During the period 7/1/15 – 6/30/16 197 UPO Foster Grandparents (FGPs), aged from 55-107, gave 174,348 volunteer hours, valued at $2,700,000,serving over 15,342 social economically disadvantaged children at 48 volunteer sites in DC; mentoring Youth, Elementary Kids, Early Childhood Children and Hospital Patients. Proven outcomes were improved school readiness and K-12 success.
Foster Grandparents range in age from 55 to 107! Their wealth of experience and knowledge is productively utilized to facilitate educational achievement among DC’s youngest socioeconomically disadvantaged residents. Volunteers engage in tutoring, mentoring, social emotional support and assisting students in learning programs in cooperation with school systems. Being active as a Foster Grandparent improves the long-term health and well-being of senior volunteers.
An interesting phenomenon is that several Foster Grandparent intergenerational family volunteers are active in the program. Grandma Virginia McLaurin (age 107) and her granddaughter Grandma Carolyn Streater (age 62) both serve as UPO FGPs! Grandma Dorothy Simpson (age 87) and her son Grandpa James Simpson (70) both serve as UPO FGPs.
Since July 1, 2016 UPO FGPs program has obtained sufficient additional funding to place 35 new Foster Grandparents! UPO FGPs worked with children in day care at the Washington Highland Parents Focus Group Project in August, 2016 and on Saturday, October 22, 2016 UPO FGPs served at the East of the River Book Festival - at Rocketship Rise Academy. They assisted children with reading, meeting authors and crafts.
More information about the UPO FGPs program statistics in FY 2015-16, more details about the Foster Grandparent intergenerational family volunteers that are active in the program and the special programs at Washington Highlands and Rocketship Rise Academy, supported by charts and pictures can be viewed in the attached PDF UPO Foster Grandparents Highlights.
UPO’s mission is to Unite People with Opportunities. UPO's Foster Grandparents program provides meaningful volunteer opportunities for persons aged 55 and older to engage in daily activities and provide services to children from birth to 21 years of age, to support them on their path to become self- sufficient members of the community. UPO has a waiting list of 100 seniors applying to be Foster Grand Parents and 10 educational institutions seeking to join the program. Additionally every current partnering volunteer site has requested additional Foster Grandparents.
Thank you for your support to-date. We need substantially expanded support to reach our Goal of $11,500. You have demonstrated that you care. Please help by sharing this report with your friends by email and on Social Media.
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