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AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission today announced it is expanding the Foster Grandparent Program to the Belton/Killeen/Temple area, with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The program is seeking about 25 local volunteers to be foster grandparents to mentor and tutor students in local schools, child care centers, and Head Start programs.
“We’re excited to bring the Foster Grandparent Program to the Belton/Killeen/Temple metropolitan area,” said HHSC Deputy Executive Commissioner Haley Turner. “This program is a great opportunity for older volunteers to affect the lives of young people within their community.”
The program matches eligible adults over the age of 55 with local children to serve as mentors and tutors. Participants must complete an application, attend an interview, and pass a three-part background check. Volunteers receive training prior to volunteering onsite.
“Our foster grandparents truly make a difference by being role models to the children they serve,” said Foster Grandparent Program Manager Emily Dressen. “Showing up regularly lets the child know someone cares about them.”
Volunteers receive a tax-free stipend of $3.15 per hour to offset their time as well as mileage or transportation reimbursement and are asked to volunteer between 20 to 40 hours per week.
HHSC was awarded $633,567 in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act to expand its volunteer program in Texas.
The Foster Grandparent Program currently operates in Abilene, Austin, Corpus Christi, Denton, Lubbock, Lufkin, Mexia, Rosenberg, and surrounding counties.
For more information about volunteering, please reach out to FGP Volunteer Services Coordinator Bernadette Wolfe at Bernadette.wolfe@hhs.texas.gov or 254-563-3230.
Learn more about the Foster Grandparent Volunteer Program on our website.