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Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota seeks volunteers for its Foster Grandparent program to offer guidance and encouragement to at-risk children and youth in area communities.
Locally, LSS is recruiting Foster Grandparents in the Pequot Lakes and Pine River-Backus school districts, as well as for Crosslake Community School and Nisswa Elementary School.
Foster Grandparent volunteers are older adults who traditionally offer one-to-one mentoring in the classroom and other settings to children and youth who may be experiencing academic or social challenges. Their presence and reassurance can help children and youth improve self-esteem, social and emotional development and literacy and math skills.
In Minnesota in 2021, 232 Foster Grandparents supported children and youth at 140 schools and other sites throughout the state. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the service was provided virtually over the past year.
LSS will resume in-person volunteering for the upcoming school year. However, there is still the opportunity to volunteer remotely with partner sites that offer remote learning.
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LSS is currently seeking volunteers who are 55 or older and can commit to at least 10 hours per week.
The Foster Grandparent service offers volunteers a tax-free hourly stipend, a chance to stay connected and a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people. Foster Grandparents receive preservice and ongoing training. More than 20 hours of training is provided and there are a limited number of iPads to loan to volunteers who don’t have access to technology for remote volunteering.
LSS conducts background checks to ensure safety. The statewide organization serves all Minnesotans and welcomes volunteers from various cultures, backgrounds, traditions and stages in life to inquire.
Anyone interested in becoming a Foster Grandparent should call 888-205-3770 or visit lssmn.org/fgvolunteer.
