Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs (FG/SCP)

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We are an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee and receive funds through their Foster Grandparent Program. DDS operates Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs in 21 counties throughout California.

The DDS Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) engages volunteers, ages 55 and over, to serve as role models, mentors, and friends to children with developmental disabilities and exceptional needs. Foster grandparents volunteer in community schools, Head Start centers, and pre-schools.

DDS Senior Companion Program (SCP) volunteers, ages 55 and over, provide companionship and assistance with daily tasks to help older adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities live fuller and more independent lives.

Volunteers in the FG/SC programs remain physically and mentally active, reporting that the quality of their lives is greatly improved while serving their community—helping toddlers, children, and adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities receive guidance, empowering them to achieve their physical, emotional, and social goals.

Eligible volunteers receive:

  • Tax-free stipend of $4/hour
  • Tax free, daily meal and travel allowance of $12/day
  • Paid holidays and accrued annual leave
  • Recognition events throughout the year
  • Opportunities to meet others and socialize

Eligibility Criteria

  • At least 55 years old
  • Limited income (based on AmeriCorps Seniors income eligibility levels)
  • Be willing to complete background checks
  • Serve at least 5 hours/week (but can volunteer up to 40 hours/week)

For information about becoming an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer, please contact the regional center listed below for your area.

Central Valley Regional Center

Counties Served: Kings and Tulare

Jean Martens, FG/SCP Site Director 559-738-2207 Website

Kern Regional Center

Counties Served: Kern

Melissa Searson, FG/SCP Site Director 661-852-3217 Website

North Bay Regional Center

Counties Served: Napa, Sonoma, and Solano

Melissa Slama, SCP Site Director 707-566-3005 Website

San Andreas Regional Center

Counties Served: Santa Clara, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz

Lauria Furuya, FG/SCP Site Director 408-341-3581 Website

San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center

Counties Served: San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Orange

Maria Vargas, FG/SCP Site Director, North 909-710-8822

Wendy Hemminger, FG/SCP Site Director, South 714-957-5188 Website

Tri-Counties Regional Center

Counties Served: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura

Rebekah Nagel, FG/SCP Site Director 805-884-7226 Website

Valley Mountain Regional Center

Counties Served: Amador, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne

Sara Darby, FG/SCP Site Director 209-955-3351 Website

For additional information about the program, please contact:

Department of Developmental Services Foster Grandparent/Senior Companion Program 1215 O Street (MS 7-30) Sacramento, CA 95814
Brian Diamond FG/SCP Statewide Director 916-654-2760

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Last modified: December 6, 2023