COAD Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is looking for senior volunteers, 55 years of age and older, to help children with special and/or exceptional needs in the area schools, Head Start centers, nonprofit day care/preschool centers, and other educational facilities. Those who meet Foster Grandparent Program income guidelines will receive a modest, non-reportable, tax-free stipend, along with mileage reimbursement, to help offset the cost of volunteering. Participants must love children and be able to take direction from the teaching staff and also be able to serve 15 to 40 hours per week. Monthly in-service meetings are held to train and inform volunteers on the program, as well as a yearly recognition luncheon to celebrate their accomplishments.

Foster Grandparent Program volunteers make a difference in the lives of children in the community, and gain a feeling of usefulness and heightened self-esteem.

Anyone interested in this program should contact the COAD Area IV Foster Grandparent Program, Debbie Taylor, coordinator, 1250 Vernonview Drive, Mount Vernon 43050, by phone at 740-392-6251, by email: dtaylor@coadinc.org, or visit the COAD website at http://www.coadinc.org. Area IV FGP covers Morrow, Knox, Licking, Coshocton, Holmes, Ashland, and Richland counties.