Shore Up! Recruiting Foster Grandparents for Maryland’s Lower Shore

Do you have some free time and want to be a positive influence on future generations?

Shore Up!’s Foster Grandparent Program is looking to recruit low to moderate-income individuals 55 years of age or older on Maryland’s Lower Shore to work with students in a professional setting, as well as help provide support, guidance, and friendship to children. This assistance will help children develop the skills, confidence, and strength to succeed in life.

According to ShoreUp!, working part-time with this program offers 20 hours a week with a tax-free stipend, as well as rewarding work, building relationships, and friendships that will influence these children’s lives forever. Grandparents will also receive transportation and meal assistance, earned sick leave and vacation time, on-duty liability insurance, and an annual physical examination.

The Foster Grandparent Program is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service and operated by Shore Up!, Inc. in the following Eastern Shore of Maryland counties: Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, Dorchester and Caroline. Often in schools, grandparents will work as mentors and role models for specific students designated by the school.

early head start — A grandparent works with a student at an Early Head Start Program (Photo; Shore Up!)
By DelmarvaLife Staff

A grandparent works with a student at an Early Head Start Program (Photo; Shore Up!)
By DelmarvaLife Staff

Denise White, the program director for the Foster Grandparent Program, said this program not only influences the children’s lives, but also touches the grandparents.

“They love giving hugs and a lot of times they enjoy learning new things and new experiences,” White said. “They get to meet new people while they are doing it. And they get greater joy seeing the student that they have helped all year long.”