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COMMUNITY NOTES: Foster Grandparents celebrating 60th anniversary

By Jennifer Lantz, Director, Foster Grandparents Program, Charles City

As we end the first month of 2025, I can definitely say it has been an eventful month for all nonprofits across the United States, including us since we are federally funded.

In the upcoming months, though, it is business as usual for the Foster Grandparent Program, with an exciting year planned.

I am excited to announce the Foster Grandparent Program will be celebrating its 60th year in the United States. The program started in 1965 with a dream of helping those in need the most – older Americans and children.

COMMUNITY NOTES: Foster Grandparents celebrating 60th anniversary
Jennifer Lantz, Foster Grandparents

In 1960, the White House Conference on Aging highlighted the need for all older people to stay active, which could be done through service to their country.

The conference led to the passage of the Older American Act of 1965, under which several pilot demonstration programs were initiated, including the Foster Grandparent Program, financed by the Office of Economic Opportunity and administered by the Administration on Aging.

On Aug. 28, 1965, under the Administration on Aging, the program was launched as a national demonstration effort located throughout the U.S.

Its goals were to engage people over age 60 who have income limitations, with opportunities to provide one-to-one love and attention to children while providing the older person with a sense of contribution, purpose and a small stipend to their poverty-level income, enabling them to participate without cost to themselves.

An agreement between the Office of Economic Opportunity and the Administration on Aging resulted in the funding of 21 Foster Grandparent Program sponsors.

The volunteers were placed in more than 45 institutions. About 800 Foster Grandparents were employed to provide care and attention to children up to 5 years of age in institutional and community settings.

The program quickly demonstrated that these older Americans were not only willing to share their time, but had a deep desire to help others and could make a lasting, positive impact on their community.

COMMUNITY NOTES: Foster Grandparents celebrating 60th anniversary
The Foster Grandparent program in the U.S. is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

Over the years, the Foster Grandparent Program evolved to include supporting children in public schools and other settings.

Under the Office of Economic Opportunity’s enabling legislation, Sections 205 and 207, Title 20A of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, as amended, the Foster Grandparent Program began as an employment program.

Seven years later, in 1972, Mrs. Amy Tjaden applied for a $40,000 grant and recruited 20 Foster Grandparents who would work with the children at Comprehensive Systems in Charles City.

They would do anything from rocking babies to helping children become independent even with their handicaps.

The first director was Mary Kloberdanz and she led the way for wonderful partnerships.

Throughout the last 53 years, the program grew to four counties – Cerro Gordo, Chickasaw, Floyd and Mitchell – with the dedication of the city of Charles City, Foster Grandparent Program staff, donors and, of course, our Foster Grandparents.

As we celebrate our 60th anniversary we are looking for new Foster Grandparents to continue the tradition of helping children in the local area.

Yes, the program has changed throughout the years, but one thing stays the same – the importance of helping area children do their best and grow up to be wonderful adults while having a place for those 55 and older to contribute their time and talents in the community.

There are benefits of volunteering your time to the Foster Grandparent Program.

The benefits are reducing stress, combating depression, increasing confidence, preventing feelings of isolation, giving a sense of purpose, igniting passion and making YOU happy.

You will also have a classroom of new little friends which will go along with the many benefits of the program.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Foster Grandparent, please call (641) 257-6327 for more information, or email me at director@charlescityfgp.org.

Together we can bridge generations together with a touch of love.

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