updated August 10, 2025
This year, we proudly commemorate 60 years of the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program, alongside AmeriCorps and partner organizations around the U.S. Since 1965, this intergenerational effort has fostered meaningful relationships between older adults and young people, built on compassion, encouragement, and a shared commitment to helping children grow.
What is the Foster Grandparent Program?
The Foster Grandparent Program connects adults age 55 and older with opportunities to volunteer in schools, early childhood centers, afterschool programs, and other youth-focused sites. These volunteers help children in a variety of ways, from assisting with reading and math to encouraging social and emotional development. Many become steady, caring adults in children’s lives, providing attention and guidance that can make a real difference.
The program is part of AmeriCorps Seniors, which promotes volunteering across the country with the goal of improving lives and strengthening communities.
A national program with local presence
Across the U.S., thousands of Foster Grandparents volunteer each year, and the program has reached millions of children over its six decades. With over 200 local projects, it plays a meaningful role in supporting both youth and older adults in communities nationwide.
At ADVOCAP, our Foster Grandparent Program includes 27 volunteers, who in 2024 helped support the academic development of 126 children. These volunteers work alongside teachers and staff, offering one-on-one help and providing a consistent presence for the students they assist.
“The Foster Grandparent Program is such a valuable part of our community,” said Lisa Severson, Director of Volunteer Services at ADVOCAP. “Our volunteers build strong connections with children who benefit from extra attention, and they bring so much experience, patience, and care to what they do. It’s meaningful for everyone involved.”
When you consider that the estimated value of a volunteer’s time in Wisconsin is $34/hour, the contribution of our Foster Grandparents represents a significant investment in local children and schools. But the social return is even greater — the support they provide reaches beyond the classroom, helping to build confidence, stability, and lasting relationships that benefit both the children and the volunteers themselves.
Honoring a lifetime of commitment
This year, one of our volunteers, Harriet Edwards, was recognized with Governor Evers’ 2025 Governor’s Service Award as the AmeriCorps Seniors Lifetime Impact Volunteer.
For the past 20 years, Harriet (affectionately known as “Grandma Harriet”) has been a daily presence at Rosenow Elementary School in the Fond du Lac School District, offering encouragement and support to students through the ADVOCAP Foster Grandparent Program. She works one-on-one with students, helping them stay focused, build confidence, and succeed in school. Her dedication continues in the classroom, where she’s known for her warm smile and steady belief that “everyone can achieve.”
Looking ahead
The Foster Grandparent Program continues to bring generations together to support children when it matters most. At ADVOCAP, our volunteers show just how vital and impactful this work is, highlighting the importance of programs like this in our communities. Join us in celebrating all of the wonderful Foster Grandparents across Wisconsin and the country, and in recognizing AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors for 60 years of this meaningful program.
Learn more about ADVOCAP’s Foster Grandparent Program here: Volunteer Services
