Pa. Secretary of Aging Recognizes National Grandparents Day, Highlights Foster Grandparent Programs

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Aging Brian Duke today urged all Pennsylvanians to recognize National Grandparents Day on Sept. 9 and encouraged involvement with the Foster Grandparent Program.

"You don't have to be a grandparent to make Grandparents Day a little grander," said Duke. "Sharing your wisdom, perspectives, and talents with a young person through the Foster Grandparent Program is a way to make a difference not only in a child's life, but your own."

This federal program has supplied foster grandparents since 1965 to work in schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, Head Start programs and daycare centers. They help children develop skills, confidence and strength to succeed in life.

The programs are sponsored through Area Agencies on Aging, Senior Corps, county offices and other organizations.

Pennsylvania has 12 active Foster Grandparent programs that provide support to children and youth in need. 

The Foster Grandparent Program of Central Pennsylvania began in 1966. It was one of the first programs and served as a pilot for others. It offers support for youth in four counties with the help of 125 active foster grandparents who range from 55 to 91 years of age.

In order to qualify for the Foster Grandparent Program, older adults must be 55 or older and be willing to spend 15 to 40 hours per week, providing guidance, reading stories, or teaching skills. Program participants can earn a tax-free hourly stipend.

To find information on a Foster Grandparent Program, visit www.aging.state.pa.us.

Media Contact: Christina Reese, 717-783-1549

Editor's Note:  A list of the Foster Grandparent Programs in Pennsylvania follows below (programs marked with asterisks are administered through the local Area Agency on Aging):

Berks County**
633 Court St., 8th Floor
Reading, PA 19601-4303
610-478-6500

Blair County**
1320 12th Ave.
Altoona, PA 16601
814-946-1235

Cambria County**
110 Franklin St., Suite 400
Johnstown, PA 15901
814-539-5595

Delaware County**
206 Eddystone Ave.
Eddystone, PA 19022
610-490-1498

Erie County
Greater Erie Community Action Committee
18 W. Ninth St.
Erie, PA 16501
814-459-4581

Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna/Tioga counties**
220 Main St., Unit # 2
Towanda, PA 18848
570-265-6121

Southwestern PA - American Red Cross of SWPA
225 Blvd. of the Allies
P.O. Box 1769
Pittsburgh, PA 15230
412-263-3168

York County
134 W. Market St.
York. PA 17401
717-846-4600

Montgomery County
Community Progress Council
Family Services of Montgomery County
3125 Ridge Pike
Eagleville, PA 19403
610-630-2111

Luzerne/Wyoming counties**
93 N. State St.
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
570-822-1159

Philadelphia
Mayor's Office of Community Services
990 Spring Garden St., 7^th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215-685-3627

Union-Snyder counties**
1000 U.S. Route 522
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
570-374-9196

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Aging