The AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program, also known as Classroom Helpers, gives adults ages 55 and older the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives through mentorship, tutoring, and supportive relationships. United Way Eastern Idaho is proud to sponsor this program through an AmeriCorps Seniors grant, connecting caring volunteers with children who benefit from extra support in the classroom and other educational settings.
Learn more on the AmeriCorps Seniors website or continue reading to discover how you can get involved.
Share Your Wisdom. Change a Life.
Be a caring mentor and a trusted, supportive presence in a child’s life. The Foster Grandparent Program connects volunteers with children from preschool through grade 12, helping them build the skills and confidence they need to learn, grow, and succeed.
Serving on-site in schools and youth programs, volunteers provide individualized, one-on-one and small-group support tailored to each child’s needs. They help preschoolers develop foundational skills and prepare for the transition into school, while supporting school-aged children in their academic progress, social-emotional development, and positive behavioral growth.
As an AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent volunteer, you can help children navigate challenges, build confidence, strengthen relationships, and reach their full potential. Through encouragement, mentorship, and consistent support, you’ll help lay the foundation for school readiness, continued learning, and a brighter future. You do not need to have a background in education or any other special skills; just patience, warmth, and a genuine desire to help kids.
You’ll also experience the joy and purpose of giving back to your community, building meaningful connections, and making a lasting difference in the lives of children.
Service Area
Sponsored by United Way Eastern Idaho, the Foster Grandparent Program places volunteers in schools and youth programs throughout a 24-county region:
Jerome County, Franklin County, Caribou County, Minidoka County, Custer County, Lincoln County, Jefferson County, Madison County, Fremont County, Cassia County, Lemhi County, Bingham County, Bannock County, Teton County, Oneida County, Twin Falls County, Bonneville County, Butte County, Bear Lake County, Camas County, Gooding County, Blaine County, Idaho, Clark County, Power County
You may qualify to become a Foster Grandparent if you meet the following requirements:
- Age: You are 55 years of age or older.
- Income: You meet the program's income eligibility guidelines for receiving a volunteer stipend. This is not a requirement to become a FGP volunteer.
- Enjoy working with children: You have a caring attitude and a desire to help children succeed.
- Commitment: You are willing to volunteer a minimum of 5 hours per week; up to 40.
- Training: You are willing to complete required onboarding and monthly training.
- Background: You are willing to submit to and pass a thorough background check.
Do I need experience working with children?
No professional teaching experience is required. Foster Grandparents come from many different backgrounds and bring a variety of life experiences to their volunteer roles.
Patience, kindness, dependability, and a willingness to encourage children are important qualities.
What if I'm not sure I qualify?
That's okay! The best way to find out is to contact our local Foster Grandparent Program. Our team can answer your questions, explain the eligibility guidelines, and help you understand the next steps.
What are the benefits?
Volunteers must complete all required orientation and onboarding requirements to receive applicable program benefits.
- $4-per-hour stipend: Qualified, income-eligible volunteers receive a modest, non-taxable, non-reportable stipend for approved service, including applicable paid orientation and training. This stipend does not affect benefits such as Social Security or Medicare.
- Paid time off and holidays: Income-eligible volunteers can earn PTO and receive paid holidays according to program guidelines.
- Transportation reimbursement: Eligible volunteers can receive mileage reimbursement for authorized Foster Grandparent-related activities.
- Meal assistance: A meal supplement may be available depending on meal availability at your volunteer station.
- Insurance coverage: Supplemental accident, personal liability, and excess automobile liability insurance coverage is provided for FGP activities; secondary to your primary insurance.
- Purpose and fulfillment: Make a meaningful difference in a child's life and enjoy knowing your time matters.
- Help the next generation: Share your life experience, wisdom, and encouragement to help children learn, grow, and build confidence.
- Mental and emotional wellness: Enjoy meaningful activities, social connections, and opportunities to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Physical wellness: Stay engaged in your community, maintain a regular routine, and participate in activities appropriate to your abilities.
- Friendship and connection: Build relationships with children, fellow volunteers, educators, and community members.
- Personal growth: Build on your existing strengths, develop new skills, and learn through orientation and ongoing training.
- A sense of belonging: Become part of a caring community working together to support children and families.
If you would like to participate in the Foster Grandparents Program, or have questions, contact Cheiska at cmotloch@unitedwayif.org.