Foster Grandparents Needed for 
Corpus Christi Children


CORPUS CHRISTI – Adults 55 and older have a unique opportunity to supplement their income while providing emotional support to children who need it.
The Foster Grandparent Program of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission trains adults with limited incomes to serve as mentors to children with exceptional needs or who are in circumstances that limit their academic or social development.
Volunteers share their time and talents with the children they tutor or mentor, building one-on-one relationships through trust and support. Volunteers receive a monthly tax-free stipend by serving 15 to 40 hours a week.
“Our foster grandparents can absolutely impact the lives of the children they mentor. Showing up regularly lets the child know someone cares about them,” said Foster Grandparent Program Manager Emily Dressen. “Now is the perfect time for interested volunteers to contact us. We are in recruitment mode, gearing up for the new school year and will host orientation for new volunteers over the summer.”
HHSC launched a multimedia campaign in Corpus Christi and throughout the state to increase awareness of the program. The campaign, which kicked off May 13, is designed to highlight the program and encourage community service.
Largely funded through AmeriCorps, the Foster Grandparent Program placed 252 volunteers across the state during the 2022-2023 grant year. In Corpus Christi, 39 volunteers served 50,980 hours throughout the grant year, mentoring more than 2,150 children. Locally, the oldest active volunteer is 94, and two volunteers are celebrating 20 years of service this year.
For more information, visit the Foster Grandparent Program webpage or call 361-446-2694.