Ohio Needs Foster Grandparents to Help Kids Learn

Imagine earning money while teaching a five-year-old to tie their shoes or helping a struggling reader finally crack the code. That's exactly what hundreds of volunteers do through Ohio's Foster Grandparent program, and they need more people to join them.

The Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development runs the program, which has been connecting caring adults with students since 1972. Volunteers must be at least 55 years old and willing to spend 20 hours each week in local schools, Head Start programs, or educational facilities.

Here's what makes it special: volunteers receive a stipend for their time, plus reimbursement for travel costs and even paid time off. No teaching degree required. No special certifications needed. Just a love for kids and a willingness to show up.

Program manager Kirk Guisti says the program took a hit during COVID and is still rebuilding its volunteer base. Most foster grandparents are in their 70s or 80s, which means the program constantly needs fresh faces as people age out.

The work itself varies by student needs. With preschoolers, volunteers might focus on colors, numbers, and basic social skills. Older students get help with whatever their teacher identifies, from reading and writing to math or emotional support. Teachers supervise all interactions, so volunteers never work alone with children.

To qualify, volunteers must earn at or below $32,000 annually (200% of the federal poverty level). The application process starts with background checks for everyone's safety, followed by four training sessions covering about 20 hours total.

Sunny's Take

What strikes me most about this program is how it solves two problems at once. Kids get the one-on-one attention that busy teachers can't always provide, while older adults find meaningful work that pays them for sharing a lifetime of patience and wisdom. It's the kind of simple, beautiful solution that makes you wonder why every community doesn't have something similar.

The program serves all of southeastern Ohio's Appalachian region, areas where educational resources often stretch thin and extra help can change a child's entire trajectory.

Anyone interested can call Kirk Guisti's office at 330-987-7232 or visit coadinc.org to learn more. The program proves that age isn't a barrier to making a real difference; sometimes, it's exactly what children need.