TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— Another local program being negatively impacted by the federal funding freeze is the Americorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program.
This national program has been making a positive impact in the lives of low-income seniors for more than 60 years. Senior volunteers go into classrooms and after-school programs to act as mentors and helpers, and get a small stipend for their time.
The program was awarded a federal grant for the 2025 budget year. But, like 14th and chestnut, Americorps was recently told it will not be getting that money. The director of the foster grandparents program said this loss would be harmful to the seniors involved, as well as the community they serve.
“We have volunteers that have been serving our program for 21 years, and for some of our grandparents, this has been the difference between living independently and the end of their life and the quality of their life as they know it,” said Donna Fullhart, Senior Programs Director at the Western Indiana Community Action Agency.
Donna said she has been contacting local legislators weekly. There is a petition through Voices of America, fighting for the release of their funds, if you would like to help out by signing.
