FiftyForward Foster Grandparent Program (FGP)

FiftyForward was selected as an original site for the national Foster Grandparent Program more than 54 years ago and proudly continues to provide exceptional tutoring and mentoring for children in Davidson County.

Each year,  70 low-income adults (age 55+) serve approximately 68,000 hours as volunteers providing one-on-one mentoring and tutoring for more than 1,800 at-risk children. FiftyForward Foster Grandparent volunteers play an important role in the development and educational success of children ages 2 years through 4th grade.

FiftyForward FGP volunteers tutor and mentor children, Monday – Thursday, five hours each day, in child learning centers and Metro Nashville Public and Charter schools.  For their service, volunteers receive a tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement and a free lunch each day.

Current FiftyForward Foster Grandparents are stationed at these locations:
  • 15th Avenue Child Learning Center
  • Cora Howe Exceptional School
  • East End Prep.
  • 18th Ave. Family Enrichment
  • Explore Community Elementary
  • Fannie Battle Day Home
  • McNeilly Center for Children
  • McNeilly Toddler Center
  • Napier Enhanced Option School
  • Rocketship Northeast
  • Rocketship United
  • Smithson Craighead Academy
  • Temple Academy
  • Warner Enhanced Option School

Get Involved!

For more information about the program or becoming a Foster Grandparent volunteer, please call 615-743-3420. This program is funded primarily through the Corporation for National and Community Service and FiftyForward.

Program offices are located in the FiftyForward/Patricia Hart Building at 174 Rains Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203.

Many Ways To Help

Become a Trainer

Are you a former teacher or instructor, have you worked with children living in poverty, have you been a tutor or mentor in the past, or does your organization have services that will help or better the lives of seniors?

The Foster Grandparent Volunteer Program Training take place on the second Thursday of each month. Come and help our volunteers become better tutors and mentors or share information that is related to senior health, community safety, working with children in poverty or tutoring young children. The program is always in need of your expertise.

Donations

Our volunteers are always in need of food, fruit, school supplies, winter items such as gloves, scarves, and umbrellas. Sponsoring a senior volunteer for a holiday is always a good idea.

Sponsor an In-Service or Event

Foster Grandparent In-Service meeting takes place each month and special events, recognitions, and holidays are recognized and celebrated. Lend a hand, donate, join in the celebration. Your help will always be appreciated.

FAQS

What is a FiftyForward Foster Grandparent?

Share your day shaping children’s tomorrows through tutoring and mentoring. Sharing your love, time, and experience, gives you the power to help a child who needs you.

As a FiftyForward Foster Grandparent volunteer, you’re a role model, a mentor and a friend. Serving at a local school or child learning center, you help children succeed in an educational setting, providing one-on-one tutoring and guidance to children at a critical time in their lives.

Simply put, you give the kind of support and love that sets a child on the path toward a successful future.

You Have What it Takes

What are the eligibility requirements?

If you’re 55 or older and want to share your experience and compassion,
you have what it takes to be a FiftyForward Foster Grandparent. It’s simple:

  • Are you available four days a week and can volunteer for five hours each day?
  • Is your income at or below $23,760 per year for a single person?
  • Do you live in Davidson County?
  • You must be able to pass a national FBI fingerprint screening
  • Are you interested in helping the children of Nashville?

If you answered YES to all of these questions, contact Penny Gammons, FiftyForward Foster Grandparents Program Director, pgammons@fiftyforward.org or call 615-743-3420.

Will I be compensated for my time?

Giving Back Helps You, Too:
When you volunteer, you’re not just helping others – you’re helping yourself.
Volunteering leads to new discoveries and new friends. Studies show that volunteering helps you live longer and promotes a positive outlook on life.

You also receive compensation as follows:

  • A small hourly living stipend — not counted as income, so no public benefits are affected.
  • Transportation reimbursement.
  • Free lunch while volunteering each day.
  • Being admired and loved by children.