Foster Grandparents Program

The Foster Grandparent Program provides volunteer opportunities for persons 55 years old and older to work one-on-one and in small groups with children from birth to 21 years of age in educational and social service settings.

The program operates at 42 locations in the District of Columbia. The sites include early education centers, public and public charter schools, before and after-school programs and youth programs. Over 250 senior citizens participate in the program annually. Foster Grandparents assist approximately 2,400 children one-on-one and over 9,000 children in group settings. Each year, Foster Grandparents provide over 180,000 volunteer hours with an estimated value of $4.2 million.

The Program is sponsored by UPO and funded by the National Corporation for Community Service – Senior Corps - Foster Grandparent Program.

Seniors seeking to serve should contact Carol Johnson, Program Coordinator, at (202) 610-5123 or carol@upo.org. New Foster Grandparent training is offered every other month.

Schools and programs seeking to serve as volunteer work sites or individuals/organizations seeking to assist the program should contact Cheryl M. Christmas, Program Director, at (202) 610-5122 or cchristmas@upo.org.

Community Engagement

• BLUE Team
• Community Leadership Academy
• EBT (Electronic Benefits) Centers
• Foster Grandparents Program
• REACH Energy Assistance Program
• Supportive Employment Services Program