CESA 10
AmeriCorps Seniors
School Volunteer Program
"It's the best medicine I take all day."
- Jim Bragg, Colby Elementary School Volunteer
Seniors, are you looking for an opportunity to give back to your community? Do you know of other seniors who may be interested in volunteering - who enjoy working with children and may be looking for more social interaction in their lives?
CALL TODAY (715) 720-2042 to learn more about our program and to reserve your volunteer position.
CESA 10 has a volunteer program that is just right for you. Join our AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program and stay active by volunteering between 5 and 40 hours a week in your local school district classrooms, non-profit pre-schools, libraries, Head Start Centers, and after school programs. Only work during the school year and enjoy a flexible schedule. No special skills are required. You will work under the direction of classroom teachers. Help provide the emotional and educational support to children in need.
Eligibility: Age 55 years or older and enjoy working with children.
We currently serve the following counties in Wisconsin: Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Monroe, Rusk, Taylor, Trempealeau, and Washburn.
WHY should you become a Foster Grandparent Volunteer?
Help children improve their school readiness, academic, social, and emotional skills.
Socialize with new people – teachers, students, other Foster Grandparents.
Improve your own physical, social, and emotional health.
Make a difference in the lives of teachers and students by sharing your wisdom, patience, and caring attitude.
V2_AmericorpsGrandparentProgram.mp4Volunteerism contributes to healthy aging by enhancing life satisfaction and well being, sense of purpose, self-confidence and personal growth.
Source: Parent Giving
Program Benefits
If stipend eligible:
you will earn non-taxable income for your volunteer hours, orientation, and trainings that take place throughout the year. Your earned income will not affect other Social Security, housing, or food programs.
take advantage of paid time off.
All volunteers receive
mileage reimbursement to offset costs of volunteering.
additional liability insurance
meals, socialization, educational opportunities, fun, and entertainment at in-service meetings.
breakfast and lunch when volunteering at schools (dependent upon school participation)
community service opportunities.
recognition for your service.
Like what you have read about our program? Become a Foster Grandparent and make a difference in the lives of children by applying today!
Call: (715) 720-2042
Email: mbyrns@cesa10.k12.wi.us
An Example of the Impact You Will Have
“It has been such a pleasure to work the Grandma Lorraine. She is an absolute treasure and has such a large impact in the learning of all students. Lorraine is dependable, trustworthy, and such as asset to our school.
– Cheryl Peterson, Osseo-Fairchild Elementary School
Why CESA 10?
CESA has sponsored the FGP since 1987. Our Chippewa Falls program was one of the first eight pilot programs in the nation when the program began in 1965. Our CESA 10 Foster Grandparents bring wisdom, patience, and lifelong experiences to students and classrooms and their presence provides the extra attention and compassion that some students need.
FAQs
What kind of skills would be helpful to have as a Foster Grandparent?
Helpful skills include patience, good communication skills, adeptness, empathy, and overall passion for working with children.
What types of activities will you be required to perform as a Foster Grandparent.
You will work under the direction of a supervising teacher. Your work may include reading to and with students. Foster Grandparents may be asked to provide other classroom support such as discussing stories with children, assisting with writing, practicing spelling words and basic math skills, as well as assisting with the development of fine motor skills. Mentoring activities include helping students stay focused, providing encouragement, model appropriate social skills, encourage respectfulness, and supporting classroom instruction.
Will you be required to teach in front of a classroom of students?
No, Foster Grandparents work with students one-on-one or with small groups to meet student needs.
Do you ever host students outside of their learning environment?
No, all activities only take place at service stations.
How many hours are required?
You need to serve at least 5 hours a week, however you may work up to 40 hours per week. The preferred amount is 15-20 hours each week. You will work with the program coordinator and service station to determine the number of hours, days, and times that work best for all involved. The program provides flexibility when time off is necessary.
What education (training) is provided for you?
20 hours of orientation in provided before you are placed with a service station. An additional 24 hours of in-service is provided during each service year.
Become an AmeriCorps Senior Volunteer Video.mp4
