The Foster Grandparent Program serves a dual purpose in that it provides income-eligible adults, age 55 and older, with meaningful volunteer opportunities, while also meeting critical community needs by serving children with exceptional needs. The program is primarily funded by AmeriCorps and has been operating nation-wide since 1965. There are seventeen service areas in Texas, eight of which are administered by Texas Health and Human Services.
What are Foster Grandparent Volunteers?
Foster Grandparent volunteers are adults 55 and older who provide one-on-one emotional support, mentoring and tutoring children with exceptional needs in eight service areas across the State of Texas.
Foster Grandparent volunteers are not the same as foster parents — the children do not live with you. You are a role model, mentor and friend. You will meet your mentee at a designated organization such as a public school, child care center, Head Start program, hospital, juvenile correction facility or any other child centered agency. Virtual volunteer service opportunities may be available in your area.
HHS Accomplishments
In 2019-2020 grant year, the program:
- Placed 512 volunteers at 201 volunteer stations across the state.
- Served 17,812 children.
- Logged 495,420 volunteer hours.
Belief Statements
We believe:
- In the dignity and worth of each Foster Grandparent and the children with whom they serve.
- It is a privilege to serve as a Foster Grandparent, as a part of a caring community.
- Foster Grandparents can fill a specific place in children's hearts since children can relate differently to Foster Grandparents than they do to parents and staff.
- Foster Grandparents are important to the teachers and staff with whom they work because they offer a wealth of knowledge and experience.
- The Foster Grandparent Program provides an opportunity for life-long learning. The program provides training, which enhances the skills of the Foster Grandparents to better understand children's needs and to impact their lives personally and academically.
- The Foster Grandparent Program adds quality to the lives of the Foster Grandparents by providing opportunities for social interaction and companionship while also earning a stipend.
- Foster Grandparents receive as many benefits as the children with whom they work. By being involved, the Foster Grandparent becomes a healthier, happier person who is motivated, who has a sense of pride which comes from being wanted and useful, and who stays mentally and physically active.
- By offering a positive view of aging, Foster Grandparents can be effective role models for future citizens.
Contacts
State Office
Office of the Program Manager
Foster.Grandparent@hhs.texas.gov
Abilene
Foster Grandparent Program Office
Mail Code 001-1
4601 S. 1st St.
Suite M-103
Abilene, TX 79605
325-795-5703
Foster.Grandparent@hhs.texas.gov
Austin
Foster Grandparent Program Office
Mail Code 0161
4616 W. Howard Lane
Suite 1-120
Austin, TX 78728
Foster.Grandparent@hhs.texas.gov
Corpus Christi
Foster Grandparent Program Office
Mail Code 073-5
4410 Dillon Lane
Suite 28
Corpus Christi, TX 78415
361-878-7766
Foster.Grandparent@hhs.texas.gov
Denton
Foster Grandparent Program Office
Mail Code 1031
3612 E. McKinney
Denton, TX 76209
940-320-5727
Foster.Grandparent@hhs.texas.gov
Fort Worth
Foster Grandparent Program Office
Mail Code 1283
2220 Mail Circle
Fort Worth, TX 76116
940-320-5727
Foster.Grandparent@hhs.texas.gov
Lubbock
Foster Grandparent Program Office
Mail Code 2171
6302 Iola Ave.
Lubbock, TX 79424
806-783-6670
Foster.Grandparent@hhs.texas.gov
Lufkin
Foster Grandparent Program Office
Mail Code 2201
1210 S. Chestnut
Lufkin, TX 75901
936-633-3659
Foster.Grandparent@hhs.texas.gov
Mexia
Foster Grandparent Program Office
Mail Code 2341
939 Industrial Blvd.
Mexia, TX 76667
254-562-4257
Foster.Grandparent@hhs.texas.gov
Rosenberg
Foster Grandparent Program Office
Mail Code 270-7
117 Lane Drive
Suite 50
Rosenberg, TX 77471
281-344-3515
Foster.Grandparent@hhs.texas.gov
Temple
Foster Grandparent Program Office
Mail Code 9281
4501 S. General Bruce Drive
Suite 25
Temple, TX 76502
254-770-2655
Foster.Grandparent@hhs.texas.gov
Open to all eligible volunteers.