Recently, a family friend of my parents mentioned that after retiring, the days feel too long. They asked if it was true that there's a volunteer program for caring for children that even pays a stipend.

Upon looking it up, I found that it is indeed a real program. It's called the Foster Grandparent Program.

This program is operated by AmeriCorps Seniors, a federal service agency, and the actual activities are carried out through local sponsoring organizations. Today, I'll break down this program step by step.

First, let's talk about what the work involves. Volunteers sit with children in schools, Head Start programs, kindergartens, and after-school programs, reading to them, helping with homework, and providing companionship.

The key aspect is meeting one-on-one with children who are falling behind or need extra help. Think of it as filling in the gaps that a teacher may not be able to cover alone with the support of grandparents.

The eligibility requirements are surprisingly simple. The basic requirement is to be at least 55 years old and to pass a background check.

The background check, known as the National Service Criminal History Check, often includes fingerprinting. This is a necessary procedure since you'll be working with children.

Many people are curious about the stipend. According to the revised AmeriCorps Seniors regulations published in the 2024 federal register, the stipend is $4 per hour of service.

Honestly, seeing the $4 per hour figure might surprise you. It's not comparable to California's minimum wage.

However, it's important to remember that this is not a wage but a support payment for volunteering. Various sponsoring organizations indicate that this stipend is tax-free.

There's another important point. According to several local agency guidelines, this stipend does not affect eligibility for other benefits like Social Security or Medi-Cal.

However, to receive the stipend, you must meet income guidelines. The threshold is set at 200% of the federal poverty line.

According to the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines, the baseline for a single-person household is $15,960 per year. So, for 200%, the threshold for a single-person household is $31,920 per year.

The revised regulations effective October 2024 have changed the law to exclude family support from income calculations, which AmeriCorps explains may allow more people to qualify than before.

Even those who exceed the income threshold can still volunteer in some places. In this case, they would participate purely as volunteers without receiving a stipend.

Volunteer hours can vary significantly by organization. Some may require as little as 5 hours a week, while others may ask for 15 or 20 hours or more.

So, where can you contact in Pasadena and the surrounding areas? In LA County, Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology has been a sponsor of this program since 1972.

However, according to Pepperdine's information, the partner schools and organizations are mainly in Service Planning Areas 4, 6, 7, and 8. Pasadena is not specifically listed, so it's a good idea to check with the intake phone number to see if it's within the service area.

Another option is the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS). DDS operates the Foster Grandparent Program through regional centers, and the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center is included in the site list.

The DDS program focuses on working with children with developmental disabilities or special needs. While it's meaningful, the nature of the work is slightly different, so it's worth considering if it aligns with your preferences.

There's an important point to note. In 2025, AmeriCorps' budget was frozen, and some funding was withheld, leading to the closure or suspension of some local programs.

While some places have reopened when funding became available again, not all have. Perspectives on federal budgeting may vary, but for those looking to volunteer, it's practical to first check if the program is currently operating.

To summarize the application process: first, call a nearby sponsoring organization to ask if they are currently recruiting.

Next, submit your application and income documentation, followed by an interview and background check. If you pass, you'll receive orientation and training, and some places indicate that training hours are included in the stipend.

Income calculations and their relationship with other welfare benefits can vary based on individual circumstances, so be sure to confirm with the agency representative or an expert.

Personally, I believe this program holds greater significance in restoring a daily rhythm rather than just financial gain. Knowing there's a child waiting for you at the same time each week can be a significant motivation after retirement.

If it were me, I would suggest to my parents to consider the stipend as a bonus and to look for opportunities close to home first. The commute should be convenient to sustain long-term participation.