For Life After 50

Volunteers of America has been managing the Federal Grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service for 17 years in El Paso County, providing purpose and payment for low-income executive citizens (55+) who choose to volunteer their time with children.

Teachers and Students are “Thankful”
“Many students enjoyed a kindergarten class with about 16-18 students and two teachers. Then they come to first grade and they have 24 classmates and one main teacher, they can feel overwhelmed. This is why I am “Thankful” for my Foster Grandparent Volunteer Janie Walton,” says Ms. Solomon a first-grade teacher at Monroe Elementary in D11. “First-graders tend to melt down at different times throughout the day and it’s great to have a partner who can comfort them, give them extra attention and encourage them to follow the rules.

Having a volunteer partner in my class who can assist in supporting each child’s needs, whether that be emotional, literacy or social, helps me create a better learning environment. Janie volunteers three days a week, and I am thankful for every minute she is here.”

Teachers waiting for volunteers
Head Start (toddlers and 3 to 5-year-olds), Elementary Schools and Boys & Girls Clubs are always in need of volunteers.

This program was created to allow executive citizens on a fixed income the ability to contribute to their community without draining their resources and instead receive a non-taxable stipend (does not affect HUD, food stamps etc.) of $2.65 an hour, for training and volunteering, as well as, reimbursement of mileage or transportation costs, and all costs to complete the application.

To be a part of the Foster Grandparent program, volunteers need to be:
• Age 55 +
• Willing to volunteer 15 + hours a week
• Walk, bus, silver key or drive to your location (within 5 miles of home)
• Earn less than $24,980 (after up to $12,000 in medical expenses)
The Volunteers of America – Foster Grandparent Program operates out of Laurel Gardens Residences, Suite 152, Colorado Springs, CO 80910.

For more information on the program, visit www.voacolorado.org/volunteer-opportunities/foster-grandparent-program-3.

Contact Barbara Roeckel at broeckel@voacolorado.org or 719-632-1448.

About Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need live healthy, safe and productive lives.

Since 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America’s most vulnerable groups, including the frail elderly, people with disabilities, at-risk youth, homeless individuals, women in need, and veterans and their families.

For more information about Volunteers of America, visit voacolorado.org.