The Friends Program, Inc., strengthens communities by building relationships that empower people, encourage community service and restore faith in the human spirit.

Description:
Imagine feeling joy every day from the love and wonder of children eager to tell you their special stories.

At local schools, child care centers, and Head Start Programs, Friends Foster Grandparents become friends and mentors to children. They share life experiences, support learning, and offer encouragement.

Seniors, 60 years or older, read to children or rock infants. They work with toddlers or elementary students, depending on their interests.

In the federal Friends Foster Grandparent Program, you could receive tax-free income that doesn't affect Social Security benefits, housing subsidies or any other assistance.

There's a classroom nearby waiting for you, where the rewards are plentiful -- for you and for the children you'll get to know.

History:
The Foster Grandparent Program is a USA Freedom Corps program evolving out of the Older Americans Act of 1965, that was seen as an opportunity for the establishment of a personal relationship between seniors, 60 years of age or older, and children needing some individual attention that they might not otherwise receive.

In 1971, the Foster Grandparent Program became part of ACTION, a larger National Volunteer Agency. On April 4, 1994, the programs of ACTION, the Federal Domestic Volunteer Agency, were formally transferred to the Corporation for National Service; the Foster Grandparent Program, Senior Companion Program, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs became known as the National Senior Service Corps.

All Corporation programs are sponsored on the local level by various agencies, such as the Friends Program, Inc., in Concord, New Hampshire. The Friends Program has been the sponsor of the Foster Grandparent Program since July 1986.

Contact people:

Margo Toppan, Seacoast Area Coordinator, (phone), (email) Alane Hill, Project Director, (phone), (email) Katie McKerley, Lakes Region Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

28 Franklin Street, Suite 311 Somersworth, NH 03878 (See a map)

Miscellaneous Information

Name of Executive Director (or equivalent) if not listed above:
	Jerry Madden
Type of organization
	Nonprofit 501(c)3
Is your organization a Health and Human Service agency?
	Yes