Foster Grandparent Program
The Isabella County Commission on Aging manages the Foster
Grandparent Program in Isabella, Clare and Gratiot Counties. This
program provides the bridge that connects the generations. It matches
the patience and experience of an Older Adult with the physical and
emotional needs of a child. Everyday throughout our service area Foster
Grandparents are the people children in need depend on for love, wisdom
and support.
Older Adults participating in the Foster Grandparent Program must be
60 years of age or older; have a limited income of approximately
$1,000.00 per month; be able to volunteer an average of 20 hours per
week and love children. In return the Grandparent will receive a small
hourly stipend; assistance with meal and transportation costs; a daily
meal; an annual physical examination; pre-service orientation and
monthly training and most importantly, knowing they are making a
difference in a child’s life.
The Foster Grandparent Program has locally been in operation for over
30 years. We are proud of the fact the we have over 40 Older Adults
volunteering with children who have special needs in our three county
service area. The Foster Grandparents work in schools, day care
programs, Head Start programs, and in-home settings. They touch the
lives of over 120 children.
These children benefit from the experience and talents of the Foster
Grandparent; the individual attention they receive and the tutoring
assistance to help them succeed in school. The Foster grandparents help
children develop the skills, confidence and strength to succeed in life.
If you are interested in more information about the Foster
Grandparent Program or in becoming a Foster Grandparent, you can contact
the Program Coordinator, Mary Ann Mooradian, by
e-mail or by
telephone at (989) 772-0748.
Senior Companion Program
The Isabella County Commission on Aging manages the Senior Companion
Program in Isabella, Clare and Gratiot Counties.
The Senior Companions are healthy Older Adults who help other adults
live independently. Senior Companions provide assistance with important
daily tasks; encouragement to remain active; a watchful eye to notice
when someone may need extra care and the easing of loneliness. Without
the help of Senior Companions, many
Older Adults would not be able to
continue living at home. Many of our volunteers also serve in nursing
homes, adult day care centers and sheltered workshops.
The Older Adult participating as the Senior Companion must be 60
years of age or older; have a limited income of approximately $1,000.00
per month; be able to volunteer an average of 20 hours per week and
enjoy helping others. In return the Companion will receive a small
hourly stipend; a daily meal and transportation costs; an annual
physical examination; pre-service and on-going training and the
enjoyment of knowing that they are helping others in need.
You don't need medical or technical skills to be a Senior Companion.
All you need to know is how to be a friend. Senior Companions offer
adults contact with the world outside of their homes and make their
lives less lonely. Along the way, Senior Companions find out that few
things feel as good as knowing you're needed.
If you are interested in more information about the Senior Companion
Program or being a Companion, you can contact the Program Coordinator,
Mary Ann Mooradian, by
e-mail or by telephone at (989) 772-0748.
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