By Tammy Moore Teague
The Foster Grandparent program pairs seniors, 55 and over, with kindergarten-high school children. Foster grandparents are needed in Scott and Sebastian Counties.
“We have had grandparents in Albert Pike, Cedarville, Hackett, Lavaca, Waldron and Mansfield but currently we don’t have anyone in any of those schools,” stated Foster Grandparent Program Director, Terri Williams.
Grandparents work one-on-one with children in the classroom, during school hours. Eligibility is open to men and women ages 55 and up, in good health and free to work 15-30 hours throughout the school day. ”It is a great program where the senior adult tutors the student. It helps the student, but it also gives many seniors something to do when they might be feeling left out,” added Williams.
Benefits include a small stipend of $2.65 an hour, which doesn’t interfere with social security benefits. Additionally a free school lunch is provided and mileage to and from the school is reimbursed. “It’s considered a volunteer program,” concluded Williams.
For more information on the program or to apply, contact Williams at DeQueen Mena Educational Cooperative, 870-386-2251.