Seniors Council

Because the safety and health of all our volunteers is of the utmost importance to us at the Seniors Council, we have been taking steps to prevent the further spread of the cold, flu, and COVID-19 (Coronavirus) virus. We are continuing to suspend all in-person participation of Foster Grandparent volunteers in classrooms and Senior Companions serving clients in-person until further notice. All of our Foster Grandparent volunteers are currently sheltering in place and some are beginning to start virtual service. Our Senior Companions continue to do wellness checks to their clients by phone and virtually.  This is still an emerging situation where information and circumstances can evolve quickly. We will keep in touch regarding any changes to both programs.

Kathryn Ramirez - Program Director

Foster Grandparent Program of Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz & Santa Clara Counties

Foster Grandparents earn a tax-free stipend while serving as volunteer mentors and tutors to disadvantaged children and youth in schools, Head Start Centers and other agencies. Join a popular and respected national program that’s been active in your community for over thirty years.

Who can be a Foster Grandparent?

Foster Grandparents are individuals age 55 and over who thrive on direct interaction with children and believe they can make a difference in their lives. They are interested in providing 15 - 20 hours per week of volunteer service and have an individual annual income of less than $22,000.

Foster Grandparent Program advantages:

• Encourages volunteer work from a neglected portion of the community: low-income seniors.
• Measurably improves the academic performance of children and youth who are tutored and mentored.
• Exposes children and youth to the companionship, emotional stability, and expertise of seniors.
• Brings senior volunteers into direct one-on-one contact with children and youth with special needs.
• Non-taxable stipend increases monthly income of senior volunteers by 30%.
• Gives status and meaning to the life of seniors who might otherwise spend all their time at home.

Foster Grandparent Program benefits:

• Tax-free stipend averaging $220 per month. It is not income and cannot be used to calculate eligibility for federal and state entitlements like Social Security, SSI, MediCare, MediCal, HUD housing, etc.
• Monthly training session including all-you-can-eat lunch
• Reimbursement for transportation – mileage or bus pass;
• A hot meal each day at the work site or a cash lunch subsidy
• Paid Time Off
• Accident and liability insurance while on duty
• Annual Recognition Luncheon and Gifts