Help Kids Succeed by Becoming a Foster Grandparent

JOLIET, IL — Are you looking to make a difference in your community? Does that difference include mentoring youth and helping them succeed? Then perhaps volunteering to be a foster grandparent is for you.

Catholic Charities’ Foster Grandparent Program offers older adults an opportunity to help children in your community develop academic and life skills that are critical to their development and future successes. Sharing your time and experience can help children learn how to read, prepare younger students for school readiness, tackle tough subjects and make decisions that will keep them on the right path. Catholic Charities will match your skills and passions to opportunities that interest you, including those in elementary schools in Districts 86 and 89, faith based schools, Head Start sites and pre-schools.

Foster grandparent volunteers must be age 55 and older and willing to serve about 20 hours a week. Foster Grandparents who are income eligible will receive a tax-free hourly stipend to help cover costs associated with volunteering. You don’t need formal experience in tutoring and mentoring to become a foster grandparent volunteer. Catholic Charities will provide pre-service orientation and training to prepare you for this rewarding opportunity.

In Will County, contact Mari at 815-724-1134 or mruiz@cc-doj.orgto learn more about volunteering. For more information about the programs and services provided by Catholic Charities, visit catholiccharitiesjoliet.org.

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