Akron Summit Community Action, Inc. Foster Grandparent Program provides volunteer opportunities for  low-income people aged 60 and older to serve children and teenagers who have special needs. Foster Grandparents help young people increase their self-confidence and achieve personal independence so that they can overcome problems and become productive members of society.

Younger children are assisted in the development of small and gross motor skills, recognizing colors and numbers while learning letters, words, and self-expression and receive one-on-one interaction allowing for substantial growth.

Older children are assisted in schoolwork, socialization and developmentally appropriate behavior. 

Foster Grandparents attend monthly in-service meetings to receive specialized training in child development best practices and community awareness on various topics related to seniors and children with special needs, along with a host of informative speeches on topics ranging from predatory lending to the importance of identity theft protection. A forty-hour orientation is required for all new Foster Grandparents prior to a site-assignment that focuses on volunteerism and working with special needs children.

Foster Grandparents volunteer an average of twenty – forty hours per week and receive a tax-free stipend that is not considered income for any purpose.  Foster Grandparents also receive a free annual physical and daily meal along with reimbursement for travel expenses and an annual recognition celebration.

FGP volunteer host sites include:
Akron Public Schools Rankin Elementary, Akron Summit Community Action Head Start/Early Head Start (nine sites), Abacus Child Care, Hope YMCA, Kids Play, North Hill YMCA Child Care, Salvation Army Child Development Center, Westminster YMCA Child Care, Eller Avenue YMCA Daycare, Y’s Place YMCA Child Care, Weaver Pre-School, Kandy Kane Child Care Center (three sites), Phoenix School, Akron Children’s Hospital and Summit County Children Services Board.

For more information and/or to become a Foster Grandparent, call: 330-253-8806.