PITTSTON — Telespond Senior Services, Inc, has announced the members of the 2023 Advisory Council of the Foster Grandparent Program of Luzerne and Wyoming Counties during the bi-monthly meeting at Benco Dental in Pittston.
The Advisory Council advises and supports the Foster Grandparent Program in the needs of the program and those it serves. Advisory Council Members work with the director and assist with planning the annual goals and objectives, establishing and reviewing the program’s volunteer policies, publicity, recognition, and review of training and practices; and promoting constructive relationships with key individuals and agencies in the community.
The Foster Grandparent Program of Luzerne and Wyoming Counties provides volunteer opportunities to low-income individuals, ages 55 and older, who give supportive one-on-one attention to children who are at-risk or have special needs. Foster grandparents serve through local organizations, including Pre-K programs, Head Start programs, elementary schools, and other youth-based programming. Volunteers help children learn to read, provide one-on-one support, and guide children at critical times in their lives. They provide comfort and love, and help community youth achieve a brighter future.
In order to be eligible to become a Foster Grandparent, volunteers must: be willing to serve in Luzerne or Wyoming counties; be at least 55 years of age; have income that does not exceed 200% of the federal guidelines; commit to serve 5-40 hours per week; be willing to help, guide, and assist children; be able to pass required background checks, including fingerprinting.
Telespond Senior Services mission is to provide life-enriching services to older adults and their families on both a community-wide and individual basis. Services include:
• An Adult Day Center for residents of Luzerne and Lackawanna counties.
• In-Home Personal Care Aides for residents of Luzerne and Lackawanna counties.
• A Senior Companion program for residents of Lackawanna County.
• A Foster Grandparent program in Luzerne and Wyoming counties.
For more information about Telespond, visit the website at — www.telespond.org — or call 570-961-1950.
For more information on the Foster Grandparent Program, call 570-961-1950, or email c.garrison@telespond.org.