Foster Grandparents Program

Thomas Green
Coordinator of
Senior Services & Foster Grandparents

The Foster Grandparents Program of Westchester Community Opportunity Program, Inc. provides services to children and youths with exceptional or special needs in Westchester, Putnam, Ulster, Sullivan, Dutchess and Orange counties. The is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Services, The New York State Offices for the Aging and Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services.

Foster Grandparents are volunteers. They serve an average of twenty hours a week and receive an hourly stipend, which is tax free. To participate in the program, seniors must be 60 years of age or older and meet income eligibility guidlines. Foster Grandparents serve in schools, Head Start Programs, child care centers, correctional facilities, family court, homeless shelters and other community or educational settings. Their diverse assignments include, providing one-on-one support to abused oe neglected children, assisting youth who are falling behind in school and helping infants and children who have been identified as having a special need or handicap. Currently there 251 Foster Grandparent Program volunteers working with approximately 1307 children.