am learning to. I am learning new things every day,” volunteer Grandma Alatamese explains.
It’s a great day to be a grandparent. Being a Foster Grandparent helps these adults enhance their self-esteem through community service and volunteerism. They provide tutoring and mentoring services and most importantly, an connection to a caring adult that not every child gets to receive on a daily basis.
By nature, this program thrives during the school year. There are more sites for grandparents to volunteer at. However, the handful of grandparents placed at child care centers are ecstatic to be working year round. YWCA Tri-County Area’s Early Childhood Education Center in Pottstown is hosting 6 Foster Grandparents this summer.
YWCA Tri-County Area’s Foster Grandparent Program, a program of the federal Corporation for National and Community Service, is currently accepting volunteers. Click here to learn more about the program.
