Support UPO's Foster Grandparents Program

Established in 1965, UPO’s Foster Grandparent Program trains low-income seniors with caring spirits to provide critical mentoring and support to Washington DC children in a variety of local settings. The Foster Grandparent Program provides fulfilling volunteer service opportunities for individuals 55 years and older. This program is an opportunity for seniors to give back by sharing their experience and wisdom with children who value and cherish the lessons. This program operates at 50 locations in the District of Columbia and includes early education centers, public and charter schools, before and after-school programs, as well as youth programs. Each year, more than 200 Foster Grandparents put in more than 175,000 volunteer service hours, serving more than 15,000 social economically disadvantaged children. – working one-on-one or in small groups. Foster Grandparents serve where the need is the greatest and because of this, our youth receive tremendous academic benefits alongside life-changing personal development.

Hear some of the accolades about how much they enjoy their work from two of UPO’s Foster Grandparent Superstars:

“As part of UPO’s Foster Grandparent program, I’m a volunteer at Malcom X Elementary School. I help classroom teachers with the daily lessons and I read to the children. I haven’t missed a day since I started years ago. I love going every day to hear the children say “Mama, help me with my work.” It’s overwhelming. Sometimes I get so full I want to cry. But I’m just happy that I’m able to do something and give something back to our children.” see attached picture

“UPO has given me an opportunity to work with young people. And, since working with UPO’s Foster Grandparents, I have worked with DC youth from different parts of the city. I enjoy what I do. UPO offers many locations to volunteer as a Foster Grandparent. I like my location. I’m at Job Corps. My role gives me the opportunity to give something back to the youth.” see attached picture

Every current partnering volunteer site has requested additional Foster Grandparents and 10 additional educational institutions are seeking to join the UPO Foster Grandparents program. UPO has a waiting list of 100 seniors applying to be Foster Grand Parents and desperately needs additional funding to meet the demand.

We sincerely thank you for your generous donations to-date, however we need substantially expanded support to reach our Goal of $11,500. Please help our program grow! Please help our Foster Grandparent volunteers and the children that they serve! You can do so with the click of a button by sharing this report with your friends and family by email and on Social Media.