Post Messenger Recorder -

“Service Unites”, the theme for the 2017 National Volunteer Week, reflects the influence of change makers in our community and around the country to come together to build stronger, more vibrant communities. Volunteers are change makers in their communities by giving their time and talent to make a difference.

National Volunteer Week was first designated as an annual observance by Executive Order by President Nixon in 1974, and every President since has signed a proclamation thanking volunteers for their valuable services. Foster Grandparent Volunteers will be among the millions of dedicated volunteers honored during the 2017 National Volunteer Week, planned for April 23-29.

The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), a national volunteer program celebrating more than 50 years of service to America’s youth, is one of three programs of the National Senior Corps which taps the skills, talents, and experiences of senior Americans to meet a wide range of community needs. Locally the Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program (Southwest CAP) sponsors the FGP in counties of Grant, Richland, Iowa, Lafayette, Green, Crawford, Vernon, and Sauk. Foster Grandparents volunteer 15-40 hours per week during the school year to provide an intergenerational component at educational sites, not-for-profit child care agencies, and family enhancement programs.

FGP is administered through the Corporation for National and Community Service, which assists local not-for-profit and public agencies in carrying out their missions. To assist in off-setting the cost of volunteering, qualified Foster Grandparent volunteers who meet FGP income and program guidelines receive a tax-free hourly stipend, training and other benefits, including the satisfaction of helping youth in their community.

National Volunteer Week offers the opportunity to thank Foster Grandparents for channeling their life skills into positive change in their community. During 2016, Foster Grandparents volunteered over 20,000 hours at approved volunteer host sites in Southwest Wisconsin.

If you or someone you know is 55 or older and would like to learn more about sharing your time and experience as a Foster Grandparent, please contact Cindy at Southwest CAP’s Dodgeville office at 149 North Iowa Street, Dodgeville, Wisconsin 53533. You may also e-mail at c.deckert@swcap.org or call 1-800-704-8555 Extension 209.

Additional information on the Foster Grandparent Program is provided at http://www.nationalservice.gov or http://www.swcap.org.