Michigan Association of Foster Grandparent & Senior Companion Programs

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.

Our Impact

CLICK HERE to view our program's collective impact across the state. 

 

History of Our Association

The Michigan Association of Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs (MAFG/SCP) officially began in September 1978 through the efforts of program staff throughout the state. Bylaws were developed and passed, slates of officers were presented, and a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer were elected to serve through 1979.

 

National and State Level Funding

The Association has been and continues to be a strong advocate for the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteers at the National and State level, as well as in local communities. It has also ensured that Michigan Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion stipends kept pace with those funded by the Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS), the federal funding source. There have been times when state volunteers would have been paid less than the federally funded volunteers.

Throughout the years Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs have faced loss of funding at both state and federal levels.  Program staff and volunteers have rallied together to educate and advocate for the programs. For example:

  • 1990 - $5,000,000 was restored.
  • 1992 - $0.25 per hour stipend increase for volunteers. No volunteer positions lost.
  • 1992 - $250,000 was restored.
  • 1992 - State funded Older American Volunteer Programs were eligible to apply for federal assistance from the Corporation for National Service.
  • 2009 - 30th Anniversary of the Michigan Association of Foster Grandparents and Senior Companion Programs
  • 2011 – Averted elimination of programs at both State and Federal levels with no additional loss in funding.

When we succeed, it's because of teamwork and one vision to preserve these effective and efficient volunteer programs.