CCSD Partners with Foster Grandparent Program

RISON - Theresa Horton, Director of the Foster Grandparent Program, is excited to announce a new partnership between the Cleveland County School District and the Southeast Arkansas (SEARK) Foster Grandparent Program, a federally funded program administered by the Southeast Arkansas Education Service Cooperative. A community information session will be held Thursday, March 16 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Hall-Morgan Veterans Building, 404 Sycamore Street, in Rison. What is a Foster Grandparent? Foster Grandparents are men and women, age 55 and older, who volunteer to work in settings that provide children with opportunities to reach their potential in academic, physical, and emotional growth. Through these volunteer efforts, Foster Grandparents also benefit physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. The SEARK Foster Grandparent Program places volunteers in public schools (pre-K through 4th grade), learning centers, daycares, and other non-profit settings. The service area covers the following counties in Southeast Arkansas: Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Cleveland, Desha, Drew, and Lincoln. Volunteers who meet federal program and income guidelines receive a small hourly stipend and mileage reimbursement for their services. The stipend is not taxable and is not reportable as income, nor does it affect eligibility for other benefits. Eligibility for stipend is reviewed annually. Volunteer Requirements include: being 55 years of age or older, submitting to and passing required criminal background checks, accepting supervision in a volunteer role, and a desire to assist children reach their potential. Volunteers serve an average of 20 hours per week, but that number may be less or more depending on the needs of the volunteer and their site. Benefits to Volunteers include, but are not limited to, an hourly stipend, mileage reimbursement for travel to volunteer site and trainings, and one meal per day provi...