Service Reflection- Foster Grandparents

Hi I am Cindy Helgesen,

I would like to complete my service learning service by supporting/educating Foster Grandparents that work at Central Wisconsin Center. Central Wisconsin Center(Ariel photo above) is an ICFMR state owned and operated  facility that provides care for 283 individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Foster Grandparents are role models, mentors, and friends to children with exceptional needs. The foster grandparents program provides a way for volunteers age 55 and over to stay active by serving children and individuals with special needs in their communities.Foster Grandparents serve from 15 to 40 hours per week in locations including schools, hospitals, juvenile correctional institutions, daycare facilities or Head Start centers.The program is open to all U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent resident aliens, 55 years of age and over. Volunteers receive pre-service orientation, training from the organization where they will serve, supplemental accident and liability insurance, and meals while on duty. Volunteers who meet certain income guidelines also receive a small stipend. 

I am the Director of the Staff Development department at Central Wisconsin Center that has a very active Foster grandparents program. I will provide the orientation that the Foster grandparents need to work at CWC and provide ongoing education  for this specific populations.