Michigan Association of Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs

Stories of Service

Story of Service Photo

Foster Grandparent Program – “Makes Me Feel NEEDED”

Sharon Schafer

Foster Grandparents - Isabella County, Mt. Pleasant

When Sharon Schafer retired, she knew she didn’t want to just sit around all day and do nothing. This is why she has been a Foster Grandparent volunteer for the...

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Long Time Senior Companion Wins Award!

Vivian Ochampaugh

Senior Companions - Kalamazoo, MI

At their Annual Meeting in May, Senior Services, Inc. presented their prestigious "Outstanding Community Volunteer" Award to 87 year old, Senior Companion, Vivian...

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Our Mission

The MAFG/SCP will provide statewide educational and networking opportunities to assist members in achieving common program goals of support, enrichment, and advocacy, for limited-income senior volunteers of the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs on local, state, and national levels.

Foster Grandparent Programs

Low-income seniors (200% poverty level or less), age 55 or older serve an average of 20 hours per week in schools, hospitals, Head Start centers, and other community and home-based sites. FGP volunteers are assigned to children identified as at-risk or as having special needs, including children in foster care or children of incarcerated parents. Foster Grandparents help to assure the success of these children by spending time with them one-to-one. FGP volunteers receive a non-taxable stipend and other benefits which enhance their socio-economic needs.

Senior Companion Programs

Low-income seniors (200% poverty level or less), age 55 or older serve an average of 20 hours per week in private homes, mental health centers, convalescent facilities, and other community sites. SCP volunteers are assigned to adults with physical, emotional, or mental health impairments. SCP volunteers help these at-risk, frail, elderly clients and/or their caregivers to retain their dignity and independence, and access their communities. SCP volunteers receive a non-taxable stipend and other benefits which enhance their socio-economic needs.