Foster Grandparent Program On Federal Budget Chopping Block

Washington’s budget battle could leave some heartbroken grandparents in its wake.

The Foster Grandparents program, a national program that matches elderly volunteers with young students, is in danger of being cut.

“I love children and I love helping children,” said volunteer Barbara Watson. “It gives me someplace to go. If I was at home, I’d probably sit all day long.”

Watson is one of 160 foster grandparents in El Paso County who are facing the possibility that the program could shut down indefinitely.

“I don’t know what I would do,” said Mary Gallegos, an 18-year volunteer with the program. “I lost my husband. I have my children, but they don’t take the place of my foster grandchildren. They keep me going and keep me happy. The children need us, and I myself need the children.”

The program is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal department. It gives volunteers a $2.65 stipend for every hour they spend with kids. Each volunteer spends at least 20 hours per week at a local school.

“We train them to work with special needs students in the schools and nonprofit agencies,” said program director Maria Valdivia. “We’re still waiting to see if we’re going to get funding.”

The fate of the foster grandparents won’t be clear until the final federal budget is approved. If it does end up getting cut, the program could end as early as June.

ABC-7 visited Burleson Elementary School, where several foster grandparents spend their day. Principal Pam Howard said their services are invaluable.

“They are wonderful,” said Howard. “We couldn’t do without them.”

Meanwhile, Watson said she won’t let lawmakers keep her from tending to her foster grandchildren. “I’ll still keep coming. I won’t stay home,” she said.