Established 20 years ago, the program operates in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties. About 30 volunteers are active with the Traverse City group. In Cadillac, a dozen volunteers conduct counseling sessions and periodically offer seminars. Petoskey's chapter pools the expertise of 16 retired executives. The Foster Grandparent Program specializes in building mutually beneficial intergenerational relationships.
Volunteers offer emotional support to an assigned child on a weekly basis.
Duties may include playing games, reading or tutoring. Older adults with limited incomes are eligible to serve as volunteers. Foster grandparents devote about 20 hours per week to the program and receive a nontaxable stipend for their services. Whether you long to take up photography, astronomy, genealogy or Shakespearean study, the Senior Academy at Northwestern Michigan College can help. A division of the college's Extended Educational Services, the academy offers low cost, noncredit courses to anyone 55 or older.