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Celebrating 60 years of service:
CAPCIL honors foster grandparent volunteers
[July 25, 2025]
Lincoln, IL – This year,
AmeriCorps Seniors celebrates 60 years of the Foster Grandparent
Program, a national service tradition that has united older adults
and children since 1965. Community Action Partnership of Central
Illinois (CAPCIL) proudly honors the dedicated Foster Grandparent
volunteers who continue to shape young lives and strengthen our
communities.
CAPCIL has hosted the Foster Grandparent Program since its inception
in 1965, proudly supporting hundreds of dedicated volunteers over
the past six decades. These volunteers have formed lasting bonds
with children and educators alike, offering a consistent,
compassionate presence in classrooms and community spaces across the
following counties in Central Illinois: Dewitt, Fulton, Logan,
Macon, Mason, Menard and Piatt.
For six decades, Foster Grandparents have provided critical support
to children with exceptional needs—offering guidance in classrooms,
assistance with learning, and most importantly, a dependable
presence that children can rely on. Their consistent care helps
youth build confidence, overcome challenges, and thrive in their
academic and social development.
Throughout CAPCIL’s service area, 30 Foster Grandparents generously
contributed more than 38,248 hours of service last year across seven
local sites. Their dedication continues to make a meaningful and
lasting impact on the children, classrooms, and youth programs in
our communities.
“Our Foster Grandparents have
helped generations of children build confidence and achieve
success,” said Alicia Mitchell, Volunteer Services Director of
CAPCIL. “Their service is a living legacy. Their continued
dedication helps ensure a stronger, more supportive future for our
entire community.”
Nationwide, more than 11,000 Foster Grandparents serve at over 2,000
sites, demonstrating the incredible value of intergenerational
connection and civic engagement. The program spans all 50 states,
Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories, bringing older adults and
youth together under a shared mission: to do good.
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“For 60 years, the
Foster Grandparent Program has shown us the power of connection
between generations,” said Jennifer Bastress Tahmasebi, Acting
Agency Head of AmeriCorps. “These volunteers are more than
helpers—they are heroes in the lives of young people, and their
impact is deeply felt in classrooms and communities across the
country.”
If you are interested in becoming a Foster Grandparent
volunteer, serving as a volunteer station or learning more about
the program please contact CAPCIL at 217-732-2159 or by visiting
us online at www.capcil.info.
About the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program
Since 1965, the Foster Grandparent Program has empowered adults
aged 55 and older to make a positive difference in the lives of
children and youth. Through service in classrooms, early
learning centers, and community-based programs, Foster
Grandparents support academic achievement, provide one-on-one
mentorship, and build meaningful bonds with younger generations.
To learn more, visit
www.americorps.gov/FosterGrandparents
[Breann Titus
Chief Visionary Officer
Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois (CAPCIL)]
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