Main Program Office – Atlantic City
Gateway Head Start Early Education Center
1433 Bacharach Blvd., 3rd Floor
Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Main Office: 609-487-4569

Gloucester County Office – Franklinville
981 Delsea Drive, Suite MM6
Franklinville, NJ 08332

Program Director
Natalia Uribe-Netufo
AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program
Direct: 609-579-5961
Email: nuribenetufo@gatewaycap.org

Share your experience. Make a difference in the life of a child.

The AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program at Gateway Community Action Partnership connects adults age 55 and older with meaningful opportunities to support children and youth in their communities.

AmeriCorps Volunteers serve as mentors, role models, and caring, consistent adults for children who can benefit from additional support. Working alongside teachers and staff, Volunteers help children strengthen academic, social, emotional, and developmental skills while building relationships that can have a lasting impact.

What Do AmeriCorps Volunteers Do?

AmeriCorps Volunteers serve in Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms, schools, and other community-based settings throughout the program's service area.

Depending on their placement, Volunteers may:

• Provide one-on-one and small-group mentoring and support.
• Help children develop literacy, language, communication, and school-readiness skills.
• Encourage positive social-emotional development and self-confidence.
• Assist children during classroom activities, meals, transitions, and other supervised activities.
• Reinforce skills and activities introduced by teachers and classroom staff.
• Provide children with encouragement, consistency, and individual attention.
• Build meaningful relationships with children while serving as positive role models.

Volunteers work in partnership with teachers and site staff and receive support from the Foster Grandparent Program throughout their service.

Who Can Serve?

The Foster Grandparent Program is open to adults age 55 and older who want to use their time, experience, and talents to make a difference in the lives of children.

No formal teaching experience is required. We welcome individuals from a variety of backgrounds who are patient, dependable, caring, and committed to supporting children.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must complete the program's application and enrollment process and meet all required eligibility, health, screening, and background-check requirements before beginning service.

Time Commitment

AmeriCorps Volunteers serve on a regular schedule at an assigned volunteer station.

Volunteers generally serve a minimum of 15 hours per week, with schedules developed based on the needs of the Volunteer, program, and assigned volunteer station.

Whenever possible, Volunteers serve consistently at the same location so they can develop strong relationships with the children and staff they support.

Benefits of Serving

Serving with the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program provides an opportunity to stay active, build connections, share a lifetime of experience, and make a meaningful contribution to the community.

Program benefits may include:

• A tax-free hourly stipend for eligible Volunteers
• Transportation assistance or reimbursement, as applicable
• Training and ongoing support
• Volunteer recognition
• Opportunities to connect with other AmeriCorps Volunteers
• The personal reward of helping children learn, grow, and succeed

Eligibility requirements apply to certain benefits.

Where We Serve

Gateway Community Action Partnership's AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program partners with schools, early childhood programs, and community organizations to provide mentoring and support to children throughout:

Atlantic • Burlington • Camden • Gloucester • Salem Counties

Volunteer placements are based on program needs, available volunteer stations, and the location and availability of each Volunteer.

Why Become an AmeriCorps Volunteer?

A few hours of your time can make an important difference in a child's day.

AmeriCorps Volunteers bring something special to the children they serve: experience, patience, encouragement, consistency, and time.

At the same time, service gives older adults an opportunity to remain engaged in their communities, develop new relationships, share their knowledge and talents, and continue making a difference.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are 55 or older and interested in helping children learn, grow, and succeed, we would love to hear from you.