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New “Grandparent” Program Connects the Generations

The Franklin County Commissioners recently approved a grant through the Human Services Community Block Grant to fund the Keystone Foster Grandparents program.

Area Agency on Aging

January 31, 2020

Four women and two children are in a room with colorful decorations. Two women are sitting and reading to the children, while two others stand behind them. A wall mural is visible in the background.
Pictured above (left to right), Shirley George, Keystone Grandparent; Sue James, Program Coordinator; Judy Lininger, Keystone Grandparent; and Traci Kline, Director of the Franklin County Area on Aging Agency

The Franklin County Commissioners recently approved a grant through the Human Services Community Block Grant to fund the Keystone Foster Grandparents program. The Franklin County Area Agency on Aging (FCAAA) is piloting the program in Waynesboro with hopes to expand services county-wide over time.

The new intergenerational program is connecting local senior citizens with young children in daycare facilities in Waynesboro. The goal of the program is to pair volunteer “grandparents” with young children to keep seniors active while giving potentially at-risk children a caring, older-adult role model.

Training is provided for interested seniors. Background checks and volunteer clearances are a requirement prior to participation. “It has been over a year of planning to get to this day and we are very proud,” said Keystone Grandparent Program Coordinator Sue James.

“There is nothing for the child care centers to do but enjoy the love, stability, and the additional help that our volunteers provide,” said Traci Kline, FCAAA Director.

To apply to be a “grandparent” volunteer, or for information about having volunteers placed in a child care facility in the Waynesboro area, contact Sue or Traci at 717-263-2153.