About Foster Grandparents
Foster Grandparent Volunteer Program
Age Well Live Well
Faith- and Community-Based Initiatives
Become a Foster Grandparent Volunteer
Partner with the Foster Grandparent Volunteer Program
Office of Community Access and Services
Volunteer with HHS
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 the Corporation for National Community Service and has been operating nation-wide since 1965. There are seventeen program sites 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, daycare, Head Start program, hospital, juvenile correction facility or any other child centered agency.
HHS Accomplishments
In 2016-2017 grant year, the program:
Placed 482 volunteers at 178 sites across the state.
Served 17,212 children.
Logged 461,593 volunteer hours.
Belief Statements
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.
Foster Grandparents are part of the solution to society's problems. By offering a positive view of aging, Foster Grandparents can be effective role models for future citizens.
State Office
Mail Code 2077
909 West 45th St., Bldg. 555
Foster.Grandparent@hhsc.state.tx.us
Foster Grandparent Volunteer Coordinator
Mail Code 001-1
4601 S. 1st St., Suite M-103
1601 Rutherford Lane
4410 Dillon Lane, Ste. 28
3612 E. McKinney
6302 Iola Ave.
1210 S. Chestnut
Mexia
939 Industrial Blvd.
Mexia, TX 76667
117 Lane Drive, Ste. 50
Rosenberg, TX 77471